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KN vs MSI
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Knowles Corporation (KN) vs. Motorola Solutions (MSI) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- KN is a small-cap specialty electronic components maker (~$3 billion market cap) riding accelerating demand in defense, medtech, and industrial markets.
- MSI is a large-cap, mission-critical communications and software leader (~$76 billion market cap) with record orders and a $15.7 billion backlog.
- Both stocks carry "Buy" consensus ratings, but their growth profiles, scale, and risk factors differ sharply.
- KN has delivered faster recent revenue and EPS growth, while MSI offers greater scale, recurring software revenue, and a dividend.
- MSI faces supply chain and tariff cost pressures; KN faces concentration and smaller-scale liquidity risks.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the technology and industrial landscape often weigh a nimble, high-growth component supplier against a diversified, mission-critical communications giant. That contrast defines this stock comparison between Knowles Corporation (KN) and Motorola Solutions (MSI). Although both generate meaningful revenue from defense and security-related end markets, they operate at very different scales and with different business models. Traders seeking momentum and a turnaround narrative may find KN compelling, while those prioritizing stability, recurring revenue, and dividend income may gravitate toward MSI. This article examines their relative performance, market positioning, and the factors currently shaping sentiment in each name.
KN Overview and Recent Performance
Knowles Corporation (KN) designs and manufactures specialty electronic components, including high-performance capacitors, radio frequency (RF) and microwave filters, microphones, and balanced armature speakers. The company operates through two segments: Precision Devices and MedTech & Specialty Audio, serving defense, industrial, medtech, and electrification markets. In recent quarters, the Precision Devices segment has emerged as the company's growth engine, with revenue up roughly 25% year over year, supported by broad demand across all core end markets and a book-to-bill ratio above 1.4 for seven consecutive quarters. Recent market activity has reflected this momentum, with the stock trading well above its 52-week low and posting a substantial year-to-date advance. Management has cited multiyear defense orders and expanding factory utilization as key drivers, while noting that the MedTech & Specialty Audio segment provides steadier, higher-margin stability. Analysts have responded by raising price targets in recent weeks.
MSI Overview and Recent Performance
Motorola Solutions (MSI) provides mission-critical communications, video security, and command center software for public safety, enterprise security, and defense customers. Its offerings span land mobile radio (LMR) networks, body-worn cameras, cloud-based software, and, through its Silvus acquisition, secure broadband for defense and unmanned systems. Recent performance has been characterized by record quarterly orders—up roughly 38% year over year—and a record backlog approaching $15.7 billion. The Software & Services segment has been a standout, growing roughly 18%, while Command Center and video solutions continue to gain traction with cloud and AI-enabled offerings. However, the company has also flagged supply chain headwinds, including higher memory costs and roughly $60 million in tariff impacts, which have pressured near-term margins. The full-year outlook calls for revenue of about $12.8 billion, and analysts have modestly raised price targets following recent results.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between KN and MSI is scale and business model. KN is a component supplier whose fortunes hinge on design wins, factory utilization, and pricing power within niche electronic markets; it carries a market capitalization of roughly $3 billion and pays no dividend. MSI is a diversified technology leader with a market capitalization of roughly $76 billion, a recurring software and services revenue stream, and a regular dividend. In terms of growth, KN has posted faster recent top-line expansion, with revenue up roughly 14% and EPS up about 38% year over year in its latest quarter, driven by a broad-based Precision Devices recovery. MSI's growth is steadier and more software-led, with 7% revenue growth and record orders, though GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings were temporarily dampened by a non-cash earnout charge. On risk factors, MSI faces supply chain inflation and tariff exposure, while KN's smaller size creates higher volatility and concentration risk across a narrower set of end markets and customers. Sector exposure also differs: KN leans toward electronic components across medtech, defense, and industrial, while MSI skews heavily toward government and public safety budgets, with 95% of backlog tied to government customers.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor MSI for its consistency, scale, and recurring revenue profile. The company's record orders, double-digit backlog growth, expanding Software & Services margins, and government-anchored revenue provide a more stable trend foundation than a smaller, more volatile component supplier. However, the AI's assessment would also recognize that KN currently exhibits stronger near-term earnings momentum and accelerating growth, which may appeal to momentum-oriented strategies. The likely verdict, in probabilistic terms, is that MSI holds an edge in stability and defensive positioning, while KN offers a higher-beta (more volatile relative to the broader market) growth catalyst—making the "better" choice dependent on an investor's time horizon and risk tolerance rather than a single decisive factor.
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 KN is a StrongBuy and MSI is a Buy.
Aroon Indicator for KN shows an upward move is likely
KN's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on October 13, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 254 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 196 of the 254 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator entered the oversold zone -- be on the watch for KN's price rising or consolidating in the future. That's also the time to consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
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 +7.81% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where KN advanced for three days, in 204 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
KN may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on KN as a result. In 55 of 83 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 KN turned negative on October 12, 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 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 32 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 68%.
KN moved below its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for KN crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 18 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 56%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where KN 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 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 72, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. KN’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 63 (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 (3.454) is normal, around the industry mean (4.381). P/E Ratio (41.244) is within average values for comparable stocks, (6.090). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.100) is also within normal values, averaging (1.658). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.852) is also within normal values, averaging (4.796).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 75 (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 Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 88 (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.
MSI in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026
MSI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 24 of 37 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MSI as a result. In 47 of 79 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 MSI just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where MSI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Following a +3.06% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MSI advanced for three days, in 184 of 328 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
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 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 10-day moving average for MSI crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 7 of 15 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 47%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MSI 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 45%.
MSI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 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 MSI entered a downward trend on October 21, 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 SMR rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 79, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. MSI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 33 (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 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 Valuation Rating of 88 (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: MSI's P/B Ratio (29.843) is slightly higher than the industry average of (6.969). P/E Ratio (37.496) is within average values for comparable stocks, (6.322). MSI's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.988) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.778). Dividend Yield (0.010) settles around the average of (0.120) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.325) is also within normal values, averaging (11.937).
KN | MSI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 63 Fair valued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 42 | 21 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 75 | 14 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 30 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 88 | 33 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 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.
KN's Valuation (63) in the Electronic Components industry is in the same range as MSI (88) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that KN’s stock grew similarly to MSI’s over the last 12 months.
MSI's Profit vs Risk Rating (21) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as KN (42) in the Electronic Components industry. This means that MSI’s stock grew similarly to KN’s over the last 12 months.
MSI's SMR Rating (14) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KN (75) in the Electronic Components industry. This means that MSI’s stock grew somewhat faster than KN’s over the last 12 months.
MSI's Price Growth Rating (30) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as KN (58) in the Electronic Components industry. This means that MSI’s stock grew similarly to KN’s over the last 12 months.
MSI's P/E Growth Rating (33) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is somewhat better than the same rating for KN (88) in the Electronic Components industry. This means that MSI’s stock grew somewhat faster than KN’s over the last 12 months.
| KN | MSI | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 62% | 4 days ago 39% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 71% | 4 days ago 48% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 66% | 4 days ago 59% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 64% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 57% | 4 days ago 58% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 58% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 25 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 59% | 18 days ago 45% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 73% | 4 days ago 28% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 77% | 4 days 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).
KN’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while MSI’s FA Score has 4 green FA rating(s).
- KN’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- MSI’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 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.
KN’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MSI’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- MSI’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
KN (@Electronic Components) experienced а -3.97% price change this week, while MSI (@Telecommunications Equipment) price change was +4.03% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electronic Components industry was -3.08%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -15.80%, and the average quarterly price growth was -12.03%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Telecommunications Equipment industry was +4.07%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -9.03%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.44%.
Reported Earning Dates
KN is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
MSI is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electronic Components (-3.08% weekly)The Electronic Components industry produces electronic equipment for industries and consumer electronics products, such as mobile devices, televisions, and circuit boards. TE Connectivity Ltd, for example, is a company that designs and manufactures connectivity and sensor products for harsh environments in various industries, such as automotive, industrial equipment, aerospace, and oil & gas. Another major player, Corning Inc., makes advanced optics including end-to-end fiber and wireless solutions for communications networks along with various other technologies catering to industrial and scientific applications.
@Telecommunications Equipment (+4.07% weekly)The Telecommunications Equipment industry produces voice and data communications equipment, which includes fiber optic delivery products, digital signal processors, high-speed voice, data and video delivery. Additionally, satellite systems, global positioning systems, wireless data systems, personal communications equipment, telephone handsets and payload equipment for satellites also fall into this category. Apple Inc., QUALCOMM Incorporated and Nokia are major global players in this segment.
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MSI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MSI has been loosely correlated with KN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 40% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MSI jumps, then KN could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MSI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI | 100% | +0.84% | ||
| KN - MSI | 40% Loosely correlated | -3.62% | ||
| EXTR - MSI | 24% Poorly correlated | -0.32% | ||
| PI - MSI | 24% Poorly correlated | +2.69% | ||
| VIAV - MSI | 21% Poorly correlated | +0.48% | ||
| DGII - MSI | 21% Poorly correlated | +2.95% | ||
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