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FELE vs LECO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Franklin Electric (FELE) vs. Lincoln Electric (LECO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both FELE and LECO are industrial manufacturers that have leveraged data center and automation demand to drive recent revenue growth, but they operate in distinct end markets.
- LECO posted stronger recent momentum, with sales up roughly 15% year over year, record adjusted earnings per share (EPS, profit allocated to each outstanding share), and a record automation backlog.
- FELE raised its full-year guidance, reported a sharp improvement in net income, and received a notable analyst upgrade tied to its emerging data center and critical minerals exposure.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: LECO — Lincoln Electric currently presents the more consistent trend, broader catalyst set, and stronger relative positioning between the two.
- For more detail on each name, explore FELE Major News and FELE Today's Price Move, as well as LECO Major News and LECO Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated systems are navigating current conditions, explore the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Industrial equipment makers Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (FELE) and Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) serve different corners of the manufacturing economy, yet both have caught investor attention for their ties to secular themes such as data center build-out, infrastructure, and automation. This stock comparison examines their recent relative performance, growth drivers, and market positioning to help traders and investors assess which name offers the more compelling profile in the current environment. The analysis is particularly relevant for those weighing momentum against valuation and seeking a structured view of how these two established industrial franchises stack up side by side.
FELE Overview and Recent Performance
Franklin Electric is a global manufacturer and distributor of systems for the movement and management of water, fuel, and electricity, organized across Water Systems, Energy Systems, and Distribution segments. In recent weeks, the company reported third-quarter net sales of roughly $633.6 million, up 9% year over year, with net income rising sharply to $61.0 million from $17.2 million in the prior-year period. Management raised its full-year net sales and adjusted EPS guidance on the strength of results across all three segments.
Sentiment also improved after an analyst upgraded the stock to Buy and lifted its price target to $135 from $105, citing underappreciated growth engines in data center infrastructure and critical minerals, as well as distribution margin opportunities. The company separately announced an agreement to acquire Challenge Pumps, expanding its presence in underground mine dewatering. These catalysts contributed to a notable upswing in the share price, though the stock's year-to-date and one-year total returns have remained relatively modest compared with broader industrial peers.
LECO Overview and Recent Performance
Lincoln Electric is a leading manufacturer of welding, cutting, and brazing products, operating across Americas Welding, International Welding, and The Harris Products Group, with a growing automation solutions business. In recent weeks, the company reported third-quarter sales of approximately $1.22 billion, up 15.1% year over year, and a record adjusted EPS of $2.98 that beat consensus estimates. Organic revenue rose 14.5%, driven by volume growth that outpaced price for the first time in more than two years.
Automation sales reached about $232 million, supported by a record backlog and elevated quoting activity, while management credited resurgent industrial production and data center-related demand. The company also announced a 10.1% dividend increase and raised its full-year sales outlook. Several analysts raised price targets following the report, reflecting confidence in automation momentum. These positive developments were tempered by margin pressure from higher energy and electronic component costs, which compressed gross margin during the quarter.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two names lies in scale, growth profile, and market positioning. Lincoln Electric is a much larger enterprise, with a market capitalization of roughly $15 billion and a broader global footprint, while Franklin Electric carries a market capitalization near $4.4 billion. LECO also delivered faster recent top-line growth and a more diversified catalyst set anchored in welding automation and record backlog.
On valuation, FELE trades at a lower price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, reflecting its smaller scale and steadier, less explosive growth trajectory, while LECO commands a richer multiple in exchange for stronger momentum. Risk profiles differ as well: LECO faces persistent input-cost inflation in energy and electronic components, whereas FELE is more exposed to interest-rate-sensitive construction cycles and water-infrastructure spending. Both benefit from data center demand, but through different channels — welding and automation for LECO, and pumps, fuel systems, and critical minerals applications for FELE.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently favor LECO between the two names. The reasoning centers on relative trend consistency and the breadth of its catalysts: record adjusted earnings, volume-led organic growth, a record automation backlog, and a cluster of analyst price-target increases all point to stronger and more broadly supported momentum. While FELE presents a compelling value story with its own data center and critical minerals runway, its catalysts appear narrower and its price trend less pronounced. The verdict reflects a probabilistic read of positioning rather than a definitive claim, and either name may warrant ongoing monitoring as conditions evolve.
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 FELE is a Hold and LECO is a Buy.
FELE in downward trend: 10-day moving average broke below 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026
The 10-day moving average for FELE crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 12 of 16 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 75%.
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 FELE as a result. In 54 of 100 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 54%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for FELE turned negative on November 05, 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 57 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 57 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 53%.
The 50-day moving average for FELE moved below the 200-day moving average on October 19, 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 FELE 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 56%.
The Aroon Indicator for FELE 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 Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 38 of 60 cases where FELE'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 63%.
FELE moved above its 50-day moving average on November 10, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.77% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FELE advanced for three days, in 181 of 297 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
FELE 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 53 (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 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FELE’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 62 (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 SMR rating for this company is 65 (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 Valuation Rating of 69 (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 (2.958) is normal, around the industry mean (3.843). P/E Ratio (26.829) is within average values for comparable stocks, (36.971). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.564) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.012) settles around the average of (0.032) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.947) is also within normal values, averaging (189.487).
LECO's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LECO turned positive on October 27, 2026. Looking at past instances where LECO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LECO as a result. In 54 of 82 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
LECO moved above its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for LECO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Following a +4.52% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LECO advanced for three days, in 223 of 344 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 175 of 305 cases where LECO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for LECO moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 35 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 15 of the 35 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 43%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 32 of 62 cases where LECO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LECO declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
LECO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 68, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LECO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 88 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: LECO's P/B Ratio (9.657) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (3.143). P/E Ratio (27.289) is within average values for comparable stocks, (22.467). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.531) is also within normal values, averaging (1.020). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.018) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.155) is also within normal values, averaging (2.217).
FELE | LECO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 85 | 80 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 69 Overvalued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 53 | 21 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 65 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 45 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 30 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
FELE's Valuation (69) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as LECO (88). This means that FELE’s stock grew similarly to LECO’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's Profit vs Risk Rating (21) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as FELE (53). This means that LECO’s stock grew similarly to FELE’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's SMR Rating (27) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for FELE (65). This means that LECO’s stock grew somewhat faster than FELE’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's Price Growth Rating (45) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as FELE (57). This means that LECO’s stock grew similarly to FELE’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's P/E Growth Rating (30) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as FELE (62). This means that LECO’s stock grew similarly to FELE’s over the last 12 months.
| FELE | LECO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 43% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 56% | 6 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 57% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
FELE’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while LECO’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- FELE’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- LECO’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
FELE’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LECO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FELE’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 7 bearish.
- LECO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
FELE (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а -3.04% price change this week, while LECO (@Tools & Hardware) price change was -0.37% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was -1.40%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -11.53%, and the average quarterly price growth was -18.91%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was -3.10%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.97%, and the average quarterly price growth was +2.00%.
Reported Earning Dates
FELE is expected to report earnings on Feb 16, 2027.
LECO is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (-1.40% weekly)The industry makes and maintains machines for consumers, the industry, and most other companies. While it has traditionally been categorized as heavy industry, some smaller companies are also branching into the light category. The industry is pivotal in providing the equipment for production in businesses like agriculture, mining, industry and construction, gas, electricity and water utilities. It also supplies supporting equipment for almost all sectors of the economy, such as equipment for heating, and air conditioning of buildings. Illinois Tool Works Inc., Parker-Hannifin Corporation and Rockwell Automation Inc are some of the major U.S. companies operating in this industry.
@Tools & Hardware (-3.10% weekly)Tools & Hardware industry includes companies that manufacture security products, storage cabinets, steel rules and tapes, calipers, shoe hook fasteners, lumber, structural materials and other related supplies. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Snap-on Incorporated and L.S. Starrett Company are some of the largest, established players in this industry. The industry is also seeing rapid growth in online sales. The proliferation of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects has boosted industry demand. But oil price volatility poses potential risks to this industry, particularly to e-commerce companies which spend on services of shipping companies, which might alter charges based on oil price movements.
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FELE and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FELE has been closely correlated with KMT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 72% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FELE jumps, then KMT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FELE | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FELE | 100% | +0.76% | ||
| KMT - FELE | 72% Closely correlated | -0.62% | ||
| LECO - FELE | 70% Closely correlated | -0.01% | ||
| DCI - FELE | 70% Closely correlated | -0.97% | ||
| TKR - FELE | 67% Closely correlated | +0.33% | ||
| RBC - FELE | 65% Loosely correlated | +0.01% | ||
More | ||||
LECO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LECO has been closely correlated with GGG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if LECO jumps, then GGG could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To LECO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LECO | 100% | -0.01% | ||
| GGG - LECO | 74% Closely correlated | -0.17% | ||
| DOV - LECO | 73% Closely correlated | -0.46% | ||
| DCI - LECO | 73% Closely correlated | -0.97% | ||
| ZWS - LECO | 70% Closely correlated | +0.66% | ||
| FELE - LECO | 70% Closely correlated | +0.76% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| HDEF | 34.53 | -0.02 | -0.06% |
| Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) | |||
| LOHA | 26.75 | -0.11 | -0.42% |
| Roundhill HALO ETF (LOHA) | |||
| TTEQ | 36.59 | -0.40 | -1.08% |
| T. Rowe Price Technology ETF (TTEQ) | |||
| ERTH | 41.62 | -0.71 | -1.67% |
| Invesco MSCI Sustainable Future ETF (ERTH) | |||
| COPZ | 10.83 | -0.75 | -6.45% |
| Defiance Daily Target 2X Long Copper ETF | |||