Nov 5, 2026, 4:57 PM ETIndustrials
Helios Technologies — Third Quarter 2026 Earnings Summary
Financial Performance
- Reported third quarter 2026 net sales of $229.7 million, a 4% increase year-over-year, or 13% growth on a pro-forma basis.
- Consolidated gross profit increased by $3.2 million to $76.2 million, with a gross margin of 33.2%, up 10 basis points from the prior year period.
- GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) reached $0.53, a 71% increase from $0.31 in the prior year period.
- Non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS was $0.80, representing an 11% increase from $0.72 in the prior year period.
- Generated record third quarter cash from operations of $40 million, up 59% year-over-year, and free cash flow of $32.5 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $46.5 million, up 3% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20.3%.
- Net income for the quarter was $17.6 million, up 71% from $10.3 million in the prior year period.
- Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 1.4x as of October 3, 2026, down from 2.4x in the prior year period.
Guidance and Future Outlook
- Raised full-year 2026 sales outlook to $895 million to $902 million, implying the highest annual sales in the company's history.
- Tightened full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA margin guidance to 20.2% to 20.4% (previously 20.2% to 21.0%).
- Tightened full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to $3.08 to $3.15 (previously $3.05 to $3.25).
- Established fourth quarter 2026 sales outlook of $205 million to $212 million.
- Set fourth quarter 2026 adjusted EBITDA margin guidance at 18.5% to 19.5%.
- Set fourth quarter 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance at $0.60 to $0.67.
- Management expects fourth quarter growth to moderate compared to the third quarter pace.
- Anticipates benefits from recent pricing actions to show more fully in 2027.
- Expects to realize cost synergies from the Radio Sound acquisition starting in early 2027.
Business Segments and Product Lines
- Hydraulics Segment: Reported segment sales of $142.9 million, up 1% year-over-year. Gross margin was 32.3%, down 20 basis points. Operating margin was 17.3%, up 10 basis points.
- Electronics Segment: Reported segment sales of $86.8 million, up 10% year-over-year. Gross margin was 34.7%, up 40 basis points. Operating margin was 14.3%, compared to a loss of 17.5% in the prior year period.
- Acquisitions: Closed a strategic acquisition in the third quarter expanding Electronics capabilities; began a multi-year relationship with Indian Motorcycle supported by the acquisition of select Radio Sound assets.
- Product Milestones: Secured Faster's first thermal management order following the quarter end.
- Operational Initiatives: Completed Faster's North American consolidation in Toledo, Ohio, and advanced footprint optimization initiatives to increase productivity and reduce tariff exposure.
Market and Competitive Landscape
- Sales growth was driven by timing of customer orders associated with announced price increases.
- The company continues to execute a disciplined market-entry strategy in the data center market.
- Management noted persistent inflationary pressures and a dynamic supply environment.
- The company operates in diverse end markets including agriculture, construction, data centers, energy, health and wellness, industrial, marine, material handling, and recreational vehicles.
Risks and Challenges
- Forward-looking statements highlight risks including global economic trends, cyclical nature of business, and changes in customer demand.
- Potential supply chain disruptions and inability to procure goods are cited as risks.
- Macroeconomic factors such as interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, and trade policy/tariffs could materially impact results.
- Risks related to geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as new product introductions and market acceptance.
- Potential inability to control costs or meet liquidity needs in a dynamic macro environment.
Management Commentary and Tone
- President & CEO Sean Bagan described the quarter as a "record third quarter" with sales above the high end of the outlook and adjusted earnings exceeding expectations.
- Management highlighted the effectiveness of the customer-focused commercial strategy and the breadth of growth across both Hydraulics and Electronics segments.
- CFO Jeremy Evans stated that the results reflect continued progress against 2026 financial priorities and noted the company remains disciplined while navigating a dynamic macro environment.
- Management emphasized the translation of "The CORE Strategy" into tangible commercial and operational progress.
Other Key Points
- Repurchased $19 million of the company's common stock during the third quarter.
- Paid the 119th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.
- The company has paid a cash dividend every quarter since becoming a public company in 1997.
- Nine-month 2026 consolidated net sales were $690.0 million, up 10% year-over-year.
- Nine-month 2026 GAAP operating income was $90.5 million, up 125% from $40.3 million in the prior year period.
- Nine-month 2026 non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS was $2.48, up from $1.75 in the prior year period.
- The company holds a conference call and webcast scheduled for November 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.