ITT Acquires EchoStorm Assets - Analyst Blog

ITT Corporation (ITT) is set to acquire the business operations of closely-held EchoStorm Worldwide which delivers video and data management technology for military, government and commercial applications.

The acquisition will bolster the company's already dominant position in airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance markets.

The acquisition is likely to be consummated by early 2011. Financial terms and conditions were not disclosed.

ITT plays an important role in vital markets, including water and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow control. It possesses industry-leading brands in the Fluid Technology and Motion & Flow Control businesses. The company is well diversified and serves attractive end-markets with a broad geographic footprint.

We are particularly bullish about these two segments: a) water equipment (primarily pumps), which should benefit from the replacement and upgrade of ageing networks in developed markets and the build-out of infrastructure in emerging markets and b) ITT's Defense business, with the bulk of sales coming from electronic and network-centric warfare.

The Defense Electronics & Services business segment is subject to a number of risks, including defense budgets and government contract requirements and regulations, which could have an adverse impact on the results of its operations.

The Fluid Technology and Motion & Flow Control business segments are subject to certain industry risks, which could have an adverse impact on the results of its operations.

Adverse macroeconomic and business conditions, particularly in the local economies of the countries or regions where the company operates, may negatively affect revenues, profitability and operations.

The company's Defense Electronics and Services segment develops, manufactures and supports high-technology electronic systems and components for worldwide defense and commercial markets, and provides communications systems and engineering and applied research. Principal manufacturing facilities are located in the United Kingdom and United States of America.

ITT Corporation, with 2009 revenues of $10.9 billion, is a global multi-industry leader in high-technology engineering and manufacturing. It is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of a wide-range of engineered products and the provision of services. Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is a major competitor.

We currently have a Neutral recommendation on ITT Corporation.

 
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