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DNOW vs PUMP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? NOW Inc. (DNOW) vs. ProPetro Holding Corp. (PUMP) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- DNOW (NOW Inc.) is a diversified energy and industrial products distributor with a clean, debt-free balance sheet and a pending transformative merger with MRC Global.
- PUMP (ProPetro Holding Corp.) is an oilfield services provider whose new power-generation business (PROPWR) is driving strong share-price momentum.
- DNOW has posted consistent profitability and strong free cash flow, while PUMP is only marginally profitable after years of losses, making their risk profiles meaningfully different.
- PUMP has shown notably stronger recent price momentum, while DNOW offers greater fundamental stability and a clearer near-term catalyst in the MRC Global integration.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: On balance, Tickeron's AI would currently favor DNOW, based on trend consistency, profitability stability, and balance-sheet strength, despite PUMP's stronger momentum.
- For more detail on these names, explore DNOW Major News and DNOW Today's Price Move, as well as PUMP Major News and PUMP Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI is applying these insights in real time, browse the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Both DNOW and PUMP operate within the North American energy value chain, yet they occupy very different positions. DNOW distributes pipes, valves, fittings, and industrial products, while PUMP provides hydraulic fracturing, wireline, cementing, and, increasingly, power-generation services. Because their fortunes track different parts of the energy cycle, comparing them offers a useful lens on relative performance and market positioning. This stock comparison is most relevant to energy-sector investors and traders weighing a diversified, cash-generative distributor against a higher-momentum oilfield services company building an emerging power business.
DNOW Overview and Recent Performance
DNOW, formerly DistributionNOW, supplies energy and industrial products to customers across upstream, midstream, and downstream markets. In recent quarters, the company has deliberately diversified toward midstream, liquefied natural gas (LNG), data-center power, and mining, reducing its historical reliance on upstream drilling activity.
Financially, DNOW has delivered steady results, reporting record quarterly revenue alongside expanding margins and strong operating cash flow in its most recent reporting periods. Its balance sheet is a standout feature: zero long-term debt, a sizable cash position, and total liquidity measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The defining near-term catalyst is its pending all-stock acquisition of MRC Global, a transaction valued at roughly $1.5 billion that management expects to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. That deal is designed to broaden scale, expand the customer base, and unlock cost synergies, though integration risk remains a key factor to watch in the weeks ahead.
PUMP Overview and Recent Performance
PUMP, or ProPetro Holding Corp., is a Permian Basin-focused oilfield services company operating across four segments: hydraulic fracturing, wireline, cementing, and power generation. Its traditional completions business remains the dominant revenue driver, but investor attention has shifted to PROPWR, the company's power-generation unit targeting low-emission electricity for oilfield and, increasingly, data-center and industrial customers.
In recent periods, PUMP returned to profitability, though only marginally, after a prior year of substantial losses. Revenue has declined year over year, reflecting a softer completions environment, while the company has funded its growth through an equity offering, an expanded financing agreement with Caterpillar Financial, and a large lease facility. PROPWR has scaled quickly, with committed capacity and equipment orders growing rapidly and management targeting at least 750 megawatts of delivered capacity by 2028. This growth narrative has translated into notable share-price momentum, but it also brings higher capital intensity and dilution risk.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most clearly on business model and risk. DNOW is a lower-margin, higher-volume distributor whose earnings depend on steady industrial and energy activity and whose balance sheet offers a defensive cushion. PUMP is a service provider whose revenue is more tightly linked to drilling and completion cycles, making it more sensitive to commodity price swings and customer capital budgets.
On growth drivers, DNOW's catalyst is largely structural and self-directed: the MRC Global combination plus expansion into midstream and data-center-adjacent markets. PUMP's catalyst is more speculative but potentially larger: the rapid buildout of PROPWR into a power-generation platform. On recent momentum, PUMP has outperformed, with its shares advancing substantially over the past year, while DNOW's move has been more measured. On risk, DNOW carries integration and competitive-pricing risk, whereas PUMP faces execution risk, capital intensity, and the dilution associated with funding its expansion. Sector exposure also differs: DNOW spans multiple energy and industrial end markets, while PUMP remains concentrated in Permian completions with an emerging power overlay.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor DNOW at the current juncture. Its edge rests on more consistent profitability, a debt-free balance sheet, reliable free cash flow, and a concrete near-term catalyst in the MRC Global acquisition. PUMP's superior momentum and its PROPWR growth story are compelling, but its razor-thin profitability and heavier reliance on external financing introduce greater variability. In probabilistic terms, DNOW presents a more stable trend with a clearer path to improved scale, while PUMP offers higher upside potential accompanied by higher execution uncertainty. Traders and investors should weigh these trade-offs against their own objectives and time horizons.
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 StrongBuy and PUMP is a StrongBuy.
DNOW's RSI Oscillator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for DNOW moved out of oversold territory on November 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 27 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 25 of the 27 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
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.
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 59 of 93 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for DNOW turned negative on November 04, 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 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 31 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 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 10 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 56%.
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.
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.
PUMP's RSI Indicator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for PUMP moved out of oversold territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 32 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 30 of the 32 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 52 of 64 cases where PUMP'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 81%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PUMP just turned positive on November 10, 2026. Looking at past instances where PUMP's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 40 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
Following a +13.81% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PUMP advanced for three days, in 246 of 304 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
PUMP may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
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 PUMP as a result. In 65 of 89 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent 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 PUMP 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 80%.
The Aroon Indicator for PUMP 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 Valuation Rating of 5 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously 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 (0.820) is normal, around the industry mean (1.488). P/E Ratio (-58.091) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-21.917). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.170) is also within normal values, averaging (1.687). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.043) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.993) is also within normal values, averaging (1.663).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 86 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. PUMP’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 91 (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.
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. PUMP’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 73, placing this stock worse than average.
DNOW | PUMP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 68 | 25 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 18 Undervalued | 5 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 55 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 94 | 91 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 86 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 98 | 98 | |
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.
PUMP's Valuation (5) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as DNOW (18) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that PUMP’s stock grew similarly to DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
DNOW's Profit vs Risk Rating (55) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for PUMP (100) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew somewhat faster than PUMP’s over the last 12 months.
PUMP's SMR Rating (91) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as DNOW (94) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that PUMP’s stock grew similarly to DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
DNOW's Price Growth Rating (60) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as PUMP (86) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew similarly to PUMP’s over the last 12 months.
DNOW's P/E Growth Rating (98) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as PUMP (98) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew similarly to PUMP’s over the last 12 months.
| DNOW | PUMP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 81% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 73% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 77% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 79% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 82% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 69% | 3 days ago 81% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 67% | 7 days ago 80% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 2 days ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 88% |
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 PUMP’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- DNOW’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- PUMP’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 PUMP’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DNOW’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- PUMP’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
DNOW (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а -14.72% price change this week, while PUMP (@Oilfield Services/Equipment) price change was -4.74% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronics Distributors industry was +1.26%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +6.24%, and the average quarterly price growth was +13.24%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Oilfield Services/Equipment industry was +0.68%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -9.58%, and the average quarterly price growth was -21.77%.
Reported Earning Dates
DNOW is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
PUMP is expected to report earnings on Feb 23, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronics Distributors (+1.26% 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 (+0.68% 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% | -1.51% | ||
| WTTR - DNOW | 63% Loosely correlated | +1.59% | ||
| PUMP - DNOW | 59% Loosely correlated | N/A | ||
| NPKI - DNOW | 57% Loosely correlated | +1.68% | ||
| NOV - DNOW | 56% Loosely correlated | -0.06% | ||
| CLB - DNOW | 54% Loosely correlated | -0.89% | ||
More | ||||
PUMP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PUMP has been closely correlated with LBRT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 77% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PUMP jumps, then LBRT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PUMP | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PUMP | 100% | N/A | ||
| LBRT - PUMP | 77% Closely correlated | -3.40% | ||
| ACDC - PUMP | 67% Closely correlated | +3.22% | ||
| DNOW - PUMP | 59% Loosely correlated | -1.51% | ||
| RNGR - PUMP | 59% Loosely correlated | -9.78% | ||
| SEI - PUMP | 54% Loosely correlated | -1.18% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| MFLX | 16.61 | -0.05 | -0.30% |
| First Trust Flexible Municipal High Income ETF (MFLX) | |||
| FFLC | 57.91 | -0.20 | -0.34% |
| Fidelity Fundamental Large Cap Core ETF (FFLC) | |||
| PGJ | 21.97 | -0.31 | -1.37% |
| Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) | |||
| SPCQ | 9.65 | -0.14 | -1.43% |
| Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SPCX ETF (SPCQ) | |||
| KSTR | 18.22 | -0.40 | -2.15% |
| KraneShares China Technology & Semiconductor STAR 50 Index ETF (KSTR) | |||