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KMT vs SXI
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Kennametal (KMT) vs. Standex International (SXI) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Between the two, Tickeron's AI currently leans toward SXI for its more consistent trend, diversified growth drivers, and healthier analyst sentiment, though both carry distinct risks.
- KMT has delivered explosive earnings growth, but it remains tied to volatile tungsten pricing and faces working-capital pressures.
- SXI is riding multi-quarter organic growth led by grid, data-center, space, and defense demand, supported by a positive consensus outlook.
- These are two very different industrial businesses: Kennametal is a materials and cutting-tool specialist, while Standex is a diversified engineered-products manufacturer.
- For deeper context, explore KMT Major News and KMT Today's Price Move, as well as SXI Major News and SXI Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI-powered strategies are positioning across this and thousands of other tickers, browse the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Comparing KMT (Kennametal Inc.) and SXI (Standex International Corporation) brings together two industrial companies with sharply different operating profiles and market narratives. Kennametal is a materials-science and cutting-tool leader heavily exposed to tungsten pricing, while Standex is a diversified manufacturer increasingly leveraged to electrical-grid, data-center, space, and defense demand. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders weighing a commodity-sensitive cyclical turnaround against a steadier, multi-segment growth compounder. Understanding their relative performance and market positioning can clarify which profile better fits current conditions.
KMT Overview and Recent Performance
KMT is an industrial technology company focused on tungsten carbides, ceramics, and other hard materials, serving aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering, and transportation through its Metal Cutting and Infrastructure segments. In recent market activity, Kennametal has reported sharply higher sales and record margins, driven largely by pricing actions tied to elevated tungsten costs, tariff surcharges, and stronger demand in several industrial end markets. Organic sales have accelerated, and management has highlighted wins connected to AI-powered data centers, defense programs, and aerospace composite tooling.
However, the same tungsten dynamics that lifted revenue have strained the balance sheet. Free operating cash flow has turned negative as inventories and supplier advances expanded, and long-term debt has risen. Analysts have also tempered enthusiasm, with a consensus leaning cautious and at least one major firm maintaining an underweight stance. The result has been a stock that has shown strong long-term returns but with recent cooling as investors weigh execution and cash-flow risks.
SXI Overview and Recent Performance
SXI is a diversified manufacturer reporting through four segments: Electronics, Aerospace & Defense, Scientific, and Engraving & Hydraulics. Its Electronics business, which serves power-grid and data-center markets, has been the primary growth engine. Recent market activity shows record quarterly sales with double-digit organic growth, a book-to-bill ratio above one (meaning new orders exceeded shipments), and margin expansion across all segments. Management has raised its outlook and authorized a new share repurchase program.
Standex is also simplifying its portfolio, having divested a smaller business to concentrate on larger, faster-growing end markets. Growth is increasingly tied to electrification, grid infrastructure, data centers, space, and defense. Offsets include softer North American automotive demand in Engraving & Hydraulics and some timing constraints in grid capacity expansion. Still, analyst sentiment is broadly positive, with a consensus Buy rating and price targets well above recent trading levels.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated view of AI trading bots selected for their suitability to current market conditions. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI Trading Bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance history, and statistics. Rather than presenting every bot, the Trending AI Robots section highlights the strongest and most relevant strategies for the prevailing environment, helping traders focus their research on approaches with demonstrated fit. If you are interested in how automated, data-driven systems are navigating opportunities across names like KMT and SXI, explore the Trending AI Robots page to review the available bots and their performance metrics.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two companies is the nature of their growth. KMT is a focused, commodity-sensitive cyclical whose recent earnings surge has been amplified by tungsten price timing — a factor that can reverse quickly and that already shows up in negative free cash flow and rising inventory. SXI, by contrast, offers a more diversified, product-innovation-driven growth story anchored in secular electrification and defense spending, with steadier organic expansion and margin progression.
On valuation and sentiment, the gap is notable. Kennametal trades at a low forward earnings multiple but carries cautious analyst ratings, reflecting uncertainty about how much of its margin benefit is repeatable. Standex trades at a higher multiple, yet enjoys a Buy consensus and price targets suggesting meaningful upside, implying the market is willing to pay for visibility on future execution. Risk profiles differ as well: KMT faces raw-material and cash-flow volatility, while SXI carries concentration risk in its fast-growing Electronics segment and execution risk on grid capacity expansion.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently favor SXI. Standex's fifth consecutive quarter of organic growth, book-to-bill ratio above one, expanding margins, and positive analyst consensus suggest a more reliable trend than Kennametal's commodity-driven earnings spike. While KMT offers a potentially compelling cyclical recovery at a low valuation, its recent gains have depended heavily on tungsten pricing timing, and its negative free cash flow introduces additional uncertainty. These observable factors give Standex a modest but meaningful edge in the current environment, though the comparison remains close and sensitive to shifts in commodity prices and end-market demand.
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 KMT is a Hold and SXI is a StrongBuy.
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.
Momentum Indicator for SXI turns positive, indicating new upward trend
SXI saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on November 09, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 94 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 71 of the 94 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where SXI's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 16 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
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 +6.40% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SXI advanced for three days, in 217 of 334 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
SXI 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 153 of 226 cases where SXI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 68%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for SXI 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 41 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 41 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 66%.
SXI moved below its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 50-day moving average for SXI moved below the 200-day moving average on October 28, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SXI 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 59%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 39 (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 58 (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 67 (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 (3.714) is normal, around the industry mean (3.805). P/E Ratio (26.278) is within average values for comparable stocks, (36.482). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.952) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.032) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.510) is also within normal values, averaging (186.943).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. SXI’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 91 (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.
KMT | SXI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 62 | 13 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 39 Fair valued | 67 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 39 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 40 | 58 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 80 | 75 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 96 | 91 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 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 SXI (67) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry. This means that KMT’s stock grew similarly to SXI’s over the last 12 months.
SXI's Profit vs Risk Rating (39) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KMT (100) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that SXI’s stock grew somewhat faster than KMT’s over the last 12 months.
KMT's SMR Rating (40) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as SXI (58) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry. This means that KMT’s stock grew similarly to SXI’s over the last 12 months.
SXI's Price Growth Rating (75) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry is in the same range as KMT (80) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that SXI’s stock grew similarly to KMT’s over the last 12 months.
SXI's P/E Growth Rating (91) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry is in the same range as KMT (96) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that SXI’s stock grew similarly to KMT’s over the last 12 months.
| KMT | SXI | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 76% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 66% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 63% | 8 days ago 65% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 64% | 5 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 68% |
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).
KMT’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while SXI’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- KMT’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- SXI’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.
KMT’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SXI’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KMT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- SXI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
KMT (@Tools & Hardware) experienced а -20.60% price change this week, while SXI (@Industrial Machinery) price change was -2.28% for the same time period.
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%.
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%.
Reported Earning Dates
KMT is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
SXI is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@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.
@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.
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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% | ||
More | ||||
SXI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SXI has been loosely correlated with LECO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 63% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if SXI jumps, then LECO could also see price increases.
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| QTJL | 40.05 | 1.55 | +4.01% |
| Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - July (QTJL) | |||
| GNMX | 37.70 | 1.36 | +3.73% |
| Corgi Genomics & Precision Medicine ETF (GNMX) | |||
| ILCV | 110.42 | 2.18 | +2.02% |
| iShares Morningstar Value ETF (ILCV) | |||
| DBB | 24.80 | 0.22 | +0.90% |
| Invesco DB Base Metals Fund (DBB) | |||
| MID | 72.93 | N/A | N/A |
| American Century Mid Cap Growth Insights ETF (ACMG) | |||