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HLMN vs PNR
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Hillman Solutions (HLMN) vs. Pentair (PNR) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Tickeron AI Verdict: PNR — Pentair's consistent cash generation, recent earnings beat, and the Taco acquisition give it the more favorable AI-driven risk/reward profile versus Hillman Solutions.
- HLMN delivered 7.7% year-over-year revenue growth but narrowly missed sales estimates and lowered its full-year revenue outlook, pressuring sentiment.
- PNR beat earnings expectations and reaffirmed guidance, with its Pool channel destocking largely complete — a key catalyst for 2027.
- The two companies serve different end markets: HLMN is tied to hardware retail and housing, while PNR is a diversified water-treatment and flow-solutions leader.
- PNR offers a dividend with a 50-year streak of annual increases, while HLMN reinvests cash into growth and acquisitions rather than paying a dividend.
- For more detail, explore HLMN Major News and HLMN Today's Price Move, plus PNR Major News and PNR Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated systems are positioning across these and other tickers, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors comparing HLMN and PNR are weighing two very different industrial franchises at distinct points in their cycles. Hillman Solutions is a hardware and merchandising specialist closely tied to retail, repair-and-remodel activity, and the U.S. housing market. Pentair is a global leader in water treatment, pool equipment, and flow solutions. This stock comparison is relevant to traders and investors evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and near-term catalysts across the industrials sector — and to those seeking an objective, data-driven view of which name currently offers the more compelling setup.
HLMN Overview and Recent Performance
Hillman Solutions Corp. (HLMN) provides hardware products and merchandising services — including fasteners, keys and key duplication, builders' hardware, and protective solutions — across North America and Latin America. The company has leaned on acquisitions to expand its footprint, completing its purchase of Kanebridge, a construction-fastener supplier, in early September, and it continues to highlight its higher-margin Robotics and Digital Solutions segment, which grew roughly 19% in its most recent quarter.
In recent market activity, HLMN reported record quarterly net sales of approximately $457.5 million, up 7.7% year over year. However, revenue came in slightly below consensus expectations, and management updated its full-year sales outlook to a range that fell modestly short of analyst estimates. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.22 beat the consensus of $0.21, and free cash flow margin improved markedly versus the prior year. Despite the earnings beat, softer revenue guidance weighed on sentiment, and the stock has declined over the trailing three- and twelve-month periods. With a beta above 1.4, HLMN tends to be more volatile than the broader market.
PNR Overview and Recent Performance
Pentair plc (PNR) is a diversified water-treatment and industrial-flow company operating in three segments: Flow, Water Solutions, and Pool. The company recently completed its acquisition of Taco Group Holdings, a provider of hydronic heating and cooling solutions, which management expects to be accretive to adjusted EPS in 2027 and to broaden exposure to commercial infrastructure and data-center markets.
In recent weeks, PNR posted third-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.18, well above the roughly $1.08 consensus, on revenue of about $976 million that also beat estimates. Flow and Water Solutions segments delivered income growth and margin expansion, while the Pool segment saw sales decline roughly 18% due to a planned channel-inventory destocking that management now describes as largely complete. Pentair reaffirmed its full-year adjusted EPS outlook and raised its sales forecast, and the stock responded with a notable single-day gain following the report. The company also raised its dividend for the 50th consecutive year, underscoring its cash-return discipline.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page curates a selection of automated trading bots from a platform offering hundreds of AI-driven systems that trade thousands of different tickers. Rather than listing every bot, the page highlights only those whose strategies, timeframes, and performance statistics are most aligned with current market conditions. These robots vary widely — in trading style, holding period, risk profile, and the sets of tickers they monitor — giving traders the ability to match a bot's approach to their own objectives. By featuring the strongest-performing and most relevant strategies in one place, the page helps investors quickly identify the AI tools currently attracting attention. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to review the available bots and their latest statistics.
Head-to-Head Comparison
At the business-model level, HLMN and PNR represent distinct industrial niches. HLMN is a smaller-cap, higher-beta name whose fortunes are closely linked to hardware retail traffic, home-improvement spending, and merger-and-acquisition (M&A) activity as it consolidates the fragmented fasteners market. PNR is a larger, more diversified enterprise with scale across water treatment, commercial flow, and pool equipment — a mix that smooths cyclical swings but also exposes it to the housing and pool-construction cycle.
On recent momentum, the two stocks have diverged. PNR delivered a clear earnings and revenue beat, reaffirmed guidance, and completed a strategically significant acquisition, driving a sharp rally and a more constructive near-term chart. By contrast, HLMN beat on EPS but trimmed its revenue outlook, leaving shares under pressure over the trailing twelve months. On risk, HLMN carries higher volatility and a weaker margin profile, while PNR faces concentration risk in its Pool segment even as destocking headwinds fade. Income investors also note a key contrast: PNR pays a growing dividend, whereas HLMN prioritizes reinvestment and acquisitions.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors — trend consistency, earnings momentum, cash-flow stability, and the presence of near-term catalysts — Tickeron's AI framework would likely favor PNR over HLMN in the current environment. Pentair's combination of a decisive earnings beat, reaffirmed guidance, a completed growth-acquisition in Taco, and a largely finished Pool inventory reset offers a more balanced mix of stability and upside than Hillman's softer revenue trajectory. That said, this is a probabilistic assessment rather than a definitive forecast: HLMN retains a constructive analyst consensus and meaningful margin-improvement potential, while PNR must still deliver on its 2027 Pool recovery. The relative positioning, however, currently tilts toward PNR.
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 PNR is a Buy.
HLMN in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026
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 12 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 80%.
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 51 of 80 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
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.
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 20 of the 25 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 80%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 47 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 73%.
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 45 (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 58 (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 68, placing this stock worse than average.
PNR in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026
The 10-day moving average for PNR 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 7 of 10 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 70%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PNR as a result. In 51 of 80 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
PNR 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.
Following a +7.17% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PNR advanced for three days, in 168 of 299 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 189 of 304 cases where PNR Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 12 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 PNR 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 65%.
PNR broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 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 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. PNR’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 51 (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 56 (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 (2.900) is normal, around the industry mean (3.843). P/E Ratio (16.988) is within average values for comparable stocks, (36.971). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.848) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.016) settles around the average of (0.032) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.305) is also within normal values, averaging (189.487).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 85 (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 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. PNR’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 | PNR | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 29 | 39 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 54 Fair valued | 56 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 93 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 86 | 51 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 42 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 85 | |
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.
HLMN's Valuation (54) in the null industry is in the same range as PNR (56) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry. This means that HLMN’s stock grew similarly to PNR’s over the last 12 months.
PNR's Profit vs Risk Rating (93) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry is in the same range as HLMN (100) in the null industry. This means that PNR’s stock grew similarly to HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
PNR's SMR Rating (51) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLMN (86) in the null industry. This means that PNR’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
PNR's Price Growth Rating (42) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry is in the same range as HLMN (45) in the null industry. This means that PNR’s stock grew similarly to HLMN’s over the last 12 months.
HLMN's P/E Growth Rating (58) in the null industry is in the same range as PNR (85) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry. This means that HLMN’s stock grew similarly to PNR’s over the last 12 months.
| HLMN | PNR | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 80% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 52% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 64% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 70% | 10 days ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 76% | 6 days ago 65% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 80% | 2 days ago 51% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 62% |
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 PNR’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- HLMN’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- PNR’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.
HLMN’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PNR’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HLMN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- PNR’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
HLMN (@Tools & Hardware) experienced а -2.16% price change this week, while PNR (@Industrial Machinery) price change was -0.14% for the same time period.
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%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +2.90%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.76%, and the average quarterly price growth was -16.10%.
Reported Earning Dates
HLMN is expected to report earnings on Feb 25, 2027.
PNR is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@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.
@Industrial Machinery (+2.90% 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% | -2.51% | ||
| HLIO - HLMN | 71% Closely correlated | -2.99% | ||
| DCI - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | -0.97% | ||
| GGG - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | -0.17% | ||
| NDSN - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.39% | ||
| PNR - HLMN | 60% Loosely correlated | -0.81% | ||
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PNR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PNR has been closely correlated with SWK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 69% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PNR jumps, then SWK could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PNR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNR | 100% | -0.81% | ||
| SWK - PNR | 69% Closely correlated | -1.41% | ||
| ATMU - PNR | 66% Closely correlated | +0.51% | ||
| ZWS - PNR | 66% Loosely correlated | +0.66% | ||
| ROP - PNR | 64% Loosely correlated | +0.60% | ||
| HLMN - PNR | 63% Loosely correlated | -2.51% | ||
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