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DCI vs HLMN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Donaldson Company (DCI) vs. Hillman Solutions (HLMN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Donaldson Company (DCI) is a large-cap industrial filtration leader with a defensive, recurring-revenue model, while Hillman Solutions (HLMN) is a smaller hardware and merchandising provider tied closely to retail and housing activity.
- Recent market activity has favored DCI, which posted record sales and earnings, versus HLMN, which trimmed its full-year revenue outlook despite profit upside.
- Relative performance diverges sharply: DCI's 52-week range and lower beta (a measure of volatility) signal more stable market positioning, while HLMN's higher beta reflects greater sensitivity to housing and consumer cyclicality.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: DCI is the favored ticker in this comparison, based on trend consistency, margin recovery, and a more stable, diversified earnings base.
- Explore DCI Major News and DCI Today's Price Move, along with HLMN Major News and HLMN Today's Price Move, for deeper, real-time coverage of each stock.
- Discover curated, market-ready strategies on the Trending AI Robots page to see how automated systems are positioning across thousands of tickers.
Introduction
This stock comparison pairs two industrials-focused names that, despite operating in adjacent commercial spaces, present very different risk and return profiles. Donaldson Company (DCI) is a diversified filtration specialist serving on-road, off-road, industrial, and life sciences markets, while Hillman Solutions (HLMN) distributes fasteners, keys, and hardware-related products with merchandising services largely through big-box retail channels. Traders seeking stability and dividend income may gravitate toward DCI, whereas those willing to accept higher volatility for potential re-rating upside might examine HLMN. Understanding how these two companies differ in growth drivers, momentum, and market positioning is essential for investors weighing exposure across the broader industrial complex.
DCI Overview and Recent Performance
Donaldson Company is a global manufacturer of filtration systems and replacement parts, operating across Mobile Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Life Sciences segments. A substantial portion of its revenue is recurring aftermarket demand, which supports more predictable cash flow than many industrial peers. In recent weeks, the company reported record quarterly sales and earnings, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS, or profit allocated to each outstanding share) rising year over year on higher volume, pricing, and favorable mix.
Sentiment has been shaped by several developments. The company completed the acquisition of Facet Filtration, expanding its aerospace and defense and industrial filtration footprint, and raised its quarterly dividend. Management has emphasized execution and margin recovery, particularly within the Industrial segment, where temporary production inefficiencies weighed on profitability. Although shares have pulled back from recent highs, DCI's market positioning remains comparatively defensive, supported by a recurring replacement-part model and diversified end markets that include data center and AI-related filtration demand.
HLMN Overview and Recent Performance
Hillman Solutions is a leading provider of hardware products and related merchandising services, serving retailers and professional customers across North America and Latin America. Its portfolio spans fasteners, keys, builders' hardware, and a growing Robotics and Digital Solutions segment, with exposure to home-improvement and repair activity. Recent market activity has been mixed: the company reported a high single-digit increase in quarterly net sales, while adjusted EPS exceeded consensus estimates, yet full-year revenue guidance was trimmed below analyst expectations.
Growth is being driven by strategic initiatives including the "Blueprint for Strategic Growth," a high-margin Robotics and Digital Solutions unit, and completed acquisitions such as Kanebridge. However, the business remains sensitive to housing turnover and retail traffic, which have weighed on the revenue outlook. Compared with DCI, HLMN carries a higher beta and a more concentrated reliance on retail distribution, contributing to greater share-price volatility. The company's focus on free cash flow generation and debt management is a notable counterbalance to these cyclical pressures.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
At the business-model level, DCI operates a "razor and blade" economics framework, pairing equipment sales with a high-margin, recurring aftermarket, while HLMN functions as a distribution and merchandising platform whose fortunes track retail sell-through and housing demand. This distinction drives a meaningful gap in stability: DCI's aftermarket-heavy revenue stream and global diversification contrast with HLMN's more concentrated retail exposure.
Growth drivers also differ. DCI's catalysts include filtration demand tied to data centers, aerospace and defense, and the recent Facet acquisition, whereas HLMN's growth leans on new business wins, robotics and digital solutions, and tuck-in acquisitions. On momentum, DCI has delivered record results but traded within a wide range after a modest pullback, while HLMN has been more volatile, with profit beats offset by softer revenue guidance. Risk factors diverge accordingly: DCI faces execution and margin-recovery risks in Industrial Solutions, while HLMN contends with housing cyclicality, retail concentration, and higher leverage. From a market-sentiment standpoint, DCI's lower beta and dividend yield position it as the more defensive holding, while HLMN offers greater potential upside but also greater drawdown sensitivity.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor DCI in the current environment. The company's trend consistency, recurring-revenue model, record sales and earnings, dividend growth, and lower volatility give it a more stable relative positioning than HLMN. While HLMN presents a turnaround and re-rating narrative supported by robotics growth and acquisitions, its softer revenue guidance and higher sensitivity to housing and retail cycles introduce greater uncertainty. Professional, probabilistic language suggests that DCI currently offers a more balanced risk-reward profile, though HLMN remains a higher-beta candidate for investors willing to accept cyclical volatility.
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 DCI is a Buy and HLMN is a Hold.
DCI in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on October 30, 2026
DCI may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 19 of 31 cases where DCI's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where DCI's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 11 of 23 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 09, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on DCI as a result. In 52 of 100 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for DCI just turned positive on November 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where DCI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 54 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
DCI moved above its 50-day moving average on November 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +5.93% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DCI advanced for three days, in 162 of 333 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
The 50-day moving average for DCI moved below the 200-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DCI 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 40%.
The Aroon Indicator for DCI entered a downward trend on November 10, 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 35 (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 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. DCI’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 75 (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 (5.540) is normal, around the industry mean (3.843). P/E Ratio (21.513) is within average values for comparable stocks, (36.971). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.605) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.015) settles around the average of (0.032) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.619) is also within normal values, averaging (189.487).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 77 (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.
HLMN in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026
The 10-day moving average for HLMN crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 15 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 80%.
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 HLMN as a result. In 51 of 80 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
HLMN moved above its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +6.85% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HLMN advanced for three days, in 187 of 266 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 114 of 175 cases where HLMN Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 65%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for HLMN moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 25 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 25 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 80%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 47 of 64 cases where HLMN's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HLMN 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 76%.
HLMN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 28, 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HLMN’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 54 (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 (1.321) is normal, around the industry mean (3.143). HLMN has a moderately high P/E Ratio (41.600) as compared to the industry average of (22.467). HLMN's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.020). HLMN has a moderately low Dividend Yield (0.000) as compared to the industry average of (0.018). P/S Ratio (0.908) is also within normal values, averaging (2.217).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 58 (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 SMR rating for this company is 86 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. HLMN’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 68, placing this stock worse than average.
DCI | HLMN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 19 | 29 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 75 Overvalued | 54 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 35 | 86 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 45 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 77 | 58 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
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.
HLMN's Valuation (54) in the null industry is in the same range as DCI (75) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that HLMN’s stock grew similarly to DCI’s over the last 12 months.
DCI's Profit vs Risk Rating (37) in the Industrial Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLMN (100) in the null industry. This means that DCI’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
DCI's SMR Rating (35) in the Industrial Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLMN (86) in the null industry. This means that DCI’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
HLMN's Price Growth Rating (45) in the null industry is in the same range as DCI (56) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that HLMN’s stock grew similarly to DCI’s over the last 12 months.
HLMN's P/E Growth Rating (58) in the null industry is in the same range as DCI (77) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that HLMN’s stock grew similarly to DCI’s over the last 12 months.
| DCI | HLMN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 73% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 64% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 75% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 71% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 49% | 14 days ago 70% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 40% | 6 days ago 76% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 37% | 2 days ago 65% |
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).
DCI’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while HLMN’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- DCI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- HLMN’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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.
DCI’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HLMN’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DCI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- HLMN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DCI (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +1.69% price change this week, while HLMN (@Tools & Hardware) price change was -2.16% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +2.90%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.76%, and the average quarterly price growth was -16.10%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was -2.24%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.84%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.78%.
Reported Earning Dates
DCI is expected to report earnings on Dec 02, 2026.
HLMN is expected to report earnings on Feb 25, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (+2.90% weekly)The industry makes and maintains machines for consumers, the industry, and most other companies. While it has traditionally been categorized as heavy industry, some smaller companies are also branching into the light category. The industry is pivotal in providing the equipment for production in businesses like agriculture, mining, industry and construction, gas, electricity and water utilities. It also supplies supporting equipment for almost all sectors of the economy, such as equipment for heating, and air conditioning of buildings. Illinois Tool Works Inc., Parker-Hannifin Corporation and Rockwell Automation Inc are some of the major U.S. companies operating in this industry.
@Tools & Hardware (-2.24% weekly)Tools & Hardware industry includes companies that manufacture security products, storage cabinets, steel rules and tapes, calipers, shoe hook fasteners, lumber, structural materials and other related supplies. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Snap-on Incorporated and L.S. Starrett Company are some of the largest, established players in this industry. The industry is also seeing rapid growth in online sales. The proliferation of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects has boosted industry demand. But oil price volatility poses potential risks to this industry, particularly to e-commerce companies which spend on services of shipping companies, which might alter charges based on oil price movements.
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HLMN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HLMN has been closely correlated with HLIO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HLMN jumps, then HLIO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HLMN | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLMN | 100% | -2.51% | ||
| HLIO - HLMN | 71% Closely correlated | -2.99% | ||
| DCI - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | -0.97% | ||
| GGG - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | -0.17% | ||
| NDSN - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.39% | ||
| PNR - HLMN | 60% Loosely correlated | -0.81% | ||
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