IMI PLC (LSE:IMI), the FTSE-listed industrial engineer, rose 4% to 2,854p on Friday after full-year results matched expectations and the company outlined a £500 million share buyback programme.
Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) came in at £460 million for 2025, in line with analyst forecasts, while organic revenue growth of 5% also met consensus estimates.
Peel Hunt, the investment bank, retained its 'buy' recommendation and 3,200p target price, describing the results as "a strong set of results and update" that stood out positively against a backdrop of bruising reactions to sector earnings over the past week.
The group's process automation and climate divisions performed well, while life sciences remained stable and transport was flat.
Net debt finished the year at one times earnings, and is set to fall further following the planned sale of Truflo, IMI's flow-control unit, for £225 million, expected to complete by mid-year.
IMI guided for mid-single-digit organic revenue growth in 2026, with earnings per share forecast in a range of 136p to 142p.
The company said margins would be flat to slightly higher, with additional investment planned in cybersecurity.