Novanta (NOVT) vs Sensata Technologies (ST)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Sensata Technologies (ST) has outperformed Novanta (NOVT) over the past year, gaining 33.8% versus a gain of 32.7%. Over five years, NOVT leads with a -15.6% price change compared with -27.7% for ST. Sensata Technologies is the larger company by market cap ($6.15 billion vs $5.34 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while Novanta is growing revenue faster (+3.3% vs -5.8%).
On valuation, Sensata Technologies trades at a lower forward P/E (10.3x vs 32.4x for Novanta). Sensata Technologies pays a dividend yielding 1.14%, while Novanta does not currently pay one. Novanta converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 5.5% 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 | NOVT | ST |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $141.28 | $42.29 |
| Market cap | $5.34B | $6.15B |
| 1-day change | +3.63% | +0.14% |
| YTD return | +14.57% | +26.85% |
| 1-year return | +32.75% | +33.81% |
| 5-year return | -15.59% | -27.65% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 89.42 | 70.48 |
| Forward P/E | 32.35 | 10.33 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.58 | $0.60 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.14% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.48 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $980.60M | $3.70B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +3.30% | -5.81% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $53.83M | $31.30M |
| Gross margin | 44.39% | 29.27% |
| Operating margin | 9.59% | 6.41% |
| Net margin | 5.49% | 0.84% |
| 52-week high | $176.38 | $53.89 |
| 52-week low | $98.27 | $28.16 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -19.90% | -21.53% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +37.67% | +25.33% |
| Average volume | 390.69K | 1.45M |
| Shares outstanding | 37.82M | 145.54M |
| Employees | 3,000 | 16,700 |
| Sector | Miscellaneous | 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
- Novanta trades at a higher earnings multiple (89.4x vs 70.5x trailing P/E).
- Sensata Technologies offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.14% vs 0.00%).
- Novanta grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.30% vs -5.81%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Novanta in Miscellaneous and Sensata Technologies in Industrials.
About Novanta
NOVT stock →Novanta Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides precision medicine, precision manufacturing, medical solutions, robotics and automation solutions, and advanced surgery solutions in the United States and internationally. The company operates Automation Enabling Technologies and Medical Solutions segments.
Miscellaneous · Industrial Machinery/Components · 3,000 employees
About Sensata Technologies
ST stock →Sensata Technologies Holding plc develops, manufactures, and sells sensors and sensor-rich solutions, electrical protection components and systems, and other products used in mission-critical systems and applications in the United States, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Automotive; Industrials; and Aerospace, Defense, and Commercial Equipment.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 16,700 employees
NOVT vs ST FAQ
Which is bigger, Novanta or Sensata Technologies?
Sensata Technologies (ST) is larger, with a market capitalization of $6.15B compared with $5.34B for Novanta (NOVT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NOVT or ST?
ST returned +33.81% over the past 12 months, compared with +32.75% for NOVT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NOVT or ST?
ST has the lower trailing P/E at 70.5, versus 89.4 for NOVT. 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, Novanta or Sensata Technologies?
Sensata Technologies pays a dividend yielding 1.14%, while Novanta does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Novanta and Sensata Technologies in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Miscellaneous sector.