Fortive (FTV) vs Nordson (NDSN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Nordson (NDSN) has outperformed Fortive (FTV) over the past year, gaining 41.9% versus a gain of 13.9%. Over five years, NDSN leads with a +33.9% price change compared with +3.2% for FTV. Nordson is the larger company by market cap ($18.25 billion vs $17.07 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Fortive trades at a lower forward P/E (17.4x vs 25.2x for Nordson). Nordson offers the higher dividend yield (1.00% vs 0.21%). Nordson converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 17.4% versus 13.9%.
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 | FTV | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $56.52 | $327.69 |
| Market cap | $17.07B | $18.25B |
| 1-day change | -2.37% | -1.95% |
| YTD return | +2.37% | +36.29% |
| 1-year return | +13.93% | +41.95% |
| 5-year return | +3.22% | +33.90% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 30.39 | 33.82 |
| Forward P/E | 17.37 | 25.24 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.86 | $9.69 |
| Dividend yield | 0.21% | 1.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.12 | $3.28 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.16B | $2.79B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +1.92% | +3.78% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $579.20M | $484.47M |
| Gross margin | 63.50% | 55.16% |
| Operating margin | 17.32% | 25.49% |
| Net margin | 13.93% | 17.35% |
| 52-week high | $64.56 | $339.12 |
| 52-week low | $47.71 | $223.29 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.45% | -3.37% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +12.60% | +6.72% |
| Average volume | 2.44M | 367.22K |
| Shares outstanding | 302.02M | 55.70M |
| Employees | 10,000 | 8,200 |
| Sector | Technology | Industrials |
| Industry | Scientific & Technical Instruments | 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 FTV by 28.0 percentage points over the past year.
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Fortive in Technology and Nordson in Industrials.
About Fortive
FTV stock →Fortive Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets products, software, and services in the United States, China, and internationally. It operates through Intelligent Operating Solutions and Advanced Healthcare Solutions segments.
Technology · Scientific & Technical Instruments · 10,000 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
FTV vs NDSN FAQ
Which is bigger, Fortive or Nordson?
Nordson (NDSN) is larger, with a market capitalization of $18.25B compared with $17.07B for Fortive (FTV).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FTV or NDSN?
NDSN returned +41.95% over the past 12 months, compared with +13.93% for FTV (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FTV or NDSN?
FTV has the lower trailing P/E at 30.4, versus 33.8 for NDSN. 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, Fortive or Nordson?
Nordson has the higher yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.21% for Fortive.
Are Fortive and Nordson in the same industry?
No. Fortive is in the Technology sector, while Nordson is in Industrials.