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DNOW vs NOV
Which Stock Would AI Choose? NOW Inc. (DNOW) vs. NOV Inc. (NOV) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- DNOW is a Houston-based distributor of energy and industrial products that recently transformed its business through a merger with MRC Global, while NOV is a Houston-based manufacturer of oilfield equipment and technology.
- Both companies are improving, but they occupy different parts of the energy value chain, making their relative performance depend on distinct growth drivers.
- NOV has posted consistent profitability and expanding margins, whereas DNOW is still navigating post-merger integration costs and compressed margins.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: NOV is the ticker of choice in this comparison, based on trend consistency, profitability, and stronger near-term catalysts.
- For more detail, explore DNOW Major News and DNOW Today's Price Move, as well as NOV Major News and NOV Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI evaluates opportunities like this one, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors weighing energy-sector exposure often compare companies that share a Houston heritage yet operate at different points in the supply chain. DNOW, formerly NOW Inc., distributes pipe, valves, fittings (PVF) and industrial products, while NOV manufactures drilling, completion, and production equipment. Both serve oil and gas producers, but their business models, profitability profiles, and growth catalysts differ meaningfully. This stock comparison is most relevant for investors seeking to understand how an asset-light distributor and a technology-heavy equipment maker are positioned in the current market environment, and which one presents the more consistent relative performance and market positioning.
DNOW Overview and Recent Performance
DNOW is a premier energy and industrial solutions provider with a legacy of more than 160 years, distributing PVF, gas products, pumps, and fabricated equipment across upstream, midstream, downstream, and industrial markets. Its recent market activity has been shaped largely by its November 2025 combination with MRC Global, which broadened its exposure to gas utilities and midstream customers and sharply lifted reported revenue.
In recent weeks, the company's fundamentals have improved sequentially. Second-quarter 2026 revenue reached roughly $1.3 billion, up more than 100% year over year as the combined platform scaled, while adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rose about 54% sequentially to $60 million. Still, the company posted a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) net loss for the period, and adjusted gross margin contracted as integration-related costs and MRC Global's structurally lower margins weighed on results. Management raised its full-year revenue outlook and accelerated synergy expectations, and the company repurchased shares while reducing net debt leverage, signaling confidence in the integration path.
NOV Overview and Recent Performance
NOV (formerly National Oilwell Varco) delivers technology-driven equipment and services to the global energy industry, organized into Energy Equipment and Energy Products and Services segments. Unlike a distributor, NOV manufactures advanced drilling, completion, and production systems, including robotics and automation tools.
Recent market activity has reflected steady operational execution. In its latest quarter, NOV reported revenue of about $2.23 billion, up modestly year over year, with net income of $90 million and adjusted EBITDA of $281 million, or 12.6% of revenue. Both segments expanded margins, aided by favorable project mix and cost efficiencies. Offshore momentum has been a notable driver, with spare parts backlog rising for several consecutive quarters and strong demand for aftermarket and upgrade work. Near-term pressures include a book-to-bill ratio below 1.0 and negative free cash flow tied to Middle East logistics disruptions, but management has pointed to improved bookings and cash conversion expectations heading into 2027.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance record, and watchlist. Because market conditions shift constantly, only a subset of these bots is well suited to the current environment at any given time. Tickeron curates that subset on its Trending AI Robots page, highlighting the bots whose statistical profiles and recent results align most closely with prevailing market dynamics. Bots vary widely, from short-term momentum strategies to longer-horizon trend models, giving investors a range of approaches to explore. For those seeking a systematic, data-driven perspective on comparisons like DNOW versus NOV, the page offers a useful starting point for reviewing how AI models are currently positioned.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two companies is their business model. DNOW operates an asset-light distribution network, earning thinner margins but generating strong cash flow and diversifying across gas utilities, midstream, and industrial end markets following the MRC Global merger. NOV is a capital-intensive manufacturer with higher value-added products, which supports structurally wider margins but exposes it to capital spending cycles and order timing.
On growth drivers, NOV is leveraged to offshore drilling, international unconventional markets, and automation adoption, areas with multi-year visibility and a sizable backlog. DNOW's growth is tied more to production volumes, infrastructure spending, and data-center-related demand, as well as execution on merger synergies. On recent momentum, both stocks have shown improvement, but NOV's consistent profitability and four-to-five-year run of margin expansion stand in contrast to DNOW's transitional GAAP losses and integration friction. Risk factors differ as well: DNOW carries merger-integration and margin-recovery risk, while NOV faces softer near-term order intake, elevated freight costs, and Middle East disruption.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently favor NOV over DNOW. NOV's combination of consistent net income, expanding segment margins, a robust backlog, and multi-year offshore catalysts provides a more stable trend profile, while DNOW's story, though improving, remains tied to execution on a complex integration and margin recovery. The verdict reflects relative positioning rather than a definitive prediction: NOV's steadier profitability and clearer near-term catalysts currently outweigh DNOW's higher revenue growth but softer earnings visibility.
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 DNOW is a Hold and NOV is a Buy.
DNOW sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
DNOW saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on November 04, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 35 of the 47 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 74%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on DNOW as a result. In 61 of 92 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
DNOW moved below its 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for DNOW crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 12 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DNOW 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 67%.
The Aroon Indicator for DNOW entered a downward trend on October 12, 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where DNOW's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 24 of 28 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 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 +1.65% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DNOW advanced for three days, in 232 of 337 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
DNOW may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 18 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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 (1.146) is normal, around the industry mean (4.173). P/E Ratio (-9.280) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.286). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.260) is also within normal values, averaging (2.538). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.448) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.600) is also within normal values, averaging (3.013).
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 66, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. DNOW’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 94 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 98 (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.
NOV in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on November 05, 2026
NOV may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 28 of 32 cases where NOV's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where NOV's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 20 of 23 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 50 of 64 cases where NOV's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
Following a +1.73% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NOV advanced for three days, in 231 of 310 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NOV as a result. In 68 of 94 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NOV turned negative on November 03, 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 54 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 42 of the 54 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 78%.
NOV moved below its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 50-day moving average for NOV moved below the 200-day moving average on November 11, 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 NOV 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 66%.
The Aroon Indicator for NOV entered a downward trend on October 28, 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 2 (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 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NOV’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. NOV’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 72, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 76 (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 (1.009) is normal, around the industry mean (1.488). P/E Ratio (65.037) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-21.917). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.787) is also within normal values, averaging (1.687). Dividend Yield (0.021) settles around the average of (0.043) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.873) is also within normal values, averaging (1.663).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 89 (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.
DNOW | NOV | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 66 | 67 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 18 Undervalued | 76 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 55 | 73 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 94 | 89 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 60 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 98 | 2 | |
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.
DNOW's Valuation (18) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for NOV (76) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew somewhat faster than NOV’s over the last 12 months.
DNOW's Profit vs Risk Rating (55) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as NOV (73) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew similarly to NOV’s over the last 12 months.
NOV's SMR Rating (89) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as DNOW (94) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that NOV’s stock grew similarly to DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
NOV's Price Growth Rating (60) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as DNOW (60) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that NOV’s stock grew similarly to DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
NOV's P/E Growth Rating (2) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is significantly better than the same rating for DNOW (98) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that NOV’s stock grew significantly faster than DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
| DNOW | NOV | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 2 days ago 87% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 78% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 72% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 78% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 73% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 17 days ago 69% | 6 days ago 75% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 10 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 2 days ago 88% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 61% |
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).
DNOW’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while NOV’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- DNOW’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- NOV’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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.
DNOW’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NOV’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DNOW’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- NOV’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
DNOW (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а +4.75% price change this week, while NOV (@Oilfield Services/Equipment) price change was +3.02% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was +3.61%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.32%, and the average quarterly price growth was +9.96%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oilfield Services/Equipment industry was +5.37%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.81%, and the average quarterly price growth was -21.73%.
Reported Earning Dates
DNOW is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
NOV is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronics Distributors (+3.61% weekly)Electronics distributors are companies that are involved in distribution of one or more of the following: electronic components, computer products/ peripherals and software products & services. Several electronics distributors are also becoming the point of contact for technical/pre- & post-sale support in many cases, in an attempt to bolster their position in the market. Tariffs and/or cross-border trade barriers are some of the potential threats to the electronics supply chain, but that could also potentially lead to re-directing to markets where tariffs/restrictions are lower depending on demand. The industry is also vulnerable in the event of economic slowdowns. Arrow Electronics, Inc., SYNNEX Corporation and Versum Materials, Inc. are some of the major electronics distributors in the U.S.
@Oilfield Services/Equipment (+5.37% weekly)The oilfield services/equipment industry is involved in providing various equipment and services to oil and natural gas producers. These companies rent drilling rigs and/or provide services to build and maintain oil and gas wells. The performance of this industry is dependent on demand for oil and natural gas, which in turn is often driven by macroeconomic conditions or business cycles. Schlumberger NV, Halliburton Company, and Baker Hughes are some of the biggest oilfield services companies.
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DNOW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DNOW has been loosely correlated with WTTR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 63% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if DNOW jumps, then WTTR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To DNOW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNOW | 100% | -0.14% | ||
| WTTR - DNOW | 63% Loosely correlated | +1.05% | ||
| PUMP - DNOW | 59% Loosely correlated | +1.62% | ||
| NPKI - DNOW | 57% Loosely correlated | -2.38% | ||
| NOV - DNOW | 56% Loosely correlated | +1.63% | ||
| CLB - DNOW | 54% Loosely correlated | +1.11% | ||
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