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CLB vs DNOW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Core Laboratories (CLB) vs. DNOW Inc. (DNOW) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Core Laboratories (CLB) is an oilfield services provider focused on reservoir description and production enhancement, while DNOW Inc. (DNOW) is a global distributor of energy and industrial products.
- Relative performance has diverged in recent weeks, with DNOW showing steadier momentum while CLB faces earnings pressure tied to geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine region.
- CLB's most recent quarterly revenue fell roughly 2% year over year and adjusted earnings missed analyst estimates, whereas DNOW has expanded into higher-growth infrastructure markets such as midstream, LNG, gas utilities, and data centers.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: DNOW is the ticker of choice in this comparison, based on trend consistency, diversification, and catalyst depth.
- Scale and business models differ sharply: DNOW generates more than $1 billion in quarterly revenue versus roughly $132 million for CLB, reflecting different leverage to energy-sector activity.
- Explore deeper coverage: CLB Major News and CLB Today's Price Move, plus DNOW Major News and DNOW Today's Price Move.
- To see which stocks automated systems are tracking right now, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Energy-sector investors often weigh specialized oilfield services against diversified industrial distributors, and the comparison between CLB and DNOW captures that tension precisely. Core Laboratories operates at the technical, high-margin end of reservoir analysis and well-completion diagnostics, while DNOW Inc. supplies the pipes, valves, fittings, and related equipment that keep energy and industrial projects running. For traders and investors evaluating market positioning and relative performance, understanding how these two companies respond to commodity cycles, infrastructure spending, and geopolitical risk offers a useful lens on where momentum and stability currently reside.
CLB Overview and Recent Performance
CLB, or Core Laboratories, delivers proprietary laboratory services, reservoir characterization, and production-enhancement technologies to oil and gas operators worldwide. Its business is divided into two segments: Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement. In recent market activity, the company has reported sequential revenue improvement alongside persistent year-over-year declines. Its latest quarterly results showed revenue of approximately $132.1 million, up about 6% sequentially but down roughly 2% from the prior year, with adjusted earnings that came in slightly below consensus expectations.
Sentiment has been shaped largely by geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which have delayed projects, constrained crude assay work, and pressured the higher-margin Reservoir Description segment. Management has cited these headwinds repeatedly while pointing to longer-term demand supported by offshore exploration and maturing field decline. The stock has faced downward pressure in recent weeks even as analysts maintain a generally constructive longer-term view.
DNOW Overview and Recent Performance
DNOW, formerly NOW Inc., is a Houston-based distributor of energy and industrial products, including pipe, valves, fittings, and process equipment, operating across the United States, Canada, and international markets. A recent rebrand and a strategic push into midstream infrastructure, natural gas, LNG (liquefied natural gas), power generation, and data-center-related work have broadened its growth profile beyond traditional upstream oil and gas activity.
Recent market activity has shown comparatively steadier momentum for DNOW, supported by record midstream revenue and strength in gas utilities and process solutions. The company has also completed acquisitions, such as Edge Controls, to expand its automation and controls capabilities. At the same time, near-term performance has been affected by ERP (enterprise resource planning) system integration challenges and a securities-related inquiry, which have contributed to earnings volatility. Net income has swung between gains and losses in recent quarters, though adjusted profitability and a substantial share-repurchase program continue to draw investor attention.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a curated Trending AI Robots page that highlights a select group of automated trading systems from a much larger universe of available bots. Tickeron offers hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor thousands of tickers, but only the strategies best suited to current market conditions earn a place in this section. These bots differ in trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and the specific sets of tickers they trade, ranging from short-term momentum models to longer-horizon trend approaches. For traders evaluating names like CLB and DNOW, reviewing which automated strategies are currently active can add a quantitative perspective to fundamental analysis. Explore Trending AI Robots to see the strategies currently in focus.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies occupy very different positions in the energy value chain. CLB competes on intellectual property and technical services, giving it a higher-margin profile but also heavy sensitivity to international laboratory demand and geopolitical risk. Its revenue is a fraction of DNOW's, and its near-term earnings trajectory has been pressured by conflict-driven project delays and lower crude assay activity. In contrast, DNOW operates a lower-margin, higher-volume distribution model with a broader, more diversified customer base spanning upstream, midstream, downstream, and industrial end markets.
On growth drivers, DNOW's expansion into gas infrastructure, LNG, and data-center feed gas offers multiple secular catalysts, while CLB's catalysts remain tied to a recovery in international exploration and completion activity. On risk factors, CLB carries concentrated geopolitical exposure, whereas DNOW faces integration execution risk, inventory and working-capital considerations, and a pending securities inquiry. In terms of market positioning, DNOW's larger scale and diversified revenue streams have contributed to comparatively steadier recent momentum, while CLB's smaller, specialized footprint makes its stock more reactive to single-segment swings.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor DNOW in the current environment. The company exhibits more consistent trend behavior in recent weeks, supported by diversified, infrastructure-led growth drivers and a larger, more balanced revenue base. While CLB's sequential improvement and analyst upside estimates are notable, its reliance on geopolitically sensitive international lab services and its recent earnings miss introduce greater trend inconsistency. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive and reflects relative positioning, stability, and catalyst depth at a point in time rather than a prediction of future returns.
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 CLB is a Hold and DNOW is a StrongBuy.
CLB in -8.39% downward trend, sliding for three consecutive days on November 06, 2026
Moving lower for three straight days is viewed as a bearish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future declines. Considering data from situations where CLB declined for three days, in 268 of 326 cases, the price declined further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 82%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 03, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CLB as a result. In 70 of 93 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CLB turned negative on November 05, 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 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 40 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 80%.
The Aroon Indicator for CLB entered a downward trend on October 29, 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CLB's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 27 of 35 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 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 +2.64% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CLB advanced for three days, in 218 of 289 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
CLB may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 53 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (1.488) is normal, around the industry mean (1.488). P/E Ratio (16.679) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-21.917). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.444) is also within normal values, averaging (1.687). Dividend Yield (0.005) settles around the average of (0.043) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.031) is also within normal values, averaging (1.663).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 74 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable 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 77 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. CLB’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 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CLB’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock worse than average.
DNOW's RSI Oscillator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for DNOW moved out of oversold territory on November 09, 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 27 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 25 of the 27 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +1.65% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DNOW advanced for three days, in 232 of 337 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
DNOW 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 November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on DNOW as a result. In 59 of 93 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for DNOW turned negative on November 04, 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 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 31 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 66%.
DNOW moved below its 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for DNOW crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 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 56%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DNOW 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 67%.
The Aroon Indicator for DNOW entered a downward trend on October 12, 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 Valuation Rating of 18 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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 (1.146) is normal, around the industry mean (4.173). P/E Ratio (-9.280) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.286). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.260) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.448) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.600) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 66, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. DNOW’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 98 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than 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.
CLB | DNOW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 75 | 68 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 53 Fair valued | 18 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 55 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 74 | 94 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 77 | 60 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 78 | 98 | |
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.
DNOW's Valuation (18) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CLB (53) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew somewhat faster than CLB’s over the last 12 months.
DNOW's Profit vs Risk Rating (55) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CLB (100) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew somewhat faster than CLB’s over the last 12 months.
CLB's SMR Rating (74) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as DNOW (94) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that CLB’s stock grew similarly to DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
DNOW's Price Growth Rating (60) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as CLB (77) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew similarly to CLB’s over the last 12 months.
CLB's P/E Growth Rating (78) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as DNOW (98) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that CLB’s stock grew similarly to DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
| CLB | DNOW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 2 days ago 79% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 80% | 2 days ago 66% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 80% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 78% | 2 days ago 67% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 75% | 14 days ago 69% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 82% | 6 days ago 67% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 86% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 68% |
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).
CLB’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while DNOW’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- CLB’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- DNOW’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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.
CLB’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while DNOW’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CLB’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- DNOW’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
CLB (@Oilfield Services/Equipment) experienced а -8.29% price change this week, while DNOW (@Electronics Distributors) price change was -14.72% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oilfield Services/Equipment industry was +0.68%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -9.58%, and the average quarterly price growth was -21.77%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was +1.26%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +6.24%, and the average quarterly price growth was +13.24%.
Reported Earning Dates
DNOW is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Oilfield Services/Equipment (+0.68% weekly)The oilfield services/equipment industry is involved in providing various equipment and services to oil and natural gas producers. These companies rent drilling rigs and/or provide services to build and maintain oil and gas wells. The performance of this industry is dependent on demand for oil and natural gas, which in turn is often driven by macroeconomic conditions or business cycles. Schlumberger NV, Halliburton Company, and Baker Hughes are some of the biggest oilfield services companies.
@Electronics Distributors (+1.26% 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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CLB and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CLB has been loosely correlated with XPRO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CLB jumps, then XPRO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CLB | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB | 100% | -0.89% | ||
| XPRO - CLB | 59% Loosely correlated | -0.15% | ||
| NOV - CLB | 59% Loosely correlated | -0.06% | ||
| DNOW - CLB | 54% Loosely correlated | -1.51% | ||
| RES - CLB | 54% Loosely correlated | +0.00% | ||
| RNGR - CLB | 53% Loosely correlated | -9.78% | ||
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DNOW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DNOW has been loosely correlated with WTTR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 63% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if DNOW jumps, then WTTR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To DNOW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNOW | 100% | -1.51% | ||
| WTTR - DNOW | 63% Loosely correlated | +1.59% | ||
| PUMP - DNOW | 59% Loosely correlated | N/A | ||
| NPKI - DNOW | 57% Loosely correlated | +1.68% | ||
| NOV - DNOW | 56% Loosely correlated | -0.06% | ||
| CLB - DNOW | 54% Loosely correlated | -0.89% | ||
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| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| MFLX | 16.61 | -0.05 | -0.30% |
| First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) | |||
| FFLC | 57.91 | -0.20 | -0.34% |
| Fidelity Fundamental Large Cap Core ETF (FFLC) | |||
| PGJ | 21.97 | -0.31 | -1.37% |
| Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) | |||
| SPCQ | 9.65 | -0.14 | -1.43% |
| Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SPCX ETF (SPCQ) | |||
| KSTR | 18.22 | -0.40 | -2.15% |
| KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF (KSTR) | |||