IDEX(IEX) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IDEX delivered organic revenue growth of 5% in Q3 2025, with adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted EPS exceeding forecasts [17][19] - Overall orders grew 7% organically, with the Health and Science Technology (HST) segment reaching a record high of $390 million [17][19] - Free cash flow was $189 million, a decrease of 2% year-over-year, with a free cash flow conversion rate of 123% of adjusted net income [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the HST segment, organic orders grew 5% and revenue increased by 10%, driven by strength in life sciences, space and defense, and data centers [21] - The Fluid and Metering Technologies (FMT) segment saw organic orders increase by 8% and organic sales rise by 4%, supported by the intelligent water platform [22] - The Fire & Safety/Diversified Products (FSDP) segment experienced a 7% increase in organic orders but a 5% decline in organic sales due to soft volumes [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales outside the U.S. grew 5%, with both positive pricing and higher volumes contributing to this growth [18] - The semiconductor lithography market remained below prior year levels, while life sciences saw low single-digit growth [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IDEX is focused on optimizing its business portfolio and pursuing bolt-on acquisitions while returning capital to shareholders [12][25] - The company aims to leverage its 80/20 philosophy to enhance efficiencies and productivity across its growth platforms [7][28] - IDEX has established five thematic growth platforms that cover half of its revenue, which are expected to drive organic growth moving forward [8][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a dynamic macro environment with uncertainty expected to continue into 2026, but emphasized the company's ability to create opportunities through its strategies [15][16] - The company plans to continue focusing on advantaged markets, particularly in data centers, space and defense, and pharmaceuticals [26][29] Other Important Information - IDEX repurchased $75 million in shares during the quarter, totaling $175 million year-to-date, and increased its share repurchase authorization to $1 billion [21][25] - The company narrowed its full-year guidance range to $7.86 to $7.91, reflecting continued strength in HST and stable performance in FMT [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on business tone and order metrics - Management indicated that while there is order hesitation, areas like data centers and water are showing positive energy, with stable metrics overall [39][40] Question: Impact of government shutdown on fire business - The North American fire and rescue markets remain strong, with government funding issues more relevant in Europe and Asia [44][45] Question: Growth perspective relative to history - Management expects to move organic growth closer to mid-single digits, driven by higher tech assets and better collaboration across businesses [52][53] Question: Cost reduction opportunities - Management highlighted ongoing efforts to optimize costs and improve margins through operational excellence and platform optimization [80][83] Question: Share repurchase strategy - The company plans to continue returning excess cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, viewing the stock as undervalued [92][95]