IDEX Lifts 2026 Earnings Outlook To $8.91-$8.96 A Share As AI Demand Drives Record Sales
The pump and flow-components maker raised its full-year organic sales growth range to 6.5% to 6.8% from 5% to 6%.
IDEX, which makes specialized pumps, valves, flow meters and precision components, reported record third-quarter sales of $952 million, up 8%, and raised its 2026 outlook, the company said Wednesday in an 8-K. Adjusted earnings rose 15% to $2.33 a share, led by AI-driven demand for data center power and semiconductor parts.
Raised outlook and quarterly numbers
Sales rose 8% on both a reported and organic basis. Reported diluted earnings were $1.95 a share, also up 15%, and net income attributable to IDEX rose to $144.1 million from $127.8 million a year earlier.
Orders climbed 13% to $991.2 million. Gross margin widened to 45.1% from 44.5%, and adjusted EBITDA reached $264.8 million, up from $239.8 million.
For the full year, IDEX now expects organic sales growth of 6.5% to 6.8%, up from 5% to 6%. Adjusted earnings are guided to $8.91 to $8.96 a share, up from $8.70 to $8.85, a rise of about 12% year over year at the midpoint.
Data centers power the largest segment
Health & Science Technologies, the biggest of IDEX's three segments, posted sales of $433.5 million, up 14%, with organic sales up 13%. The company credited higher volumes tied to AI-driven demand for data center power and semiconductor markets, plus strength in space and defense.
Fluid & Metering Technologies grew organic sales 4% on price, and Fire & Safety/Diversified Products grew 6%.
CEO Eric D. Ashleman said results were "ahead of our expectations," and that the company raised guidance "due to our strong performance year-to-date." He credited the company's 8020 operating framework for margin expansion during a period of continued inflation.
Cash returned and balance sheet
IDEX returned $129 million to shareholders in the quarter through dividends and buybacks. Operating cash flow was $239.5 million, up from $203.5 million, and free cash flow reached $214.3 million.
The company also amended its $800 million revolving credit facility, extending maturity to September 2031. IDEX held its earnings call at 8:00 a.m. CT on Wednesday.
Through nine months, IDEX has produced $2,759.2 million in sales and $6.65 in adjusted earnings per share.
Sources
- 8-K Filing — IDEX CORP /DE/ (IEX) — SEC EDGAR
- Exhibit iex-20260930xex991.htm — IDEX CORP /DE/ 8-K exhibit — SEC EDGAR
- IDEX Gears Up to Report Q3 Earnings: What's in the Cards? — Yahoo Finance
