ITT delivered revenue and adjusted earnings above Wall Street’s expectations in the latest quarter, as robust demand in aerospace, defense, and key industrial segments drove strong order and sales growth. Management highlighted broad-based expansion across its Connect & Control Technologies and Flow Technologies businesses, with particular strength in aerospace connectors and project wins in oil and gas. CEO Luca Savi credited the “powerful flywheel” of healthy order momentum and execution in high-growth markets, while also acknowledging persistent inflationary pressures and operational challenges in certain regions.

Is now the time to buy ITT? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

While we enjoy listening to the management’s commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls is the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our top 5 analyst questions from ITT’s Q3 earnings call

• Jake Levinson (Melius Research) asked about ITT’s capacity for larger acquisitions as leverage declines. CEO Luca Savi replied that the company is focused on cash generation, synergy delivery, and may pursue larger deals in 12-15 months, with bolt-ons possible sooner.
• Jeff Hammond (KeyBanc Capital Markets) sought clarity on Flow Technologies margin progression and pipeline health. Savi explained that negative product mix and acquisition dilution weighed on margins, but the order funnel remained healthy, especially in North America.
• Mike Halloran (Baird) inquired about the durability of CCT’s order momentum and margin potential. Savi emphasized broad-based strength, ongoing backlog growth, and significant margin improvement opportunities through pricing and operational efficiency.
• Aanvi Patodia (Goldman Sachs) questioned the sustainability of Motion Technologies’ 21% margin and volume assumptions amid auto market softness. Savi responded that 21% is the new floor, with additional productivity and cost improvements targeted through 2030, independent of auto market growth.
• Robert Davies (Wolfe Research) probed price/cost dynamics and M&A focus areas post-SPX FLOW. Savi outlined segment-specific pricing leverage, particularly in Flow Technologies and CCT, and noted ongoing M&A cultivation in connectors, defense, and Flow Technologies to address product or regional gaps.

Catalysts in upcoming quarters

In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) execution on SPX FLOW integration and realization of targeted synergies, (2) sustained momentum in aerospace and defense orders translating to revenue and margin gains, and (3) the impact of operational improvements in geographies facing inefficiencies such as the Middle East. Progress in automotive productivity initiatives and new product commercialization will also be key signposts.

ITT currently trades at $196.14, down from $200.92 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

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