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DCI vs LECO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Donaldson Company (DCI) vs. Lincoln Electric Holdings (LECO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different industrial niches: DCI (Donaldson Company) competes in filtration systems, while LECO (Lincoln Electric Holdings) is a leader in welding equipment, consumables, and automation.
- Relative momentum diverges: LECO posted record full-year revenue and adjusted EPS, while DCI saw an earnings miss and a lowered profit outlook in its most recent quarter.
- Margin pressure is a shared theme: Both companies face gross margin compression, but LECO has held operating margins steadier than DCI.
- Growth drivers differ: LECO leans on a recovering automation backlog, while DCI leans on filtration aftermarket and Life Sciences demand.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, profitability stability, and forward catalysts, Tickeron's AI currently favors LECO in this stock comparison.
- For more detail on each name, explore DCI Major News and DCI Today's Price Move, along with LECO Major News and LECO Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI-driven systems are navigating this kind of setup in real time, explore the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Donaldson Company and Lincoln Electric Holdings are both established, cash-generative industrial manufacturers, yet they operate in different corners of the sector and are responding to the current demand environment in different ways. Donaldson supplies filtration systems for engines, industrial processes, and life sciences, while Lincoln Electric is a global leader in welding equipment, consumables, and automated welding systems. For investors comparing quality industrial names, this pairing offers a useful contrast between a filtration pure-play navigating tariff-driven cost pressure and a welding-and-automation leader balancing record results against a softer capital-equipment cycle. Understanding their relative performance, margins, and catalysts can help clarify which profile is better positioned in the present market.
DCI Overview and Recent Performance
DCI, Donaldson Company, designs and manufactures filtration systems and replacement parts used across on- and off-road vehicles, industrial processes, aerospace and defense, and life sciences. The business is built around a recurring aftermarket that tends to provide steadier revenue than first-fit equipment sales. In recent market activity, Donaldson has delivered record sales and disciplined expense management, but its profitability has come under pressure from tariff-related inflation and inventory valuation headwinds. Its most recent quarterly report showed earnings per share (EPS, a company's profit divided by its outstanding shares) coming in below consensus estimates, and management lowered its full-year profit guidance. That combination triggered a sharp single-session sell-off, leaving the shares well below their 52-week high. Investors have focused on softer On-Road and Off-Road first-fit demand, offset partially by strength in Industrial Filtration Solutions, Power Generation, and Life Sciences.
LECO Overview and Recent Performance
LECO, Lincoln Electric Holdings, is a leading manufacturer of welding equipment, welding consumables, and automated welding and cutting systems, serving customers across construction, energy, transportation, and general fabrication. In recent periods, Lincoln Electric posted record full-year revenue and a record adjusted EPS, supported by acquisitions and pricing discipline. Its welding segments held up relatively well, while the higher-margin automation business softened as customers deferred capital spending and projects. Gross margin compressed modestly on lower volumes, but adjusted operating margin remained near record levels, and the company raised its dividend while generating strong cash flow. Management has pointed to improving order rates and a solid automation backlog as reasons to expect a recovery in 2026. Sentiment has been comparatively resilient, with the stock holding near elevated levels despite the automation slowdown.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a large library of AI-powered trading bots that monitor thousands of tickers using quantitative signals, pattern recognition, and algorithmic strategies. Because market conditions change, only a subset of these bots is positioned to perform well at any given time. The Trending AI Robots page curates the bots currently best suited to prevailing conditions, each with its own trading style, timeframe, performance history, and roster of tickers. The platform has hundreds of AI Trading Bots covering thousands of symbols, and the curated section helps users filter for the strategies drawing the most attention right now. Whether you are comparing DCI and LECO or scanning the broader market, reviewing the Trending AI Robots list can add a data-driven layer to your research.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most clearly in their end markets and in how they are converting demand into earnings. DCI leans on a recurring filtration aftermarket, which provides revenue stability but has not insulated it from tariff-driven gross margin erosion; its most recent EPS miss and lowered guidance reflect that friction. LECO carries a more balanced mix of consumables, equipment, and automation, and it delivered record results with an EPS beat even as automation volumes declined. On risk factors, DCI faces exposure to soft truck and off-road production and input-cost inflation, while LECO faces a cyclical pullback in automation spending and softer European industrial demand. In terms of market positioning, LECO has shown steadier operating margins and a clearer near-term catalyst through its automation backlog, whereas DCI is working to rebuild margin expansion against a still-soft first-fit environment.
Tickeron AI Verdict
On the basis of observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, margin durability, and forward catalysts, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward LECO over DCI. Lincoln Electric has sustained record profitability, delivered an EPS beat in its latest quarter, and raised its dividend, while pointing to a recovering automation backlog as a catalyst. Donaldson, by contrast, is contending with tariff-related margin pressure and a recent guidance reduction that weighed on sentiment. These signals are probabilistic rather than certain, and relative positioning can shift with new data, but as of now the balance of momentum and stability appears to favor LECO in this comparison.
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 LECO is a Buy.
DCI in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke 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 Oscillator 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.
LECO's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LECO turned positive on October 27, 2026. Looking at past instances where LECO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LECO as a result. In 54 of 82 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
LECO moved above its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for LECO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 18 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 56%.
Following a +4.52% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LECO advanced for three days, in 223 of 344 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 175 of 305 cases where LECO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for LECO moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 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 35 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 15 of the 35 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 43%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 32 of 62 cases where LECO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LECO 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 58%.
LECO 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 21 (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 SMR rating for this company is 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 30 (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 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LECO’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 88 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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: LECO's P/B Ratio (9.657) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (3.143). P/E Ratio (27.289) is within average values for comparable stocks, (22.467). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.531) is also within normal values, averaging (1.020). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.018) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.155) is also within normal values, averaging (2.217).
DCI | LECO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 19 | 80 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 75 Overvalued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 21 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 35 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 45 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 77 | 30 | |
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.
DCI's Valuation (75) in the Industrial Specialties industry is in the same range as LECO (88) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that DCI’s stock grew similarly to LECO’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's Profit vs Risk Rating (21) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as DCI (37) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that LECO’s stock grew similarly to DCI’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's SMR Rating (27) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as DCI (35) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that LECO’s stock grew similarly to DCI’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's Price Growth Rating (45) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as DCI (56) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that LECO’s stock grew similarly to DCI’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's P/E Growth Rating (30) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for DCI (77) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that LECO’s stock grew somewhat faster than DCI’s over the last 12 months.
| DCI | LECO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 48% | 1 day ago 43% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 48% | 1 day ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 40% | 6 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 37% | 1 day ago 57% |
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 LECO’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- DCI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- LECO’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 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 7 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LECO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DCI’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 3 bearish.
- LECO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DCI (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +3.38% price change this week, while LECO (@Tools & Hardware) price change was -0.37% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was -1.40%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -11.53%, and the average quarterly price growth was -18.91%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was -3.10%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.97%, and the average quarterly price growth was +2.00%.
Reported Earning Dates
DCI is expected to report earnings on Dec 02, 2026.
LECO is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (-1.40% 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 (-3.10% 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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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% | -0.97% | ||
| LECO - DCI | 73% Closely correlated | -0.01% | ||
| SWK - DCI | 68% Closely correlated | -1.41% | ||
| ATMU - DCI | 67% Closely correlated | +0.51% | ||
| HLMN - DCI | 67% Closely correlated | -2.51% | ||
| KMT - DCI | 65% Loosely correlated | -0.62% | ||
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LECO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LECO has been closely correlated with GGG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if LECO jumps, then GGG could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To LECO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LECO | 100% | -0.01% | ||
| GGG - LECO | 74% Closely correlated | -0.17% | ||
| DOV - LECO | 73% Closely correlated | -0.46% | ||
| DCI - LECO | 73% Closely correlated | -0.97% | ||
| ZWS - LECO | 70% Closely correlated | +0.66% | ||
| FELE - LECO | 70% Closely correlated | +0.76% | ||
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