GTX Earnings Recap
Beat 6 of last 7 quarters
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Garrett's accelerating industrial turbo sales, now expected to reach ~$200 million for the year, are directly tied to power generation demand, including data center backup power. The first award for the MEG 200 turbo for data center power generation underscores the company's role in the AI infrastructure buildout, as data centers require massive amounts of reliable power. Additionally, the E-Cooling compressor opportunity for data center cooling represents a second vector into AI infrastructure, with production expected to begin in 2027.
Garrett delivered another strong quarter with net sales of $976 million, up 7% reported and 5% constant currency, driven by growth across all verticals despite lower light vehicle production. Adjusted EBIT reached a record $152 million with a 15.6% margin, up 200 basis points year-over-year, supported by volume conversion, favorable mix, and $14 million of operating performance gains. The company generated $122 million of adjusted free cash flow, repurchased $28 million of stock, paid $15 million in dividends, and made a $50 million voluntary term loan repayment. Strategic wins included multiple gasoline awards, power generation awards, the first award for the Garrett MEG 200 turbo for data center power generation, and the first production award for centrifugal air compressor technology.
Management raised full-year 2026 guidance across all measures, citing strong first-half performance and a positive mix trend expected to continue. The updated midpoint implies net sales of $3.8 billion (4% constant-currency growth), adjusted EBIT of $580 million (15.3% margin), and adjusted free cash flow of $430 million. The raise reflects $20 million of higher adjusted EBIT versus the prior midpoint, driven by stronger product mix and operating performance, partially offset by unfavorable FX. While the industry outlook for light vehicle production was softened, management expects continued share gains and accelerating demand in commercial vehicle and industrial applications. The company remains cautious on macro and geopolitical conditions but expressed confidence in the trajectory, with industrial turbo sales now expected to reach about $200 million for the year.
“So far this year, we sold over $80 million of turbos for industrial applications, and we expect further growth in the second half with a view that is now about $200 million of sales in industrial for the full year.”
on Industrial growth
“We are increasing our 2026 outlook across all measures to reflect strong first half performance and a positive mix trend, which we expect to continue.”
on Guidance raise
“We secured our first production award for our centrifugal air compressor technology.”
on New technology award
We've seen several European CV manufacturers speaking strength in their order books. Is there a timeline that we can expect these improved order books to flow through European Class 8s? And conversely, off-highway in North America seems relatively stable, but could you update us on what you're seeing there for the rest of the year?
Olivier noted that H1 commercial vehicle growth was not entirely driven by Europe, with significant contribution from China on-highway. If Europe picks up, it would balance China, which is a good signal. Most of the growth in H1 came from industrial applications (gensets and beyond). Off-highway construction and agricultural demand is in line with the questioner's comments.
Can you talk about your relative positioning on diesel generators versus natural gas generators? And is there any way to think about the impact of these new awards on next year's revenue? What size of generator is supported by the largest MEG?
Olivier said the company has been traditionally strong on diesel and has been gaining share on gas side for years. The MEG 200 award will not be a significant contributor to 2027 revenue due to development cycles, but it is part of the trajectory. The number of awards secured over the last few years is driving current industrial performance, enabling the raise to ~$200 million for the year.
Previously you've talked about the HVAC opportunity extending to data centers. At the Investor Day, you talked about 2028 start of production. Curious if you can give us an update on that and how that's tracking.
Olivier clarified that the first production will be in 2027, not 2028, with data center applications between end of 2027 and beginning of 2028. He emphasized the company is fully committed and working with a full scope of customers beyond what was announced, with progress on testing and compliance.