Searching for a Leading Momentum Stock? Here's Why ITT (ITT) is an Excellent Option
Momentum Investing Overview: Momentum investing involves buying stocks that are trending upwards, with the expectation that they will continue to rise, making it a popular yet complex strategy among investors.
ITT's Performance: ITT has a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), with significant price increases over the past quarter and year, outperforming both its industry and the S&P 500.
Earnings Estimates: Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates for ITT indicate positive momentum, with five estimates raised for the current and next fiscal year, contributing to its favorable consensus estimate.
Investment Recommendation: Given its strong performance metrics and positive earnings revisions, ITT is recommended as a promising stock pick for investors looking for momentum opportunities.
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- Software Sector Decline: Software stocks fell for the eighth consecutive session on Thursday, marking the longest losing streak since May 2021, as investor concerns about AI undermining demand in the SaaS economy intensified.
- ETF Performance: The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (NYSE:IGV) dropped 1.9%, extending its decline to approximately 30% from late October highs, indicating a waning confidence in tech stocks.
- Individual Stock Movements: Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR) fell 4.4% after an 11% drop on Wednesday, suggesting a diminishing market expectation for its growth prospects in the AI-driven landscape.
- Broader Economic Impact: Bitcoin slid 9% to $66,000, negatively impacting software stocks tied to crypto markets, while commodities also faced broad declines, with silver plunging 13% to $76 an ounce and gold slipping 2% to $4,865 per ounce.
- Significant Performance Growth: ITT Inc. reported a 13% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, exceeding $1 billion, with orders up 15% and organic growth at 9%, indicating robust performance across all business segments that is expected to enhance future market share.
- Earnings Per Share Increase: The EPS for Q4 reached $1.85, a 23% increase (26% excluding equity dilution), while the annual EPS grew by 14%, reflecting ongoing improvements in profitability that bolster investor confidence.
- Strong Cash Flow: Free cash flow surpassed $550 million, up 27% year-over-year, with cash conversion exceeding 100%, providing ample funding for future investments and acquisitions, particularly in the upcoming SPX FLOW deal.
- Strategic Acquisition Acceleration: Management highlighted that the SPX FLOW acquisition will serve as a significant growth driver, with expected single-digit EPS accretion in 2026, further solidifying ITT's competitive position in the market.
- Dividend Increase: ITT has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.386 per share, representing a 10% increase from the previous $0.351, indicating ongoing improvements in profitability and cash flow management, which enhances investor confidence.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 0.76% not only provides shareholders with stable returns but may also attract more income-seeking investors, potentially driving the stock price higher.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on April 6, with a record date of March 6 and an ex-dividend date also on March 6, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly and enhancing the company's credibility in the capital markets.
- Market Reaction: The dividend increase reflects ITT's strong financial performance and is expected to have a positive impact on its stock price, further solidifying its competitive position in the industry.
- Earnings Beat: ITT reported a Q4 Non-GAAP EPS of $1.85, beating expectations by $0.07, with revenue of $1.05 billion reflecting a 13% year-over-year increase, surpassing market forecasts by $40 million, indicating robust market performance and profitability.
- Cash Flow Growth: The company generated operating cash flow of $669 million for the year, up $106 million, achieving a 17% operating cash flow margin, while free cash flow reached $555 million, an increase of $117 million, with a 14% margin, showcasing strong cash management and financial health.
- 2026 Guidance: For Q1 2026, ITT expects revenue growth of approximately 11%, with 5% organic growth, an operating margin of around 18%, and adjusted EPS projected between $1.67 and $1.71, reflecting confidence in future growth.
- Acquisition Impact: Following the anticipated completion of the SPX FLOW acquisition in fiscal 2026, ITT will revise its definitions of adjusted operating income and income from continuing operations to exclude acquisition-related intangible amortization expenses, which is expected to increase fiscal 2025 adjusted operating income by $47.3 million and adjusted EPS by $0.46, enhancing comparability with peers.









