Nordson Corporation (NDSN) vs Snap-on Incorporated (SNA)

A side-by-side comparison of Nordson Corporation and Snap-on Incorporated 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 returnNDSN vs SNA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
NDSN +244.9% (+13.2%/yr)SNA +226.7% (+12.6%/yr)NDSN compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$345$327
NDSN SNA

NDSN vs SNA: by the numbers

  • SNA is the larger company ($20.38B vs $17.27B market cap).
  • SNA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.10 vs 31.34 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SNA converts more revenue to profit (20.37% vs 18.63% net margin).
  • SNA grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.42% vs 5.12% CAGR).
  • SNA pays the higher dividend yield (2.48% vs 1.06%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNDSNSNA
P/E ratio31.3420.10
Forward P/E26.7120.61
P/S ratio5.834.08
P/B ratio5.313.43
EV / EBITDA20.0115.58
FCF yield4.17%5.05%

Profitability

MetricNDSNSNA
Gross margin55.29%51.21%
Operating margin26.88%23.78%
Net margin18.63%20.37%
ROE16.98%17.11%
ROIC14.23%12.35%

Dividends

MetricNDSNSNA
Dividend yield1.06%2.48%
Payout ratio38.32%50.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNDSNSNA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.12%5.42%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.66%11.06%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.62%0.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.75%15.71%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, NDSN or SNA?
SNA has the lower trailing P/E: NDSN trades at 31.34 and SNA at 20.10. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, NDSN or SNA?
Over the past five years, SNA grew revenue faster — NDSN at a 5.12% CAGR versus SNA at 5.42%.
Does NDSN or SNA pay a bigger dividend?
NDSN yields 1.06% and SNA yields 2.48% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is NDSN or SNA more profitable?
SNA runs the higher net margin — NDSN at 18.63% versus SNA at 20.37%.
How have NDSN and SNA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, NDSN delivered 14.06% and SNA delivered 12.58% 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.