Quarterly earnings results are a good time to check in on a company’s progress, especially compared to its peers in the same sector. Today we are looking at Hillman (NASDAQ: HLMN) and the best and worst performers in the professional tools and equipment industry.

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 mixed Q1. As a group, revenues missed analysts’ consensus estimates by 0.6% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 1.1% above.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 1.5% on average since the latest earnings results.

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 $359.3 million, up 2.6% year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 0.5%, but it was still a strong quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

"We got off to a good start during 2025, posting both top and bottom line growth which was driven by contributions from Intex DIY, which we acquired in August of 2024, and new business wins," commented Jon Michael Adinolfi, President and CEO of Hillman.

Hillman delivered the weakest full-year guidance update of the whole group. The stock is down 12.1% since reporting and currently trades at $6.65.

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

Best Q1: ESAB (NYSE: ESAB)

Having played a significant role in the construction of the iconic Sydney Opera House, ESAB (NYSE: ESAB) manufactures and sells welding and cutting equipment for numerous industries.

ESAB reported revenues of $678.1 million, down 1.7% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 2.2%. The business had a very strong quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 1.6% since reporting. It currently trades at $118.18.

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

Weakest Q1: Snap-on (NYSE: SNA)

Founded in 1920, Snap-on (NYSE: SNA) is a global provider of tools, equipment, and diagnostics for various industries such as vehicle repair, aerospace, and the military.

Snap-on reported revenues of $1.24 billion, down 3% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 4.1%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Snap-on delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates in the group. As expected, the stock is down 7.6% since the results and currently trades at $306.82.

Read our full analysis of Snap-on’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 $3.74 billion, down 3.2% year on year. This print beat analysts’ expectations by 1.7%. More broadly, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also logged an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates but a miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

The stock is up 6.3% since reporting and currently trades at $65.01.

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

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling (NYSE: HY)

Playing a significant role in the development of the hydraulic lift truck, Hyster-Yale (NYSE: HY) designs, manufactures, and sells materials handling equipment to various sectors.

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling reported revenues of $910.4 million, down 13.8% year on year. This result lagged analysts' expectations by 3.9%. It was a disappointing quarter as it also produced a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and EPS estimates.

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is down 5% since reporting and currently trades at $38.52.

Read our full, actionable report on Hyster-Yale Materials Handling here, it’s free.

Market Update

In response to the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has been gradually trending down from its post-pandemic peak, trending closer to the Fed’s 2% target. Despite higher borrowing costs, the economy has avoided flashing recessionary signals. This is the much-desired soft landing that many investors hoped for. The recent rate cuts (0.5% in September and 0.25% in November 2024) have bolstered the stock market, making 2024 a strong year for equities. Donald Trump’s presidential win in November sparked additional market gains, sending indices to record highs in the days following his victory. However, debates continue over possible tariffs and corporate tax adjustments, raising questions about economic stability in 2025.

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