As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q1. Today, we are looking at professional tools and equipment stocks, starting with Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK).

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 satisfactory Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.9% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 0.6% below.

While some professional tools and equipment stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 4.5% since the latest earnings results.

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 print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 2.7%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter for the company with a beat of analysts’ EPS and EBITDA estimates.

Chris Nelson, Stanley Black & Decker's President & CEO, commented, "Stanley Black & Decker entered 2026 with unwavering commitment to our strategic priorities, and we delivered stronger than planned first quarter results through disciplined execution. Our team's focus and resilience ensured that sales, gross margin, and cash1 performance remain firmly on track with our full year plan. I am proud of our team for maintaining their customer-centric approach and for advancing our vision to build a world-class branded industrial company.

The stock is down 2.4% since reporting and currently trades at $76.46.

Is now the time to buy Stanley Black & Decker? Access our full analysis of the earnings results 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 a solid beat of analysts’ organic revenue and EBITDA estimates.

Kennametal achieved the fastest revenue growth among its peers. Although it had a fine quarter compared its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 3.8% since reporting. It currently trades at $36.08.

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 17.8% since the results and currently trades at $7.22.

Read our full analysis of Hillman’s results here.

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 number topped analysts’ expectations by 1.8%. More broadly, it was a mixed quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ revenue estimates but a significant miss of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.

The stock is up 5% since reporting and currently trades at $289.94.

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

Lincoln Electric (NASDAQ: LECO)

Headquartered in Ohio, Lincoln Electric (NASDAQ: LECO) manufactures and sells welding equipment for various industries.

Lincoln Electric reported revenues of $1.12 billion, up 11.7% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 4.2%. Taking a step back, it was a mixed quarter as it also logged an impressive beat of analysts’ revenue estimates but a significant miss of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.

The stock is up 2.3% since reporting and currently trades at $263.41.

Read our full, actionable report on Lincoln Electric 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.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Strong Momentum Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.