Zacks Industry Outlook Spotlights Tetra Tech, Donaldson, Atmus Filtration, and Fuel Tech
Industry Overview: The Zacks Pollution Control industry is experiencing strong demand for air pollution control products due to rising greenhouse gas emissions and health concerns, driven by stringent regulations globally.
Market Challenges: The industry's outlook is hindered by the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and alternative fuels, which reduce the demand for traditional emission-abatement technologies.
Key Players: Companies like Tetra Tech, Donaldson, Atmus Filtration, and Fuel Tech are positioned to benefit from current market trends, with investments in innovative technologies and services related to pollution control.
Performance Insights: Despite a solid near-term outlook indicated by a favorable Zacks Industry Rank, the pollution control sector has underperformed compared to broader markets over the past year, with a decline of 7.3%.
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- Strong Economic Data: The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 54 in May, marking a four-year high and indicating ongoing economic expansion, although first-quarter GDP growth was revised down to 1.6%, suggesting a slowdown.
- Stable Jobless Claims: Jobless claims remained low at 215,000, reflecting resilience in the labor market, despite weakened consumer sentiment due to high inflation and geopolitical risks, which may impact future spending.
- Dividend Growth Trend: UnitedHealth Group (UNH) announced a dividend of $2.32 per share payable on June 23, having increased its dividend six times over the past five years, with a current payout ratio of 54%, indicating a solid financial structure.
- Diversification Opportunities: In the current market environment, investors may consider companies like UnitedHealth, Donaldson (DCI), Lowe's, and ePlus, all of which have stable dividend records that can provide a safety margin amid market volatility.
- Revenue Growth: Donaldson Co Inc reported third-quarter revenue of $995 million, a 6% increase year-over-year, driven by currency translation, net pricing benefits, and volume growth, indicating strong market performance.
- Margin Improvement: The company achieved an operating margin of 16.6%, marking a 30 basis point increase from the previous year and a 260 basis point improvement from the second quarter, reflecting enhanced management efficiency and effective cost control.
- Portfolio Optimization: The acquisition of Facet Filtration is expected to enhance the company's Industrial Solutions product portfolio, particularly in aerospace and power generation, with approximately 70% of revenues driven by recurring regulated replacement part sales, improving long-term revenue stability.
- Market Challenges: While Mobile Solutions and Life Sciences segments saw sales growth of 8% and 13% respectively, Industrial Solutions and Aerospace and Defense sales declined by 1% and 14%, highlighting challenges from supply chain constraints and short-term operational inefficiencies.
- Strong Performance: Donaldson Company reported record sales of $995 million in Q3, with adjusted EPS of $1.06 reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, indicating robust market performance and enhanced profitability.
- Acquisition Progress: The successful acquisition of Facet Filtration, which derives approximately 70% of its revenue from high-margin replacement parts, is expected to strengthen the company's aftermarket position, contributing $25 million to $30 million in sales in Q4.
- Cost Optimization: The company made strides in optimizing its cost structure by closing the last two plants, with full production efficiency recovery anticipated by mid-fiscal 2027, and projected annualized benefits of about $10 million, demonstrating a commitment to operational efficiency.
- Future Outlook: The company expects organic sales growth of 3% to 5% for fiscal 2026, with an upward revision in Life Sciences sales growth to 9% to 11%, highlighting growth potential and market adaptability across multiple business segments.
- Earnings Outlook: Donaldson Company forecasts Facet-related sales between $25 million and $30 million for FY2026, with an expected EPS dilution of approximately $0.03; however, organic adjusted EPS is projected to be between $3.94 and $4.01, reflecting a 7% to 9% increase compared to last year.
- Q3 Financials: The company reported net earnings of $118.1 million for the third quarter, a significant increase from $57.8 million a year ago, with EPS rising from $0.48 to $1.00, indicating strong profitability and market demand.
- Sales Growth: Third-quarter sales reached $995.1 million, up 5.8% year-over-year, driven by favorable foreign currency translation, net pricing benefits, and increased volume, showcasing the company's enhanced competitiveness in the market.
- Acquisition Impact: Donaldson completed the acquisition of Facet Filtration for $829 million in cash on May 4, 2026, with financial results from this acquisition expected to be reported in the Industrial Solutions segment starting in Q4, further propelling the company's growth trajectory.
- Significant Profit Growth: Donaldson Company reported a third-quarter profit of $118.1 million, translating to earnings per share of $1.00, a substantial increase from last year's $57.8 million and $0.48 per share, indicating strong market performance.
- Adjusted Earnings Rise: Excluding special items, the company reported adjusted earnings of $125.5 million or $1.06 per share, further reflecting the robustness of its core business and enhanced profitability.
- Revenue Growth Continues: The company's revenue for the third quarter rose 5.9% to $995.1 million from $940.1 million last year, demonstrating success in sales and market expansion efforts.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Donaldson provided full-year EPS guidance in the range of $3.94 to $4.01, showcasing management's confidence in future performance and likely continuing to drive positive investor sentiment.











