Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J) vs Nordson Corporation (NDSN)

NDSN leads on 11 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Jacobs Solutions Inc. and Nordson Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — J vs NDSN

growth of $100 · last 30y
J +2007.5%NDSN +1976.6%J compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,107$2,077
J NDSN

J vs NDSN: by the numbers

  • NDSN is the larger company ($16.49B vs $14.28B market cap).
  • NDSN trades at the lower earnings multiple (31.58 vs 37.22 P/E).
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.19% vs 2.92% net margin).
  • NDSN grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.59% vs -0.59% CAGR).
  • J pays the higher dividend yield (1.12% vs 1.11%).

Which is better, J or NDSN?

Metric tally: J 5 · NDSN 11

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNDSN(lower P/E)
GrowthNDSN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityNDSN(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricJNDSN
P/E ratio37.2231.58
Forward P/E16.7125.50
P/S ratio1.095.72
P/B ratio4.375.19
PEG ratio4.095.68
EV / EBITDA19.6820.29
FCF yield3.36%4.33%

Profitability

MetricJNDSN
Gross margin23.40%55.11%
Operating margin4.69%26.37%
Net margin2.92%18.19%
ROE11.67%16.49%
ROIC6.50%10.68%

Dividends

MetricJNDSN
Dividend yield1.12%1.11%
Payout ratio56.90%38.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricJNDSN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-0.59%5.59%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.10%14.66%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-11.98%8.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)3.38%7.82%

Frequently asked

Which is better, J or NDSN?
It depends on your goal. value: NDSN (lower P/E); growth: NDSN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: NDSN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NDSN leads 11 to 5.
Is J or NDSN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NDSN is cheaper: J trades at a 37.22 P/E and NDSN at 31.58.
Which has grown faster, J or NDSN?
Over the past five years, NDSN grew revenue faster — J at a -0.59% CAGR versus NDSN at 5.59%.
Does J or NDSN pay a bigger dividend?
J yields 1.12% and NDSN yields 1.11% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is J or NDSN more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — J at 2.92% versus NDSN at 18.19%.
Which has been the better investment, J or NDSN?
Over the past 10-year, NDSN delivered the higher annualized total return — J at 12.05% versus NDSN at 14.53%. 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 20, 2026.