Wrapping up Q1 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the professional tools and equipment stocks, including Nordson (NASDAQ: NDSN) and its peers.

Automation that increases efficiency and connected equipment that collects analyzable data have been trending, creating new demand. Some professional tools and equipment companies also provide software to accompany measurement or automated machinery, adding a stream of recurring revenues to their businesses. On the other hand, professional tools and equipment companies are at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending and interest rates, for example, can greatly impact the industrial production that drives demand for these companies’ offerings.

The 10 professional tools and equipment stocks we track reported a strong Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.9% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 1% above.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 2.9% on average since the latest earnings results.

Nordson (NASDAQ: NDSN)

Founded in 1954, Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ: NDSN) manufactures dispensing equipment and industrial adhesives, sealants and coatings.

Nordson reported revenues of $740.8 million, up 8.5% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.8%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a mixed quarter for the company with full-year EPS guidance slightly topping analysts’ expectations but a significant miss of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.

Nordson achieved the highest guidance raise but had the weakest full-year guidance update of the whole group. Unsurprisingly, the stock is up 9.2% since reporting and currently trades at $301.66.

Read our full report on Nordson here, it’s free.

Best Q1: Kennametal (NYSE: KMT)

Involved in manufacturing hard tips of anti-tank projectiles in World War II, Kennametal (NYSE: KMT) is a provider of industrial materials and tools for various sectors.

Kennametal reported revenues of $592.6 million, up 21.8% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 4.8%. The business had a stunning quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Kennametal achieved the fastest revenue growth and highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 6.5% since reporting. It currently trades at $35.07.

Is now the time to buy Kennametal? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q1: Hillman (NASDAQ: HLMN)

Established when Max Hillman purchased a franchise operation, Hillman (NASDAQ: HLMN) designs, manufactures, and sells industrial equipment and systems for various sectors.

Hillman reported revenues of $370.1 million, up 3% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 0.7%. It was a slower quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates and EPS in line with analysts’ estimates.

As expected, the stock is down 3.8% since the results and currently trades at $8.45.

Read our full analysis of Hillman’s results here.

Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK)

With an iconic “STANLEY” logo which has remained virtually unchanged for over a century, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a manufacturer primarily catering to the tool and outdoor equipment industry.

Stanley Black & Decker reported revenues of $3.85 billion, up 2.7% year on year. This number topped analysts’ expectations by 2.7%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter as it also logged a beat of analysts’ EPS and organic revenue estimates.

The stock is up 18.5% since reporting and currently trades at $92.85.

Read our full, actionable report on Stanley Black & Decker here, it’s free.

Fortive (NYSE: FTV)

Taking its name from the Latin root of "strong", Fortive (NYSE: FTV) manufactures products and develops industrial software for numerous industries.

Fortive reported revenues of $1.07 billion, up 7.7% year on year. This result surpassed analysts’ expectations by 2.4%. It was a very strong quarter as it also put up an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is down 1.7% since reporting and currently trades at $60.71.

Read our full, actionable report on Fortive here, it’s free.

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand-wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

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