Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) vs Nordson Corporation (NDSN)

A side-by-side comparison of Southwest Airlines Co. and Nordson Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnLUV vs NDSN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
LUV +28.7% (+2.6%/yr)NDSN +244.9% (+13.2%/yr)NDSN compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$129$345
LUV NDSN

LUV vs NDSN: by the numbers

  • LUV is the larger company ($20.26B vs $17.27B market cap).
  • LUV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.41 vs 31.34 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.63% vs 2.78% net margin).
  • LUV grew revenue faster over the past five years (24.97% vs 5.12% CAGR).
  • LUV pays the higher dividend yield (1.74% vs 1.06%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricLUVNDSN
P/E ratio25.4131.34
Forward P/E12.1026.71
P/S ratio0.695.83
P/B ratio2.915.31
EV / EBITDA9.2620.01
FCF yieldN/A4.17%

Profitability

MetricLUVNDSN
Gross margin17.44%55.29%
Operating margin3.46%26.88%
Net margin2.78%18.63%
ROE11.82%16.98%
ROIC4.30%14.23%

Dividends

MetricLUVNDSN
Dividend yield1.74%1.06%
Payout ratio87.80%38.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricLUVNDSN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)24.97%5.12%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A14.66%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A6.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-1.10%7.75%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, LUV or NDSN?
LUV has the lower trailing P/E: LUV trades at 25.41 and NDSN at 31.34. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, LUV or NDSN?
Over the past five years, LUV grew revenue faster — LUV at a 24.97% CAGR versus NDSN at 5.12%.
Does LUV or NDSN pay a bigger dividend?
LUV yields 1.74% and NDSN yields 1.06% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is LUV or NDSN more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — LUV at 2.78% versus NDSN at 18.63%.
How have LUV and NDSN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, LUV delivered 2.53% and NDSN delivered 14.06% 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 20, 2026.