Let’s dig into the relative performance of IDEX (NYSE: IEX) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 gas and liquid handling earnings season.

Gas and liquid handling companies possess the technical know-how and specialized equipment to handle valuable (and sometimes dangerous) substances. Lately, water conservation and carbon capture–which requires hydrogen and other gasses as well as specialized infrastructure–have been trending up, creating new demand for products such as filters, pumps, and valves. On the other hand, gas and liquid handling companies are at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending and interest rates, for example, can greatly impact the industrial production that drives demand for these companies’ offerings.

The 13 gas and liquid handling stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.1% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 5.4% since the latest earnings results.

IDEX (NYSE: IEX)

Founded in 1988, IDEX (NYSE: IEX) is a global manufacturer specializing in highly engineered products such as pumps, flow meters, and fluidics systems for various industries.

IDEX reported revenues of $899.1 million, up 4.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 2.2%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a mixed quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates but a significant miss of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.

Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 5.6% since reporting and currently trades at $190.35.

Is now the time to buy IDEX? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q4: Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE: ATMU)

Spun out of Cummins in 2023 after 65 years as part of the engine maker, Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE: ATMU) manufactures filters for trucks, construction equipment, and agriculture machinery to reduce emissions and protect engines.

Atmus Filtration Technologies reported revenues of $446.6 million, up 9.8% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 5.5%. The business had a stunning quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Although it had a fine quarter compared its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 8% since reporting. It currently trades at $57.12.

Is now the time to buy Atmus Filtration Technologies? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q4: Chart (NYSE: GTLS)

Installing the first bulk Co2 tank for McDonalds’s sodas, Chart (NYSE: GTLS) provides equipment to store and transport gasses.

Chart reported revenues of $1.08 billion, down 2.5% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 8.4%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ revenue estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Chart delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth in the group. The stock is flat since the results and currently trades at $207.26.

Read our full analysis of Chart’s results here.

Donaldson (NYSE: DCI)

Playing a vital role in the historic Apollo 11 mission, Donaldson (NYSE: DCI) manufacturers and sells filtration equipment for various industries.

Donaldson reported revenues of $896.3 million, up 3% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations. More broadly, it was a disappointing quarter as it produced a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is down 18.4% since reporting and currently trades at $85.18.

Read our full, actionable report on Donaldson here, it’s free.

Standex (NYSE: SXI)

Holding over 500 patents globally, Standex (NYSE: SXI) is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial components for various sectors.

Standex reported revenues of $221.3 million, up 16.6% year on year. This number beat analysts’ expectations by 0.7%. Zooming out, it was a slower quarter as it recorded a miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is up 3.7% since reporting and currently trades at $255.27.

Read our full, actionable report on Standex here, it’s free.

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