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.
LUV
Southwest Airlines Co.
$41.42IndustrialsAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
NDSN
Nordson Corporation
$309.92IndustrialsAt close: Aug 19, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — LUV vs NDSN
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yLUV +28.7% (+2.6%/yr)NDSN +244.9% (+13.2%/yr)NDSN compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | LUV | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.41 | 31.34 |
| Forward P/E | 12.10 | 26.71 |
| P/S ratio | 0.69 | 5.83 |
| P/B ratio | 2.91 | 5.31 |
| EV / EBITDA | 9.26 | 20.01 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 4.17% |
Profitability
| Metric | LUV | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 17.44% | 55.29% |
| Operating margin | 3.46% | 26.88% |
| Net margin | 2.78% | 18.63% |
| ROE | 11.82% | 16.98% |
| ROIC | 4.30% | 14.23% |
Dividends
| Metric | LUV | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.74% | 1.06% |
| Payout ratio | 87.80% | 38.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LUV | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 24.97% | 5.12% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 14.66% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 6.62% |
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Southwest Airlines P/E ratioNordson P/E ratioSouthwest Airlines dividend yieldNordson dividend yieldSouthwest Airlines ROENordson ROESouthwest Airlines operating marginNordson operating marginSouthwest Airlines revenue growthNordson revenue growthSouthwest Airlines free cash flowNordson free cash flow
Southwest Airlines & 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 August 20, 2026.