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HLIO vs HLMN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Helios Technologies (HLIO) vs. Hillman Solutions (HLMN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- HLIO (Helios Technologies) is delivering accelerating sales and earnings growth, with management raising full-year guidance through recent quarters, while HLMN (Hillman Solutions) has trimmed its revenue outlook amid softer top-line results.
- The two companies occupy different niches: HLIO makes engineered motion-control and electronic-control systems, while HLMN supplies hardware products and merchandising services.
- Relative performance has diverged sharply in recent market activity, with HLIO outpacing its industrial peers and HLMN trading lower over both the trailing three-month and twelve-month periods.
- Margin and balance-sheet trends favor HLIO, which has expanded adjusted operating margins and lowered leverage, whereas HLMN carries a heavier debt load and thinner net margins.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative market positioning, HLIO is the current ticker of choice between the two.
- For more detail, explore HLIO Major News and HLIO Today's Price Move, along with HLMN Major News and HLMN Today's Price Move.
- To see which automated strategies are currently favored across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors comparing HLIO and HLMN are weighing two very different industrial stories. Helios Technologies is a maker of highly engineered motion-control and electronic-control technology, while Hillman Solutions is a distributor of hardware, fasteners, and merchandising solutions to retail and professional channels. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders and investors evaluating relative performance, growth durability, and risk exposure across the broader industrial and consumer-hardware sectors. Because the two names have moved in opposite directions in recent market activity, they offer a useful contrast in market positioning, earnings quality, and momentum.
HLIO Overview and Recent Performance
HLIO, Helios Technologies, is a global provider of engineered motion-control and electronic-control solutions, operating through its Hydraulics and Electronics segments. In recent weeks, the stock has been among the stronger performers in the industrial-products space, supported by a series of upbeat earnings reports. Sales growth has accelerated on a pro forma basis, gross and operating margins have expanded, and the company has raised its full-year revenue and adjusted earnings-per-share outlook.
Sentiment has also improved around HLIO's repositioning efforts, which include portfolio streamlining, stronger free cash flow generation, and a lower net-debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) leverage ratio. The company raised its dividend and has continued share repurchases, and recent analyst actions have leaned constructive. These factors have reinforced a positive trend in relative performance, though the stock remains sensitive to cyclical end markets such as construction, agriculture, and recreation.
HLMN Overview and Recent Performance
HLMN, Hillman Solutions, is a leading provider of hardware products and merchandising services, serving retail, industrial, and professional distribution channels across North America. Recent market activity has been more challenging. In its latest quarterly report, revenue rose roughly 7.7% year over year but came in slightly below consensus expectations, and management trimmed its full-year net sales outlook, citing a softer demand environment.
The company has continued to execute on its "Blueprint for Strategic Growth," highlighted by acquisitions such as Kanebridge and Delaney Hardware and strength in its higher-margin Robotics and Digital Solutions segment. However, HLMN's operating margin declined year over year, and the stock has lagged both the broader market and its machinery peer group over recent periods. While free cash flow generation has improved and analysts maintain a broadly constructive longer-term view, near-term momentum and earnings visibility have weighed on sentiment.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor and trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own strategy, timeframe, risk profile, and performance track record. Rather than presenting every available bot, the Trending AI Robots page highlights a curated selection of the strategies best suited to current market conditions. These bots span a wide range of approaches, from swing and day-trading models to longer-horizon trend-following systems, with varying win rates, trade frequencies, and drawdown characteristics. For investors weighing names like HLIO and HLMN, this screening can offer an additional, data-driven layer of perspective. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to review the strategies currently favored by the platform.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between HLIO and HLMN is the direction of their recent fundamentals. HLIO has been in an earnings-upgrade cycle, raising guidance while expanding margins and reducing leverage. HLMN, by contrast, has seen top-line estimates reset lower even as it posts steady single-digit growth and improving cash conversion.
Their business models also carry different risk profiles. HLIO is exposed to cyclical industrial and agricultural end markets, giving it meaningful operating leverage in an upswing but sensitivity to demand swings. HLMN benefits from a wide distribution network and recurring hardware demand, yet its thinner net margins and higher debt-to-capital ratio leave it more vulnerable to input-cost pressure and softer retail volumes. On growth drivers, HLIO's electronics and hydraulics segments have shown broad-based recovery, while HLMN is leaning on acquisitions and its higher-margin robotics and digital unit to offset a sluggish core market. Market sentiment currently rewards HLIO's momentum and penalizes HLMN's guidance cuts.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently favor HLIO over HLMN. The decision rests on HLIO's more consistent upward earnings revisions, improving margin trajectory, stronger relative performance, and a balance-sheet position that has been strengthening. HLMN retains long-term strategic appeal, but its near-term guidance reset, margin compression, and weaker price momentum reduce its relative positioning. As with any probabilistic model, this verdict reflects current trend and catalyst data rather than a guarantee of future returns, and conditions can shift as new fundamentals emerge.
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 HLIO is a Hold and HLMN is a Hold.
HLIO sees MACD Histogram just turned negative
HLIO saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on November 05, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 53 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 43 of the 53 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 81%.
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 HLIO as a result. In 62 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 74%.
The 50-day moving average for HLIO moved below the 200-day moving average on October 14, 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 HLIO 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 71%.
The Aroon Indicator for HLIO entered a downward trend on November 11, 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 RSI Indicator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 4 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 Uptrend is expected.
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 +3.45% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HLIO advanced for three days, in 186 of 287 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
HLIO 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 Valuation Rating of 57 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (1.648) is normal, around the industry mean (3.843). P/E Ratio (21.963) is within average values for comparable stocks, (36.971). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.032) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.010) settles around the average of (0.032) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.498) is also within normal values, averaging (189.487).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 77 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 83 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. HLIO’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 92 (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. HLIO’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.
HLMN in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026
HLMN moved above its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 39 of 50 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on HLMN as a result. In 50 of 79 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The 10-day moving average for HLMN crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 15 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 67%.
Following a +6.85% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HLMN advanced for three days, in 187 of 266 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 114 of 175 cases where HLMN Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 65%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for HLMN moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 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 25 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 25 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 84%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 48 of 64 cases where HLMN's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HLMN 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 76%.
HLMN broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 28, 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HLMN’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 54 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (1.321) is normal, around the industry mean (3.143). HLMN has a moderately high P/E Ratio (41.600) as compared to the industry average of (22.467). HLMN's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.020). HLMN has a moderately low Dividend Yield (0.000) as compared to the industry average of (0.018). P/S Ratio (0.908) is also within normal values, averaging (2.217).
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 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.
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. HLMN’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 67, placing this stock worse than average.
HLIO | HLMN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 25 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 57 Fair valued | 54 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 77 | 86 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 83 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 92 | 57 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
HLMN's Valuation (54) in the null industry is in the same range as HLIO (57). This means that HLMN’s stock grew similarly to HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
HLMN's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the null industry is in the same range as HLIO (100). This means that HLMN’s stock grew similarly to HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
HLIO's SMR Rating (77) in the null industry is in the same range as HLMN (86). This means that HLIO’s stock grew similarly to HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
HLMN's Price Growth Rating (46) in the null industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLIO (83). This means that HLMN’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
HLMN's P/E Growth Rating (57) in the null industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLIO (92). This means that HLMN’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
| HLIO | HLMN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 84% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 75% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 75% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 65% | 14 days ago 70% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 71% | 1 day ago 76% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 84% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 65% |
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).
HLIO’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while HLMN’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- HLIO’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- HLMN’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.
HLIO’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HLMN’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HLIO’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- HLMN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
HLIO (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а -29.86% price change this week, while HLMN (@Tools & Hardware) price change was -2.16% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +2.87%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.89%, and the average quarterly price growth was -16.20%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was -2.24%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.84%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.78%.
Reported Earning Dates
HLIO is expected to report earnings on Mar 01, 2027.
HLMN is expected to report earnings on Feb 25, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (+2.87% 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 (-2.24% 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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HLIO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HLIO has been loosely correlated with HLMN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if HLIO jumps, then HLMN could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HLIO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLIO | 100% | +0.13% | ||
| HLMN - HLIO | 65% Loosely correlated | -1.84% | ||
| RBC - HLIO | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.74% | ||
| LECO - HLIO | 59% Loosely correlated | +1.31% | ||
| GTES - HLIO | 59% Loosely correlated | +1.87% | ||
| NDSN - HLIO | 58% Loosely correlated | +1.27% | ||
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HLMN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HLMN has been closely correlated with HLIO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HLMN jumps, then HLIO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HLMN | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HLMN | 100% | -1.84% | ||
| HLIO - HLMN | 71% Closely correlated | +0.13% | ||
| DCI - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.57% | ||
| GGG - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +4.71% | ||
| NDSN - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +1.27% | ||
| PNR - HLMN | 60% Loosely correlated | -0.43% | ||
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