Nordson (NDSN) vs Zebra Technologies (ZBRA)
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 Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) over the past year, gaining 41.9% versus a gain of 24.4%. Over five years, NDSN leads with a +33.9% price change compared with -25.9% for ZBRA. Nordson is the larger company by market cap ($18.21 billion vs $18.08 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while Zebra Technologies is growing revenue faster (+8.3% vs +3.8%).
On valuation, Zebra Technologies trades at a lower forward P/E (17.2x vs 25.2x for Nordson). Nordson pays a dividend yielding 1.00%, while Zebra Technologies does not currently pay one. Nordson converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 17.4% versus 7.8%.
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 | ZBRA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $326.87 | $382.14 |
| Market cap | $18.21B | $18.08B |
| 1-day change | -0.25% | -1.01% |
| YTD return | +36.29% | +57.38% |
| 1-year return | +41.95% | +24.36% |
| 5-year return | +33.90% | -25.92% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 33.08 | 35.03 |
| Forward P/E | 25.18 | 17.17 |
| EPS (TTM) | $9.88 | $10.91 |
| Dividend yield | 1.00% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.28 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.79B | $5.40B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.78% | +8.33% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $484.47M | $419.00M |
| Gross margin | 55.16% | 48.05% |
| Operating margin | 25.49% | 12.97% |
| Net margin | 17.35% | 7.77% |
| 52-week high | $339.12 | $390.80 |
| 52-week low | $223.29 | $199.05 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -3.61% | -2.22% |
| Analyst consensus | none | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +6.99% | +8.30% |
| Average volume | 369.29K | 668.13K |
| Shares outstanding | 55.70M | 47.31M |
| Employees | 8,200 | 10,700 |
| 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 ZBRA by 17.6 percentage points over the past year.
- 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 7.8 cents for Zebra Technologies.
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 Zebra Technologies
ZBRA stock →Zebra Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates in the automatic identification and data capture solutions industry worldwide. It operates in two segments, Connected Frontline, and Asset Visibility and Automation.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 10,700 employees
NDSN vs ZBRA FAQ
Which is bigger, Nordson or Zebra Technologies?
Nordson (NDSN) is larger, with a market capitalization of $18.21B compared with $18.08B for Zebra Technologies (ZBRA).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NDSN or ZBRA?
NDSN returned +41.95% over the past 12 months, compared with +24.36% for ZBRA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NDSN or ZBRA?
NDSN has the lower trailing P/E at 33.1, versus 35.0 for ZBRA. 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 Zebra Technologies?
Nordson pays a dividend yielding 1.00%, while Zebra Technologies does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Nordson and Zebra Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.