ITT (US:ITT)2025-10-29 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - ITT delivered nearly $1 billion in total orders for the third consecutive quarter, up 3% year-over-year [6] - Revenue grew 13% in total and 6% organically, reaching $999 million [7] - Operating income grew nearly twice the organic sales growth rate, with operating margin expanding over 100 basis points excluding M&A [7] - Adjusted EPS increased by 21%, and free cash flow grew 46% to $368 million year-to-date, with expectations to reach $500 million for the full year [7][10] - Free cash flow margin in the quarter was over 15%, surpassing the high end of the 2030 target [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industrial Process (IP) grew 11% organically, driven by projects which grew over 50% [8][17] - Connect and Control Technologies (CCT) delivered 25% total growth, with 6% organic growth, supported by defense momentum and aerospace demand [9][17] - Motion Technologies (MT) grew 4% organically, outperforming global auto production, particularly in China [9][17] - IP margins expanded by 70 basis points to nearly 22%, while CCT margins grew by 270 basis points excluding Casoria dilution [9][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders in the Defense and Aerospace sectors were strong, with CCT orders up 27% and 6% organic growth [11] - Market share in China increased from 31% to above 34% [11] - Svanehøj secured over $250 million in orders year-to-date, representing 59% growth compared to the prior year [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and margin expansion, compounded with M&A activities [6] - ITT aims to achieve a book-to-bill ratio above one for the full year, positioning itself for growth in 2026 [15] - Continued investment in innovations like Vidar and Geopad is a priority, with expectations for significant contributions from acquisitions [10][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong operational performance and the ability to exceed previous guidance [20] - The outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, with expectations for low double-digit growth driven by a strong backlog and project wins [46][85] - Management noted that while the automotive market is facing challenges, ITT's market share is expected to increase due to new product introductions [82] Other Important Information - The company is raising its full-year Adjusted EPS outlook, with the low end of the revised guidance now above the previous high end [10] - The effective tax rate is expected to be lower than planned, contributing positively to earnings [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on global auto production and its future - Management noted that global auto production was up 2% year-over-year, with China showing significant growth while Europe and North America are forecasted to decline slightly [35] Question: Confidence in the funnel for Industrial Process - Management indicated that the funnel is up 22% year-over-year, with strong activity in green projects and a healthy outlook for future orders [36][37] Question: Breakdown of the $0.20 guidance raise - The guidance raise is attributed to higher revenue, improved margins, and a favorable tax rate [43] Question: Market outlook for 2026 - Management expressed optimism about entering 2026 with a strong backlog, particularly in aerospace and defense [46] Question: Short cycle orders in Industrial Process - Management reported strong activity in parts and valves, with a notable increase in short cycle orders [50] Question: M&A opportunities and attractiveness of the funnel - The M&A funnel is rich with opportunities, primarily focused on pumps and valves, with a rigorous process in place to ensure value creation [60] Question: Impact of FX on Motion Technologies margins - FX transactions had a negative impact in absolute terms but provided a year-over-year benefit of around 100 basis points [113]