Are Wall Street Analysts Predicting IDEX Stock Will Climb or Sink?
Northbrook, Illinois-based IDEX Corporation (IEX) offers applied solutions globally. Valued at $17.3 billion by market cap, the company has a diverse portfolio of over 50 businesses, offering products like industrial pumps, lubrication systems, banding and clamping devices, and rescue tools.
Shares of this leading applied solutions provider have outperformed the broader market over the past year. IEX has gained 40.9% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 18.7%. In 2026, IEX's stock rose 31.5%, surpassing the SPX's 12.1% rise on a YTD basis.
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Zooming in further, IEX's outperformance is also apparent compared to First Trust Water ETF (FIW). The exchange-traded fund has declined about 2.5% over the past year. Moreover, IEX's double-digit returns on a YTD basis outshine the ETF's 2.4% gains over the same time frame.
IEX outperformed on robust demand in data center, semiconductor, and space & defense, with HST leading as organic orders jumped 28% overall and 47% in HST, boosting backlog and visibility. Volume leverage, 8020 execution, and a one-time tariff refund tailwind drove margin expansion. Management is raising capex for capacity and remains focused on bolt-on M&A to sustain growth.
On Jul. 29, IEX shares closed up more than 2% after reporting its Q2 results. Its adjusted EPS of $2.32 exceeded Wall Street expectations of $2.10. The company's revenue was $920.6 million, surpassing Wall Street forecasts of $902.4 million. The company expects full-year adjusted EPS in the range of $8.70 to $8.85.
For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect IEX's EPS to grow 10.9% to $8.82 on a diluted basis. The company's earnings surprise history is impressive. It beat the consensus estimate in each of the last four quarters.
Among the 14 analysts covering IEX stock, the consensus is a "Moderate Buy." That's based on eight "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," and five "Holds."
This configuration is more bullish than a month ago, with seven analysts suggesting a "Strong Buy."
On Aug. 17, Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (MFG) analyst Brett Linzey upgraded IEX to an "Outperform" rating with a $280 price target, the Street-high price target, implying a potential upside of 19.2% from current levels.
The mean price target of $257.71 represents a 9.7% premium to IEX's current price levels.