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GGG vs ROP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Graco Inc. (GGG) vs. Roper Technologies (ROP) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Graco (GGG) is a fluid-handling equipment manufacturer, while Roper Technologies (ROP) is a diversified software and technology-enabled products company — two very different business models under the industrial umbrella.
- Graco has shown improving order trends and a record second quarter, but faces softer residential construction and tariff-related margin pressure.
- Roper is growing faster on an organic basis, with accelerating AI-driven software demand and aggressive share repurchases, yet its stock has underperformed over the past year.
- Graco trades at a higher price-to-earnings multiple with a higher dividend yield; Roper carries a lower multiple with modest yield but stronger free cash flow growth.
- The two names differ sharply in sector exposure, growth drivers, and risk profile, making them a useful study in contrasting industrial investment strategies.
Introduction
Investors comparing GGG and ROP are effectively weighing two distinct ways to participate in the broader industrial and technology landscape. Graco is a legacy manufacturer of fluid and coating equipment whose fortunes track construction and general industrial activity. Roper Technologies is a capital-light, software-centric acquirer focused on niche, mission-critical verticals. This stock comparison is relevant to traders evaluating relative performance and market positioning, as well as to long-term investors weighing dividend-oriented industrial exposure against a faster-growing, software-driven compounder. Understanding how each business generates cash, where its growth is coming from, and what risks it carries helps clarify which profile better fits a given portfolio.
GGG Overview and Recent Performance
GGG, Graco Inc., designs and manufactures systems that move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluids and powders. Its segments — Contractor, Industrial, and Process — serve paint and coatings, manufacturing, and broader industrial applications. In recent weeks, Graco has reported record second-quarter sales and earnings, with management citing improving order trends, a stronger backlog, and growth across all three segments. Organic orders and a rising six-week booking average have supported a more confident outlook for the back half of the year.
That said, the company's performance has been mixed relative to expectations. Earlier in the year, first-quarter results missed Wall Street forecasts on softer-than-expected organic growth, ongoing weakness in construction-related and contractor markets, and incremental tariff costs. These pressures contributed to margin erosion and a negative market reaction at the time. Graco's share price has eased in recent months and remains below its 52-week high, even as its dividend yield near 1.5% and a long dividend-growth streak appeal to income-focused investors. Sentiment is being shaped by a tug-of-war between recovering order momentum and persistent end-market softness.
ROP Overview and Recent Performance
ROP, Roper Technologies, operates market-leading businesses that develop vertical software and technology-enabled products for defensible niche markets, including healthcare, insurance, and legal services. Roughly 78% of its revenue comes from software-related sources, and a large share is recurring, giving the model high visibility. In recent market activity, Roper has delivered accelerating organic growth, with revenue rising around 9% and organic growth near 6%, supported by broad AI-enabled product momentum across its portfolio.
Roper has raised its full-year guidance and executed substantial share repurchases — more than $3 billion year-to-date — while expanding its authorization further. Despite this operational strength, the stock has underperformed, trading well below its 52-week high and down significantly over the past year. The divergence reflects lingering investor concerns about software-sector valuations and AI-driven disruption, even as Roper's own AI integration has been a positive catalyst. With a lower price-to-earnings multiple and modest dividend yield near 1%, Roper's story centers on cash flow growth, recurring revenue, and disciplined capital deployment.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between GGG and ROP is business model. Graco is a capital-intensive manufacturer whose demand is tied to construction cycles, industrial production, and tariffs on materials — factors that have pressured margins in recent quarters. Roper is an asset-light, software-heavy compounder whose recurring revenue and niche customer relationships provide steadier, higher-margin economics, with organic growth currently running faster than Graco's.
Growth drivers also diverge. Graco's recent momentum is built on backlog conversion, new product launches, and a hoped-for stabilization in contractor markets. Roper's momentum is tied to AI adoption across its software platforms, cross-selling, and acquisitions, funded by robust free cash flow. On risk, Graco faces end-market cyclicality and tariff exposure, while Roper faces acquisition-integration risk and the possibility that AI disrupts its own niches. Valuation reflects these profiles: Graco trades at a higher earnings multiple and offers a larger yield, while Roper trades at a lower multiple with faster cash flow growth but weaker recent price performance.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward ROP in the current environment. The combination of accelerating organic growth, rising recurring software revenue, elevated free cash flow, and a more consistent earnings trajectory suggests stronger trend consistency and relative positioning than Graco's more cyclical, tariff-sensitive profile. Roper's aggressive buybacks and raised guidance provide tangible catalysts, whereas Graco's outlook still depends on a construction recovery that has yet to fully materialize. This assessment reflects relative positioning rather than certainty, and conditions could shift if Graco's backlog converts faster than expected or if Roper's AI narrative cools.
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 Hold and ROP is a Hold.
GGG in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026
The 10-day moving average for GGG crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 14 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 64%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on GGG as a result. In 46 of 93 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for GGG just turned positive on September 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where GGG's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 25 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
GGG moved above its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.88% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GGG advanced for three days, in 147 of 315 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 79 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 37%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for GGG moved out of overbought territory on October 19, 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 30 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 14 of the 30 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 47%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
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%.
GGG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 13, 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 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. GGG’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 57 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 75, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 81 (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 (5.206) is normal, around the industry mean (4.503). P/E Ratio (25.105) is within average values for comparable stocks, (38.302). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.334) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.015) settles around the average of (0.029) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.643) is also within normal values, averaging (186.943).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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.
ROP in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026
ROP moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 18 of 41 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 44%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ROP as a result. In 46 of 107 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 43%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ROP just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where ROP's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 21 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 44%.
Following a +4.05% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ROP advanced for three days, in 142 of 340 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 42%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 7 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 10-day moving average for ROP crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 18, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 6 of 13 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 46%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ROP 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 45%.
ROP broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 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.
The Aroon Indicator for ROP entered a downward trend on October 08, 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ROP’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 61 (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 65 (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 Valuation Rating of 67 (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 (2.106) is normal, around the industry mean (-1.287). P/E Ratio (16.523) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.534). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.393) is also within normal values, averaging (2.824). Dividend Yield (0.009) settles around the average of (0.074) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.782) is also within normal values, averaging (71.128).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 90 (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. ROP’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 94, placing this stock worse than average.
GGG | ROP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 44 | 16 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 81 Overvalued | 67 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 66 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 45 | 61 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 90 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 65 |
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.
ROP's Valuation (67) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry is in the same range as GGG (81) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that ROP’s stock grew similarly to GGG’s over the last 12 months.
GGG's Profit vs Risk Rating (66) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (100) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that GGG’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
GGG's SMR Rating (45) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as ROP (61) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that GGG’s stock grew similarly to ROP’s over the last 12 months.
GGG's Price Growth Rating (46) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as ROP (47) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that GGG’s stock grew similarly to ROP’s over the last 12 months.
GGG's P/E Growth Rating (57) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROP (90) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that GGG’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROP’s over the last 12 months.
| GGG | ROP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 46% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 49% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 43% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 44% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 41% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 37% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 42% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 22 days ago 52% | 15 days ago 45% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 41% | 2 days ago 55% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 37% | 2 days ago 54% |
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 ROP’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- GGG’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- ROP’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.
GGG’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ROP’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GGG’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- ROP’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
GGG (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +1.59% price change this week, while ROP (@Packaged Software) price change was +8.09% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was -4.23%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -13.32%, and the average quarterly price growth was -19.29%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Packaged Software industry was +1.75%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.18%, and the average quarterly price growth was +3.69%.
Reported Earning Dates
GGG is expected to report earnings on Oct 21, 2026.
ROP is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (-4.23% 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.
@Packaged Software (+1.75% weekly)Packaged software comprises multiple software programs bundled together and sold as a group. For example, Microsoft Office includes multiple applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. In some cases, buying a bundled product is cheaper than purchasing each item individually[s20] . Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corp. and Adobe are some major American packaged software makers.
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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.
ROP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ROP has been closely correlated with AME. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ROP jumps, then AME could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ROP | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 100% | +3.84% | ||
| AME - ROP | 75% Closely correlated | +0.06% | ||
| GGG - ROP | 71% Closely correlated | +0.42% | ||
| IEX - ROP | 69% Closely correlated | -0.30% | ||
| OTIS - ROP | 69% Closely correlated | +1.45% | ||
| NDSN - ROP | 68% Closely correlated | +0.97% | ||
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