Nordson Corporation (NDSN) vs RBC Bearings Incorporated (RBC)

NDSN leads on 12 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Nordson Corporation and RBC Bearings Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 9, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — NDSN vs RBC

growth of $100 · last 21y
NDSN +1651.3%RBC +1856.8%RBC compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $10020092013201720212025$1,751$1,957
NDSN RBC

NDSN vs RBC: by the numbers

  • RBC is the larger company ($18.84B vs $15.96B market cap).
  • NDSN trades at the lower earnings multiple (30.30 vs 65.33 P/E).
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.19% vs 15.37% net margin).
  • RBC grew revenue faster over the past five years (22.93% vs 5.59% CAGR).
  • NDSN pays a dividend (1.16% yield) while RBC does not currently pay one.

Which is better, NDSN or RBC?

Metric tally: NDSN 12 · RBC 4

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNDSNRBC
P/E ratio30.3065.33
Forward P/E24.4748.79
P/S ratio5.4910.07
P/B ratio4.975.60
PEG ratio5.683.27
EV / EBITDA19.4736.17
FCF yield4.51%1.82%

Profitability

MetricNDSNRBC
Gross margin55.11%44.37%
Operating margin26.37%22.50%
Net margin18.19%15.37%
ROE16.49%8.56%
ROIC10.68%6.88%

Dividends

MetricNDSNRBC
Dividend yield1.16%
Payout ratio38.32%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNDSNRBC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.59%22.93%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.66%10.16%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.01%19.21%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.81%35.99%

Frequently asked

Which is better, NDSN or RBC?
It depends on your goal. value: NDSN (lower P/E); growth: RBC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: NDSN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NDSN leads 12 to 4.
Is NDSN or RBC cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NDSN is cheaper: NDSN trades at a 30.30 P/E and RBC at 65.33.
Which has grown faster, NDSN or RBC?
Over the past five years, RBC grew revenue faster — NDSN at a 5.59% CAGR versus RBC at 22.93%.
Does NDSN or RBC pay a bigger dividend?
NDSN pays a dividend (1.16% yield) while RBC does not currently pay one.
Is NDSN or RBC more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — NDSN at 18.19% versus RBC at 15.37%.
Which has been the better investment, NDSN or RBC?
Over the past 10-year, RBC delivered the higher annualized total return — NDSN at 13.90% versus RBC at 26.22%. 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 July 9, 2026.