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KMT vs TNC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Kennametal (KMT) vs. Tennant Company (TNC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Kennametal (KMT) delivered record fiscal 2026 earnings, with organic sales up 19% and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rising to $4.57 from $1.34 a year earlier.
- Tennant Company (TNC) posted 6.3% revenue growth in its latest quarter but missed consensus, while its robotics segment surged roughly 71%.
- Both stocks face execution risks: KMT is exposed to easing tungsten prices, while TNC is still stabilizing from an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system transition.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Between the two, the AI currently favors KMT based on stronger earnings momentum, margin expansion, and broader growth catalysts.
- For more context on each company, explore KMT Major News, KMT Today's Price Move, TNC Major News, and TNC Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across the market, browse the curated Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Investors comparing mid-cap industrials often weigh steady cash generation against cyclical growth potential. KMT, Kennametal Inc., supplies metal-cutting tools and wear-resistant materials, while TNC, Tennant Company, designs industrial cleaning equipment and autonomous robotics. Though both are industrial names, their demand drivers diverge sharply, making this stock comparison useful for value, dividend, and momentum-oriented investors seeking to understand relative performance and market positioning in the current environment.
KMT Overview and Recent Performance
KMT is an industrial technology leader with more than 85 years of history, providing tooling and wear-resistant solutions across aerospace and defense, energy, earthworks, transportation, and general engineering. It operates through two segments: Metal Cutting and Infrastructure.
In recent market activity, Kennametal has shown notable earnings acceleration. For fiscal 2026, organic sales rose 19%, while adjusted EPS climbed to $4.57 from $1.34, and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margin expanded to 26.9% from 15.2%. Performance was supported by pricing actions tied to elevated tungsten costs, tariff surcharges, restructuring savings, and improved volumes, along with growth in aerospace, defense, energy, and AI data-center power generation.
Sentiment has been mixed, however. Free cash flow turned negative as working capital absorbed higher tungsten inventory costs, and several analysts maintain cautious ratings as tungsten prices have retreated from their highs. The stock trades at a relatively low price-to-earnings multiple with a dividend yield near 2.75%, reflecting both value appeal and uncertainty about the durability of recent margin gains.
TNC Overview and Recent Performance
TNC, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is a leader in cleaning equipment, sustainable cleaning technologies, and increasingly in autonomous robotics for commercial and industrial settings.
In its most recent quarter, Tennant reported net sales of $322.3 million, up 6.3% year over year but slightly below consensus estimates, while adjusted EPS of $1.40 substantially exceeded expectations. The standout has been robotics, with revenue up roughly 71% and year-to-date sales already surpassing the full prior year. Orders grew 9.5%, and the company exited the quarter with an elevated backlog of about $118 million.
Operationally, Tennant is navigating a multi-quarter ERP (enterprise resource planning) transition that has pressured margins and fulfillment, alongside parts shortages and softer demand in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and Asia-Pacific regions. The stock has declined over the past year, and while management reaffirmed full-year guidance, near-term execution remains a key focus for investors.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor and trade thousands of different tickers. Because not every strategy suits every market regime, Tickeron curates a dedicated Trending AI Robots section featuring only the bots best aligned with current conditions. These bots span diverse trading styles, strategies, timeframes, and performance statistics, each trading its own set of tickers. Browsing the page can help traders see which automated approaches are generating the most consistent signals right now. If you are evaluating stocks such as KMT or TNC, exploring the Trending AI Robots may offer an additional, data-driven perspective on positioning.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between these two stocks is their growth profile and risk signature. KMT is benefiting from a raw-material pricing cycle, restructuring savings, and structurally growing end markets such as aerospace, defense, and data-center energy. Its challenge is that part of its margin expansion is tied to tungsten pricing that may normalize, and its free cash flow remains pressured by working capital.
TNC offers a different catalyst mix: a high-growth robotics franchise, a strong backlog, and a long record of dividend increases, but it is working through an ERP transition that has temporarily compressed margins and disrupted shipments. Its international demand is also uneven relative to the Americas.
In terms of market positioning, KMT shows more dramatic near-term earnings momentum and a cheaper valuation, while TNC offers a steadier franchise with a faster-growing product category. For investors, the trade-off is between KMT's cyclical earnings surge and TNC's operational recovery story with robotics-led upside.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as earnings momentum, margin trajectory, and the breadth of growth catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor KMT over TNC in the current environment. KMT's record-adjusted earnings, significant margin expansion, and exposure to multiple structural demand drivers present a more consistent momentum profile, even though tungsten normalization and negative free cash flow remain notable risks. TNC's robotics growth is compelling, but its ERP-related execution challenges and softer international demand introduce more near-term uncertainty. This is a probabilistic assessment rather than a definitive claim, and conditions could shift as new earnings 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 KMT is a Hold and TNC is a Hold.
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.
TNC in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026
The 10-day moving average for TNC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 14 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 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 28, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on TNC as a result. In 58 of 94 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
TNC 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.
Following a +5.11% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where TNC advanced for three days, in 192 of 316 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where TNC 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%.
TNC 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.
The Aroon Indicator for TNC entered a downward trend on October 22, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 4 (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 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. TNC’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 85 (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: P/B Ratio (2.285) is normal, around the industry mean (3.805). P/E Ratio (68.750) is within average values for comparable stocks, (36.482). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.722) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (0.032) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.000) is also within normal values, averaging (186.943).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 87 (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 95 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. TNC’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.
KMT | TNC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 62 | 38 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 39 Fair valued | 85 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 95 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 40 | 87 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 80 | 55 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 96 | 4 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 35 |
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 somewhat better than the same rating for TNC (85). This means that KMT’s stock grew somewhat faster than TNC’s over the last 12 months.
TNC's Profit vs Risk Rating (95) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as KMT (100). This means that TNC’s stock grew similarly to KMT’s over the last 12 months.
KMT's SMR Rating (40) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for TNC (87). This means that KMT’s stock grew somewhat faster than TNC’s over the last 12 months.
TNC's Price Growth Rating (55) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as KMT (80). This means that TNC’s stock grew similarly to KMT’s over the last 12 months.
TNC's P/E Growth Rating (4) in the Industrial Machinery industry is significantly better than the same rating for KMT (96). This means that TNC’s stock grew significantly faster than KMT’s over the last 12 months.
| KMT | TNC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 53% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 59% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 59% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 15 days ago 63% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 64% | 23 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 46% |
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 TNC’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- KMT’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- TNC’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.
KMT’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while TNC’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KMT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- TNC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
KMT (@Tools & Hardware) experienced а -20.60% price change this week, while TNC (@Industrial Machinery) price change was +8.37% 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.
TNC is expected to report earnings on Feb 25, 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% | ||
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