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Investing.com -- Shares of IDEX Corporation (NYSE:IEX) tumbled 7.5% as the company reported a revenue miss for the fourth quarter and provided lower earnings guidance for the first quarter of 2025. Despite a strong finish to the year with record sales of $863 million, an increase of 9% from the fourth quarter of 2023, the company’s outlook for the upcoming quarter indicates a potential decrease in organic sales ranging from 3% to 4% compared to the previous year.
The Northbrook, Illinois-based company released its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, highlighting a mixed performance. While the fourth quarter saw an increase in reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.62, up 13% from the same quarter in 2023, and an adjusted diluted EPS of $2.04, up 11%, the overall year painted a more challenging picture. For the full year, IDEX reported flat sales of $3.3 billion and a decrease in reported diluted EPS of 15%, alongside a decline in operating cash flow and free cash flow.
IDEX CEO Eric D. Ashleman expressed confidence in the company’s ability to navigate an uncertain environment and emphasized the company’s commitment to organic and inorganic growth. However, the company’s 2025 outlook projects modest full-year organic sales growth and an adjusted diluted EPS range of $8.10 to $8.45, which falls below analyst expectations.
Matt Summerville of DA Davidson commented on the company’s guidance, stating, "IEX issued its initial 2025 outlook below our model on both organic growth and adj. EPS (at midpoints), inclusive of a considerably weaker start to the year than we and consensus had been expecting."
The fourth quarter saw benefits from acquisitions, such as Mott Corporation, and strong price capture across all segments. However, gross margin decreased due to higher employee-related costs and other factors, despite an increase in adjusted gross margin. The company also highlighted operational challenges, including geopolitical and economic uncertainty heading into 2025.
Looking at the segment performance, the Health & Science Technologies segment delivered flat organic sales, while the Fire & Safety/Diversified Products segment achieved an 8% increase in net sales. The Fluid & Metering Technologies segment remained relatively stable compared to the prior year.
IDEX’s forward-looking statements indicate a cautious approach to the new fiscal year, with the company bracing for potential headwinds in its target markets. Investors reacted to the mixed results and the subdued outlook, leading to the stock’s decline in the trading session.
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