With a market capitalization of $127.4 billion, Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH) is a global manufacturer of motion and control technologies serving the aerospace and defense, industrial equipment, transportation, energy, and HVAC and refrigeration markets in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Operating through its diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems segments, the company offers a broad portfolio of products including filtration, sealing, fluid transport, actuation, control and thermal management solutions.
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as “large-cap” stocks, and Parker-Hannifin fits this bill perfectly. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company sells its products primarily to original equipment manufacturers through distributors and direct sales channels.
Shares of the movement and control products maker have fallen 2.5% from their 52-week high of $1,034.96. Parker-Hannifin shares have risen 17.8% over the past three months, outpacing the Nasdaq Composite ($NASX)’s 3.5% decline over the same period.
PH shares have gained 15.1% year to date, outpacing the NASX’s 2.8% decline over the same period. Longer term, PH shares are up 51.3% over the past 52 weeks, compared to the NASX’s 19.9% gain.
PH stock has consistently traded above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since May 2025.
Parker-Hannifin shares rose 3.5% on Jan. 29 after the company reported record fiscal second-quarter 2026 sales of $5.2 billion (+9%), adjusted EPS of $7.65 (+17%), and strong improvement in profitability with the segment’s adjusted operating margin increasing to 27.1%. Investor sentiment was further boosted by strong order growth of 9%, including +14% in the aerospace sector, and a record order book of $11.7 billion, indicating sustained demand, particularly from the aerospace and defense markets.
The stock also gained on management’s improved full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, with adjusted EPS now expected in the range of $30.40 to $31 and higher sales and margin outlooks.
By contrast, rival Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) has slightly outperformed PH stock so far this year, with ITW stock gaining 17.6%. However, Illinois Tool Works stock has returned 9.7% over the past 52 weeks, lagging PH stock.