Earnings results often indicate what direction a company will take in the months ahead. With Q1 behind us, let’s have a look at Gorman-Rupp (NYSE: GRC) and its peers.

Gas and liquid handling companies possess the technical know-how and specialized equipment to handle valuable (and sometimes dangerous) substances. Lately, water conservation and carbon capture–which requires hydrogen and other gasses as well as specialized infrastructure–have been trending up, creating new demand for products such as filters, pumps, and valves. On the other hand, gas and liquid handling companies are at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending and interest rates, for example, can greatly impact the industrial production that drives demand for these companies’ offerings.

The 12 gas and liquid handling stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.3% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 0.8% below.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 3.8% on average since the latest earnings results.

Best Q1: Gorman-Rupp (NYSE: GRC)

Powering fluid dynamics since 1934, Gorman-Rupp (NYSE: GRC) has evolved from its Ohio origins into a global manufacturer and seller of pumps and pump systems.

Gorman-Rupp reported revenues of $176.6 million, up 7.7% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 3.5%. Overall, it was an incredible quarter for the company with a beat of analysts’ EPS and EBITDA estimates.

Scott A. King, President and CEO, commented, “We delivered a strong start to 2026, with solid sales growth, meaningful margin expansion, and record earnings. Our results reflect the impact of pricing actions, a favorable product mix, improved leverage across labor, overhead, and SG&A, and efficient execution across our operations. Demand remained broad‑based across most of our end markets with incoming order volumes supporting sales growth and increasing our backlog, which we believe positions us well for the remainder of the year. We also generated strong operating cash flow and reduced debt during the quarter. As we move forward, we remain focused on disciplined execution, investing appropriately in the business, and delivering long-term profitable growth. "

Interestingly, the stock is up 28.3% since reporting and currently trades at $84.98.

Read why we think that Gorman-Rupp is one of the best gas and liquid handling stocks, our full report is free.

ITT (NYSE: ITT)

Playing a crucial role in the development of the first transatlantic television transmission in 1956, ITT (NYSE: ITT) provides motion and fluid handling equipment for various industries

ITT reported revenues of $1.21 billion, up 32.7% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 9.8%. The business had an exceptional quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income and revenue estimates.

ITT pulled off the biggest analyst estimate beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 8.7% since reporting. It currently trades at $194.09.

Is now the time to buy ITT? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q1: Graco (NYSE: GGG)

Founded in 1926, Graco (NYSE: GGG) is an industrial company specializing in the development and manufacturing of fluid-handling systems and products.

Graco reported revenues of $540.1 million, up 2.2% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 3.9%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ revenue and adjusted operating income estimates.

As expected, the stock is down 10.9% since the results and currently trades at $76.27.

Read our full analysis of Graco’s results here.

Parker-Hannifin (NYSE: PH)

Founded in 1917, Parker Hannifin (NYSE: PH) is a manufacturer of motion and control systems for a wide variety of mobile, industrial and aerospace markets.

Parker-Hannifin reported revenues of $5.49 billion, up 10.6% year on year. This result topped analysts’ expectations by 1.6%. Aside from that, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts’ revenue estimates but a miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

The stock is flat since reporting and currently trades at $938.43.

Read our full, actionable report on Parker-Hannifin here, it’s free.

Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE: ATMU)

Spun out of Cummins in 2023 after 65 years as part of the engine maker, Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE: ATMU) manufactures filters for trucks, construction equipment, and agriculture machinery to reduce emissions and protect engines.

Atmus Filtration Technologies reported revenues of $477.5 million, up 14.6% year on year. This print beat analysts’ expectations by 1.6%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also produced an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income and revenue estimates.

The stock is down 18.5% since reporting and currently trades at $51.68.

Read our full, actionable report on Atmus Filtration Technologies here, it’s free.

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand-wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 5 Quality Compounder Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.