Nordson Corporation (NDSN) vs Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL)

A side-by-side comparison of Nordson Corporation and Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnNDSN vs STRL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
NDSN +249.5% (+13.3%/yr)STRL +7285.0% (+53.8%/yr)STRL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10k100kStart $10020182020202220242026$350$7,385
NDSN STRL

NDSN vs STRL: by the numbers

  • NDSN is the larger company ($17.36B vs $15.92B market cap).
  • NDSN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.50 vs 37.40 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.63% vs 12.55% net margin).
  • STRL grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.89% vs 5.12% CAGR).
  • NDSN pays a dividend (1.08% yield), while STRL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNDSNSTRL
P/E ratio31.5037.40
Forward P/E26.2026.20
P/S ratio5.834.63
P/B ratio5.3111.73
EV / EBITDA20.1022.12
FCF yield4.20%3.02%

Profitability

MetricNDSNSTRL
Gross margin55.29%23.59%
Operating margin26.88%18.06%
Net margin18.63%12.55%
ROE16.98%31.79%
ROIC12.16%24.77%

Dividends

MetricNDSNSTRL
Dividend yield1.08%N/A
Payout ratio34.38%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricNDSNSTRL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.12%18.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.66%44.28%
FCF CAGR (5Y)6.76%32.42%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.70%87.80%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, NDSN or STRL?
NDSN has the lower trailing P/E: NDSN trades at 31.50 and STRL at 37.40. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, NDSN or STRL?
Over the past five years, STRL grew revenue faster — NDSN at a 5.12% CAGR versus STRL at 18.89%.
Does NDSN or STRL pay a bigger dividend?
NDSN pays a dividend (1.08% yield), while STRL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is NDSN or STRL more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — NDSN at 18.63% versus STRL at 12.55%.
How have NDSN and STRL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, NDSN delivered 13.80% and STRL delivered 54.25% 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 September 13, 2026.