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DOV or HLMN or NDSN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Dover Corporation (DOV) vs. Hillman Solutions Corp. (HLMN) vs. Nordson Corporation (NDSN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Dover (DOV) posted solid earnings growth and a modest dividend increase, supporting its industrial conglomerate profile.
- Hillman Solutions (HLMN) remains a smaller, high‑P/E hardware distributor with volatile recent price action and no dividend.
- Nordson (NDSN) delivered record sales in its precision‑technology divisions, offering a higher dividend yield and strong cash flow.
- All three stocks trade on the NYSE/NASDAQ and belong to the Industrials sector, but differ markedly in scale, profitability and valuation metrics.
- Tickeron’s AI models favor the company with the most consistent earnings momentum and cash‑generation capacity.
Introduction
Investors and traders looking at the Industrials space often compare diversified manufacturers with niche‑market specialists. Dover Corporation (ticker DOV), Hillman Solutions Corp. (ticker HLMN) and Nordson Corporation (ticker NDSN) illustrate three distinct business models: a broad‑based engineering conglomerate, a hardware‑distribution platform, and a precision‑dispensing technology provider. Recent market activity over the past few weeks has highlighted divergent earnings trends, dividend policies, and valuation levels, making a side‑by‑side analysis valuable for both long‑term investors and short‑term traders.
DOV Overview and Recent Performance
Dover Corporation (DOV) is a diversified global manufacturer that supplies engineered equipment, consumables and digital solutions across five segments, including Engineered Products and Clean Energy & Fueling. In its latest quarterly release (Q1 2026), Dover reported revenue of $8.28 billion, a modest year‑over‑year increase, and earnings per share (EPS) of $7.99, reflecting a price‑to‑earnings (P/E) ratio near 28.3. The company raised its quarterly dividend to $2.08, yielding roughly 0.9 % and marking the 70th consecutive year of dividend growth. Operating margins stayed near 13 % and free cash flow remained positive, supporting ongoing share repurchases. Market sentiment has been mildly positive, with the stock trading modestly above its 52‑week low and showing a 0.65 % YTD gain.
HLMN Overview and Recent Performance
Hillman Solutions Corp. (HLMN) distributes hardware, fasteners and safety equipment to retail and industrial customers. The firm operates three segments: Hardware & Protective Solutions, Robotics & Digital Solutions, and a Canada‑focused distribution business. Recent quarterly data (Q1 2026) showed revenue of $1.55 billion, up about 5 % YoY, while earnings per share (EPS) slipped to $0.20, resulting in a high P/E ratio of roughly 41. The company does not pay a dividend, and its profit margin remains thin at around 2 %. Volatility has been higher relative to peers, with the stock falling near 5 % in the latest trading session and trading below its 52‑week high of $10.85.
NDSN Overview and Recent Performance
Nordson Corporation (NDSN) designs and manufactures precision dispensing and testing equipment for adhesives, coatings and medical devices. Its two primary segments—Industrial Precision Solutions and Advanced Technology Solutions—have driven recent growth. In Q1 2026, Nordson posted revenue of $2.85 billion, a 6 % YoY rise, and earnings per share (EPS) of $9.24, yielding a P/E of about 30.5. The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $3.28, translating to a dividend yield near 1.16 %. Operating margins expanded to roughly 26 %, and free cash flow exceeded $700 million, supporting both dividend payments and share‑repurchase activity. The stock has risen about 0.48 % YTD and trades well below its 52‑week high of $305.28.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
- Business Model: DOV is a diversified industrial conglomerate with multiple product lines; HLMN is a specialty hardware distributor focused on fast‑moving consumer and professional products; NDSN is a high‑tech equipment supplier serving niche markets such as semiconductor packaging and medical device assembly.
- Scale & Market Capitalization: DOV (~$30 B) > NDSN (~$15.8 B) > HLMN (~$1.6 B).
- Revenue Growth: NDSN reported the strongest YoY revenue growth (≈6 %), DOV modest growth, while HLMN’s growth is driven primarily by volume gains in its distribution network.
- Profitability: NDSN leads with a net margin above 18 % and operating margin over 26 %; DOV posts double‑digit gross margins but lower net margins (~13 %); HLMN’s net margin hovers around 2 %.
- Valuation: HLMN’s P/E (~41) and PEG (>2) suggest premium pricing relative to earnings growth; DOV’s P/E (~28) is closer to industry averages; NDSN’s P/E (~30) balances growth expectations with cash generation.
- Dividend Policy: DOV and NDSN both provide quarterly dividends (0.9 % and 1.16 % yields respectively), reinforcing income‑oriented appeal; HLMN pays no dividend.
- Liquidity & Volatility: NDSN and DOV exhibit moderate beta (≈1), while HLMN’s beta exceeds 1.5, indicating higher price swings.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on recent earnings consistency, cash‑flow strength, and dividend sustainability, Tickeron’s AI models presently lean toward Nordson Corporation (NDSN) as the most favorable of the three. The model weighs NDSN’s expanding industrial precision segment, solid profit margins and attractive dividend yield higher than DOV’s modest yield, while also accounting for HLMN’s elevated valuation and lack of dividend income. However, the AI’s recommendation remains probabilistic, emphasizing that market dynamics could shift relative positioning.
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.
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).
DOV’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileHLMN’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s), and NDSN’s FA Score reflects 1 green FA rating(s).
- DOV’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- HLMN’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- NDSN’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.
DOV’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HLMN’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s), and NDSN’s TA Score reflects 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DOV’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- HLMN’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- NDSN’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
DOV (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +3.20% price change this week, while HLMN (@Tools & Hardware) price change was +3.23% , and NDSN (@Industrial Machinery) price fluctuated +2.99% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was -2.76%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.60%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.32%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was +0.66%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +8.95%, and the average quarterly price growth was +18.46%.
Reported Earning Dates
DOV is expected to report earnings on Jul 23, 2026.
HLMN is expected to report earnings on Aug 11, 2026.
NDSN is expected to report earnings on Aug 24, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (-2.76% 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 (+0.66% 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.
| DOV | HLMN | NDSN | |
| Capitalization | 30.4B | 1.66B | 16.8B |
| EBITDA | 1.88B | 250M | 893M |
| Gain YTD | 18.739 | -3.926 | 27.506 |
| P/E Ratio | 28.68 | 43.83 | 31.52 |
| Revenue | 8.28B | 1.56B | 2.9B |
| Total Cash | 1.64B | 27.7M | N/A |
| Total Debt | 3.29B | 812M | 1.97B |
DOV | NDSN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 11 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 47 Fair valued | 38 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 35 | 53 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 57 | 51 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 24 | 21 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 33 | 37 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 65 |
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.
NDSN's Valuation (38) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as DOV (47) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew similarly to DOV’s over the last 12 months.
DOV's Profit vs Risk Rating (35) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry is in the same range as NDSN (53) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that DOV’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's SMR Rating (51) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as DOV (57) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew similarly to DOV’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's Price Growth Rating (21) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as DOV (24) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew similarly to DOV’s over the last 12 months.
DOV's P/E Growth Rating (33) in the Miscellaneous Manufacturing industry is in the same range as NDSN (37) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that DOV’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
| DOV | HLMN | NDSN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 70% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 82% | 2 days ago 48% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 58% | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 78% | 2 days ago 48% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 56% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 55% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 53% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 26 days ago 52% | 4 days ago 76% | 4 days ago 43% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 78% | 2 days ago 40% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 53% |
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DOV and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DOV has been closely correlated with IR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if DOV jumps, then IR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To DOV | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DOV | 100% | +2.86% | ||
| IR - DOV | 78% Closely correlated | +4.32% | ||
| LECO - DOV | 73% Closely correlated | +1.79% | ||
| ITW - DOV | 72% Closely correlated | +2.62% | ||
| KMT - DOV | 69% Closely correlated | +6.04% | ||
| ATMU - DOV | 69% Closely correlated | +6.87% | ||
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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% | +1.40% | ||
| HLIO - HLMN | 71% Closely correlated | +3.70% | ||
| DCI - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +3.53% | ||
| GGG - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +1.25% | ||
| NDSN - HLMN | 61% Loosely correlated | +2.92% | ||
| PNR - HLMN | 60% Loosely correlated | +1.59% | ||
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NDSN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NDSN has been closely correlated with GGG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 73% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NDSN jumps, then GGG could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NDSN | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDSN | 100% | +2.92% | ||
| GGG - NDSN | 73% Closely correlated | +1.25% | ||
| SWK - NDSN | 71% Closely correlated | +2.96% | ||
| IR - NDSN | 69% Closely correlated | +4.32% | ||
| ROP - NDSN | 68% Closely correlated | +0.25% | ||
| HLMN - NDSN | 67% Closely correlated | +1.40% | ||
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