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HLMN vs NDSN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Hillman Solutions (HLMN) vs. Nordson Corporation (NDSN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative market positioning, Tickeron's AI currently favors NDSN over HLMN in this comparison.
- HLMN has posted solid revenue growth and expanding free cash flow, but a slight revenue miss and a trimmed sales outlook have weighed on sentiment.
- NDSN has delivered record quarterly results, raised full-year guidance, and is riding strong demand in semiconductor, electronics, and medical end markets.
- Both companies are diversified industrials, but NDSN skews toward higher-margin precision technology, while HLMN is tied more closely to hardware retail and housing-linked demand.
- Relative performance has diverged: NDSN is trending near recent highs on broad organic growth, while HLMN has lagged the machinery sector over the past year.
- Explore HLMN Major News and HLMN Today's Price Move, as well as NDSN Major News and NDSN Today's Price Move, for deeper coverage of each stock's developments.
- Discover automated strategies that adapt to current conditions by exploring Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines Hillman Solutions (HLMN) and Nordson Corporation (NDSN), two publicly traded industrial companies with contrasting profiles. Hillman is a small-cap provider of hardware products and merchandising services tied to retail and residential demand, while Nordson is a mid-cap precision equipment maker serving semiconductor, electronics, and medical markets. Because these names differ sharply in scale, margin structure, and growth drivers, their relative performance offers a useful lens on where momentum and stability currently sit across the industrial landscape. Investors and traders evaluating sector rotation, earnings quality, and trend direction may find this head-to-head comparison particularly relevant.
HLMN Overview and Recent Performance
Hillman Solutions Corp. (HLMN) supplies hardware products — fasteners, keys, builder's hardware, and related merchandising services — primarily to big-box retailers, home improvement chains, and industrial customers across North America and Latin America. Its results are closely linked to housing turnover, retail traffic, and DIY and professional repair activity.
In recent weeks, the company reported third-quarter results showing net sales up 7.7% year over year, driven partly by its higher-margin Robotics and Digital Solutions segment, which grew roughly 19%. However, revenue came in modestly below consensus, and management slightly lowered its full-year sales outlook, which pressured sentiment. Encouragingly, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) both beat expectations, and free cash flow conversion improved markedly. The company also completed the Kanebridge acquisition, adding to its fastener portfolio. Over the trailing year, HLMN shares have underperformed the broader machinery sector, reflecting cautious channel commentary and an uneven housing backdrop despite improving profitability.
NDSN Overview and Recent Performance
Nordson Corporation (NDSN) engineers and manufactures precision dispensing equipment that applies and controls adhesives, coatings, polymers, sealants, and other fluids. It operates through three segments — Industrial Precision Solutions, Medical and Fluid Solutions, and Advanced Technology Solutions — with more than half of its portfolio now tied to growth end markets such as semiconductors, electronics, and medical devices.
Recent market activity has been notably constructive. Nordson delivered record quarterly sales and adjusted EPS, with organic growth across all three segments and backlog up sharply from the prior year. Management raised its full-year sales and adjusted earnings guidance, citing sustained order momentum, especially in Advanced Technology Solutions and Medical and Fluid Solutions. Margins held near historical highs, and free cash flow conversion remained above 100% of net income, supporting dividends, buybacks, and debt reduction. This consistent execution and demand visibility have kept NDSN shares trending near the upper end of their recent range, contrasting with the more cautious tone surrounding HLMN.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page curates a selection of automated trading strategies from a broader library of hundreds of AI Trading Bots that collectively monitor thousands of tickers. Rather than showcasing every available bot, this section highlights only those deemed best suited to prevailing market conditions. Each bot operates with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and set of tickers it follows, giving users a range of approaches to compare. For traders seeking a data-driven, systematic way to evaluate relative performance and momentum — such as the contrast between HLMN and NDSN — reviewing the Trending AI Robots can provide useful, rules-based context.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks is margin and end-market quality. NDSN operates a higher-margin, technology-led model with recurring aftermarket revenue and exposure to secular growth in semiconductors and medical devices. HLMN, by comparison, runs a thinner operating margin and depends more heavily on retail foot traffic and a still-soft housing cycle, though it is improving profitability and cash flow through acquisitions and cost discipline.
Momentum also diverges. NDSN has raised guidance and reported record results with strong backlog, while HLMN recently trimmed its sales outlook despite an EPS beat. Risk profiles differ as well: HLMN carries notable leverage and higher beta (a measure of volatility versus the market), whereas NDSN benefits from strong free cash flow and a declining debt burden. On market positioning, NDSN looks more defensively anchored to durable growth markets, while HLMN offers a recovery-oriented, value-leaning profile tied to a housing rebound.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, earnings momentum, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor NDSN in the current environment. The stock demonstrates more consistent upward trend behavior, backed by record results, raised guidance, a rapidly growing backlog, and high-margin exposure to semiconductor and medical demand. HLMN shows improving cash generation and a credible recovery story, but its trimmed outlook, softer sector-relative performance, and housing-linked sensitivity introduce greater uncertainty. This assessment reflects observable, probabilistic factors rather than a definitive forecast, and conditions could shift as new data emerges.
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 HLMN is a Hold and NDSN is a StrongBuy.
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 36 of 50 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
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 52 of 80 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
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 9 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 60%.
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 RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 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 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 52 (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 (1.326) is normal, around the industry mean (3.268). HLMN has a moderately high P/E Ratio (41.750) as compared to the industry average of (23.178). 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 (0.017). P/S Ratio (0.908) is also within normal values, averaging (2.217).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 62 (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.
NDSN in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026
NDSN moved above its 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 25 of 42 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on NDSN as a result. In 49 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NDSN just turned positive on November 03, 2026. Looking at past instances where NDSN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Following a +2.60% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NDSN advanced for three days, in 162 of 302 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
NDSN may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 144 of 257 cases where NDSN Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NDSN moved out of overbought territory on October 07, 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 33 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 33 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 64%.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NDSN 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 44%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 27 (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 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NDSN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 50 (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 Valuation Rating of 82 (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 (5.641) is normal, around the industry mean (4.171). P/E Ratio (33.306) is within average values for comparable stocks, (39.205). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.888) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.031) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.828) is also within normal values, averaging (186.943).
HLMN | NDSN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 25 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 52 Fair valued | 82 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 44 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 86 | 50 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 27 | |
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 (52) in the null industry is in the same range as NDSN (82) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that HLMN’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's Profit vs Risk Rating (44) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLMN (100) in the null industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's SMR Rating (50) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLMN (86) in the null industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as HLMN (46) in the null industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew similarly to HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's P/E Growth Rating (27) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLMN (62) in the null industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
| HLMN | NDSN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 59% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 58% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 56% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 53% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 70% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 21 days ago 76% | 27 days ago 44% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 82% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 56% |
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).
HLMN’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while NDSN’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- HLMN’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- NDSN’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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.
HLMN’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NDSN’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HLMN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- NDSN’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
HLMN (@Tools & Hardware) experienced а +14.38% price change this week, while NDSN (@Industrial Machinery) price change was +2.08% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was +4.34%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.35%, and the average quarterly price growth was -1.66%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +1.87%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -12.26%, and the average quarterly price growth was -18.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
HLMN is expected to report earnings on Feb 25, 2027.
NDSN is expected to report earnings on Dec 09, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Tools & Hardware (+4.34% 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.
@Industrial Machinery (+1.87% 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.
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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% | -0.48% | ||
| HLIO - HLMN | 71% Closely correlated | +1.41% | ||
| DCI - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.67% | ||
| GGG - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.23% | ||
| NDSN - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +1.06% | ||
| PNR - HLMN | 60% Loosely correlated | -1.18% | ||
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NDSN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NDSN has been closely correlated with SWK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NDSN jumps, then SWK could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NDSN | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDSN | 100% | +1.06% | ||
| SWK - NDSN | 71% Closely correlated | -1.96% | ||
| ROP - NDSN | 68% Closely correlated | -1.24% | ||
| HLMN - NDSN | 67% Closely correlated | -0.48% | ||
| TKR - NDSN | 65% Loosely correlated | +1.84% | ||
| GTES - NDSN | 65% Loosely correlated | +2.33% | ||
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