Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Oshkosh Corporation (OSK)

When you look at a global industrial powerhouse like Oshkosh Corporation, with a projected 2025 net sales outlook of approximately $10.6 billion, you have to ask: what's the bedrock supporting that kind of scale? The company's ability to deliver an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) forecast of up to $11.00 this year, despite market headwinds, stems directly from the four pillars of its core values, known internally as The Oshkosh Way. Can a simple, clear purpose-making a difference in people's lives by building, serving, and protecting communities-truly drive a $14.25 billion backlog in purpose-built vehicles, or is that just corporate window dressing? We'll break down how their mission, vision (Innovate. Serve. Advance.), and values translate into a tangible, competitive edge you can actually invest in.

Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) Overview

You're looking for a clear, no-fluff breakdown of Oshkosh Corporation (OSK), and honestly, the story is about purpose-built resilience. Founded in 1917 as the Wisconsin Duplex Auto Company, Oshkosh has spent over a century building the heavy-duty, specialty vehicles that keep the world running-and safe. They started with a severe-duty four-wheel-drive truck, 'Old Betsy,' and grew into a global industrial technology company.

Today, Oshkosh Corporation operates across four main segments: Access Equipment (like JLG aerial lifts), Defense (tactical wheeled vehicles), Fire & Emergency (Pierce fire apparatus), and Commercial (McNeilus refuse trucks and concrete mixers). For the 2025 fiscal year, management is forecasting consolidated revenue between $10.3 billion and $10.4 billion. That's a slight dip from 2024's $10.73 billion, but it reflects a strategic pivot in certain segments, not a lack of demand.

Their core purpose is simple: to make a difference in the lives of those who build, serve, and protect communities across the globe. They live this through the 'Oshkosh Way,' a set of core values that drive every decision:

• Put people first.
• Do the right thing.
• Persevere.
• Are better together.

2025 Financial Performance: Segment Strength and Strategic Shifts

The latest financial reports for 2025 show a mixed but strategically strong picture, which is typical when a company is navigating market headwinds while ramping up major new programs. The company's full-year adjusted earnings per share (EPS) is forecasted to be between $10.50 and $11.00, translating to an adjusted net profit midpoint of roughly $694.4 million.

The real story is in the segment performance. The Vocational segment is a standout, showing robust, record-breaking growth. For the third quarter of 2025 alone, the Vocational segment saw a revenue increase of nearly 19%, driven by strong demand for municipal fire apparatus and airport products. This is pure execution. On the flip side, the Access segment, which includes JLG, saw sales decrease by 22.7% in Q1 2025 to $957.1 million, mainly due to reduced sales volume in North America.

Here's the quick math: while the Access segment faced market challenges, the Vocational segment's strength, plus the Transport segment's 8.8% sales growth in Q3 2025 from the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) production ramp-up, is offsetting much of the pressure. The company's massive backlog of $14.6 billion as of March 31, 2025, defintely gives them a solid foundation for future revenue.

Oshkosh Corporation: Leading the Industrial Technology Shift

Oshkosh Corporation isn't just a manufacturer; they're a global industrial technology company, leading the charge in purpose-built equipment. Their strategy, 'Innovate. Serve. Advance.,' is directly focused on capitalizing on major industry trends like electrification and autonomy.

The numbers back this up: over 80% of their product portfolio is considered electrifiable, and their JLG brand already offers over 20 electric models. This aggressive investment in technology is why they are a leader in the specialty vehicle industry, moving beyond just trucks to intelligent products and advanced analytics. They are building the next generation of mission-critical equipment, not just iterating on the last one.

If you want to understand the institutional confidence behind this long-term strategy, you should check out Exploring Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) Investor Profile: Who's Buying and Why?. The company is poised for significant growth, targeting between $13 billion and $14 billion in revenue by 2028, and it is a good time to see why smart money is betting on their innovative path.

Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) Mission Statement

You're looking to understand the bedrock of Oshkosh Corporation's (OSK) strategy, and you should. A mission statement isn't just a plaque on the wall; it's the guardrail for capital allocation and operational choices. For Oshkosh Corporation, their mission, or Core Purpose, is direct: We provide mission-critical integrated solutions to make a difference in people's lives. This statement is the lens through which every investment decision is made, from Defense segment contracts to the electrification of their Access equipment.

The significance here is twofold: it defines their market as 'mission-critical' (think fire trucks, military vehicles, and postal delivery) and sets the bar for their output as 'making a difference.' This isn't about building a cheaper product; it's about building a vehicle that ensures a firefighter gets to the scene safely. It's a high-stakes business, so the mission has to be defintely clear. For the 2025 fiscal year, this focus has helped guide the company to a projected net sales outlook between $10.3 billion and $10.4 billion, despite some market headwinds.

Component 1: Providing Mission-Critical Integrated Solutions

The first core component, 'mission-critical integrated solutions,' is where the rubber meets the road-literally, in their case. This means their products are essential for high-consequence operations, requiring extreme reliability and performance. The company's strategy, which they call 'Innovate. Serve. Advance,' is built on this premise.

To deliver on this, Oshkosh Corporation is aggressively investing in technology like electrification, autonomy, and advanced analytics (using data to find business opportunities and enhance customer service). This commitment to quality and innovation is why the company was named to Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies list for 2025. Here's the quick math on their commitment to sustainable solutions:

• Manufactured and sold 40,998 electric, emission-free, or hybrid units.
• Reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 4.1% in 2024.
• Achieved at least a 90% diversion rate of non-hazardous waste from landfills.

The quality of their equipment is what keeps their customers coming back, and that's a powerful driver for the projected adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $10.50 to $11.00 for the full 2025 fiscal year.

Component 2: Making a Difference in People's Lives

This is the empathetic core of the mission, moving beyond revenue figures to the human impact. 'Making a difference' translates directly into their core value: 'We put people first.' This isn't just a nod to customers; it covers the end-users-the soldiers, firefighters, and construction workers-who rely on their equipment to get home safely. It also extends to the communities they operate in.

Their financial commitment to this value is concrete. For instance, in 2024 (as reported in June 2025), the company donated $3.1 million and logged 22,355 team member volunteer hours to local communities. This focus on ethical operation is why they have been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the tenth consecutive year. You can see how this commitment to social responsibility shores up their brand equity, which is crucial in bidding for large government and municipal contracts. For a deeper dive into the numbers, check out Breaking Down Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Component 3: The Integrated Approach

The word 'integrated' in the mission statement-'mission-critical integrated solutions'-is key to understanding Oshkosh Corporation's operational structure. They don't just sell a truck; they sell a complete solution that often combines technology, maintenance, and financing across their distinct business segments (Access, Vocational, Defense, and Transport). This internal collaboration is directly supported by their core value, 'We are better together.'

This integration allows a breakthrough in one segment, like advanced analytics in the Defense segment, to be rapidly applied to another, such as their Vocational segment (fire and emergency). This cross-pollination is a significant strength, demonstrated by the Vocational segment's strong performance in Q3 2025, where sales grew by 18.9% to $968.0 million, driven by demand for municipal fire apparatus. This growth shows the value of their comprehensive, integrated approach-they are able to leverage their operational strength and technology across a resilient portfolio to serve diverse, essential end-markets. That's smart business.

Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) Vision Statement

You're looking for the bedrock of Oshkosh Corporation's (OSK) strategy, and it's clear: the company is driven by a singular purpose-to make a difference in the lives of those who build, serve and protect communities around the world. This purpose is executed through a three-part strategic framework: Innovate, Serve, and Advance. This isn't corporate fluff; it's the lens through which we should view their 2025 financial performance.

The strategic pillars map directly to their operational focus, especially as they navigate a mixed market. For fiscal year 2025, the company is projecting net sales between $10.3 billion and $10.4 billion, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) expected to land between $10.50 and $11.00. That's a defintely solid outlook given the headwinds in some segments, and it shows the framework is working to balance the portfolio.

Innovate: Shaping Tomorrow with Leading Technology

The Innovation pillar is about combining leading technology with operational strength to empower and protect the everyday hero. This means pushing hard on electrification, autonomy, and advanced analytics. For example, the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) program for the U.S. Postal Service is a massive proof point here, representing a strategic shift in their Transport segment.

This focus is helping to offset softness elsewhere. While the Access segment saw sales decline 18.6% to $1.11 billion in Q3 2025 due to market pressures and the expiration of the Caterpillar agreement, the Transport segment is seeing an 8.8% sales increase, driven by the NGDV ramp-up and international tactical wheeled vehicle sales. You can see the future revenue stream being built right now. Innovation is the hedge against cyclical downturns.

Serve: Supporting Throughout the Product Lifecycle

The Serve pillar emphasizes a relentless focus on supporting customers who rely on Oshkosh Corporation's products throughout their entire lifecycle. This is where deep, lasting customer partnerships come into play, especially with municipal and government clients who need long-term support for mission-critical equipment like fire apparatus and refuse vehicles.

This segment is the clear performance star in 2025. The Vocational segment, which includes fire and emergency, concrete mixers, and refuse collection vehicles, saw sales jump 18.9% to $968.0 million in the third quarter of 2025. That kind of growth, driven by strong demand for municipal fire apparatus and airport products, shows the value of their long-term service commitment. They are the trusted partner, not just a seller.

Advance: Scaling Our Reach

Advancing means scaling their reach by expanding into new markets and geographies to make a difference globally. This isn't just about selling more; it's about strategically placing their purpose-built vehicles where they can have the greatest impact, whether that's new international defense contracts or emerging markets for access equipment.

The strategic growth is evident in the full-year outlook. Even with the Access segment challenges, the company's confidence in achieving an adjusted EPS of up to $11.00 suggests their expansion efforts and disciplined capital allocation are working to drive profitability. They are focused on creating lasting value for investors by fostering strong, sustainable growth. For more on how this strategy has evolved, you can review the full context here: Oshkosh Corporation (OSK): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money.

The Oshkosh Way: Our Foundational Core Values

The company's four core values, collectively called The Oshkosh Way, are the ethical foundation for the strategy. They are the non-negotiables that ensure their actions align with their purpose. This is what underpins the trust needed for those long-term service contracts and government bids.

• We put people first: Respecting the impact on team members, customers, and communities.
• We do the right thing: Focusing on ethical conduct and environmental respect.
• We persevere: Being courageous and challenging the impossible every day.
• We are better together: Building on strengths to drive innovation.

These values, particularly the emphasis on putting people first and doing the right thing, are why Oshkosh Corporation has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for nine consecutive years. This ethical framework is a competitive advantage, especially when bidding on large, long-cycle government and municipal contracts.

Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) Core Values

You're looking at Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) not just for the projected $10.3 billion to $10.4 billion in 2025 net sales, but for the fundamental culture that underpins that performance. That's smart. The Oshkosh Way-the company's core values-is the real engine, guiding everything from product innovation to capital allocation. These values translate directly into risk mitigation and long-term value creation, and they are what you should be watching.

The company's full-year 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) is projected to land between $10.50 and $11.00, a figure that reflects strategic execution despite market headwinds in segments like Access. This stability comes from a deep-rooted commitment to four core values that shape every decision, from the factory floor to the boardroom.

This value is the foundation of a healthy, performing culture. It's about more than just a paycheck; it's about engagement, development, and safety for the over 18,000 team members worldwide. When you invest in your people, you defintely reduce operational risk and boost productivity.

Oshkosh Corporation demonstrates this commitment through tangible, measurable programs. For example, the multi-award-winning Lens of Leadership program is a five-month development experience that has been a rite of passage for over 500 senior leaders, ensuring a unified, people-focused leadership language across the enterprise. Plus, the company has earned the 2026 Military Friendly® Employer designation for the 15th consecutive year, showing a deep, sustained commitment to hiring and supporting veterans and their families. That's a strong talent pipeline.

• Trained team members for over 253,000 hours in 2024.
• Prioritizes a global Safety Management System (SMS) to achieve a goal of zero on-the-job injuries.

In financial terms, this value translates to strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and ethical governance-a critical factor for institutional investors. Oshkosh Corporation has been recognized for its integrity, being named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 10th consecutive year in 2025. That kind of sustained ethical performance is a major de-risker for your portfolio.

The commitment extends to environmental stewardship. The company has committed to science-based targets, aiming to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 57.7% and Scope 3 emissions by 32.5% by 2033. Here's the quick math: in 2024, they reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 4.1%, which actually exceeded their target of 2.75%. This is how you build a sustainable business model, not just a sustainable report.

• Achieved at least a 90% diversion rate of non-hazardous waste from landfills.
• Ensures 100% of team members are trained on The Oshkosh Way, the company's code of ethics and conduct.

Perseverance in an industrial technology company means relentless innovation, especially when market conditions are tough, like the softness seen in the Access segment in 2025. This value is visibly tied to the company's strategic investments in future-proofing its product portfolio.

Oshkosh Corporation is executing on a planned investment of $300 million in electrification from 2022 to 2025. This effort is paying off in product innovation: the Hail-able Autonomous Refuse Robot - Electric (HARR-E) won a CES Picks Award in 2025, a clear signal of market-leading technology. This focus on advanced technology, including AI and autonomy, is why the company was also named a 2025 CIO 100 Award Winner for the seventh consecutive year. You can see the results in the product mix, too: in 2024, Oshkosh manufactured and sold 40,998 electric, emission-free, or hybrid units. That's real volume.

This value is the external face of the company's culture, focusing on community and stakeholder engagement. It's a crucial component of their social license to operate, especially in the communities where their 18,000+ employees live.

The company's commitment is quantified through the Oshkosh Corporation Foundation and volunteer efforts. In 2024, the total community investment amounted to $3.1 million, complemented by 22,355 volunteer hours donated by team members. The internal Oshkosh Cares program is another concrete example, distributing over $342,000 to support 285 team members facing personal hardships in 2024, like those impacted by natural disasters. This internal and external support network strengthens the brand and the workforce simultaneously. If you want to dive deeper into who is capitalizing on this strong foundation, you should check out Exploring Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) Investor Profile: Who's Buying and Why?

• The 2024 Oshkosh Excellence Awards gave $150,000 to charities chosen by winning teams.
• Community investment focuses on basic needs, youth mentorship, and supporting industry-connected nonprofits.