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).
Total return — J vs NDSN
growth of $100 · last 30yJ +2007.5%NDSN +1976.6%J compounded faster
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 11It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueNDSN(lower P/E)
GrowthNDSN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityNDSN(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | J | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 37.22 | 31.58● |
| Forward P/E | 16.71● | 25.50 |
| P/S ratio | 1.09● | 5.72 |
| P/B ratio | 4.37● | 5.19 |
| PEG ratio | 4.09● | 5.68 |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.68● | 20.29 |
| FCF yield | 3.36% | 4.33%● |
Profitability
| Metric | J | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 23.40% | 55.11%● |
| Operating margin | 4.69% | 26.37%● |
| Net margin | 2.92% | 18.19%● |
| ROE | 11.67% | 16.49%● |
| ROIC | 6.50% | 10.68%● |
Dividends
| Metric | J | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.12% | 1.11% |
| Payout ratio | 56.90% | 38.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | J | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Jacobs Solutions P/E ratioNordson P/E ratioJacobs Solutions dividend yieldNordson dividend yieldJacobs Solutions ROENordson ROEJacobs Solutions operating marginNordson operating marginJacobs Solutions revenue growthNordson revenue growthJacobs Solutions free cash flowNordson free cash flow
Jacobs Solutions & 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 20, 2026.