ITT Inc. has reported an exceptional second quarter for 2026, showcasing remarkable financial and operational achievements. The company recorded an impressive $1.5 billion in revenue and saw its adjusted earnings per share climb to $2.08, an 18% increase from the previous year. This strong performance is largely attributed to strategic acquisitions, including SPX FLOW, Svanehøj, and kSARIA, which have seamlessly integrated and contributed to significant organic growth within its Connect & Control Technologies (CCT) and Flow Technologies divisions. Furthermore, ITT successfully reduced its leverage ratio to 2.5x, six months ahead of its initial target, highlighting its effective capital allocation and disciplined financial management.
During the quarter, ITT's Connect & Control Technologies segment was a standout performer, with organic orders soaring by 59%. This surge was primarily driven by substantial defense contracts secured by its kSARIA business, particularly for advanced night vision and fighter jet programs, which alone saw a 168% increase in bookings. The company's Connectors business also experienced record orders, benefiting from strong demand across North America, Europe, and Asia. In the Flow Technologies segment, revenue saw a 21% organic increase, propelled by higher pump project shipments in the marine energy transition and oil and gas sectors, while its valves business expanded by 19% due to successful ventures in biopharma.
SPX FLOW, a key acquisition, contributed significantly to ITT's growth, with its orders increasing by 9% and revenue by 5% in the second quarter. This growth was notably driven by robust performances in mixers, particularly in North America and China, and strong system orders in Europe's Nutrition & Health sector. ITT's Motion Technologies segment also demonstrated resilience, achieving 2% organic revenue growth despite challenging market conditions, largely due to strong aftermarket demand for friction products and an impressive outperformance of global vehicle production by over 300 basis points in Europe and China.
The company's focus on operational excellence also led to margin expansion across its segments. CCT's operating margin increased by 100 basis points to 21.7%, driven by higher volumes and strategic pricing. Motion Technologies saw a 90-basis-point expansion in its operating margin to 21.1%, primarily through net productivity gains. While the Flow Technologies segment experienced some margin dilution due to the full integration of SPX FLOW, management anticipates sequential margin improvement throughout the year as cost synergies are realized and productivity initiatives take effect. ITT's strategic acquisitions, such as Svanehøj and kSARIA, have not only expanded its market presence but are also projected to yield substantial returns, with Svanehøj's acquisition multiple expected to decline significantly by the end of 2026 due to strong revenue growth and kSARIA's backlog projected to grow by 180%.
ITT's strong second-quarter results underscore its effective strategy of combining entrepreneurial spirit within its existing businesses with value-accretive acquisitions. The company's disciplined approach to debt reduction, achieved six months ahead of schedule, provides additional financial flexibility for future strategic investments. With increased full-year guidance for organic revenue growth, operating margins, and adjusted EPS, ITT is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and value creation in a dynamic global market. The ongoing integration of acquisitions and the pursuit of both cost and revenue synergies are expected to further enhance the company's financial performance and market leadership.
