Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC) vs Nordson Corporation (NDSN)

NDSN leads on 12 of 14 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Generac Holdings Inc. and Nordson Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 21, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — GNRC vs NDSN

growth of $100 · last 16y
GNRC +3199.4%NDSN +984.8%GNRC compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $10020132016201920222025$3,299$1,085
GNRC NDSN

GNRC vs NDSN: by the numbers

  • NDSN is the larger company ($16.49B vs $16.43B market cap).
  • NDSN trades at the lower earnings multiple (31.58 vs 87.51 P/E).
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.19% vs 4.37% net margin).
  • GNRC grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.96% vs 5.59% CAGR).
  • NDSN pays a dividend (1.11% yield) while GNRC does not currently pay one.

Which is better, GNRC or NDSN?

Metric tally: GNRC 2 · NDSN 12

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNDSN(lower P/E)
GrowthGNRC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityNDSN(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGNRCNDSN
P/E ratio87.5131.58
Forward P/E25.3725.50
P/S ratio3.825.72
P/B ratio6.185.19
PEG ratio5.68
EV / EBITDA34.4320.29
FCF yield2.00%4.33%

Profitability

MetricGNRCNDSN
Gross margin38.14%55.11%
Operating margin7.46%26.37%
Net margin4.37%18.19%
ROE7.07%16.49%
ROIC5.29%10.68%

Dividends

MetricGNRCNDSN
Dividend yield1.11%
Payout ratio38.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGNRCNDSN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.96%5.59%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-13.42%14.66%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-9.70%8.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-6.30%7.82%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GNRC or NDSN?
It depends on your goal. value: NDSN (lower P/E); growth: GNRC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: NDSN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NDSN leads 12 to 2.
Is GNRC or NDSN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NDSN is cheaper: GNRC trades at a 87.51 P/E and NDSN at 31.58.
Which has grown faster, GNRC or NDSN?
Over the past five years, GNRC grew revenue faster — GNRC at a 8.96% CAGR versus NDSN at 5.59%.
Does GNRC or NDSN pay a bigger dividend?
NDSN pays a dividend (1.11% yield) while GNRC does not currently pay one.
Is GNRC or NDSN more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — GNRC at 4.37% versus NDSN at 18.19%.
Which has been the better investment, GNRC or NDSN?
Over the past 10-year, GNRC delivered the higher annualized total return — GNRC at 22.38% versus NDSN at 14.53%. 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 June 21, 2026.