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Donaldson Company (DCI)
NYSE:DCI

Donaldson Company (DCI) AI Stock Analysis

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DCI

Donaldson Company

(NYSE:DCI)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$117.00
▲(12.05% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/26/26
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (healthy growth, profitability, and cash generation) and supportive full-year guidance pointing to record margin and EPS at the midpoint. Technicals are moderately positive but show near-term consolidation, while valuation (high P/E with a modest yield) is the main constraint on the overall score.
Positive Factors
Strong free cash flow generation
Sustained FCF growth and a high FCF-to-net-income ratio indicate durable cash generation capacity. With management guiding ~85%–95% cash conversion and modest capex ($60–$75M), the company can fund operations, dividends, M&A paydown and reinvestment without relying on volatile external financing.
Accretive Facet acquisition expands recurring revenue
Acquiring Facet meaningfully broadens high-margin, recurring aftermarket exposure in fuel/fluid filtration for aerospace, defense and power generation. The transaction increases recurring revenue mix and margins, improving portfolio resilience and long-term earnings stability if integration and regulatory approval proceed as planned.
Diverse end-market exposure and high ROE
Broad product set across industrial, engine and life‑sciences end markets reduces single‑market cyclicality. Recent Life Sciences margin recovery and double‑digit growth, combined with a high ROE, point to efficient capital deployment and durable demand in regulated and aftermarket segments supporting long‑term profitability.
Negative Factors
Gross and operating margin pressure
Material margin erosion from volume deleverage, startup and footprint optimization costs signals structural execution gaps. Persistent inefficiencies could compress margins over multiple quarters, making achieving the company’s record operating margin guidance harder and reducing cash available for strategic initiatives.
Higher leverage and acquisition multiple
An $820M all‑cash deal funded partly with new debt raises pro forma leverage and liquidity risk. The acquisition multiple (high relative to EBITDA) and the need to rapidly pay down debt increase sensitivity to integration timing and cash conversion, reducing financial flexibility during execution.
Softness in specific end markets
Weakness in A&D, on‑road OE and select IFS subcategories (dust collection, hydraulics) creates uneven demand and lowers near‑term industrial segment growth. Revised, lower Industrial Solutions guidance and large margin swings in those businesses raise risk that recovery will be gradual and uneven across segments.

Donaldson Company (DCI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Donaldson Company Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionDonaldson Company, Inc. manufactures and sells filtration systems and replacement parts worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Engine Products and Industrial Products. Its Engine Products segment provides replacement filters for air and liquid filtration applications; air filtration systems; liquid filtration systems for fuel, lube, and hydraulic applications; exhaust and emissions systems and sensors; indicators; and monitoring systems. This segment sells its products to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the construction, mining, agriculture, aerospace, defense, and transportation markets; and to independent distributors, OEM dealer networks, private label accounts, and large fleets. The company's Industrial Products segment offers dust, fume, and mist collectors; compressed air purification systems; gas and liquid filtration for food, beverage, and industrial processes; air filtration systems for gas turbines; polytetrafluoroethylene membrane-based products; and specialized air and gas filtration systems for applications, including hard disk drives, semi-conductor manufacturing and sensors, indicators, and monitoring systems. This segment sells its products to various dealers, distributors, OEMs of gas-fired turbines, and OEMs and end-users requiring air filtration solutions and replacement filters. Donaldson Company, Inc. was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota.
How the Company Makes MoneyDonaldson Company generates revenue primarily through the sale of filtration products and systems. Its revenue model is based on two main segments: Engine Products and Industrial Products. The Engine Products segment focuses on filtration solutions for internal combustion engines, including those used in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, which contributes significantly to overall sales. The Industrial Products segment offers a variety of filtration solutions for industrial processes, including dust collection and process filtration systems. Key revenue streams include direct sales, replacement parts, and aftermarket services. DCI also engages in strategic partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors, expanding its market reach and enhancing its product offerings. Additionally, the company benefits from a recurring revenue model through aftermarket sales, as customers often return for replacement filters and maintenance services.

Donaldson Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 26, 2026
(Q2-2026)
|
Next Earnings Date:Jun 09, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presented a mix of short-term operational headwinds (gross margin pressure, footprint optimization costs, and segment execution issues) but emphasized strong underlying demand, record quarterly sales, robust backlogs, an acquisitive strategy (Facet) that is mix-accretive, and a reaffirmed full-year record sales/growth outlook with margin and EPS at all-time highs at the midpoint. Management expects sequential improvement in the second half driven by backlog conversion, improved plant efficiency, and cost discipline; Life Sciences and Mobile aftermarket strength, and Facet's addition are notable positives. Given the balance of solid forward guidance, strong cash metrics, and strategic upside versus temporary execution-related drag, the overall tone is constructive.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Quarterly Sales
Second quarter sales of $896 million, a 3% increase year-over-year, described as a company record driven by strength across all three segments and high order backlogs.
Full-Year Record Sales and Elevated Guidance
Updated fiscal 2026 outlook targeting record sales of approximately $3.8 billion with operating margin guidance of 16.0%–16.4% (midpoint 16.2%) and EPS guidance of $3.93–$4.01 (midpoint $3.97), implying ~8% EPS growth at the midpoint versus prior year.
Acquisition to Expand Portfolio (Facet)
Announced acquisition of Facet (expected to add nearly $110 million in sales), characterized as mix-accretive: ~70% recurring regulated replacement revenue, historical high-single-digit growth, higher gross/EBITDA margins than company average, and quick cash generation with expected earnings accretion by year 2.
Life Sciences Outperformance
Life Sciences sales of $80 million, up 16% year-over-year; pretax margin improved to 9.3% from a ~1% loss last year (large margin swing) driven by strong Food & Beverage and Disk Drive performance and focused expense structure.
Mobile Solutions Resilience and China Strength
Mobile Solutions sales $557 million, up 2% (currency-driven). Aftermarket sales $447 million up 1% with high single-digit independent channel growth; China Mobile sales up 18%, marking six consecutive quarters of growth.
Power Generation Demand and Backlogs
Industrial filtration (IFS) sales of $223 million, up 7%, with notably strong Power Generation demand and healthy order books; management reports solid backlogs across several businesses supporting second-half step-up.
Strong Cash/Capital Position and Policy
Net leverage 0.7x (pro forma ~1.7x including Facet), capex guidance $60–$75 million, projected cash conversion 85%–95% (midpoint ~90%), intent to rapidly pay down acquisition-related debt, dividend continued (70th consecutive year paying dividends, 30th consecutive increase).
Negative Updates
Quarterly Gross Margin Pressure
Second quarter gross margin was 33.7%, down 150 basis points year-over-year, with contributions from volume deleverage (~60 bps), a Mexico Power Generation startup (~40 bps), and footprint/plant-closure costs (~30 bps).
Operating Margin and EPS Momentum Slowed in Q2
Operating margin declined to 14.0% from 15.2% a year ago (down 120 bps). Adjusted EPS in Q2 was $0.83, flat year-over-year (no growth in the quarter).
Industrial Solutions Execution Challenges
Industrial Solutions sales modestly increased to $260 million (+2%) but faced concentrated execution inefficiencies; pretax margin fell to 11.9% from 16.1% a year ago (decline of ~420 bps) due to startup and footprint optimization costs.
Aerospace & Defense and OE New-Equipment Weakness
Aerospace & Defense sales declined 19% to $37 million due to project timing and supply chain/sourcing challenges; On-Road (truck) first-fit sales fell 9% to $23 million and global truck production remains muted.
Revised Industrial Growth Guidance
Industrial Solutions sales guidance was lowered to a range of -1% to +3% (previously +2% to +6%), with Aerospace & Defense now guided to mid-single-digit declines (previously flat), reflecting timing and supply uncertainty.
Short-Term Operational Inefficiencies from Footprint Work
Footprint optimization and plant closures produced near-term margin headwinds (about 30 bps in Q2) with remaining plant closures and learning curves to conclude in the balance of the fiscal year, pushing some benefits into FY27.
Dust Collection and Industrial Hydraulics Softness
Management called out weakness in dust collection and industrial hydraulics systems within IFS, prompting a more conservative outlook for those subcategories in near term.
Company Guidance
Management updated fiscal 2026 guidance calling for consolidated sales growth of 1%–5% (driving record sales of about $3.8 billion), with pricing and currency each contributing roughly 1% to growth; segment guidance is Mobile Solutions +2%–6% (aftermarket mid‑single digits, off‑road mid‑single digits, on‑road flat), Industrial Solutions −1% to +3% (IFS low‑single‑digit growth, A&D down mid‑single digits), and Life Sciences +5%–9%; operating margin is guided to 16.0%–16.4% (midpoint ~16.2%, a company‑record level), pretax Life Sciences margin mid‑ to high‑single digits, EPS $3.93–$4.01 (midpoint $3.97, ~8% above prior year on ~3% sales growth), capex $60–$75 million, cash conversion ~85%–95% (management cited ~90% conversion), YTD share buybacks 1.2% with repurchases paused for the year, net leverage 0.7x (pro forma ~1.7x including the Facet acquisition which adds ~$110M of sales and is expected to be accretive by year two).

Donaldson Company Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong overall fundamentals supported by solid revenue growth (TTM +9.56%) and healthy operating profitability (gross margin ~34.85%). Cash generation is robust with free cash flow growth (TTM +18.62%) and solid FCF-to-net-income (0.81). Balance sheet leverage is moderate (debt-to-equity 0.46) with strong ROE (24.45%), though net margin pressure and rising debt warrant monitoring.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Donaldson Company demonstrates strong revenue growth with a TTM increase of 9.56%, indicating robust demand for its products. The gross profit margin remains stable at approximately 34.85%, reflecting efficient cost management. However, the net profit margin has slightly decreased over time, currently at 9.94%, suggesting some pressure on profitability. Overall, the company maintains healthy EBIT and EBITDA margins, showcasing operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company maintains a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging. Return on equity is strong at 24.45%, reflecting effective use of shareholder funds. The equity ratio stands at 50.12%, suggesting a solid capital structure. However, the slight increase in total debt over the periods warrants monitoring.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Donaldson Company shows a positive trend in free cash flow growth at 18.62% TTM, indicating improved cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is stable at 0.55, suggesting efficient cash conversion. The free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.81 further supports the company's ability to generate cash relative to its earnings.
BreakdownTTMJul 2025Jul 2024Jul 2023Jul 2022Jul 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.73B3.69B3.59B3.43B3.31B2.85B
Gross Profit1.30B1.29B1.27B1.16B1.07B971.70M
EBITDA633.30M615.90M655.10M580.20M547.60M489.30M
Net Income381.90M367.00M414.00M358.80M332.80M286.90M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.03B2.98B2.91B2.77B2.60B2.40B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments210.70M180.40M232.70M187.10M193.30M222.80M
Total Debt674.00M730.20M598.20M655.70M692.80M527.60M
Total Liabilities1.51B1.52B1.43B1.45B1.47B1.26B
Stockholders Equity1.52B1.45B1.49B1.32B1.13B1.14B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow403.20M339.90M406.90M426.40M167.70M343.60M
Operating Cash Flow471.30M418.80M492.50M544.50M252.80M401.90M
Investing Cash Flow-57.80M-150.40M-86.90M-327.30M-154.00M-58.30M
Financing Cash Flow-424.60M-321.70M-355.90M-222.20M-114.20M-363.30M

Donaldson Company Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price104.42
Price Trends
50DMA
99.27
Positive
100DMA
92.28
Positive
200DMA
82.50
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.15
Positive
RSI
49.68
Neutral
STOCH
12.66
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For DCI, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 104.42 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 106.54, above the 50-day MA of 99.27, and above the 200-day MA of 82.50, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 2.15 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 49.68 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 12.66 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for DCI.

Donaldson Company Risk Analysis

Donaldson Company disclosed 18 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Donaldson Company reported the most risks in the "Macro & Political" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Donaldson Company Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$11.02B32.5118.25%0.70%4.18%16.05%
77
Outperform
$10.68B20.0629.20%2.04%-1.64%-2.50%
76
Outperform
$12.11B45.0213.56%12.60%24.02%
74
Outperform
$12.33B33.3524.96%1.28%2.37%-6.93%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
61
Neutral
$14.88B53.304.27%0.97%-4.99%22.16%
60
Neutral
$13.80B88.046.22%5.52%9.03%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DCI
Donaldson Company
104.42
37.80
56.74%
GNRC
Generac Holdings
236.58
100.34
73.65%
RRX
Regal Rexnord
220.40
91.47
70.94%
AOS
A. O. Smith Corporation
76.30
11.68
18.08%
SPXC
SPX
226.66
82.72
57.47%
WTS
Watts Water Technologies
330.13
119.52
56.75%

Donaldson Company Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Donaldson Company Announces $820 Million Facet Acquisition Deal
Positive
Feb 2, 2026

On January 31, 2026, Donaldson Company entered into a definitive Securities Purchase Agreement to acquire Filtration Group’s Facet Filtration business, which includes U.S. and European entities, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $820 million, subject to customary adjustments and regulatory approvals. Announced publicly on February 2, 2026, the deal is expected to add about $108 million in 2025 sales and significantly broaden Donaldson’s fuel and fluid filtration portfolio, especially in mission-critical applications such as aerospace, defense and power generation, while strengthening its aftermarket position with a large installed base and roughly 70% of Facet’s revenues coming from recurring, regulated replacement consumables; the company expects the acquisition to be immediately margin accretive and earnings-accretive in fiscal 2027, enhancing Donaldson’s financial profile and competitive positioning in high-performance filtration markets, provided the transaction closes as anticipated.

The most recent analyst rating on (DCI) stock is a Buy with a $110.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Donaldson Company stock, see the DCI Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 26, 2026