3 Instruments Stocks Set to Benefit From Industrial Automation

Industry Overview - The Zacks Instruments – Control industry is positioned to benefit from a focus on energy-efficient production processes and integrated software systems, with rising demand for advanced technology to replace legacy industrial controls driving growth [1] - The industry comprises manufacturers of precision and specialty motion-control components and systems used across various sectors, providing solutions for flow measurement, control, and communication for air, water, and other gases and liquids [3] Growth Drivers - The industry's growth is primarily driven by the emphasis on digitized technologies in manufacturing, such as the Industrial Internet of Things, and the demand for process automation and safety automation systems [4] - Increased adoption of automation and higher investments in new technologies are expected to drive growth, particularly in North America, supported by rising infrastructural investments in the energy sector and favorable government policies [6] Challenges - Elevated customer inventory levels, high capital expenditures for infrastructure upgrades, and intense market volatility may hinder the process automation and instrumentation market [2] - Material cost inflation and rising transportation costs, along with high raw material prices due to geopolitical tensions, are affecting industry players' margins and profitability [5] Market Performance - The Zacks Instruments – Control industry has lagged behind the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector over the past year, gaining only 2.2% compared to the S&P 500's 18.2% and the sector's 23.3% [9] - The industry has a trailing 12-month Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio of 13.89X, which is below the S&P 500's 17.98X and the sector's 18.29X [12] Notable Companies - Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (WTS): Focuses on water safety and flow control products, benefiting from cost-reduction actions and a strong balance sheet, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 7.4% and a stock gain of 24.8% in the past year [15] - Sensata Technologies Holding plc (ST): A global industrial technology company specializing in sensor-based solutions, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 7.3% and a focus on electrification for hybrid and electric vehicles [18][19] - Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (THR): Provides engineered industrial process heating solutions, with a recent acquisition enhancing its market exposure and a long-term earnings surprise of 12.7% on average in the trailing four quarters [22]