Dover Corporation (DOV) vs Nordson Corporation (NDSN)

A side-by-side comparison of Dover Corporation and Nordson Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnDOV vs NDSN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
DOV +278.5% (+14.2%/yr)NDSN +263.0% (+13.8%/yr)DOV compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$379$363
DOV NDSN

DOV vs NDSN: by the numbers

  • DOV is the larger company ($25.45B vs $17.17B market cap).
  • DOV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.83 vs 31.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.63% vs 13.48% net margin).
  • NDSN grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.12% vs 2.54% CAGR).
  • DOV pays the higher dividend yield (1.10% vs 1.08%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDOVNDSN
P/E ratio22.8331.17
Forward P/E17.6725.92
P/S ratio3.025.76
P/B ratio3.305.25
EV / EBITDA14.8819.90
FCF yield4.61%4.24%

Profitability

MetricDOVNDSN
Gross margin39.58%55.29%
Operating margin16.87%26.88%
Net margin13.48%18.63%
ROE14.73%16.98%
ROIC9.56%12.16%

Dividends

MetricDOVNDSN
Dividend yield1.10%1.08%
Payout ratio25.18%34.38%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDOVNDSN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.54%5.12%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.95%14.66%
FCF CAGR (5Y)2.55%6.76%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.98%6.70%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, DOV or NDSN?
DOV has the lower trailing P/E: DOV trades at 22.83 and NDSN at 31.17. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, DOV or NDSN?
Over the past five years, NDSN grew revenue faster — DOV at a 2.54% CAGR versus NDSN at 5.12%.
Does DOV or NDSN pay a bigger dividend?
DOV yields 1.10% and NDSN yields 1.08% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is DOV or NDSN more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — DOV at 13.48% versus NDSN at 18.63%.
How have DOV and NDSN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, DOV delivered 14.80% and NDSN delivered 13.80% 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 13, 2026.