Amid turbulent waters in the business world, ITT Inc. (ITT) stands as a sturdy ship, steering through rough seas with a combination of strategic acquisitions and unwavering shareholder commitment. The company’s aftermarket business has been a beacon of strength, buoyed by a surge in demand for parts and services. The industrial process segment, fueled by a robust project pipeline in energy, mining, and decarbonization markets, shines brightly, with a recent contract win from ExxonMobil adding wind to its sails.
Across the horizon, the Connect & Control Technologies segment charts its course towards success with growth in component sales within the commercial aerospace and defense markets. Meanwhile, the Motion Technologies unit rides the waves of success, driven by solid momentum in the friction OE business.
In a bold move akin to hoisting new sails, ITT embarked on a voyage of acquisitions to fortify and expand its businesses. The acquisition of Svanehøj in January 2024, at a price tag of $395 million, injected fresh vigor into ITT’s portfolio with a range of highly engineered flow solutions. This move not only broadened customer offerings but also solidified the company’s position in the competitive marine pumps industry. With an anticipated revenue stream of about $160 million from Svanehøj in 2024, ITT seems poised for a prosperous voyage.
Steering Through Challenges
As with any maritime journey, not all is smooth sailing. ITT has encountered headwinds in the form of a sluggish global auto market, casting shadows over the performance of its Motion Technologies segment in the near term. Moreover, the looming specter of high costs has clouded the company’s horizon. Rising raw material and labor costs catapulted the cost of sales by 5.4% in 2023, while general and administrative expenses ballooned by 39% year over year, painting a stormy picture of escalating operational expenses.
Stocks Setting Sail on Prosperous Seas
However, amidst these challenges, some beacons of hope emerge from the horizon. Gracing the seas of opportunity are better-ranked companies in the same space:
Griffon Corporation (GFF), currently holding a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), gleams with a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 42%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GFF’s fiscal 2024 earnings has witnessed a 3.9% increase in the past 60 days, hinting at a promising future.
Carlisle Companies Incorporated (CSL) is another star in the constellation, sporting a Zacks Rank #1. CSL’s track record boasts a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.6%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2024 earnings blooming by 8.2% in the past 60 days.
Completing the trio is Vector Group Ltd (VGR), donning the Zacks Rank #1 crown. VGR’s shining record includes a 10.2% trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise, coupled with a 6.9% increase in the consensus estimate for its 2024 earnings over the past 60 days.
Setting Sail Towards Untold Opportunities
In conclusion, as ITT Inc. navigates the unpredictable tides of the business world, its strategic acquisitions, unwavering commitment to shareholders, and astute business decisions serve as its compass through the stormy seas. While challenges may loom on the horizon, the company’s resilience and forward-thinking approach position it well for the future, supported by a foundation of solid partnerships and promising acquisitions.
Having set sail on the currents of opportunity, ITT Inc. seems poised to weather the storms and seize the winds of change as it continues its journey towards new horizons in the ever-evolving business landscape.
