ITT's Defense System for Helicopters

ITT Corporation (ITT - Analyst Report) has developed a revolutionary countermeasures system to protect helicopters from shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missiles. This development is a part of U.S.military’s Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) program.

Helicopters have an increasingly bigger role to play in humanitarian, relief and military operations in remote and potentially dangerous locations around the world.  Hence the requirement for an effective, lightweight defense against ground-based threats has also increased.

ITT plays an important role in vital markets, including water and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow control. It possesses industry leading brands in the Fluid Technology and Motion & Flow Control businesses. The company is well diversified and serves attractive end-markets with a broad geographic footprint.

We are particularly bullish about these two segments: a) water equipment (primarily pumps), which should benefit from the replacement and upgrade of ageing networks in developed markets and the build-out of infrastructure in emerging markets, and b) ITT’s Defense business, with the bulk of sales derived from electronic and network-centric warfare.

The Defense Electronics & Services business segment is subject to a number of risks, including defense budgets and government contract requirements and regulations, which could have an adverse impact on the results of its operations.

The Fluid Technology and Motion & Flow Control business segments are subject to certain industry risks, which could have an adverse impact on the results of its operations.

Adverse macroeconomic and business conditions, particularly in the local economies of the countries or regions where the company operates, may negatively affect its revenues, profitability and operations.

The company’s Defense Electronics and Services segment develops, manufactures, and supports high-technology electronic systems and components for worldwide defense and commercial markets, and provides communications systems and engineering and applied research. Principal manufacturing facilities are located in the United Kingdomand United States of America.

ITT Corporation, with 2010 revenues of $10.9 billion, is a global multi-industry leader in high-technology engineering and manufacturing. It is engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of a wide-range of engineered products and the provision of services. Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT - Analyst Report) and Raytheon Company (RTN - Analyst Report) are major competitors.

We currently have a Neutral recommendation on ITT Corporation.

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