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AIT vs FERG
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) vs. Ferguson Enterprises (FERG) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- AIT is a value-added industrial distributor focused on motion, fluid power, and automation, while FERG is a large plumbing and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) distributor serving construction markets.
- In recent weeks, AIT has shown stronger relative performance and momentum, supported by rising earnings guidance, acquisitions, and steady industrial demand.
- FERG is substantially larger by market capitalization and revenue but has faced softer residential demand and a more muted share-price trend over the past year.
- AIT trades at a higher earnings multiple, while FERG offers a lower forward P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio and a higher dividend yield.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, catalysts, and relative positioning, the AI framework currently favors AIT over FERG.
- For additional context, explore AIT Major News and AIT Today's Price Move, as well as FERG Major News and FERG Today's Price Move.
- To see which automated strategies are performing best in the current market, browse the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors comparing AIT and FERG are evaluating two distributors that operate in adjacent but distinct industrial niches. Applied Industrial Technologies focuses on industrial motion, fluid power, and automation products, while Ferguson Enterprises concentrates on plumbing, HVAC, and waterworks for residential and non-residential construction. Although both are valued for their scale and distribution expertise, their growth drivers and recent price behavior have diverged. This stock comparison is relevant for traders tracking relative performance and momentum, as well as for longer-term investors weighing growth quality against valuation and dividend income.
AIT Overview and Recent Performance
Applied Industrial Technologies is a value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, and automation technologies, serving MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers. The company has posted consistent organic sales growth, and its most recent quarterly results showed revenue rising roughly 7% year over year with earnings per share ahead of expectations. Management has raised its full-year earnings outlook, and recent acquisitions in industrial automation, along with a joint-venture agreement focused on drones and AI (artificial intelligence) technologies, have supported sentiment. The stock carries a lower beta than the broader market, indicating comparatively stable price behavior, and recent analyst activity has kept price targets well above current levels despite some valuation concerns.
FERG Overview and Recent Performance
Ferguson Enterprises is North America's largest value-added distributor of plumbing, HVAC, waterworks, and related products, serving roughly $340 billion in addressable residential and non-residential construction markets. Recent quarters have featured steady total sales growth and expanding adjusted operating profit, driven by strength in non-residential and commercial projects that has partly offset softness in residential demand. The company has continued returning capital through dividends and a sizable share repurchase authorization, while also reviewing its secondary London Stock Exchange listing. Relative to AIT, FERG's share price has been more subdued over the past year, reflecting persistent residential headwinds and a higher beta, even as its larger scale and diversified end markets provide stability.
Trending AI Robots
For investors seeking a more systematic approach to stock selection, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated view of the platform's best-performing automated strategies. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI trading bots that monitor thousands of tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and set of covered symbols. Because market conditions change constantly, only the strategies most suited to the current environment are featured in the Trending AI Robots section, helping users filter through a broad universe of automated tools. Explore the page to see which robots are currently generating the strongest signals.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The most striking contrast between these two stocks is scale. FERG generates annual sales of more than $30 billion and carries a market capitalization several times larger than AIT, yet AIT has delivered stronger recent momentum and faster earnings growth on a smaller base. Sector exposure also differs: AIT leans into factory automation and industrial MRO, benefiting from reshoring and automation investment, while FERG is more directly tied to construction cycles and housing activity. On valuation, FERG trades at a lower forward P/E ratio and offers a higher dividend yield, whereas AIT commands a premium multiple supported by its growth trajectory and lower volatility. Risk profiles diverge as well, with FERG carrying more debt relative to equity and greater sensitivity to interest-rate and housing trends, while AIT remains exposed to broader industrial demand cycles and a relatively rich valuation.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, and catalyst flow, Tickeron's AI framework would likely favor AIT over FERG in the current environment. AIT's combination of rising guidance, successful acquisitions, and comparatively stable price behavior presents a more consistent trend profile, whereas FERG continues to navigate residential softness and a flatter share-price trajectory. This probabilistic assessment reflects relative positioning rather than a definitive prediction, and both stocks retain distinct appeal depending on an investor's emphasis on growth versus value and income.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is AIT is a StrongBuy and FERG is a Buy.
AIT's RSI Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for AIT moved out of oversold territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 16 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 15 of the 16 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 10 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +5.85% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where AIT advanced for three days, in 222 of 336 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
AIT may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on AIT as a result. In 40 of 94 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 43%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for AIT turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 53%.
AIT moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for AIT crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where AIT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 49%.
The Aroon Indicator for AIT entered a downward trend on November 09, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 65, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. AIT’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 86 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.592) is normal, around the industry mean (4.173). P/E Ratio (25.554) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.286). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.812) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.007) settles around the average of (0.448) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.402) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
FERG in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026
The 10-day moving average for FERG crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on FERG as a result. In 59 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
FERG moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +4.74% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FERG advanced for three days, in 223 of 327 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 174 of 313 cases where FERG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 42 of 67 cases where FERG's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FERG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
FERG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 65, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. FERG’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 76 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (7.291) is normal, around the industry mean (4.173). P/E Ratio (23.606) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.286). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.426) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.015) settles around the average of (0.448) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.351) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
AIT | FERG | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 13 | 39 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 86 Overvalued | 76 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 12 | 21 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 43 | 31 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 59 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
FERG's Valuation (76) in the null industry is in the same range as AIT (86) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that FERG’s stock grew similarly to AIT’s over the last 12 months.
AIT's Profit vs Risk Rating (12) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as FERG (21) in the null industry. This means that AIT’s stock grew similarly to FERG’s over the last 12 months.
FERG's SMR Rating (31) in the null industry is in the same range as AIT (43) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that FERG’s stock grew similarly to AIT’s over the last 12 months.
FERG's Price Growth Rating (52) in the null industry is in the same range as AIT (62) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that FERG’s stock grew similarly to AIT’s over the last 12 months.
AIT's P/E Growth Rating (42) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as FERG (59) in the null industry. This means that AIT’s stock grew similarly to FERG’s over the last 12 months.
| AIT | FERG | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 49% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 69% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 13 days ago 68% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 49% | 5 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 41% | 1 day ago 56% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
AIT’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while FERG’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- AIT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- FERG’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
AIT’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while FERG’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- AIT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- FERG’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
AIT (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а -0.40% price change this week, while FERG (@Electronics Distributors) price change was +7.34% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was +1.86%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.19%, and the average quarterly price growth was +11.74%.
Reported Earning Dates
AIT is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronics Distributors (+1.86% weekly)Electronics distributors are companies that are involved in distribution of one or more of the following: electronic components, computer products/ peripherals and software products & services. Several electronics distributors are also becoming the point of contact for technical/pre- & post-sale support in many cases, in an attempt to bolster their position in the market. Tariffs and/or cross-border trade barriers are some of the potential threats to the electronics supply chain, but that could also potentially lead to re-directing to markets where tariffs/restrictions are lower depending on demand. The industry is also vulnerable in the event of economic slowdowns. Arrow Electronics, Inc., SYNNEX Corporation and Versum Materials, Inc. are some of the major electronics distributors in the U.S.
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AIT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AIT has been loosely correlated with WCC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 60% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if AIT jumps, then WCC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To AIT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIT | 100% | +4.92% | ||
| WCC - AIT | 60% Loosely correlated | +8.13% | ||
| MSM - AIT | 58% Loosely correlated | +5.29% | ||
| FERG - AIT | 55% Loosely correlated | +11.22% | ||
| FAST - AIT | 52% Loosely correlated | +2.98% | ||
| CNM - AIT | 45% Loosely correlated | +4.20% | ||
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FERG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FERG has been loosely correlated with CNM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 57% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if FERG jumps, then CNM could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FERG | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FERG | 100% | +11.22% | ||
| CNM - FERG | 57% Loosely correlated | +4.20% | ||
| WSO - FERG | 56% Loosely correlated | +3.97% | ||
| AIT - FERG | 55% Loosely correlated | +4.92% | ||
| WCC - FERG | 53% Loosely correlated | +8.13% | ||
| QXO - FERG | 53% Loosely correlated | +19.20% | ||
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