Pentair plc (NYSE:PNR) shares fell Tuesday after the water solutions company reported first-quarter 2026 results that topped earnings and revenue estimates but issued a cautious near-term outlook.

Earnings Snapshot

Pentair reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.22 per share, beating analysts' estimates of $1.17. Revenue rose 3% year over year to $1.037 billion, ahead of the consensus estimate of $1.027 billion.

Core sales increased 1% from a year earlier, excluding currency translation, acquisitions and divestitures.

Gross margin expanded to 41.8% from 39.9% a year ago, while adjusted operating margin rose 100 basis points to 25.0%.

Free cash flow used totaled $86 million, compared with $56 million in the prior-year period. The company held $67.7 million in cash and equivalents as of March 31, 2026.

Segment Performance

Flow segment sales increased 11% year over year to $258.1 million. Segment income rose 22% to $61 million, and operating ...