Let’s dig into the relative performance of Graco (NYSE: GGG) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q1 gas and liquid handling earnings season.

Gas and liquid handling companies possess the technical know-how and specialized equipment to handle valuable (and sometimes dangerous) substances. Lately, water conservation and carbon capture–which requires hydrogen and other gasses as well as specialized infrastructure–have been trending up, creating new demand for products such as filters, pumps, and valves. On the other hand, gas and liquid handling 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 12 gas and liquid handling stocks we track reported a strong Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.3% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 0.8% below.

While some gas and liquid handling stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 1.4% since the latest earnings results.

Weakest Q1: Graco (NYSE: GGG)

Founded in 1926, Graco (NYSE: GGG) is an industrial company specializing in the development and manufacturing of fluid-handling systems and products.

Graco reported revenues of $540.1 million, up 2.2% year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 3.9%. Overall, it was a disappointing quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ revenue and adjusted operating income estimates.

The market seems disappointed with the results as the stock is down 12.6% since reporting and currently trades at $74.78.

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

Best Q1: Gorman-Rupp (NYSE: GRC)

Powering fluid dynamics since 1934, Gorman-Rupp (NYSE: GRC) has evolved from its Ohio origins into a global manufacturer and seller of pumps and pump systems.

Gorman-Rupp reported revenues of $176.6 million, up 7.7% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 3.5%. The business had an incredible quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS and EBITDA estimates.

The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 17.7% since reporting. It currently trades at $77.94.

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

Standex (NYSE: SXI)

Holding over 500 patents globally, Standex (NYSE: SXI) is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial components for various sectors.

Standex reported revenues of $224.6 million, up 8.1% year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. It was a softer quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 7.1% since the results and currently trades at $292.30.

Read our full analysis of Standex’s results here.

Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE: ATMU)

Spun out of Cummins in 2023 after 65 years as part of the engine maker, Atmus Filtration Technologies (NYSE: ATMU) manufactures filters for trucks, construction equipment, and agriculture machinery to reduce emissions and protect engines.

Atmus Filtration Technologies reported revenues of $477.5 million, up 14.6% year on year. This number beat analysts’ expectations by 1.6%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also put up an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income and revenue estimates.

The stock is down 27.2% since reporting and currently trades at $46.17.

Read our full, actionable report on Atmus Filtration Technologies here, it’s free.

IDEX (NYSE: IEX)

Founded in 1988, IDEX (NYSE: IEX) is a global manufacturer specializing in highly engineered products such as pumps, flow meters, and fluidics systems for various industries.

IDEX reported revenues of $886.9 million, up 8.9% year on year. This result surpassed analysts’ expectations by 4.7%. It was a strong quarter as it also logged a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA and adjusted operating income estimates.

The stock is up 6.4% since reporting and currently trades at $218.59.

Read our full, actionable report on IDEX 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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