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DNOW vs WTTR
Which Stock Would AI Choose? DNOW Inc. (DNOW) vs. Select Water Solutions (WTTR) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- DNOW and WTTR both serve the U.S. energy sector but occupy distinct niches: DNOW distributes energy and industrial equipment, while WTTR provides water management and chemical solutions.
- Both carry comparable market capitalizations near the $2.5 billion range, making this a direct comparison of two mid-cap energy-services names.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: WTTR is the favored ticker, based on a more consistent upward trend, a "Strong Buy" analyst consensus, and expanding high-margin water-infrastructure revenue.
- DNOW offers a diversified, post-merger growth story with strong cash flow, but near-term earnings pressure from MRC Global's system integration has weighed on margins.
- Explore DNOW Major News and DNOW Today's Price Move, along with WTTR Major News and WTTR Today's Price Move, for up-to-date developments on each ticker.
- For curated AI-driven trading strategies across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors tracking the energy-services sector often weigh companies whose fortunes are tied to U.S. oil and gas activity but whose business models differ sharply. DNOW, a Houston-based distributor of pipe, valves, fittings, pumps, and related equipment, and WTTR, a Gainesville, Texas-based provider of sustainable water and chemical solutions, sit at the intersection of energy production and infrastructure. This stock comparison is most relevant for traders and investors seeking relative performance and market positioning within mid-cap energy names, whether they favor a diversified distribution platform or a water-infrastructure pure play.
DNOW Overview and Recent Performance
DNOW (DNOW Inc., formerly NOW Inc. and DistributionNOW) supplies energy and industrial products and packaged process equipment, with a legacy spanning more than 160 years. Its November 2025 combination with MRC Global substantially broadened its end-market mix, shifting exposure toward gas utilities, midstream, and downstream industrial customers and away from a historically upstream-heavy profile.
Recent market activity has centered on integration progress. The company reported second-quarter revenue of roughly $1.3 billion, up 10% sequentially, with adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rising 54% sequentially to $60 million and record operating cash flow of $133 million. Management has guided to full-year revenue slightly above $5 billion and targets $70 million in cost synergies from the MRC Global combination over three years. However, disruption from an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system migration at MRC Global's U.S. operations has pressured near-term margins and contributed to a weaker-than-expected first-quarter earnings print, keeping sentiment cautious even as cash-flow generation has strengthened.
WTTR Overview and Recent Performance
WTTR (Select Water Solutions, Inc.) provides water management and chemical solutions to the energy industry across three segments: Water Infrastructure, Water Services, and Chemical Technologies. Its business spans produced-water recycling, gathering, transfer, and disposal, supported by a growing network of permanent pipeline and recycling assets.
In recent quarters, WTTR has shown improving profitability and a notable shift toward higher-margin, long-term contracted infrastructure revenue. First-quarter 2026 revenue reached $366 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $77.6 million and record quarterly Water Infrastructure revenue of about $97 million, up 19% sequentially. The company has also expanded through acquisitions, closing its Pilot Water Solutions transaction in early November 2026 and adding disposal, water-rights, and storage capacity in the Permian Basin. That growth has been funded in part by an upsized $900 million senior notes offering carrying a 7.625% coupon, which has increased financial leverage. Analysts currently hold a "Strong Buy" consensus, with a 12-month price target well above recent trading levels.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most clearly in business model and margin structure. DNOW operates as a lower-margin, higher-volume distributor whose profitability depends on operating leverage and working-capital efficiency; its post-merger scale and diversification are growth levers, but integration friction has kept margins below historical norms. WTTR, by contrast, is building a recurring, infrastructure-oriented revenue base with gross margins that have expanded as its water-infrastructure segment scales.
On momentum, WTTR has exhibited a more consistent recent uptrend, reflected in a substantial year-over-year increase in market capitalization and an analyst consensus upgrade path. DNOW's relative performance has been choppier, with strong cash-flow results offset by earnings misses tied to the ERP migration. In terms of risk, DNOW carries execution and integration risk, while WTTR carries higher financial leverage following its recent debt-financed acquisition. Both remain exposed to U.S. drilling and completion activity, though DNOW's diversification and WTTR's contracted infrastructure revenue provide somewhat different cushions against commodity-price volatility.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently favor WTTR over DNOW. WTTR's more sustained uptrend, expanding high-margin infrastructure revenue, and "Strong Buy" analyst consensus suggest a comparatively clearer near-term setup. By contrast, DNOW's recovery narrative, while supported by strong cash flow and meaningful synergy targets, remains complicated by ongoing integration work and recent earnings pressure. This is a probabilistic assessment rather than a certainty: DNOW's diversified post-merger platform could close the gap if margin recovery accelerates. As always, outcomes depend on how each company executes against its stated catalysts in the quarters ahead.
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 WTTR 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.
WTTR's RSI Oscillator is remaining in oversold zone for 1 day
It is expected that a price bounce should occur soon.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 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 +2.31% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WTTR advanced for three days, in 246 of 324 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
WTTR 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 WTTR as a result. In 67 of 101 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%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for WTTR 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 60 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 43 of the 60 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 72%.
WTTR moved below its 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WTTR 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 64%.
The Aroon Indicator for WTTR entered a downward trend on November 09, 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 34 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 63 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WTTR’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 84 (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 (1.988) is normal, around the industry mean (1.488). P/E Ratio (57.786) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-21.917). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.800) is also within normal values, averaging (1.687). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (0.043) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.817) is also within normal values, averaging (1.663).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 86 (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 | WTTR | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 68 | 89 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 18 Undervalued | 84 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 55 | 34 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 94 | 86 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 63 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 98 | 45 | |
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 significantly better than the same rating for WTTR (84) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew significantly faster than WTTR’s over the last 12 months.
WTTR's Profit vs Risk Rating (34) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as DNOW (55) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that WTTR’s stock grew similarly to DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
WTTR's SMR Rating (86) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is in the same range as DNOW (94) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that WTTR’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 WTTR (63) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry. This means that DNOW’s stock grew similarly to WTTR’s over the last 12 months.
WTTR's P/E Growth Rating (45) in the Oilfield Services Or Equipment industry is somewhat better than the same rating for DNOW (98) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that WTTR’s stock grew somewhat faster than DNOW’s over the last 12 months.
| DNOW | WTTR | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 2 days ago 88% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 85% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 72% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 69% | 14 days ago 76% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 67% | 7 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 86% | 2 days ago 88% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 63% |
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 WTTR’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- DNOW’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- WTTR’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
DNOW’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WTTR’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DNOW’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- WTTR’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
DNOW (@Electronics Distributors) experienced а -14.72% price change this week, while WTTR (@Oilfield Services/Equipment) price change was -16.52% 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.
WTTR 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 | ||||
WTTR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WTTR has been loosely correlated with DNOW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if WTTR jumps, then DNOW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To WTTR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTTR | 100% | +1.59% | ||
| DNOW - WTTR | 65% Loosely correlated | -1.51% | ||
| BOOM - WTTR | 57% Loosely correlated | -4.31% | ||
| ACDC - WTTR | 50% Loosely correlated | +3.22% | ||
| RNGR - WTTR | 49% Loosely correlated | -9.78% | ||
| TS - WTTR | 49% Loosely correlated | +1.28% | ||
More | ||||
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