IDEX Corporation (IEX) vs Nordson Corporation (NDSN)
NDSN leads on 12 of 17 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of IDEX Corporation and Nordson Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 25, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — IEX vs NDSN
growth of $100 · last 30yIEX +1899.6%NDSN +1978.0%NDSN compounded faster
IEX NDSN
IEX vs NDSN: by the numbers
- •IEX is the larger company ($16.88B vs $16.50B market cap).
- •NDSN trades at the lower earnings multiple (31.60 vs 33.74 P/E).
- •NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.19% vs 14.38% net margin).
- •IEX grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.94% vs 5.59% CAGR).
- •IEX pays the higher dividend yield (1.25% vs 1.11%).
Which is better, IEX or NDSN?
Metric tally: IEX 5 · NDSN 12It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueNDSN(lower P/E)
GrowthIEX(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeIEX(higher dividend yield)
QualityNDSN(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | IEX | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 33.74 | 31.60● |
| Forward P/E | 26.83 | 25.52● |
| P/S ratio | 4.81● | 5.72 |
| P/B ratio | 4.19● | 5.19 |
| PEG ratio | 6.56 | 5.68● |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.45● | 20.31 |
| FCF yield | 3.60% | 4.32%● |
Profitability
| Metric | IEX | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 44.42% | 55.11%● |
| Operating margin | 20.80% | 26.37%● |
| Net margin | 14.38% | 18.19%● |
| ROE | 12.54% | 16.49%● |
| ROIC | 8.61% | 10.68%● |
Dividends
| Metric | IEX | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.25%● | 1.11% |
| Payout ratio | 44.62% | 38.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | IEX | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 7.94%● | 5.59% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 5.14% | 14.66%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 2.50% | 8.01%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.03% | 7.55%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, IEX or NDSN?
- It depends on your goal. value: NDSN (lower P/E); growth: IEX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: IEX (higher dividend yield); quality: NDSN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NDSN leads 12 to 5.
- Is IEX or NDSN cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, NDSN is cheaper: IEX trades at a 33.74 P/E and NDSN at 31.60.
- Which has grown faster, IEX or NDSN?
- Over the past five years, IEX grew revenue faster — IEX at a 7.94% CAGR versus NDSN at 5.59%.
- Does IEX or NDSN pay a bigger dividend?
- IEX yields 1.25% and NDSN yields 1.11% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is IEX or NDSN more profitable?
- NDSN runs the higher net margin — IEX at 14.38% versus NDSN at 18.19%.
- Which has been the better investment, IEX or NDSN?
- Over the past 10-year, NDSN delivered the higher annualized total return — IEX at 12.25% versus NDSN at 15.04%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
IDEX P/E ratioNordson P/E ratioIDEX dividend yieldNordson dividend yieldIDEX ROENordson ROEIDEX operating marginNordson operating marginIDEX revenue growthNordson revenue growthIDEX free cash flowNordson free cash flow
IDEX & 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 25, 2026.