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GGG vs LECO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Graco (GGG) vs. Lincoln Electric (LECO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, earnings momentum, and forward catalysts, Tickeron's AI currently favors LECO over GGG in this head-to-head stock comparison.
- GGG posted record revenue in its latest quarter but missed consensus estimates and guided below expectations, prompting a sharp pullback and multiple analyst price-target reductions.
- LECO beat revenue and earnings expectations, raised full-year sales guidance, and reported record automation backlog, fueling positive price momentum.
- The two companies share the industrials sector but diverge in growth profile: LECO's automation and data center exposure is accelerating, while GGG faces softer industrial project timing and margin compression.
- For more context, explore GGG Major News and GGG Today's Price Move, as well as LECO Major News and LECO Today's Price Move.
- To see which strategies are currently favored across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Graco Inc. (GGG) and Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (LECO) are two established names in the industrial machinery space, yet they serve different end markets and are responding to the current environment in distinct ways. Graco specializes in fluid-handling and coating equipment, while Lincoln Electric is a leader in welding, cutting, and automation technologies. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders seeking relative performance and market positioning among quality industrial holdings. By examining recent earnings, growth drivers, and sentiment shifts, readers can better understand which of these two tickers currently presents a more favorable risk-reward profile.
GGG Overview and Recent Performance
Graco Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets systems used to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluids and powders across industrial and commercial applications. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company operates through Contractor, Industrial, and Expansion Markets segments, serving manufacturing, processing, construction, and maintenance customers worldwide.
In recent weeks, GGG delivered record quarterly revenue of approximately $586 million, up about 8% year over year, driven by growth in professional paint, powder finishing, and semiconductor applications. However, the results missed Wall Street's revenue and earnings estimates, and fourth-quarter guidance came in below analyst expectations. The market reaction was notably negative, with shares declining sharply as operating margin compressed and multiple firms lowered their price targets, citing industrial project delays and European market uncertainty.
Sentiment has been pressured by weaker organic growth in construction-related markets, longer decision cycles in the Industrial segment, and integration costs from recent acquisitions such as Valco Melton. While order trends and backlog have improved, the near-term margin outlook has introduced caution into the stock's relative performance.
LECO Overview and Recent Performance
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. is a global leader in welding, cutting, brazing, and automation products. Headquartered in Cleveland, the company operates across Americas Welding, International Welding, and Harris Products Group segments, serving customers in more than 160 countries. Its portfolio extends into welding automation, cobots, and physical AI platforms.
In recent market activity, LECO reported third-quarter revenue of approximately $1.22 billion, up about 15% year over year, beating analyst estimates on both revenue and adjusted earnings per share (EPS). Organic growth was broad-based across segments and end markets, with U.S. sales rising more than 20%. Automation sales reached roughly $232 million, supported by a record backlog and strong demand from data center and HVAC markets.
Management raised full-year sales guidance and increased its dividend for the 31st consecutive year. Following the results, several analysts raised their price targets, reflecting improved confidence in the company's growth trajectory. The stock has trended higher on these catalysts, though gross margin pressure from energy and electronic component costs remains a factor investors are monitoring.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron offers hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each operating with distinct trading styles, strategies, timeframes, performance statistics, and sets of securities. Because market conditions change constantly, not every bot is well suited to the current environment. That is why Tickeron curates a dedicated Trending AI Robots section, highlighting only the bots that are best positioned for today's market. This curated selection helps traders and investors identify AI-driven strategies that are currently demonstrating favorable characteristics. Whether you follow momentum, swing trading, or longer-term positioning, exploring the Trending AI Robots page can provide a practical starting point for evaluating automated approaches.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Although both companies operate in the industrials sector, their business models and growth drivers diverge meaningfully. GGG is tied to fluid-handling demand across construction, finishing, and semiconductor applications, where housing-related softness and project timing have weighed on near-term results. LECO, by contrast, is leveraged to welding, cutting, and automation, with accelerating exposure to data center and industrial production demand.
On recent momentum, LECO has demonstrated stronger execution: it beat estimates, raised guidance, and saw positive analyst revisions, while GGG missed estimates, guided cautiously, and triggered price-target cuts. Profitability profiles also differ. Graco historically carries elite operating margins, but recent quarters have shown compression. Lincoln Electric's margins are improving and it targets roughly 60 basis points of annual incremental operating margin expansion.
Risk factors present a further contrast. GGG faces margin dilution from acquisitions and softer industrial project timing. LECO contends with input-cost inflation, international segment softness, and geopolitical headwinds in the Middle East. From a market sentiment standpoint, LECO's upward revisions and record backlog contrast with GGG's more cautious near-term outlook.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, analyst revisions, and catalyst visibility, Tickeron's AI would currently favor LECO over GGG in this comparison. Lincoln Electric's ability to beat expectations, raise full-year guidance, and build a record automation backlog points to more consistent relative strength and clearer forward catalysts. Graco's recent miss, cautious guidance, and margin compression suggest a more uncertain near-term path. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive and reflects the current balance of observable data rather than a prediction of future price movements.
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 GGG is a StrongBuy and LECO is a Buy.
GGG in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026
GGG may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 24 of 38 cases where GGG's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where GGG's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 39 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 31 of 66 cases where GGG'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 47%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on GGG as a result. In 44 of 94 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for GGG just turned positive on November 10, 2026. Looking at past instances where GGG's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +1.13% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GGG advanced for three days, in 147 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 88 of 211 cases where GGG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 42%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
GGG moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for GGG crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 7 of 14 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 50%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where GGG 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 52%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 45 (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 Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 71 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. GGG’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 77 (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 (4.357) is normal, around the industry mean (3.843). P/E Ratio (21.009) is within average values for comparable stocks, (36.971). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.334) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (0.032) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.643) is also within normal values, averaging (189.487).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 77 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 87 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. GGG’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.
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).
GGG | LECO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 29 | 80 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 77 Overvalued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 87 | 21 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 45 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 71 | 45 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 77 | 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.
GGG's Valuation (77) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as LECO (88). This means that GGG’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 significantly better than the same rating for GGG (87). This means that LECO’s stock grew significantly faster than GGG’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's SMR Rating (27) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as GGG (45). This means that LECO’s stock grew similarly to GGG’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's Price Growth Rating (45) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as GGG (71). This means that LECO’s stock grew similarly to GGG’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's P/E Growth Rating (30) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for GGG (77). This means that LECO’s stock grew somewhat faster than GGG’s over the last 12 months.
| GGG | LECO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 46% | 1 day ago 43% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 52% | 6 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 42% | 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).
GGG’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while LECO’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- GGG’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.
GGG’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LECO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GGG’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- LECO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
GGG (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +1.19% 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
GGG is expected to report earnings on Feb 01, 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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GGG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, GGG has been closely correlated with LECO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if GGG jumps, then LECO could also see price increases.
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% | ||
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