Curtiss-Wright (CW) vs Nordson (NDSN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Nordson (NDSN) has outperformed Curtiss-Wright (CW) over the past year, gaining 41.9% versus a loss of 5.8%. Over five years, CW leads with a +287.3% price change compared with +33.9% for NDSN. Curtiss-Wright is the larger company by market cap ($18.80 billion vs $18.25 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Nordson trades at a lower forward P/E (25.2x vs 29.7x for Curtiss-Wright). Nordson offers the higher dividend yield (1.00% vs 0.19%). Nordson converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 17.4% versus 13.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CW | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $509.10 | $327.69 |
| Market cap | $18.80B | $18.25B |
| 1-day change | -8.00% | -1.95% |
| YTD return | -7.65% | +36.29% |
| 1-year return | -5.79% | +41.95% |
| 5-year return | +287.27% | +33.90% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 35.06 | 33.17 |
| Forward P/E | 29.68 | 25.24 |
| EPS (TTM) | $14.52 | $9.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.19% | 1.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.98 | $3.28 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.50B | $2.79B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +12.08% | +3.78% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $484.23M | $484.47M |
| Gross margin | 37.20% | 55.16% |
| Operating margin | 18.11% | 25.49% |
| Net margin | 13.84% | 17.35% |
| 52-week high | $808.16 | $339.12 |
| 52-week low | $502.43 | $223.29 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -37.01% | -3.37% |
| Analyst consensus | none | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +54.44% | +6.72% |
| Average volume | 353.34K | 367.22K |
| Shares outstanding | 36.93M | 55.70M |
| Employees | 9,200 | 8,200 |
| Sector | Technology | Industrials |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- NDSN has outperformed CW by 47.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Curtiss-Wright grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+12.08% vs +3.78%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Curtiss-Wright in Technology and Nordson in Industrials.
About Curtiss-Wright
CW stock →Curtiss-Wright Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides engineered products, solutions, and services mainly to aerospace and defense, commercial nuclear power, process, and industrial markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics, and Naval & Power.
Technology · Industrial Machinery/Components · 9,200 employees
About Nordson
NDSN stock →Nordson Corporation engineers, manufactures, and markets products and systems to dispense, apply, and control adhesives, coatings, polymers, sealants, biomaterials, medical components, and other fluids. The Industrial Precision Solutions segment provides dispensing, coating, and laminating systems for adhesives, lotions, liquids, and fibers to disposable products and roll goods; automated adhesive dispensing systems; components and systems for thermoplastic and biopolymer melt stream; fluid components, such as nozzles, pumps, and filters; smart components that measure and control the flow, quantity and location of dispensed fluid; control systems; and product assembly solutions.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 8,200 employees
CW vs NDSN FAQ
Which is bigger, Curtiss-Wright or Nordson?
Curtiss-Wright (CW) is larger, with a market capitalization of $18.80B compared with $18.25B for Nordson (NDSN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CW or NDSN?
NDSN returned +41.95% over the past 12 months, compared with -5.79% for CW (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CW or NDSN?
NDSN has the lower trailing P/E at 33.2, versus 35.1 for CW. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Curtiss-Wright or Nordson?
Nordson has the higher yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.19% for Curtiss-Wright.
Are Curtiss-Wright and Nordson in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Technology sector.