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DCI vs SWK
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Donaldson Company (DCI) vs. Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Donaldson Company (DCI) is posting record sales and earnings, but the stock has pulled back in recent weeks despite the strong results.
- Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) is riding a stronger near-term trend, recently trading near its 52-week high on margin recovery and raised guidance.
- The two companies serve different industrial niches: DCI is a filtration specialist, while SWK is a diversified tools and outdoor products maker.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on momentum, trend consistency, and earnings catalysts, the AI currently favors SWK over DCI.
- Explore further on DCI Major News and DCI Today's Price Move, as well as SWK Major News and SWK Today's Price Move.
- Discover data-driven trading ideas from Trending AI Robots to see how automated strategies evaluate opportunities like these.
Introduction
Investors evaluating industrial stocks often weigh stable, recurring-revenue businesses against cyclical turnarounds. That contrast defines this comparison between DCI (Donaldson Company) and SWK (Stanley Black & Decker). Donaldson is a filtration leader tied to engines, industrial processes, and life sciences, while Stanley Black & Decker is a global tools and outdoor equipment manufacturer navigating a multi-year margin recovery. Their recent market positioning has diverged: one stock is consolidating after record results, while the other is trending toward multi-month highs. For investors and traders assessing relative performance, growth drivers, and momentum, a side-by-side view clarifies where each stands in the current environment.
DCI Overview and Recent Performance
DCI designs and manufactures filtration systems and replacement parts across Mobile Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Life Sciences segments. Its business relies heavily on a recurring aftermarket model, where installed equipment generates ongoing replacement-part demand. Recent market activity has reflected solid fundamentals. The company reported record fiscal 2026 results, with annual sales of roughly $3.9 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.98, while fourth-quarter revenue rose about 8% year over year. Management also issued fiscal 2027 EPS guidance of $4.22 to $4.38 and projected sales growth of 5.5% to 9.5%.
Notably, Donaldson completed its roughly $820 million acquisition of Facet Filtration, expanding its Aerospace and Defense exposure, and raised its quarterly dividend by 6.7%. Despite these positives, the stock has weakened in recent weeks, trading below its earlier-year range and down single digits since its latest earnings report. Analysts have cited full valuation and the near-term dilution from the Facet deal as factors tempering upside, even as longer-term growth drivers such as data-center and power-generation filtration demand remain in focus.
SWK Overview and Recent Performance
SWK is a diversified manufacturer of hand tools, power tools, outdoor products, and engineered fastening solutions under brands including DEWALT, STANLEY, CRAFTSMAN, and Cub Cadet. After a period of pressure tied to tariffs and inventory destocking, the company has shown meaningful margin recovery. In its most recent quarter, adjusted EPS of $1.57 beat consensus estimates by a wide margin, and adjusted gross margin expanded sharply year over year. Management raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $5.20 to $5.80.
The company has also completed a multi-year cost-reduction program that generated roughly $2.1 billion in pre-tax run-rate savings, and it continues to return capital through dividends and a newly authorized share-repurchase program. In recent weeks, the stock has traded near its 52-week high, supported by positive earnings surprises and improving profitability. At the same time, investors have noted that a portion of the margin gain reflected tariff refunds, which may not recur, and that a sluggish housing market remains a headwind for consumer tools demand.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates a platform of hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor and trade thousands of different tickers across a wide range of strategies, timeframes, and risk profiles. Because not every bot is well suited to every market regime, Tickeron curates a dedicated Trending AI Robots section highlighting the strategies that align best with current conditions. These bots vary in trading style — from short-term momentum and swing approaches to longer-horizon trend models — and each carries its own performance statistics and portfolio of traded tickers. For investors and traders seeking a systematic, data-driven view of relative positioning on names such as DCI and SWK, reviewing the Trending AI Robots page offers a practical starting point.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge across several key dimensions. Business model: DCI benefits from high-margin, recurring aftermarket filtration revenue, while SWK operates a larger, more cyclical tools and outdoor business exposed to consumer and housing trends. Growth drivers: Donaldson is levered to industrial filtration, power generation, and a new aerospace acquisition; Stanley Black & Decker is focused on margin recovery, brand investment, and engineered fastening strength. Recent momentum: SWK has outperformed in recent weeks, trading near its 52-week high, whereas DCI has consolidated lower despite record results. Risk factors: DCI faces acquisition-related dilution and a full valuation, while SWK carries tariff-refund uncertainty, housing-market sensitivity, and currency exposure. Sector exposure and sentiment: both are industrial names, but market sentiment currently leans toward SWK's earnings-revision and momentum profile.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, relative momentum, and near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI currently favors SWK over DCI. The toolmaker's persistent upward price trend, consecutive positive earnings surprises, and improving margin trajectory present a clearer short-to-intermediate-term signal than Donaldson's post-earnings pullback, which suggests a more mixed or consolidating trend. Donaldson's fundamentals remain strong, with record results and a recurring-revenue model that may appeal to stability-oriented investors, but its recent price action and full valuation weigh on its relative positioning. The AI's preference reflects observable momentum and trend factors rather than a definitive forecast, and conditions could shift as new earnings data emerge.
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 SWK is a StrongBuy.
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.
SWK in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026
The 10-day moving average for SWK crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 13 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 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SWK as a result. In 67 of 95 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
SWK moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +4.32% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SWK advanced for three days, in 192 of 285 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 130 of 203 cases where SWK Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 13 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 18 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SWK 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 72%.
SWK broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 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 1 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. SWK’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 22 (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 Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 56 (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 (1.936) is normal, around the industry mean (3.143). P/E Ratio (27.944) is within average values for comparable stocks, (22.467). SWK's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.170) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.020). SWK has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.029) as compared to the industry average of (0.018). P/S Ratio (0.886) is also within normal values, averaging (2.217).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 79 (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. SWK’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 | SWK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 19 | 30 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 75 Overvalued | 56 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 35 | 79 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 1 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 77 | 22 | |
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.
SWK's Valuation (56) in the Tools And Hardware industry is in the same range as DCI (75) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that SWK’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 SWK (100) in the Tools And Hardware industry. This means that DCI’s stock grew somewhat faster than SWK’s over the last 12 months.
DCI's SMR Rating (35) in the Industrial Specialties industry is somewhat better than the same rating for SWK (79) in the Tools And Hardware industry. This means that DCI’s stock grew somewhat faster than SWK’s over the last 12 months.
SWK's Price Growth Rating (1) in the Tools And Hardware industry is somewhat better than the same rating for DCI (56) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that SWK’s stock grew somewhat faster than DCI’s over the last 12 months.
SWK's P/E Growth Rating (22) in the Tools And Hardware industry is somewhat better than the same rating for DCI (77) in the Industrial Specialties industry. This means that SWK’s stock grew somewhat faster than DCI’s over the last 12 months.
| DCI | SWK | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 68% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 77% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 68% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 49% | 14 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 40% | 6 days ago 72% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 74% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 37% | 2 days ago 64% |
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 SWK’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- DCI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- SWK’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.
DCI’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SWK’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DCI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- SWK’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DCI (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +1.69% price change this week, while SWK (@Tools & Hardware) price change was +11.30% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +2.87%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.89%, and the average quarterly price growth was -16.20%.
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.
SWK is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (+2.87% 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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SWK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SWK has been closely correlated with NDSN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SWK jumps, then NDSN could also see price increases.
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