Helios Technologies (HLIO) Investor Day 2026 summary

Strategic vision and transformation

• CORE 2030 strategy aims to double sales to $1.6 billion by 2030, targeting 5%+ organic growth and $500 million from M&A, with a focus on innovation, operational speed, and high-performance culture.

• Plans to expand adjusted EBITDA margin to 25%+ and operating income margin to 20%+ by 2030, driven by productivity, centers of excellence, and best-in-class cash flow.

• Shifted from regional to brand-based structure, embedding engineering into business units for accountability and customer-centric innovation.

• Board refresh and leadership changes, including new CEO, CFO, and Board Chair, have strengthened governance and execution.

• Emphasis on shared values: honesty, excellence, learning, innovation, ownership, solutions, people, safety, ethics, and customer satisfaction.

Financial performance and guidance

• Returned to growth in 2025 after 12 quarters of declines, with 13% and 17% sales growth in Q3 and Q4, and achieved 6% YoY organic growth and $60M+ in new business wins.

• 2025 pro forma sales were $792 million after divesting Custom Fluidpower; 2026 guidance midpoint is $840 million.

• Adjusted EBITDA margin target is 25%+ by 2030, with gross margin at 36%+ and ROIC in the low- to mid-teens.

• Free cash flow conversion expected at ~100%, CapEx planned at 3–6% of revenue, and leverage ratio below 2x.

• Dividend increased by over 30% for the first time, with ongoing share repurchases and $86M remaining on authorization.

Business segment strategies and growth drivers

• Electronics segment targets growth in underserved EMEA/APAC regions, next-gen displays, controls, and adjacent markets like data centers and water care, leveraging R&D and M&A.

• Hydraulics segment focuses on core markets and expansion into data centers, hydrogen, wind turbines, excavator attachments, and mining equipment.

• Fluid Conveyance Technology segment aims to secure main platforms, expand product catalog, and enter new markets such as data center thermal management.

• New product development is prioritized, with 11 launches in 2025 and a robust innovation pipeline aligned with electrification, digitization, productivity, and automation trends.

• Operational excellence initiatives include footprint optimization, automation, leveraging low-cost manufacturing, and global manufacturing, sales, and engineering footprints.