Nordson Corporation (NDSN) vs Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (SWK)

NDSN leads on 10 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Nordson Corporation and Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 21, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — NDSN vs SWK

growth of $100 · last 30y
NDSN +1976.6%SWK +204.4%NDSN compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,077$304
NDSN SWK

NDSN vs SWK: by the numbers

  • NDSN is the larger company ($16.49B vs $13.49B market cap).
  • NDSN trades at the lower earnings multiple (31.58 vs 35.55 P/E).
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.19% vs 2.44% net margin).
  • NDSN grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.59% vs 0.68% CAGR).
  • SWK pays the higher dividend yield (3.83% vs 1.11%).

Which is better, NDSN or SWK?

Metric tally: NDSN 10 · SWK 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNDSN(lower P/E)
GrowthNDSN(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeSWK(higher dividend yield)
QualityNDSN(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNDSNSWK
P/E ratio31.5835.55
Forward P/E25.5016.17
P/S ratio5.720.87
P/B ratio5.191.47
PEG ratio5.680.82
EV / EBITDA20.2915.42
FCF yield4.33%5.49%

Profitability

MetricNDSNSWK
Gross margin55.11%30.03%
Operating margin26.37%7.79%
Net margin18.19%2.44%
ROE16.49%4.13%
ROIC10.68%6.41%

Dividends

MetricNDSNSWK
Dividend yield1.11%3.83%
Payout ratio38.32%125.28%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNDSNSWK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.59%0.68%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.66%-19.52%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.01%-17.64%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.82%-11.84%

Frequently asked

Which is better, NDSN or SWK?
It depends on your goal. value: NDSN (lower P/E); growth: NDSN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: SWK (higher dividend yield); quality: NDSN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NDSN leads 10 to 7.
Is NDSN or SWK cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NDSN is cheaper: NDSN trades at a 31.58 P/E and SWK at 35.55.
Which has grown faster, NDSN or SWK?
Over the past five years, NDSN grew revenue faster — NDSN at a 5.59% CAGR versus SWK at 0.68%.
Does NDSN or SWK pay a bigger dividend?
NDSN yields 1.11% and SWK yields 3.83% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is NDSN or SWK more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — NDSN at 18.19% versus SWK at 2.44%.
Which has been the better investment, NDSN or SWK?
Over the past 10-year, NDSN delivered the higher annualized total return — NDSN at 14.53% versus SWK at 0.09%. 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 June 21, 2026.