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CRS vs RS
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) vs. Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (RS) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Carpenter Technology (CRS) is a specialty-alloys producer leveraged to aerospace and defense, while Reliance (RS) is a diversified metals service center with broader industrial exposure.
- CRS posted record fiscal 2026 results but has recently pulled back sharply from its highs, while RS has maintained stronger near-term momentum on record shipment volumes.
- RS carries a larger market capitalization and trades at a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple than CRS, reflecting different growth and valuation profiles.
- CRS offers higher-margin, higher-growth aerospace exposure; RS offers scale, diversification, and a more consistent dividend.
- Both stocks face cost and demand headwinds, including tariff and input-cost pressure for RS and cooling sentiment across aerospace for CRS.
Introduction
Investors weighing the metals and materials sector often encounter two very different business models: a specialty-alloy maker riding aerospace demand, and a diversified metals distributor serving thousands of end markets. This stock comparison examines CRS, Carpenter Technology Corporation, alongside RS, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (now branded Reliance, Inc.). The two companies occupy adjacent links in the metals supply chain but respond to different drivers, making their relative performance and market positioning useful for both growth-oriented investors and those focused on industrial cyclicality and capital returns.
CRS Overview and Recent Performance
CRS (Carpenter Technology Corporation) manufactures high-performance specialty alloys—including titanium, nickel, and cobalt-based materials—for critical applications in aerospace and defense, medical, energy, and transportation. The company recently reported record operating income for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year, driven by strong aerospace and defense demand, improving product mix, and higher realized prices.
Despite fundamentally solid results, CRS shares have cooled in recent weeks, retreating from earlier highs after a period of strong outperformance. Analysts have trimmed price targets even while retaining largely bullish ratings, citing multiple compression across the aerospace and defense sector and questions about whether demand momentum can accelerate further. A leadership transition also drew attention after the company's chief executive officer passed away unexpectedly, prompting the executive chairman to resume the CEO role. Sentiment has thus shifted from rapid appreciation toward a more measured reassessment of valuation.
RS Overview and Recent Performance
RS (Reliance, Inc.) is the largest metals service center company in North America, distributing more than 100,000 metal products—carbon and alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium—and providing processing services across roughly 315 locations. Its decentralized "Family of Companies" model serves over 125,000 customers in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, energy, and semiconductor markets.
RS has delivered strong recent momentum, reporting record quarterly tons sold and revenue growth near 27% year over year in its most recent quarter, aided by healthy pricing and a large U.S. government border-wall contract. The company raised guidance and grew non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) sharply, though elevated LIFO (last-in, first-out) inventory expense and higher aluminum and tariff-driven costs have pressured margins. Unlike CRS, RS shares have trended near their recent highs, supported by steady dividends and ongoing share repurchases.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two companies is their position in the metals value chain. CRS is a vertically focused specialty-alloy producer whose earnings are highly sensitive to aerospace and defense build rates and premium alloy pricing. RS is a diversified distributor whose performance reflects broad industrial demand, product mix, and processing volume rather than any single end market.
On growth, CRS has generated stronger margin expansion and higher earnings growth, supported by record operating income and robust cash generation. RS, by contrast, relies on scale and efficiency, producing steady but more moderate growth while returning capital through a larger dividend and buybacks. On valuation, RS trades at a lower P/E multiple than CRS, reflecting its more cyclical, lower-growth profile versus CRS's premium aerospace exposure.
Risk profiles also differ. RS faces input-cost and tariff-driven margin pressure, particularly from elevated LIFO expense. CRS faces concentration risk in aerospace and defense and valuation sensitivity if sector sentiment cools further. Both names remain exposed to macro and trade-policy uncertainty.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely express a modest preference for RS in the current environment. RS has demonstrated more consistent recent momentum, record volumes, and constructive guidance, supported by a defensive dividend and active buybacks. CRS retains a stronger long-term growth narrative, but its recent pullback, analyst target reductions, and leadership transition introduce greater near-term uncertainty. A probabilistic, data-driven framework would therefore favor the steadier relative positioning of RS while acknowledging CRS's potentially higher long-term upside if aerospace demand reaccelerates.
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 CRS is a StrongBuy and RS is a StrongBuy.
CRS in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026
CRS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 29 of 34 cases where CRS's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 8 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 Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 6 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 +1.86% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CRS advanced for three days, in 281 of 348 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CRS turned negative on October 22, 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 38 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 26 of the 38 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 68%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CRS 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 75%.
The Aroon Indicator for CRS entered a downward trend on October 30, 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 SMR rating for this company is 37 (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 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 75, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 78 (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: CRS's P/B Ratio (6.298) is slightly higher than the industry average of (3.033). P/E Ratio (26.731) is within average values for comparable stocks, (8.852). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.380) is also within normal values, averaging (0.744). Dividend Yield (0.003) settles around the average of (0.029) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.645) is also within normal values, averaging (6248.204).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 80 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 83 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. CRS’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
RS in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026
RS moved above its 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 26 of 34 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on RS as a result. In 55 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for RS just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where RS's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
The 10-day moving average for RS crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 16 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 75%.
Following a +1.60% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where RS advanced for three days, in 235 of 338 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 250 of 377 cases where RS Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 66%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where RS 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 53%.
RS broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 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 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 68, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 20 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. RS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 62 (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 (3.014) is normal, around the industry mean (2.181). P/E Ratio (25.226) is within average values for comparable stocks, (35.087). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.150) is also within normal values, averaging (0.339). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.081) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.301) is also within normal values, averaging (2.301).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 64 (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.
CRS | RS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 57 | 48 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 78 Overvalued | 62 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 55 | 4 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 37 | 64 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 83 | 39 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 80 | 20 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 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.
RS's Valuation (62) in the Steel industry is in the same range as CRS (78) in the Metal Fabrication industry. This means that RS’s stock grew similarly to CRS’s over the last 12 months.
RS's Profit vs Risk Rating (4) in the Steel industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CRS (55) in the Metal Fabrication industry. This means that RS’s stock grew somewhat faster than CRS’s over the last 12 months.
CRS's SMR Rating (37) in the Metal Fabrication industry is in the same range as RS (64) in the Steel industry. This means that CRS’s stock grew similarly to RS’s over the last 12 months.
RS's Price Growth Rating (39) in the Steel industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CRS (83) in the Metal Fabrication industry. This means that RS’s stock grew somewhat faster than CRS’s over the last 12 months.
RS's P/E Growth Rating (20) in the Steel industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CRS (80) in the Metal Fabrication industry. This means that RS’s stock grew somewhat faster than CRS’s over the last 12 months.
| CRS | RS | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 60% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | N/A | 2 days ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 72% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 69% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 26 days ago 81% | 3 days ago 70% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 75% | 9 days ago 53% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 85% | 2 days ago 58% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 66% |
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).
CRS’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while RS’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CRS’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- RS’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.
CRS’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while RS’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CRS’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 3 bearish.
- RS’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CRS (@Metal Fabrication) experienced а -0.56% price change this week, while RS (@Steel) price change was +5.12% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Metal Fabrication industry was +0.81%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.01%, and the average quarterly price growth was -12.84%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Steel industry was -0.04%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +2.26%, and the average quarterly price growth was +25.32%.
Reported Earning Dates
CRS is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
RS is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Metal Fabrication (+0.81% weekly)The industry is involved in value-added processes including creation of metal structures like machines and parts by cutting, bending and assembling, using various raw materials. A fabrication shop often bids on a project/job, and then builds the product if awarded the contract. Robotics and automation are making their way into the industry apparently to fill in skills gap[s19] . RBC Bearings Incorporated, Timken Company and Valmont Industries, Inc. are some of the largest metal fabrication companies in the U.S.
@Steel (-0.04% weekly)The steel industry includes manufacturers of steel and steel-related products. Companies use iron ore and scrap steel to produce steel. The industry also includes companies involved in mining and marketing of steel products. Along with serving some of the domestic markets, U.S. steel output has, over the years, been used by international economies as well. Competition from imported steel has also increased over time. The industry could be susceptible to business cycles, since the element is an important input in industrial production. Some of the globally-renowned steel behemoths include Nucor Corporation, Vale, and ArcelorMittal SA.
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