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).
Total return — GNRC vs NDSN
growth of $100 · last 16yGNRC +3199.4%NDSN +984.8%GNRC compounded faster
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 12It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueNDSN(lower P/E)
GrowthGNRC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityNDSN(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | GNRC | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 87.51 | 31.58● |
| Forward P/E | 25.37 | 25.50 |
| P/S ratio | 3.82● | 5.72 |
| P/B ratio | 6.18 | 5.19● |
| PEG ratio | — | 5.68 |
| EV / EBITDA | 34.43 | 20.29● |
| FCF yield | 2.00% | 4.33%● |
Profitability
| Metric | GNRC | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 38.14% | 55.11%● |
| Operating margin | 7.46% | 26.37%● |
| Net margin | 4.37% | 18.19%● |
| ROE | 7.07% | 16.49%● |
| ROIC | 5.29% | 10.68%● |
Dividends
| Metric | GNRC | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | — | 1.11% |
| Payout ratio | — | 38.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | GNRC | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Generac P/E ratioNordson P/E ratioGenerac dividend yieldNordson dividend yieldGenerac ROENordson ROEGenerac operating marginNordson operating marginGenerac revenue growthNordson revenue growthGenerac free cash flowNordson free cash flow
Generac & 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 June 21, 2026.