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IEX vs KMT
Which Stock Would AI Choose? IDEX Corporation (IEX) vs. Kennametal Inc. (KMT) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- KMT has outperformed IEX year-to-date with a 38.66% gain compared to IEX's 16.10%, reflecting stronger momentum in the tools sector.
- IEX boasts a larger market capitalization of $15.3 billion versus KMT's $3.0 billion, offering greater scale and diversification.
- Both stocks operate in the industrials sector but differ in focus: IEX on specialty machinery and KMT on tools and wear-resistant materials.
- IEX's upcoming Q1 earnings report serves as a near-term catalyst, with analysts projecting adjusted EPS of $1.78.
- Analyst price targets suggest modest upside for IEX at around 8%, while KMT trades near its average target.
- Recent weeks have seen both stocks rise, with IEX climbing from the low $190s and KMT advancing from the mid-$30s.
Introduction
Investors and traders in the industrials sector often compare stocks like IEX and KMT to assess relative performance amid economic cycles, supply chain dynamics, and manufacturing demand. Both companies provide essential components for industrial applications, making them relevant for portfolios focused on cyclical growth or defensive industrials exposure. This comparison highlights their business models, recent market positioning, and key metrics to aid informed decision-making in today's environment of moderating inflation and infrastructure spending.
IEX Overview and Recent Performance
IDEX Corporation (IEX) is a global manufacturer of specialized industrial products, including pumps, flow meters, valves, and firefighting equipment, serving markets like water, energy, and life sciences. In recent market activity, IEX shares have risen from the low $190s in late March, trading around $206 amid anticipation for its Q1 2026 earnings on April 29. Analysts expect revenue of $835.2 million and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.78, supported by efficiency gains and acquisitions like Mott. Year-to-date gains stand at 16.10%, with a P/E ratio (price-to-earnings) of 32.11 reflecting premium valuation for its stable growth profile. Sentiment remains positive, bolstered by buy ratings and a consensus price target of $223.
KMT Overview and Recent Performance
Kennametal Inc. (KMT) specializes in precision tooling, engineered components, and wear-resistant materials for metalworking, mining, and aerospace applications. Over recent weeks, KMT stock has advanced from the mid-$30s to approximately $39, driven by analyst upgrades and recovery in end-market demand. Year-to-date performance reaches 38.66%, outpacing broader industrials, with a P/E of 27.41 and EPS of $1.43 underscoring improved profitability. The 52-week range from $17.62 to $42.03 highlights volatility but also significant rebound potential. Market sentiment benefits from raised price targets, averaging $37.57, amid stabilizing industrial activity.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
IEX and KMT both anchor the industrials sector but diverge in business models: IEX emphasizes diversified fluid-handling solutions with broader end-market exposure, while KMT focuses on niche tooling vulnerable to manufacturing cycles. Growth drivers for IEX include acquisitions and recurring revenue from mission-critical equipment, contrasting KMT's reliance on aerospace and automotive recovery. Recent momentum favors KMT's sharper YTD rise, though IEX exhibits greater stability via its larger scale and lower volatility within its 52-week range. Risk factors tilt higher for KMT due to commodity sensitivity and smaller size, versus IEX's margin resilience. Sector tailwinds like infrastructure support both, but market sentiment leans toward KMT's rebound narrative amid relative undervaluation.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron's AI currently favors KMT with higher probability due to its superior year-to-date momentum, significant recovery from 52-week lows, and analyst target alignments signaling sustained upside potential. While IEX offers trend consistency and an earnings catalyst, KMT's relative positioning in a recovering industrial cycle provides a more compelling short-term edge based on observable performance metrics.
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 Disclaimers and Limitations.
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 IEX is a Hold and KMT is a Hold.
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 undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
IEX’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileKMT’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- IEX’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- KMT’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
IEX’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while KMT’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IEX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 3 bearish.
- KMT’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
IEX (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +3.70% price change this week, while KMT (@Tools & Hardware) price change was +4.97% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +3.88%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +7.43%, and the average quarterly price growth was +12.87%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was +3.12%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +8.91%, and the average quarterly price growth was +17.94%.
Reported Earning Dates
IEX is expected to report earnings on Jul 28, 2026.
KMT is expected to report earnings on Aug 12, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (+3.88% 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 (+3.12% 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.
| IEX | KMT | IEX / KMT | |
| Capitalization | 16.7B | 2.7B | 618% |
| EBITDA | 940M | 360M | 261% |
| Gain YTD | 27.321 | 29.170 | 94% |
| P/E Ratio | 33.34 | 19.91 | 167% |
| Revenue | 3.53B | 2.14B | 165% |
| Total Cash | 586M | 107M | 548% |
| Total Debt | 1.9B | 660M | 288% |
IEX | KMT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 26 Undervalued | 8 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 84 | 89 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 64 | 70 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 17 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 34 | 31 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 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 (8) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as IEX (26). This means that KMT’s stock grew similarly to IEX’s over the last 12 months.
IEX's Profit vs Risk Rating (84) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as KMT (89). This means that IEX’s stock grew similarly to KMT’s over the last 12 months.
IEX's SMR Rating (64) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as KMT (70). This means that IEX’s stock grew similarly to KMT’s over the last 12 months.
IEX's Price Growth Rating (17) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as KMT (43). This means that IEX’s stock grew similarly to KMT’s over the last 12 months.
KMT's P/E Growth Rating (31) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as IEX (34). This means that KMT’s stock grew similarly to IEX’s over the last 12 months.
| IEX | KMT | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 50% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 48% | 5 days ago 71% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 51% | 5 days ago 67% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 62% | 5 days ago 61% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 51% | 5 days ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 49% | 5 days ago 67% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 50% | 7 days ago 61% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | N/A | 5 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 54% | 5 days ago 63% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 46% | 5 days ago 69% |
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|---|---|---|---|
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| KNGZ | 40.56 | 0.10 | +0.24% |
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| UBS ETRACS Crude Oil Shares Cov Cll ETN | |||
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| PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund | |||
| PQJL | 31.12 | N/A | N/A |
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IEX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IEX has been closely correlated with ROP. These tickers have moved in lockstep 69% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IEX jumps, then ROP could also see price increases.
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% | -0.11% | ||
| HLIO - KMT | 70% Closely correlated | +6.96% | ||
| MIDD - KMT | 69% Closely correlated | +4.55% | ||
| TNC - KMT | 68% Closely correlated | +5.68% | ||
| THR - KMT | 68% Closely correlated | N/A | ||
| SXI - KMT | 65% Loosely correlated | +6.56% | ||
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