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 August 9, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnIEX vs NDSN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
IEX +3997.8%NDSN +3627.9%IEX compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$4,098$3,728
IEX NDSN

IEX vs NDSN: by the numbers

  • IEX is the larger company ($17.28B vs $17.28B market cap).
  • NDSN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.10 vs 33.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.19% vs 14.49% net margin).
  • IEX grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.19% vs 5.59% CAGR).
  • IEX pays the higher dividend yield (1.23% vs 1.06%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIEXNDSN
P/E ratio33.7433.10
Forward P/E26.9926.73
P/S ratio4.855.99
P/B ratio4.345.43
PEG ratio6.565.68
EV / EBITDA19.4821.08
FCF yield3.69%4.13%

Profitability

MetricIEXNDSN
Gross margin44.70%55.11%
Operating margin20.75%26.37%
Net margin14.49%18.19%
ROE12.96%16.49%
ROIC8.61%10.68%

Dividends

MetricIEXNDSN
Dividend yield1.23%1.06%
Payout ratio44.93%38.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIEXNDSN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.19%5.59%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.14%14.66%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.13%8.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)1.89%7.88%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IEX or NDSN?
NDSN has the lower trailing P/E: IEX trades at 33.74 and NDSN at 33.10. 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 5.59%.
Does IEX or NDSN pay a bigger dividend?
IEX yields 1.23% and NDSN yields 1.06% 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 18.19%.
How have IEX and NDSN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IEX delivered 11.30% and NDSN delivered 14.31% 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 August 9, 2026.