AMETEK lifts guidance as acquisition adds to record quarter

AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE:AME) has raised its 2026 earnings outlook after posting a record third quarter, with sales climbing 17% to US$2.22 billion and adjusted diluted earnings per share reaching US$2.21. The result gives the US industrial technology group a stronger starting point for its final quarter, although acquisition-related charges continue to create a sizeable gap between its adjusted and GAAP figures.

Record sales and higher full-year earnings guidance

GAAP diluted EPS was US$1.85, up from US$1.60 a year earlier, while adjusted EPS increased from US$1.89. AMETEK said the adjusted figure excluded US$0.36 per share for acquisition-related intangible amortisation and transaction and integration costs.

The company now expects 2026 adjusted EPS of US$8.53 to US$8.57, compared with its previous range of US$8.20 to US$8.30. At the midpoint, the new guidance represents an increase of roughly 3% over the prior midpoint and approximately 15% growth on 2025. Fourth-quarter adjusted EPS is forecast at US$2.26 to US$2.30, with sales expected to rise in the low-20% range from the same period last year.

Both operating divisions delivered double-digit growth

The Electronic Instruments Group remained the larger contributor, generating record sales of US$1.44 billion, up 16%, and adjusted operating income of US$414.6 million. Its adjusted core operating margin was 29.5%, a 60-basis-point improvement on the prior-year quarter after adjusting for acquisition and foreign-exchange effects.

The Electromechanical Group grew faster, with sales up 20% to US$778.0 million and adjusted operating income up 29% to US$212.0 million. Its adjusted core operating margin reached 27.5%, 210 basis points above the comparable 2025 figure. AMETEK attributed the gains to broad-based organic sales growth, recent acquisitions and operating performance.

Cash generation strengthens as acquisition footprint expands

Operating cash flow rose 27% to US$560.6 million, while free cash flow reached US$527.4 million, equivalent to 124% conversion of net income. The quarter also saw AMETEK complete its acquisition of Indicor Instrumentation, described by chief executive David A. Zapico as a group of differentiated industrial technology businesses. The release did not disclose the purchase price or a standalone contribution from the acquired operations.

The balance sheet shows the scale of AMETEK's expansion: long-term debt stood at US$6.03 billion at September 30, compared with US$1.07 billion at December 31, while cash and equivalents were US$666.2 million. The filing presents the higher debt alongside the acquisition activity, but does not provide a separate bridge explaining the change. The next test is whether the newly enlarged group can sustain its margin gains while absorbing the acquisition-related amortisation and integration costs that sit outside adjusted earnings.