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HLIO vs KMT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Helios Technologies (HLIO) vs. Kennametal (KMT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- HLIO has delivered broad-based revenue growth, expanding margins, and consistent deleveraging, supported by a raised full-year outlook.
- KMT posted explosive earnings gains, but the upside was heavily driven by a surge in tungsten prices that has since partially reversed.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: The AI framework currently favors HLIO over KMT, citing more sustainable momentum, cleaner cash generation, and steadier positioning.
- For more context on each name, explore HLIO Major News and HLIO Today's Price Move, as well as KMT Major News and KMT Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI-powered strategies are positioned across the broader market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Helios Technologies and Kennametal both operate in the industrial technology space, yet they serve very different demand drivers and carry distinct risk profiles. Helios Technologies designs engineered motion control and electronic controls technology, while Kennametal supplies tungsten-carbide tooling and wear-resistant solutions for manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing quality growth against cyclical, commodity-linked earnings. Traders focused on relative performance and market positioning may also find value in understanding why one name currently shows steadier momentum than the other, and how each stock's recent behavior reflects its underlying business model.
HLIO Overview and Recent Performance
HLIO, or Helios Technologies, is a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology, operating through its Hydraulics and Electronics segments. In recent quarters the company has sustained profitable sales growth, with pro forma revenue expansion in the double digits and gross margin meaningfully higher year over year. Management raised its full-year outlook on the back of stronger-than-expected results and improved visibility, while also increasing its quarterly dividend by 33% and reducing net leverage to among its lowest levels in years. Recent market activity has reflected a constructive fundamental picture, with analyst coverage leaning bullish and a fresh buy recommendation issued in recent weeks. Key drivers include a recovery in agriculture, strength in construction and recreational markets, and record cash generation.
KMT Overview and Recent Performance
KMT, or Kennametal Inc., is an industrial technology leader with more than 85 years of history in materials science, tooling, and wear-resistant solutions, serving aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering, and transportation end markets. Its fiscal 2026 results showed a dramatic increase in revenue and adjusted earnings, propelled largely by price increases tied to an unprecedented surge in tungsten costs. The company reported record adjusted operating margins and strong demand in energy, aerospace, and defense. However, the same period brought significant working capital strain, with negative free cash flow and inventories that roughly doubled. In recent weeks, tungsten prices have retraced a substantial portion of their earlier rally, and analyst sentiment has turned cautious, with consensus ratings skewing toward sell and at least one major firm lowering its price target.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each built around its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and set of securities. Because market conditions change constantly, not every bot is equally suited to the current environment. That is why Tickeron curates only the most promising strategies into a dedicated Trending AI Robots section, highlighting the bots best aligned with prevailing trends and volatility. Exploring this page can help traders see which automated approaches are gaining traction right now and how they are positioned across names like HLIO and KMT. If you are interested in data-driven, rules-based trading, the Trending AI Robots page offers a useful starting point.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most clearly on the quality and durability of their earnings growth. HLIO is building momentum through organic volume growth, margin expansion, and balance-sheet improvement, with a smaller, more diversified revenue base split between hydraulics and electronics. KMT is far more exposed to a single input commodity, tungsten, whose price swings can create outsized earnings swings in either direction. In terms of risk, KMT carries elevated working capital requirements and negative free cash flow, while HLIO has been generating record cash. On sentiment, analyst consensus for HLIO leans constructive, whereas consensus for KMT tilts cautious. Both serve cyclical industrial end markets, but KMT's results are more dependent on raw-material pricing dynamics that may not persist.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability of cash generation, catalyst quality, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI framework currently leans toward HLIO. The analysis assigns greater weight to Helios Technologies' sustained margin expansion, improving leverage, rising dividend, and constructive analyst backdrop, which together suggest a steadier and more repeatable earnings trajectory. By contrast, Kennametal's recent earnings acceleration appears more tied to a volatile tungsten-price cycle that has already begun to unwind. While both names carry risk, the AI verdict favors HLIO as the relatively more consistent candidate in the current environment, framed in probabilistic rather than definitive terms.
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 KMT is a Hold.
HLIO sees its 50-day moving average cross bearishly below its 200-day moving average
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.
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 66 of 85 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 78%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for HLIO 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 53 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 38 of the 53 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 72%.
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 09, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
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 (3.805). P/E Ratio (21.963) is within average values for comparable stocks, (36.482). 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 (186.943).
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 93 (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.
KMT's Indicator enters downward trend
The Aroon Indicator for KMT entered a downward trend on November 09, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor identified a pattern where the AroonDown red line was above 70 while the AroonUp green line was below 30 for three straight days. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. A.I.dvisor looked at 202 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator formed such a pattern. In 136 of the 202 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 03, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on KMT as a result. In 60 of 91 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for KMT turned negative on October 14, 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 52 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 32 of the 52 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 62%.
KMT moved below its 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for KMT crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 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 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where KMT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator 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 Uptrend is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +1.39% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KMT advanced for three days, in 194 of 309 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
KMT 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 39 (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 (1.119) is normal, around the industry mean (3.143). KMT has a moderately low P/E Ratio (5.122) as compared to the industry average of (22.467). KMT's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.050) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.020). KMT has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.035) as compared to the industry average of (0.018). P/S Ratio (0.976) is also within normal values, averaging (2.217).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 40 (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 80 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. KMT’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 96 (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. KMT’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 68, placing this stock worse than average.
HLIO | KMT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 62 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 57 Fair valued | 39 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 77 | 40 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 83 | 80 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 93 | 96 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 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.
KMT's Valuation (39) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as HLIO (57) in the null industry. This means that KMT’s stock grew similarly to HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
KMT's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as HLIO (100) in the null industry. This means that KMT’s stock grew similarly to HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
KMT's SMR Rating (40) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLIO (77) in the null industry. This means that KMT’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
KMT's Price Growth Rating (80) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as HLIO (83) in the null industry. This means that KMT’s stock grew similarly to HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
HLIO's P/E Growth Rating (93) in the null industry is in the same range as KMT (96) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that HLIO’s stock grew similarly to KMT’s over the last 12 months.
| HLIO | KMT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 63% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 65% | 15 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 71% | 5 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 67% |
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 KMT’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- HLIO’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- KMT’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 KMT’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HLIO’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- KMT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
HLIO (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а -26.67% price change this week, while KMT (@Tools & Hardware) price change was -20.60% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +1.32%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.69%, and the average quarterly price growth was -18.36%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was -3.75%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.03%, and the average quarterly price growth was +1.54%.
Reported Earning Dates
HLIO is expected to report earnings on Mar 01, 2027.
KMT is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (+1.32% 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 (-3.75% 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% | +4.30% | ||
| HLMN - HLIO | 65% Loosely correlated | +0.72% | ||
| RBC - HLIO | 59% Loosely correlated | +3.45% | ||
| LECO - HLIO | 59% Loosely correlated | +3.30% | ||
| GTES - HLIO | 59% Loosely correlated | +5.02% | ||
| NDSN - HLIO | 58% Loosely correlated | +4.51% | ||
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KMT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KMT has been closely correlated with HLIO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KMT jumps, then HLIO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To KMT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KMT | 100% | +6.05% | ||
| HLIO - KMT | 70% Closely correlated | +4.30% | ||
| MIDD - KMT | 69% Closely correlated | +1.10% | ||
| TNC - KMT | 68% Closely correlated | +4.17% | ||
| SXI - KMT | 65% Loosely correlated | +8.37% | ||
| WTS - KMT | 64% Loosely correlated | +3.90% | ||
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