We model 9% year over year sales growth in 3Q:F26 to $247.4 million, compared to the consensus of $253 million. We expect Water Treatment to continue to drive growth, with overall results normalizing sequentially following a strong 2Q:F26.
We model gross profit of $56.5 million in 3Q:F26, up 17% year over year, implying a 23% gross margin. We model a richer mix of higher-margin Water Treatment sales driving margin expansion, consistent with trends discussed in our prior notes.
We model diluted EPS of $0.87 in 3Q:F26, up 20% year over year, compared to the consensus of $0.74. While acquisition related costs, including amortization and earn-out accretion, continue to weigh on reported earnings in F2026, our EPS estimate exceeds the consensus expectation.
We continue to model adjusted free cash flow (FCF) of $76.1 million in F2026, reflecting strong underlying cash generation that supports ongoing investment in the Water Treatment platform.
We expect Hawkins to maintain a strong balance sheet and financial position in 3Q:F26, with conservative leverage and ample liquidity providing flexibility to fund tuck-in acquisitions, manage acquisition related costs, and support its dividend.
We maintain our $184 price target on HWKN shares, based on an intact 36x multiple to our 2027 EPS estimate of $5.10. We justify this higher multiple relative to the company's five-year average of 20x based on Hawkins' strategy to continue investing in its higher-margin Water Treatment segment, which now represents approximately 54% of total company sales. Our moderate risk rating reflects Hawkins' critical products and services, historical and projected earnings expansion, solid balance sheet, and track record of dividends.
23 Jan 2026
Water Treatment Supports Continued Sales And Earnings Growth; Cash Generation, Balance Sheet Flexibility, And Disciplined Execution Underpin Our Outlook; Maintain $184 Price Target
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Water Treatment Supports Continued Sales And Earnings Growth; Cash Generation, Balance Sheet Flexibility, And Disciplined Execution Underpin Our Outlook; Maintain $184 Price Target
We model 9% year over year sales growth in 3Q:F26 to $247.4 million, compared to the consensus of $253 million. We expect Water Treatment to continue to drive growth, with overall results normalizing sequentially following a strong 2Q:F26.
We model gross profit of $56.5 million in 3Q:F26, up 17% year over year, implying a 23% gross margin. We model a richer mix of higher-margin Water Treatment sales driving margin expansion, consistent with trends discussed in our prior notes.
We model diluted EPS of $0.87 in 3Q:F26, up 20% year over year, compared to the consensus of $0.74. While acquisition related costs, including amortization and earn-out accretion, continue to weigh on reported earnings in F2026, our EPS estimate exceeds the consensus expectation.
We continue to model adjusted free cash flow (FCF) of $76.1 million in F2026, reflecting strong underlying cash generation that supports ongoing investment in the Water Treatment platform.
We expect Hawkins to maintain a strong balance sheet and financial position in 3Q:F26, with conservative leverage and ample liquidity providing flexibility to fund tuck-in acquisitions, manage acquisition related costs, and support its dividend.
We maintain our $184 price target on HWKN shares, based on an intact 36x multiple to our 2027 EPS estimate of $5.10. We justify this higher multiple relative to the company's five-year average of 20x based on Hawkins' strategy to continue investing in its higher-margin Water Treatment segment, which now represents approximately 54% of total company sales. Our moderate risk rating reflects Hawkins' critical products and services, historical and projected earnings expansion, solid balance sheet, and track record of dividends.