# IMI reconfirms 2026 guidance after strong first-quarter organic growth

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/imi-reconfirms-2026-guidance-after-strong-first-quarter-organic-growth/4121251247
- Published: 2026-05-12T07:51:34+01:00
- Author: Amilia Stone

**IMI plc** (LON:IMI), a global leader in fluid and motion control, has issued the
following trading update which covers results for the first quarter from 1 January
to 31 March 2026.

> **Roy Twite, Chief Executive, commented:**
> “We have made a good start to the year, delivering organic growth across IMI in
> the first quarter. Our performance reflects the strength of the One IMI operating
> model and the benefits of our strategic focus on three megatrends **–** Energy,
> Automation and Healthcare **–** which are creating sustained demand across our
> markets and underpinning our long-term growth.
> We are pleased to be reconfirming our full‑year guidance and remain on track to
> deliver our sixth consecutive year of mid‑single-digit organic revenue growth 
> in 2026.
> We are actively monitoring the situation in the Middle East, where the safety 
> of our people remains our top priority. The region represented 6% of IMI’s revenue
> in 2025, principally within Process Automation.
> IMI remains well positioned, with a unique market-led approach to innovation, 
> significant recurring high-margin aftermarket exposure and strong pricing power.
> Our strong balance sheet and significant cash generation continue to support investment,
> shareholder returns and strategic flexibility.”

**First quarter performance**

First quarter organic revenue was 5% higher year on year. Statutory revenue in the
quarter was 6% higher than last year, reflecting foreign currency movements in the
period.

_Automation_

Automation (65% of 2025 sales) delivered organic revenue growth of 6% in the quarter.

·      Process Automation (44% of 2025 sales) organic revenue was up 6% in the period.
As expected, total orders were down 2% organically year-on-year, against a strong
comparator. Aftermarket orders declined by 1%, reflecting several large nuclear 
Aftermarket orders won in the first quarter of last year as previously highlighted.
Whilst the conflict in the Middle East did lead to some disruption in the region
during the first quarter, the effect on orders and sales was not significant. We
continue to see a strong pipeline of global opportunities, driven by the rapidly
increasing demand for energy from data centres and widespread electrification.

·      Industrial Automation (21% of 2025 sales) organic revenue increased by 6%
year on year, benefiting from an easier comparator following the cyber incident 
in the first quarter of 2025. Industrial Automation is expected to be modestly higher
organically in 2026.

_Life Technology_

Life Technology (35% of 2025 sales) organic revenue increased by 4% in the first
quarter.

·      Climate Control (18% of 2025 sales) organic revenue grew by 4% compared to
the same period last year. Demand for energy‑efficient solutions remained supportive,
including continued strength in the data centre direct liquid cooling market.

·      Life Science and Fluid Control (10% of 2025 sales) organic revenue increased
by 1% in the first quarter. Growth in Life Science was supported by resilient healthcare
demand and further signs of stabilisation in the global life science device market.
This was partially offset by the impact of mixed market conditions in Fluid Control.

·      Transport (7% of 2025 sales) organic revenue was 9% higher year on year, 
in line with the heavy‑duty truck market. The strategic review of Transport is progressing;
we are delivering significant operational improvements and continue to assess all
strategic options.

**Exchange rates**

If exchange rates as at 1 May 2026 of US$1.36 and €1.16 remain constant for the 
remainder of the year, it would have no material impact on revenue and adjusted 
operating profit in the full year when compared to 2025.

**Full year guidance reconfirmed**

Following the good first quarter performance, we are reconfirming our full year 
guidance and remain on track to deliver our sixth consecutive year of mid-single-
digit organic revenue growth in 2026. We continue to expect that full year adjusted
basic earnings per share will be between 136p and 142p.

Our guidance assumes that conditions allow for planned shipments to the Middle East
to be delivered by the end of the financial year. Whilst we remain alert to the 
potential indirect impact of the conflict, we expect to manage any inflationary 
pressures through price increases where necessary.

**Half-year results**

IMI will present its half-year results for the period ending 30 June 2026 on 31 
July 2026.

A conference call for analysts and investors will be held at 08:00 BST today to 
discuss this statement. To access the call, please register using the link: [https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login/1PeTHmohVhEQqO7QvJPq5Kz1eqlYHIsGbuaVE](https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login/1PeTHmohVhEQqO7QvJPq5Kz1eqlYHIsGbuaVE)

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