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DCI vs HLMN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Donaldson Company, Inc. (DCI) vs. Hillman Solutions Corp. (HLMN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- DCI operates as a leading provider of filtration systems and replacement parts in the industrials sector, while HLMN focuses on hardware products and merchandising services for retail and pro channels.
- Recent market activity shows DCI trading near $82 with a dividend increase announced in late May 2026, reflecting steady cash flow generation.
- HLMN reported first-quarter 2026 results in late April with raised full-year sales guidance and completed acquisitions, though shares have faced downward pressure.
- DCI benefits from a larger market capitalization and recurring aftermarket revenue streams compared to HLMN's growth-oriented but more volatile profile.
- Sector exposure overlaps in industrials, yet DCI emphasizes engineered filtration solutions while HLMN centers on distribution and M&A-driven expansion.
- Relative performance in recent weeks highlights contrasting momentum, with DCI showing resilience amid broader market conditions versus HLMN's post-earnings consolidation.
Introduction
This comparison examines DCI and HLMN to help investors and traders evaluate two distinct industrials plays in the current market environment. Donaldson Company, Inc. delivers specialized filtration technologies with stable aftermarket demand, while Hillman Solutions Corp. provides hardware solutions through extensive retail and professional distribution networks. The analysis appeals to those seeking insights into relative performance, business model differences, and recent sentiment shifts within the sector. Both stocks offer exposure to industrial end-markets but differ in scale, growth drivers, and risk profiles.
DCI Overview and Recent Performance
Donaldson Company, Inc. specializes in filtration systems and replacement parts for air, liquid, and industrial applications, serving diverse end-markets including aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing. In recent weeks, the stock has traded in a relatively narrow range around $82 amid broader market volatility, supported by consistent demand for its replacement filters. Key developments include a 6.7% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.32 per share announced in late May 2026, underscoring strong cash generation. Earlier in the period, the company completed the acquisition of Facet Filtration, expanding its portfolio. Sentiment has remained constructive due to the company's recurring revenue model and upcoming third-quarter earnings, though analyst price targets have seen modest adjustments reflecting macroeconomic caution.
HLMN Overview and Recent Performance
Hillman Solutions Corp. supplies hardware-related products and merchandising services primarily to retail and professional channels across North America. Recent market activity shows the shares consolidating near $7.50 following first-quarter 2026 results released in late April, which included raised full-year net sales guidance and an active share repurchase program. Acquisitions completed during the period, such as Delaney Hardware and Campbell Chain & Fittings, have broadened its pro-distribution and industrial maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) presence. Performance has been influenced by integration progress and channel demand, with shares experiencing downward pressure despite operational updates. Market sentiment reflects a balance between growth initiatives and near-term valuation considerations in a competitive hardware environment.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
DCI and HLMN both operate in the industrials space yet differ markedly in business models. DCI generates significant recurring revenue from replacement filtration products, providing greater earnings stability, whereas HLMN relies more on distribution volumes and has pursued M&A to accelerate category expansion. Recent momentum favors DCI for its dividend policy and larger scale (market cap near $9.5 billion versus approximately $1.5 billion for HLMN), while HLMN offers higher-beta exposure to retail and pro-channel recovery with raised 2026 guidance. Risk factors include DCI's sensitivity to industrial capital spending cycles versus HLMN's integration and competitive pressures. Sector sentiment remains mixed, with DCI positioned for defensive characteristics and HLMN for growth optionality through acquisitions.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency and relative positioning in recent market activity, Tickeron’s AI would currently assign a modest probabilistic preference to DCI for its demonstrated earnings resilience and dividend support amid uncertain industrial demand. HLMN presents compelling catalysts through M&A and guidance updates but carries higher near-term volatility. This assessment reflects data-driven pattern recognition rather than forward projections and should not be interpreted as investment advice.
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 Hold and HLMN is a StrongBuy.
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).
DCI’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green whileHLMN’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- DCI’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HLMN’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DCI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- HLMN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
DCI (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +1.04% price change this week, while HLMN (@Tools & Hardware) price change was -2.01% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +2.49%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.54%, and the average quarterly price growth was +6.85%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was +0.20%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.12%, and the average quarterly price growth was +15.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
DCI is expected to report earnings on Sep 02, 2026.
HLMN is expected to report earnings on Aug 11, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (+2.49% 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 (+0.20% 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.
| DCI | HLMN | DCI / HLMN | |
| Capitalization | 9.47B | 1.43B | 661% |
| EBITDA | 626M | 250M | 250% |
| Gain YTD | -3.144 | -15.704 | 20% |
| P/E Ratio | 23.08 | 40.56 | 57% |
| Revenue | 3.75B | 1.56B | 240% |
| Total Cash | 194M | 27.7M | 700% |
| Total Debt | 681M | 812M | 84% |
DCI | ||
|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 55 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 23 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 50 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 40 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 38 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 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.
| DCI | HLMN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 41% | 2 days ago 59% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 76% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 73% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 78% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 45% | 2 days ago 75% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 48% | 7 days ago 69% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 41% | 2 days ago 76% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 79% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 35% | 2 days ago 72% |
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DCI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DCI has been closely correlated with LECO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if DCI jumps, then LECO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To DCI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCI | 100% | +4.71% | ||
| LECO - DCI | 73% Closely correlated | +0.87% | ||
| SWK - DCI | 68% Closely correlated | +1.24% | ||
| ATMU - DCI | 67% Closely correlated | +3.39% | ||
| HLMN - DCI | 67% Closely correlated | -1.35% | ||
| KMT - DCI | 65% Loosely correlated | +5.73% | ||
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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% | -1.35% | ||
| HLIO - HLMN | 71% Closely correlated | +0.52% | ||
| DCI - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +4.71% | ||
| SWK - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +1.24% | ||
| GGG - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.12% | ||
| NDSN - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +2.28% | ||
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