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AIT vs POOL
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) vs. Pool Corporation (POOL) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- AIT has delivered stronger year-to-date (YTD) performance at approximately 14.7% compared to POOL's 2.1%.
- AIT trades near its 52-week high of $296.70, reflecting robust momentum, while POOL is down over 26% in the past six months amid demand challenges.
- AIT's lower beta of 0.82 (a measure of stock volatility relative to the market) suggests greater stability than POOL's 1.26.
- Recent quarterly earnings for AIT met expectations with sales growth, supporting positive sentiment, while POOL reported softer results.
- Both stocks offer dividends, but POOL yields higher at 2.15% versus AIT's 0.69%.
Introduction
Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) and Pool Corporation (POOL) represent specialized distributors in distinct market segments: industrial products versus swimming pool and leisure supplies. This stock comparison is relevant for investors tracking distribution channels, cyclical sectors, and relative performance amid varying economic conditions. Traders seeking exposure to industrials or consumer discretionary may use this analysis to evaluate momentum, valuation, and risk profiles. With both companies navigating supply chain dynamics and demand shifts in recent market activity, understanding their contrasts aids in portfolio positioning and sector rotation strategies.
AIT Overview and Recent Performance
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (AIT) is a leading distributor of bearings, power transmission components, fluid power systems, and automation technologies, serving maintenance, repair, operations (MRO), and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) markets across North America. In recent months, AIT shares have shown resilience, trading near the upper end of their 52-week range ($213.78–$296.70) with a market capitalization of about $11.1 billion. Fiscal second-quarter 2026 results aligned with guidance, driven by sales growth and strategic acquisitions, alongside a dividend increase to $0.51 per share. Positive sentiment stems from industrial sector recovery and automation demand, boosting earnings per share (EPS) to $10.49 and supporting a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 28.02. Lower volatility (beta 0.82) has contributed to steady upward momentum in recent market activity.
POOL Overview and Recent Performance
Pool Corporation (POOL) operates as a wholesale distributor of swimming pool equipment, supplies, irrigation products, and outdoor living items, with a network serving retailers and service professionals primarily in North America. Over recent months, POOL stock has faced headwinds, declining significantly from its 52-week high of $345.00 to around $232, with a market cap of approximately $8.5 billion. Challenges include softening demand post-pandemic boom, weak quarterly revenue, and broader leisure sector pressures, leading to an underperform rating from some analysts. EPS stands at $10.84 with a lower P/E of 21.41, but higher beta (1.26) reflects increased sensitivity to market swings. Dividend yield remains attractive at 2.15%, yet recent performance lags amid cautious sentiment.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
AIT and POOL both thrive as niche distributors but diverge in business models: AIT targets resilient industrial MRO/OEM demand, while POOL relies on more cyclical pool/leisure spending. Growth drivers for AIT include automation and manufacturing upcycles; POOL faces trade-offs from seasonal and economic sensitivity. Recent momentum favors AIT with YTD gains versus POOL's declines. Risk profiles highlight AIT's stability (lower beta, larger market cap) over POOL's higher yield but volatility. Sector exposure pits industrials against consumer discretionary, with sentiment leaning positive for AIT amid broader market positioning.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron’s AI models currently favor AIT over POOL, based on superior trend consistency, lower relative volatility, recent earnings stability, and stronger positioning in industrial recovery themes. While POOL offers value via lower P/E and higher yield, observable catalysts tilt probabilities toward AIT in the prevailing environment.
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. Disclaimers and Limitations
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 Buy and POOL is a Buy.
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 undervalued. 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 2 FA rating(s) are green whilePOOL’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- AIT’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- POOL’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 POOL’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- AIT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- POOL’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
AIT (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а -0.26% price change this week, while POOL (@Electronics Distributors) price change was +6.34% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was +0.47%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +6.00%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.33%.
Reported Earning Dates
AIT is expected to report earnings on Aug 06, 2026.
POOL is expected to report earnings on Jul 16, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronics Distributors (+0.47% 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.
| AIT | POOL | AIT / POOL | |
| Capitalization | 12.5B | 7.71B | 162% |
| EBITDA | 612M | 638M | 96% |
| Gain YTD | 31.730 | -6.246 | -508% |
| P/E Ratio | 31.95 | 17.98 | 178% |
| Revenue | 4.84B | 5.36B | 90% |
| Total Cash | 172M | 64.5M | 267% |
| Total Debt | 365M | 1.59B | 23% |
AIT | POOL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 40 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 78 Overvalued | 14 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 9 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 43 | 29 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 25 | 83 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 28 |
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.
POOL's Valuation (14) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for AIT (78). This means that POOL’s stock grew somewhat faster than AIT’s over the last 12 months.
AIT's Profit vs Risk Rating (9) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is significantly better than the same rating for POOL (100). This means that AIT’s stock grew significantly faster than POOL’s over the last 12 months.
POOL's SMR Rating (29) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as AIT (43). This means that POOL’s stock grew similarly to AIT’s over the last 12 months.
AIT's Price Growth Rating (40) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as POOL (52). This means that AIT’s stock grew similarly to POOL’s over the last 12 months.
AIT's P/E Growth Rating (25) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for POOL (83). This means that AIT’s stock grew somewhat faster than POOL’s over the last 12 months.
| AIT | POOL | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 68% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 76% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 59% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 58% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 1 day ago 59% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 26 days ago 48% | 4 days ago 71% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 66% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 57% |
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AIT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AIT has been loosely correlated with MSM. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if AIT jumps, then MSM could also see price increases.
POOL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, POOL has been loosely correlated with SITE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 55% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if POOL jumps, then SITE could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To POOL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POOL | 100% | +2.04% | ||
| SITE - POOL | 55% Loosely correlated | +1.43% | ||
| BXC - POOL | 47% Loosely correlated | +3.52% | ||
| WSO - POOL | 47% Loosely correlated | -0.35% | ||
| FERG - POOL | 46% Loosely correlated | -0.89% | ||
| QXO - POOL | 41% Loosely correlated | -1.22% | ||
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