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.

Compare

Total returnCW vs NDSN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CW +568.7% (+20.9%/yr)NDSN +259.3% (+13.6%/yr)CW compounded faster over this window
2004006008001kStart $10020182020202220242026$669$359
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

MetricCWNDSN
P/E ratio38.6232.02
Forward P/E36.7026.62
P/S ratio5.705.95
P/B ratio7.535.43
EV / EBITDA26.6220.50
FCF yield3.00%4.11%

Profitability

MetricCWNDSN
Gross margin37.73%55.29%
Operating margin18.85%26.88%
Net margin14.81%18.63%
ROE19.54%16.98%
ROIC12.68%12.16%

Dividends

MetricCWNDSN
Dividend yield0.17%1.04%
Payout ratio7.57%38.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCWNDSN
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.

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.