Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) vs Nordson Corporation (NDSN)
A side-by-side comparison of Curtiss-Wright Corporation and Nordson Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CW
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
$568.72IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NDSN
Nordson Corporation
$317.49IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CW vs NDSN
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCW +568.7% (+20.9%/yr)NDSN +259.3% (+13.6%/yr)CW compounded faster over this window
CW NDSN
CW vs NDSN: by the numbers
- •CW is the larger company ($21.01B vs $17.69B market cap).
- •NDSN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (32.02 vs 38.62 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.63% vs 14.81% net margin).
- •CW grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.25% vs 5.12% CAGR).
- •NDSN pays the higher dividend yield (1.04% vs 0.17%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CW | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.62 | 32.02 |
| Forward P/E | 36.70 | 26.62 |
| P/S ratio | 5.70 | 5.95 |
| P/B ratio | 7.53 | 5.43 |
| EV / EBITDA | 26.62 | 20.50 |
| FCF yield | 3.00% | 4.11% |
Profitability
| Metric | CW | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 37.73% | 55.29% |
| Operating margin | 18.85% | 26.88% |
| Net margin | 14.81% | 18.63% |
| ROE | 19.54% | 16.98% |
| ROIC | 12.68% | 12.16% |
Dividends
| Metric | CW | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.17% | 1.04% |
| Payout ratio | 7.57% | 38.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CW | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.25% | 5.12% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 21.79% | 14.66% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 13.92% | 6.76% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 36.57% | 6.66% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CW or NDSN?
- NDSN has the lower trailing P/E: CW trades at 38.62 and NDSN at 32.02. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CW or NDSN?
- Over the past five years, CW grew revenue faster — CW at a 8.25% CAGR versus NDSN at 5.12%.
- Does CW or NDSN pay a bigger dividend?
- CW yields 0.17% and NDSN yields 1.04% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CW or NDSN more profitable?
- NDSN runs the higher net margin — CW at 14.81% versus NDSN at 18.63%.
- How have CW and NDSN total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CW delivered 20.50% and NDSN delivered 13.31% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Curtiss-Wright P/E ratioNordson P/E ratioCurtiss-Wright dividend yieldNordson dividend yieldCurtiss-Wright ROENordson ROECurtiss-Wright operating marginNordson operating marginCurtiss-Wright revenue growthNordson revenue growthCurtiss-Wright free cash flowNordson free cash flow
Curtiss-Wright & Nordson appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 3, 2026.