Nordson Corporation (NDSN) vs Textron Inc. (TXT)

NDSN leads on 9 of 17 compared metrics, though TXT is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Nordson Corporation and Textron Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 24, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — NDSN vs TXT

growth of $100 · last 30y
NDSN +1942.6%TXT +330.0%NDSN compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,043$430
NDSN TXT

NDSN vs TXT: by the numbers

  • NDSN is the larger company ($16.22B vs $15.05B market cap).
  • TXT trades at the lower earnings multiple (16.55 vs 31.06 P/E).
  • NDSN converts more revenue to profit (18.19% vs 6.15% net margin).
  • NDSN grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.59% vs 5.26% CAGR).
  • NDSN pays the higher dividend yield (1.13% vs 0.09%).

Which is better, NDSN or TXT?

Metric tally: NDSN 9 · TXT 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNDSNTXT
P/E ratio31.0616.55
Forward P/E25.0911.82
P/S ratio5.621.00
P/B ratio5.101.91
PEG ratio5.681.02
EV / EBITDA20.0010.51
FCF yield4.40%4.64%

Profitability

MetricNDSNTXT
Gross margin55.11%14.41%
Operating margin26.37%8.37%
Net margin18.19%6.15%
ROE16.49%11.67%
ROIC10.68%7.33%

Dividends

MetricNDSNTXT
Dividend yield1.13%0.09%
Payout ratio38.32%1.57%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNDSNTXT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.59%5.26%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.66%30.49%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.01%6.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.20%5.46%

Frequently asked

Which is better, NDSN or TXT?
It depends on your goal. value: TXT (lower P/E); growth: NDSN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: NDSN (higher dividend yield); quality: NDSN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NDSN leads 9 to 8.
Is NDSN or TXT cheaper?
On trailing earnings, TXT is cheaper: NDSN trades at a 31.06 P/E and TXT at 16.55.
Which has grown faster, NDSN or TXT?
Over the past five years, NDSN grew revenue faster — NDSN at a 5.59% CAGR versus TXT at 5.26%.
Does NDSN or TXT pay a bigger dividend?
NDSN yields 1.13% and TXT yields 0.09% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is NDSN or TXT more profitable?
NDSN runs the higher net margin — NDSN at 18.19% versus TXT at 6.15%.
Which has been the better investment, NDSN or TXT?
Over the past 10-year, NDSN delivered the higher annualized total return — NDSN at 13.99% versus TXT at 9.35%. 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 24, 2026.