3 Instruments Stocks Likely to Beat Short-Term Industry Hardships

Industry Overview - The Zacks Instruments – Control industry comprises manufacturers of precision and specialty motion-control components and systems used in a wide range of industries, including flow measurement, control, and communication solutions for air, water, and other gases and liquids [3] - The industry faces challenges such as unpredictable raw material prices, high capital expenditures, market volatility, supply-chain disruptions, and high customer inventory levels [1] - Despite these challenges, the industry is expected to benefit from a focus on energy-efficient production processes and integrated software systems [1] Key Drivers and Challenges - Margin Erosion: The industry faces intense price-sensitive competition, particularly from low-cost suppliers in China, which is expected to erode margins [4] - Digitized Technologies: Growth is driven by the adoption of digitized technologies, such as the Industrial Internet of Things, process automation, and safety automation systems [5] - Raw Material Volatility: Inflationary pressures, rising transportation costs, and geopolitical tensions have led to increased raw material prices, affecting production schedules and profitability [6] - Industrial Automation: Increased adoption of automation across industries, particularly in North America, is expected to drive growth, supported by infrastructural investments and favorable government policies [7] Industry Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Instruments – Control industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector, with an 8% growth compared to 25.3% and 28.4%, respectively [10] - The industry's trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio is 10.79X, lower than the S&P 500's 19.02X and the sector's 19.28X [12] Key Companies - Watts Water Technologies (WTS): Focuses on water safety and flow control products, benefiting from cost-reduction actions and a strong balance sheet. The company has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 6.8% and delivered an average earnings surprise of 7.1% in the trailing four quarters [14] - Badger Meter (BMI): Provides flow measurement and control solutions, with a focus on digital solutions and real-time data analysis. The company has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 19% and delivered an average earnings surprise of 10.4% in the trailing four quarters [16][17] - Thermon (THR): Offers industrial process heating solutions and has expanded its product lines through acquisitions. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 14.9% in the trailing four quarters [19] Future Outlook - The industry is expected to benefit from the growing emphasis on digitized technologies, industrial automation, and energy efficiency, despite ongoing challenges such as raw material price volatility and competitive pressures [5][7]