MKS (MKSI) vs Nordson (NDSN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
MKS (MKSI) has outperformed Nordson (NDSN) over the past year, gaining 95.8% versus a gain of 39.5%. Over five years, MKSI leads with a +80.0% price change compared with +33.6% for NDSN. Nordson is the larger company by market cap ($18.26 billion vs $17.49 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while MKS is growing revenue faster (+9.6% vs +3.8%).
On valuation, MKS trades at a lower forward P/E (14.7x vs 25.3x for Nordson). Nordson offers the higher dividend yield (1.00% vs 0.36%). Nordson converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 17.4% versus 7.5%.
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 | MKSI | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $258.59 | $327.82 |
| Market cap | $17.49B | $18.26B |
| 1-day change | -0.69% | +0.29% |
| YTD return | +62.94% | +35.95% |
| 1-year return | +95.82% | +39.50% |
| 5-year return | +79.98% | +33.57% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 41.11 | 33.18 |
| Forward P/E | 14.65 | 25.25 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.29 | $9.88 |
| Dividend yield | 0.36% | 1.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.94 | $3.28 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.93B | $2.79B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.62% | +3.78% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $295.00M | $484.47M |
| Gross margin | 46.73% | 55.16% |
| Operating margin | 13.43% | 25.49% |
| Net margin | 7.50% | 17.35% |
| 52-week high | $447.62 | $339.12 |
| 52-week low | $120.91 | $223.29 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -42.23% | -3.33% |
| Analyst consensus | none | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +58.88% | +6.68% |
| Average volume | 1.33M | 371.01K |
| Shares outstanding | 67.62M | 55.70M |
| Employees | 10,200 | 8,200 |
| Sector | Industrials | 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
- MKSI has outperformed NDSN by 56.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Nordson is more profitable, keeping 17.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 7.5 cents for MKS.
- MKS grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+9.62% vs +3.78%).
About MKS
MKSI stock →MKS Inc. provides foundational technology solutions to semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications in the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and internationally.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 10,200 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
MKSI vs NDSN FAQ
Which is bigger, MKS or Nordson?
Nordson (NDSN) is larger, with a market capitalization of $18.26B compared with $17.49B for MKS (MKSI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MKSI or NDSN?
MKSI returned +95.82% over the past 12 months, compared with +39.50% for NDSN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MKSI or NDSN?
NDSN has the lower trailing P/E at 33.2, versus 41.1 for MKSI. 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, MKS or Nordson?
Nordson has the higher yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.36% for MKS.
Are MKS and Nordson in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.