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).

Compare

Total return — IEX vs NDSN

growth of $100 · last 30y
IEX +1899.6%NDSN +1978.0%NDSN compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,000$2,078
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 12

It 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

MetricIEXNDSN
P/E ratio33.7431.60
Forward P/E26.8325.52
P/S ratio4.815.72
P/B ratio4.195.19
PEG ratio6.565.68
EV / EBITDA19.4520.31
FCF yield3.60%4.32%

Profitability

MetricIEXNDSN
Gross margin44.42%55.11%
Operating margin20.80%26.37%
Net margin14.38%18.19%
ROE12.54%16.49%
ROIC8.61%10.68%

Dividends

MetricIEXNDSN
Dividend yield1.25%1.11%
Payout ratio44.62%38.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIEXNDSN
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.

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.