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 Fortive (NYSE: FTV) 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 9 professional tools and equipment stocks we track reported a strong Q2. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.1% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 14.3% above.

While some professional tools and equipment stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 2.3% since the latest earnings results.

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 $1.10 billion, up 7.9% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 2.5%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with a decent beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

“Q2 marked another quarter of strong financial performance and execution by our team. Core revenue growth accelerated to 6.7%, adjusted EBITDA grew 12%, and adjusted EPS growth was 28% in the quarter. In addition to accelerating profitable growth, we continued to deliver on our commitment to disciplined capital allocation by completing an additional ~$200 million of share repurchases in the quarter, bringing total repurchases over the last four quarters to ~$2 billion,” said Olumide Soroye, President and CEO.

Investor expectations, however, were likely higher than Wall Street’s published projections, leaving some wishing for even better results (analysts’ consensus estimates are those published by big banks and advisory firms, not the investors who make buy and sell decisions). The stock is down 7.7% since reporting and currently trades at $59.19.

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

Best Q2: 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 $736.6 million, up 42.6% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 1.3%. The business had a stunning quarter with EPS guidance for next quarter exceeding analysts’ expectations and a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

Kennametal scored 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 15% since reporting. It currently trades at $30.66.

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

Weakest Q2: Lincoln Electric (NASDAQ: LECO)

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

Lincoln Electric reported revenues of $1.22 billion, up 12% year on year, exceeding analysts’ expectations by 4.6%. Still, it was a mixed quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 8.6% since the results and currently trades at $280.12.

Read our full analysis of Lincoln Electric’s results here.

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 $1.33 billion, up 4.2% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 1.1%. Overall, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also recorded a narrow beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

The stock is down 3% since reporting and currently trades at $393.93.

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

Nordson (NASDAQ: NDSN)

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

Nordson reported revenues of $817.7 million, up 10.3% year on year. This number topped analysts’ expectations by 4.8%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also produced full-year EPS guidance exceeding analysts’ expectations and full-year revenue guidance exceeding analysts’ expectations.

Nordson pulled off the biggest analyst estimate beat in the group. The stock is up 7.5% since reporting and currently trades at $333.25.

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

Market Update

Over the past year, investors have been forced to repeatedly answer the same question: what is the market’s biggest risk? The answer has changed several times, and each shift has reshaped market leadership.

Late in 2025 and early 2026, artificial intelligence became the market’s primary uncertainty. Investors questioned whether AI would erode software pricing power and weaken competitive moats as AI made it easier to replicate once-differentiated products.

By the spring, technology took a back seat to geopolitics. The U.S. conflict with Iran briefly became the market’s dominant narrative, raising concerns about oil prices, inflation, and global growth. But as energy markets remained orderly and fears of a prolonged supply disruption faded, investors quickly turned their focus back to fundamentals.

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