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HLIO vs LECO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Helios Technologies (HLIO) vs. Lincoln Electric Holdings (LECO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- HLIO has shown stronger recent momentum, returning to annual sales growth for the first time in three years and beating consensus estimates across multiple consecutive quarters.
- LECO offers scale, stability, and record adjusted earnings, but its organic growth has been slower and its automation segment has recently contracted.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI currently favors HLIO over LECO.
- The two companies serve adjacent industrial end markets but differ sharply in size, margin profile, and sensitivity to automation and capital-spending cycles.
- For more context, explore HLIO Major News and HLIO Today's Price Move, as well as LECO Major News and LECO Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are currently positioned across the market, explore the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors weighing exposure to industrial manufacturing often compare companies that serve overlapping end markets but operate from very different bases. Helios Technologies (HLIO) and Lincoln Electric Holdings (LECO) both supply equipment and components used in heavy industry, construction, and fabrication, yet their market positioning, scale, and growth trajectories diverge considerably. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and investors evaluating relative performance, momentum, and risk across the industrial sector. While neither name is a pure proxy for the other, examining them side by side highlights the trade-off between a smaller, turnaround-oriented supplier and a larger, steadier franchise.
HLIO Overview and Recent Performance
Helios Technologies is a global developer of motion control and electronic controls technology, organized across two segments: Hydraulics and Electronics. The company serves mobile equipment, construction, agriculture, recreational vehicles, and health and wellness applications. Recent market activity has reflected a broad-based recovery, with fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 sales rising 17% year over year to roughly $211 million and non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings per share (EPS) climbing 145% to $0.81. For the full year, HLIO returned to annual sales growth, generating record operating cash flow and reducing debt meaningfully after divesting its Custom Fluidpower business. Management has guided to continued mid-single-digit growth in 2026, while flagging tariff costs and semiconductor supply constraints as near-term headwinds. Sentiment has been supported by consecutive earnings beats and an improving margin trajectory.
LECO Overview and Recent Performance
Lincoln Electric Holdings is a leading manufacturer of welding equipment, consumables, and automated welding systems, headquartered in Ohio. In recent weeks, the company has reported record full-year 2025 results, with sales rising 5.6% to about $4.23 billion and adjusted EPS reaching a record $9.87, while adjusted operating margin held at a strong 17.6%. LECO continues to return substantial cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. However, momentum has been more measured than its smaller peer: fourth-quarter revenue slightly missed consensus, gross margin compressed on lower volumes and a LIFO (last-in, first-out) inventory charge, and its automation segment posted an 11% quarterly sales decline amid deferred customer capital spending. The company's international welding unit has also faced softer European industrial demand.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page showcases a curated selection of AI trading bots chosen for their suitability to current market conditions. Tickeron maintains hundreds of automated trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and set of covered symbols. Because market conditions shift, only a subset of these bots is featured at any given time based on factors such as recent performance and alignment with prevailing trends. The page allows traders to compare bot statistics and approaches before deciding whether automated strategies fit their process. To see which robots are currently leading the rankings, visit the Trending AI Robots section.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies contrast sharply in scale and structure. LECO generates roughly five times the annual revenue of HLIO and operates with a more mature, diversified global footprint, supported by a higher dividend yield and strong return on invested capital (ROIC) of about 21%. Its growth is more dependent on welding automation and industrial capital-spending cycles, which have softened recently. By contrast, HLIO is a smaller, more leveraged turnaround story with a higher growth rate, accelerating earnings, and improving margins, but also a richer valuation multiple and greater sensitivity to tariffs, input costs, and component supply. In terms of momentum, HLIO has outperformed recently, while LECO offers defensive consistency and cash-flow stability.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors including trend consistency, earnings revision direction, and relative momentum, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward HLIO. The stock's return to growth, consecutive estimate beats, expanding margins, and strengthening balance sheet present a more favorable near-term technical and fundamental profile than LECO's steadier but slower trajectory. This is a probabilistic assessment rather than a definitive forecast: LECO retains superior scale and stability, and its automation recovery could narrow the gap if capital spending reaccelerates. Traders should treat the AI verdict as one input within a broader analysis of relative performance and market positioning.
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 LECO is a Buy.
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.
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 29 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
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 51 of 82 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
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 177 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 58%.
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 18 of the 35 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 51%.
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 20 (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 31 (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 47 (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).
HLIO | LECO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 83 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 57 Fair valued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 20 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 77 | 27 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 83 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 93 | 31 | |
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.
HLIO's Valuation (57) in the null industry is in the same range as LECO (88) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that HLIO’s stock grew similarly to LECO’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's Profit vs Risk Rating (20) in the Industrial Machinery industry is significantly better than the same rating for HLIO (100) in the null industry. This means that LECO’s stock grew significantly faster than HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's SMR Rating (27) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLIO (77) in the null industry. This means that LECO’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLIO (83) in the null industry. This means that LECO’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
LECO's P/E Growth Rating (31) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLIO (93) in the null industry. This means that LECO’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLIO’s over the last 12 months.
| HLIO | LECO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 65% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 71% | 6 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 55% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 58% |
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 LECO’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- HLIO’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.
HLIO’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LECO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HLIO’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- LECO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
HLIO (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а -26.67% 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 +1.32%. 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.
LECO is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 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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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% | +3.30% | ||
| GGG - LECO | 74% Closely correlated | +2.89% | ||
| DOV - LECO | 73% Closely correlated | +4.48% | ||
| DCI - LECO | 73% Closely correlated | +4.60% | ||
| ZWS - LECO | 70% Closely correlated | +3.93% | ||
| FELE - LECO | 70% Closely correlated | +2.98% | ||
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