Looking back on professional tools and equipment stocks’ Q4 earnings, we examine this quarter’s best and worst performers, including Snap-on (NYSE: SNA) 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 9 professional tools and equipment stocks we track reported a slower Q4. As a group, revenues missed analysts’ consensus estimates by 1% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 0.9% below.

In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady. On average, they are relatively unchanged since the latest earnings results.

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 $1.34 billion, up 3.1% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a mixed quarter for the company with a narrow beat of analysts’ revenue estimates but a slight miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The market was likely pricing in the results, and the stock is flat since reporting. It currently trades at $383.73.

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

Best Q4: 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 $529.5 million, up 9.8% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 1%. The business had a stunning quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Kennametal achieved the fastest revenue growth among its peers. The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 16.9% since reporting. It currently trades at $41.81.

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

Slowest Q4: Middleby (NASDAQ: MIDD)

Holding a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s fastest conveyor pizza oven, Middleby (NYSE: MIDD) is a food service and equipment manufacturer.

Middleby reported revenues of $866.4 million, down 14.5% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 11.4%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted full-year revenue guidance missing analysts’ expectations significantly and full-year EBITDA guidance missing analysts’ expectations significantly.

Middleby delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth in the group. Interestingly, the stock is up 1.8% since the results and currently trades at $160.66.

Read our full analysis of Middleby’s results here.

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 $923.2 million, down 13.5% year on year. This result surpassed analysts’ expectations by 0.7%. Aside from that, it was a softer quarter as it recorded a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates.

The stock is down 2.1% since reporting and currently trades at $37.80.

Read our full, actionable report on Hyster-Yale Materials Handling 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 $1.08 billion, up 5.5% year on year. This print lagged analysts' expectations by 1.5%. It was a slower quarter as it also recorded a significant miss of analysts’ organic revenue estimates and a slight miss of analysts’ revenue estimates.

The stock is down 2.8% since reporting and currently trades at $282.50.

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

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.