SPX FLOW Stock (FLOW): From Public Listing to Private Acquisition

SPX FLOW (formerly NYSE: FLOW) transitioned from a public industrial leader to a private entity following its acquisition by Lone Star Funds in 2022. As of late 2025, the company is set for another...

2024-08-29 03:43:00

By Meta Cipher

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SPX FLOW (formerly NYSE: FLOW) was a prominent American industrial machinery manufacturing company that played a critical role in the global supply of highly engineered flow components. In the context of the stock market, it operated as a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "FLOW" for seven years before undergoing significant corporate restructuring and privatization.

1. Executive Summary

SPX FLOW, Inc. provides process equipment and flow components for the food and beverage, industrial, and energy markets. According to corporate filings, the company has undergone a rapid evolution from a public entity to a private subsidiary of Lone Star Funds, and most recently, a target for acquisition by ITT Inc. This journey reflects broader trends in industrial consolidation and the pursuit of specialized engineering capabilities in the global market.

2. Corporate History and Stock Listing

2.1 Spin-off from SPX Corporation (2015)

SPX FLOW began its independent journey as a public entity following its spin-off from the SPX Corporation in 2015. At the time of the spin-off, the company sought to focus specifically on flow technology solutions, while its former parent focused on infrastructure and thermal equipment. The company debuted on the NYSE under the ticker FLOW.

2.2 Public Trading Era (2015–2022)

During its tenure as a public company, SPX FLOW stock was a notable player in the industrial sector. The company's valuation was driven by its diverse portfolio, spanning across segments such as Nutrition and Health and Precision Solutions. As of its final months as a public company in early 2022, SPX FLOW maintained a significant market capitalization, supported by consistent revenue streams from its global service and equipment sales.

3. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) History

3.1 2022 Privatization by Lone Star Funds

In April 2022, SPX FLOW completed a "take-private" transaction. According to historical financial reports, Lone Star Funds acquired the company for approximately $3.8 billion, including the assumption of debt. This transaction led to the delisting of FLOW stock from the NYSE, as the company became a privately held entity under Lone Star's ownership.

3.2 2025 Sale to ITT Inc.

As of late 2025, a new chapter for the company began. Based on reports from MarketWatch and official announcements, ITT Inc. (NYSE: ITT) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire SPX FLOW from Lone Star Funds for $4.775 billion. This transaction is expected to close in early 2026. The acquisition is viewed as a strategic move for ITT to expand its portfolio in sustainable processing and carbon capture technologies.

4. Financial Performance and Metrics

4.1 Historical Revenue and Earnings

During its public years, SPX FLOW demonstrated robust financial health. For instance, quarterly reports from its final public year showed strong organic growth and increasing EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). The company’s ability to generate steady net income even during periods of market volatility made it a frequent subject of analysis for industrial sector investors.

4.2 Segment Analysis

The company’s value was largely derived from two primary segments:

Nutrition and Health: Focused on equipment for food, dairy, and beverage processing.
Precision Solutions: Focused on specialized industrial pumps, valves, and mixers used in heavy industry and energy.

5. Market Position and Competitive Landscape

5.1 Key Brands and Technologies

SPX FLOW maintains a portfolio of well-known industrial brands, including APV, Waukesha Cherry-Burrell, and Lightnin. These brands are recognized for their precision and reliability in mission-critical industrial applications.

5.2 Industry Peers

In the industrial machinery sector, SPX FLOW historically competed with companies like Flowserve and Crane. However, following its upcoming integration into ITT Inc., it will be positioned as a major component of a larger diversified industrial conglomerate, significantly increasing its competitive footprint against other global leaders.

6. Investment Outlook (Post-Public Era)

While SPX FLOW stock is no longer available for direct purchase, its performance now impacts the valuation of its future parent, ITT Inc. Analysts suggest that the integration of SPX FLOW will create significant value for ITT shareholders through cost synergies and expansion into high-growth markets like sustainable energy. For those looking to build wealth in the current market, diversifying into established industrial stocks like ITT or utilizing Bitget to explore broader financial opportunities can be effective strategies for long-term growth.

Effective financial planning is essential, especially as recent 2024 data from the Federal Reserve shows that many Americans over the age of 55 are behind on retirement savings. Whether managing traditional industrial assets or exploring modern digital assets, staying informed on corporate acquisitions and market shifts is key to a resilient portfolio.