PH Q2 Deep Dive: Aerospace Momentum and Margin Expansion Lead Results

Industrial machinery company Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH) reported Q2 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 1.1% year on year to $5.24 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $7.69 per share was 8.6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy PH? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

Parker-Hannifin’s second quarter saw a positive market response, driven by continued strength in its Aerospace segment and disciplined cost management across the business. Management attributed the margin expansion to favorable sales mix—particularly in engineered materials and filtration—and emphasized ongoing operational improvements through the company’s Win Strategy. CEO Jennifer Parmentier highlighted the performance of the Aerospace division, noting, “Sales are approximately 2.5x higher than six years ago, and we are on track to expand adjusted segment operating margin by 940 basis points through next year.” The quarter also benefited from improved distributor sentiment and higher quoting activity, particularly in North America, despite modest overall sales growth.

Looking forward, Parker-Hannifin’s guidance reflects expectations of continued Aerospace growth and a gradual recovery in its industrial markets. Management stated that commercial OEM and aftermarket aerospace will remain key growth drivers, with commercial OEM expected to deliver low double-digit growth and aftermarket high single digits. Parmentier cautioned that transportation remains the most challenged segment due to delayed customer purchasing decisions and interest rate uncertainty, while the agricultural sector is expected to take more time to recover. The company expects to further expand margins through ongoing cost reduction efforts and the application of its Win Strategy, with Parmentier affirming, “We are confident in our ability to expand margins even in periods of negative organic growth.”

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management credited the quarter’s performance to strength in Aerospace, improved operating execution, and consistent application of the Win Strategy, which yielded higher margins and positive order trends in key markets.

• Aerospace outperformance: The Aerospace segment delivered strong organic growth, supported by high demand in commercial and defense programs and a record backlog, with management noting balanced exposure between aftermarket and OEM customers.
• Favorable sales mix: North America margins benefited from a favorable sales mix, especially in engineered materials and filtration, contributing to year-over-year margin expansion even as organic sales were slightly down.
• Distribution channel momentum: Distributor sentiment in North America remained positive, with increased quoting activity and no signs of project cancellations. Management believes this positions the company to benefit from upcoming industrial recovery cycles.
• Margin expansion via operational discipline: Across all segments, Parker-Hannifin achieved record segment operating margins, driven by cost control, lean process improvements, and decentralized decision-making at the division level.
• New acquisition to boost electrification: The pending acquisition of Curtis Instruments is expected to strengthen Parker-Hannifin’s portfolio in electrification and low-voltage motor control, further diversifying revenue streams and expanding the company’s presence in zero-emission and hybrid mobile equipment markets.

Drivers of Future Performance

Parker-Hannifin’s outlook is shaped by sustained Aerospace momentum, gradual industrial recovery, and ongoing cost discipline across its operations.

• Aerospace as primary growth engine: The company expects high single-digit organic growth in Aerospace, led by increased commercial OEM and aftermarket demand, along with robust defense spending. Management sees a balanced contribution from both original equipment and services, underpinned by a record backlog and rising air traffic.
• Industrial recovery remains gradual: Management anticipates low single-digit growth in in-plant and industrial markets, with distributor activity and quoting on the rise but customer purchasing decisions still delayed by macroeconomic uncertainty, tariffs, and interest rates. The transportation and agricultural segments are forecast to be the most challenged.
• Margin expansion through self-help initiatives: The Win Strategy, which emphasizes cost control, lean operations, and decentralized management, is expected to continue driving margin gains even in slow-growth environments. Elevated restructuring spend is planned to support efficiency efforts and integration of the Curtis Instruments acquisition.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

Looking ahead, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the pace of industrial recovery in both North America and international markets, (2) execution on the Curtis Instruments acquisition and its integration into the electrification portfolio, and (3) the ability to sustain Aerospace backlog growth and margin expansion. Developments in customer order patterns and progress on restructuring efforts will also be key signposts for Parker-Hannifin’s performance.

Parker-Hannifin currently trades at $731.29, up from $696.43 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it’s free).

Now Could Be The Perfect Time To Invest In These Stocks

Trump’s April 2025 tariff bombshell triggered a massive market selloff, but stocks have since staged an impressive recovery, leaving those who panic sold on the sidelines.

Take advantage of the rebound by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.