Why Is Helios Technologies (HLIO) Down 11.9% Since Last Earnings Report?

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Helios Technologies (HLIO). Shares have lost about 11.9% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Helios Technologies due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Helios Technologies, Inc before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.

Helios' Q2 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates, Increase Y/Y

Helios reported strong second-quarter 2026 performance, driven by broad-based sales growth and improved profitability. Adjusted earnings were 88 cents per share, up 49% year over year, and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents by 10%.

Top-Line Details

Revenues came in at $231.9 million, up 9% year over year, and topped the consensus mark of $230.4 million by 0.7%. On a non-GAAP basis, Helios also emphasized that sales grew 16% on a pro forma basis, reflecting the divestiture of Custom Fluidpower (“CFP”) and the impact of foreign exchange. 

Reported sales were weighted to the Americas, which accounted for 52% of total revenues, while EMEA and APAC represented 26% and 22%, respectively. The top line exceeded expectations as both business segments contributed, with sales growth across the Americas and EMEA and overall APAC revenues also increasing year over year. 

Electronics segment’s sales increased 19% year over year to $85.5 million, driven by gains across all regions. Americas sales rose 17% to $63 million, EMEA revenues increased 7% to $9.1 million and APAC sales surged 43% to $13.4 million. Segment gross margin improved 530 bps to 34.6%, while operating income rose 90% to $11.2 million. 

Hydraulics segment’s sales rose 4% to $146.4 million. Americas sales increased 6% to $57.2 million and EMEA revenues advanced 12% to $51.8 million, while APAC sales declined 8% to $37.4 million. On a pro forma basis for the CFP divestiture, APAC Hydraulics sales increased year over year. Segment gross margin increased 160 bps to 34.6%, and operating income rose 16% to $28.9 million.

Margin Performance

Gross profit rose 19%, with the gross margin expanding 280 basis points to 34.6%, supported by higher volume, favorable segment mix, the CFP divestiture and a benefit from IEEPA tariff refunds. Operating income increased 48% to $32.5 million, with operating margin improving 370 basis points (bps) to 14.0%. 

Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 260 bps year over year to 21.2%, reflecting gross margin expansion and operating expense leverage, partly offset by research and development investments, employee benefit-related costs and an isolated bad debt expense. Management also highlighted record second-quarter operating cash generation.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

In the first six months of 2026, Helios generated net cash of $65.8 million from operating activities compared with $56 million in the year-ago period. Capital expenditure totaled $18 million in the same period, up 56.5% year over year. Free cash flow was $47.8 million in the first six months. 

Exiting the first six months of 2026, the company had long-term non-revolving debt of $226.1 million, down from $256.2 million at the end of 2025. Net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA improved to 1.4x compared with 2.6x in the year ago period, underscoring continued progress on deleveraging. Helios exited the period with cash and cash equivalents of $68 million compared with $73 million at the end of 2025. 

Helios repurchased 149,000 shares for $10.6 million during the first six months of 2026.

Guidance

For 2026, Helios raised its revenue outlook to $880-$900 million from $840-$870 million. The company now projects an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20.2-21.0%, compared with 19.5-21.0% previously, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $3.05-$3.25, up from $2.75-$3.00. 

For third-quarter 2026, the company issued an outlook calling for revenues of $215-$222 million, adjusted EBITDA margin of 19.8-20.6% and adjusted earnings of 70-77 cents per share.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?

In the past month, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates review.

The consensus estimate has shifted 11.27% due to these changes.

VGM Scores

Currently, Helios Technologies has a nice Growth Score of B, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock has a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

Outlook

Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise Helios Technologies has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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