Benzinga | Jul 27, 2021 03:13PM EDT

Pentair Stock Gains On Strong Q2, Raised FY21 Outlook

* Pentair PLC (NYSE:PNR) reported second-quarter sales growth of 32% year-over-year to $941 million, beating the consensus estimate of $907.01 million. Core sales grew 28%.

* Consumer Solutions sales were $576.9 million (+43.8% Y/Y), and return on sales expanded 80 bps to 24.9%.

* Industrial & Flow Technologies sales were $363.9 million (+16.7% Y/Y), and return on sales expanded 160 bps to 15.7%.

* Adjusted EPS improved to $0.84 from $0.59 in 2Q20, beating the consensus estimate of $0.80.

* The gross margin expanded by 180 bps to 36.2%.

* The operating income increased by 45.6% Y/Y to $161.8 million, and the margin expanded by 160 bps to 17.2%.

* Pentair generated cash from operating activities year-to-date of $360.8 million, compared to $266 million a year ago. Free cash flow provided by continuing operations $340 million.

* Q3 Outlook: The company expects GAAP EPS from continuing operations of $0.77 - $0.81 and an adjusted EPS of $0.81 - $0.85, versus a consensus of $0.78.

* It also expects sales to grow 16% - 19% compared to 3Q20.

* FY21 Outlook: Pentair estimates GAAP EPS from continuing operations of $3.13 - $3.23, versus the prior view of $2.65 - $2.80.

* It sees adjusted EPS of $3.30 - $3.40, up from the previous view of $2.80 - $2.95, versus a consensus of $3.20. It estimates sales to grow 21% - 23%, versus the prior outlook for 6% - 11% growth.

* Price action: PNR shares are trading higher by 3.83% at $71.33 on the last check Tuesday.