Summary of ITT's Acquisition of SPX FLOW Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: ITT Inc. (NYSE: ITT) - **Acquisition Target**: SPX FLOW - **Industry**: Industrial Process and Flow Technologies Core Points and Arguments 1. **Strategic Acquisition**: ITT announced the acquisition of SPX FLOW as a strategic milestone that aligns with its 2030 vision, focusing on high-growth and high-margin businesses [3][19] 2. **Financial Metrics**: The acquisition is valued at $4.775 billion, equating to 14.2 times SPX's forecasted 2026 EBITDA, or 11.5 times including expected cost synergies [6][19] 3. **Market Expansion**: SPX FLOW adds significant market opportunities, expanding ITT's total addressable market to over $60 billion across four verticals, enhancing its leadership in existing markets like chemical, energy, and mining [5][19] 4. **Aftermarket Revenue**: SPX FLOW generates approximately 43% of its revenue from aftermarket sales, which will double ITT's industrial process aftermarket sales to about $1.2 billion [5][12] 5. **Cost Synergies**: ITT expects to achieve $80 million in annual run-rate synergies by the end of year three, primarily from G&A consolidation and procurement efficiencies [13][19] 6. **Cultural Fit**: The acquisition is noted for its strong cultural alignment between ITT and SPX FLOW, which is expected to facilitate integration and operational efficiency [15][19] Additional Important Insights 1. **Growth Trajectory**: SPX FLOW has experienced low to mid-single-digit organic growth from 2022 to 2025, with aftermarket growth in the high single digits [28][46] 2. **Operational Improvements**: Under Lone Star Funds' ownership, SPX FLOW has streamlined operations, leading to improved profitability and a focus on core business areas [23][80] 3. **Production Footprint**: SPX FLOW operates around 15 production sites, with opportunities for optimization and expansion in low-cost regions like Poland and China [38][40] 4. **Management Transition**: The existing SPX FLOW leadership team will remain involved during the transition, ensuring continuity in operations [96] 5. **Future M&A Strategy**: ITT plans to focus on executing the current acquisition and achieving synergies before pursuing additional large-scale M&A opportunities [87] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding ITT's acquisition of SPX FLOW, highlighting the strategic, financial, and operational implications of the deal.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company achieved sales of $1.022 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, with adjusted operating income rising 10% to $263 million and adjusted EPS increasing 14% to $1.24 [16][5][6] - Return on sales (ROS) expanded by 160 basis points to 25.7% [6][16] - The company has increased its full-year guidance, now expecting sales growth of approximately 2% and adjusted EPS of approximately $4.85 to $4.90, reflecting a 12% to 13% increase from 2024 [7][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Flow Segment**: Sales increased 6% year-over-year to $394 million, with residential sales up 3%, commercial sales up 5%, and industrial sales up 10% [18][16] - **Water Solutions Segment**: Sales declined 6% to $273 million, with core sales flat and commercial sales down 6% [19][16] - **Pool Segment**: Sales increased 7% to $354 million, driven by price and volume, with segment income up 3% [20][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record free cash flow of $719 million year-to-date, up 14% year-over-year [21][22] - The net debt leverage ratio improved to 1.3 times, down from 1.4 times a year ago [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transformation initiatives that have led to robust margin expansion and operational efficiencies [7][12] - The "eightytwenty" actions are underway, aimed at driving top-line growth and enhancing customer relationships [8][12] - The company plans to share more insights on its strategic initiatives at an upcoming Investor Day in March [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's performance and strategic direction, highlighting the successful execution of transformation initiatives [7][27] - The company remains cautious about potential headwinds such as tariffs and high interest rates but is optimistic about growth opportunities in 2026 [75][76] Other Important Information - The company announced the departure of CFO Bob Fishman, effective March 1, 2026, and expressed confidence in the transition to Nick [12][14] - The company has raised its dividend for 49 consecutive years and continues to repurchase shares [10][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about pool margin productivity - Management acknowledged the tough comparison for pool margins but expressed optimism about future ROS expansion and investments made to drive top-line growth [33][34] Question: Update on Water Solutions growth - Management noted a slight decrease in growth expectations for Water Solutions, reflecting broader market conditions, but remains optimistic about North American performance [41][42] Question: Transformation savings and future potential - Management confirmed ongoing transformation savings and expressed confidence in achieving further improvements in operational efficiency [52][54] Question: HydroStop acquisition impact - Management indicated that HydroStop is expected to contribute approximately $10 million in Q4 and around $50 million in 2026, with significant cross-selling opportunities [88][100] Question: Digital strategy and future growth - Management emphasized the importance of digital transformation and the need for enhanced customer experiences through technology [114][115]