Nordson (NDSN) vs Symbotic (SYM)
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 Symbotic (SYM) over the past year, gaining 41.9% versus a loss of 36.7%. Over five years, SYM leads with a +339.2% price change compared with +33.9% for NDSN. Symbotic is the larger company by market cap ($26.22 billion vs $18.25 billion), about 1.4 times the size.
On valuation, Nordson trades at a lower forward P/E (25.2x vs 56.1x for Symbotic). Nordson pays a dividend yielding 1.00%, while Symbotic does not currently pay one. Nordson converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 17.4% versus -0.8%.
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 | NDSN | SYM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $327.69 | $43.31 |
| Market cap | $18.25B | $26.22B |
| 1-day change | -1.95% | -1.90% |
| YTD return | +36.29% | -27.21% |
| 1-year return | +41.95% | -36.70% |
| 5-year return | +33.90% | +339.25% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 33.17 | 541.38 |
| Forward P/E | 25.24 | 56.13 |
| EPS (TTM) | $9.88 | $0.08 |
| Dividend yield | 1.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.28 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.79B | $2.25B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.78% | +25.65% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $484.47M | $-16.94M |
| Gross margin | 55.16% | 18.81% |
| Operating margin | 25.49% | -5.12% |
| Net margin | 17.35% | -0.75% |
| 52-week high | $339.12 | $87.88 |
| 52-week low | $223.29 | $37.68 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -3.37% | -50.72% |
| Analyst consensus | none | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +6.72% | +45.14% |
| Average volume | 369.29K | 1.61M |
| Shares outstanding | 55.70M | 129.87M |
| Employees | 8,200 | 2,000 |
| 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
- NDSN has outperformed SYM by 78.6 percentage points over the past year.
- Symbotic trades at a higher earnings multiple (541.4x vs 33.2x trailing P/E).
- Nordson offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.00% vs 0.00%).
- Nordson is more profitable, keeping 17.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -0.8 cents for Symbotic.
- Symbotic grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+25.65% vs +3.78%).
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
About Symbotic
SYM stock →Symbotic Inc., an automation technology company, develops technologies to enhance operating efficiencies in modern warehouses. The company automates the processing of pallets, cases, and individual items in warehouses.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 2,000 employees
NDSN vs SYM FAQ
Which is bigger, Nordson or Symbotic?
Symbotic (SYM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $26.22B compared with $18.25B for Nordson (NDSN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NDSN or SYM?
NDSN returned +41.95% over the past 12 months, compared with -36.70% for SYM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NDSN or SYM?
NDSN has the lower trailing P/E at 33.2, versus 541.4 for SYM. 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, Nordson or Symbotic?
Nordson pays a dividend yielding 1.00%, while Symbotic does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Nordson and Symbotic in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.