IDEX Corporation (IEX) vs Nordson Corporation (NDSN)

A side-by-side comparison of IDEX 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 returnIEX vs NDSN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
IEX +172.5% (+10.5%/yr)NDSN +263.0% (+13.8%/yr)NDSN compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$273$363
IEX NDSN

IEX vs NDSN: by the numbers

  • NDSN is the larger company ($17.91B vs $16.93B market cap).
  • NDSN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (32.50 vs 33.05 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.63% vs 14.49% net margin).
  • IEX grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.19% vs 5.12% CAGR).
  • IEX pays the higher dividend yield (1.28% vs 1.08%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIEXNDSN
P/E ratio33.0532.50
Forward P/E26.0027.03
P/S ratio4.726.01
P/B ratio4.225.48
EV / EBITDA19.0220.67
FCF yield3.79%4.07%

Profitability

MetricIEXNDSN
Gross margin44.70%55.29%
Operating margin20.75%26.88%
Net margin14.49%18.63%
ROE12.96%16.98%
ROIC8.93%12.16%

Dividends

MetricIEXNDSN
Dividend yield1.28%1.08%
Payout ratio41.44%34.38%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIEXNDSN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.19%5.12%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.14%14.66%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.13%6.76%
Total return CAGR (5Y)1.95%6.70%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IEX or NDSN?
NDSN has the lower trailing P/E: IEX trades at 33.05 and NDSN at 32.50. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, IEX or NDSN?
Over the past five years, IEX grew revenue faster — IEX at a 7.19% CAGR versus NDSN at 5.12%.
Does IEX or NDSN pay a bigger dividend?
IEX yields 1.28% and NDSN yields 1.08% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IEX or NDSN more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — IEX at 14.49% versus NDSN at 18.63%.
How have IEX and NDSN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IEX delivered 10.84% 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.