IDEX(US:IEX) ZACKSยท2025-03-07 17:15Group 1: Company Performance and Segments - IDEX Corporation (IEX) is expected to benefit from the strength in the Fluid & Metering Technologies segment, with organic revenues increasing by 3% year-over-year in Q4 2024 and an anticipated overall organic revenue growth of 1-3% in 2025 [1] - The company acquired Mott Corporation for $1 billion in September 2024, enhancing its applied materials science technology capabilities and micro-precision technology offerings in key markets [2] - In December 2023, IEX acquired STC Material Solutions for $206 million, which expanded its expertise in material sciences, contributing positively to sales by 6% in Q4 2024 [3] Group 2: Shareholder Returns - IEX has been committed to rewarding shareholders, with dividend payments totaling $205.3 million in 2024, reflecting a 7.7% year-over-year increase, and a 7.8% hike in its quarterly dividend rate announced in May 2024 [4] Group 3: Financial Challenges - The company faced escalating operating expenses, with a 9.7% year-over-year increase in the cost of sales and a 14% rise in selling, general, and administrative expenses in Q4 2024, leading to a 90 basis points increase in these expenses as a percentage of sales to 22.9% [7] - Weakness in the Health & Science Technologies segment due to softness in life sciences, analytical instrumentation, automotive, and semiconductor capital equipment markets raises concerns [6]