MetaCap

Nova (NVMI) vs Western Digital (WDC)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.

Summary

Western Digital (WDC) has outperformed Nova (NVMI) over the past year, gaining 238.0% versus a gain of 20.7%. Over five years, WDC leads with a +868.0% price change compared with +263.8% for NVMI. Western Digital is the larger company by market cap ($149.44 billion vs $11.37 billion), about 13.1 times the size.

On valuation, Western Digital trades at a lower forward P/E (12.5x vs 26.2x for Nova). Western Digital pays a dividend yielding 0.13%, while Nova does not currently pay one. Western Digital converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 72.9% versus 29.4%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

NVMI+20.74%WDC+238.05%
+549%+255%-39%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
NVMI+288.69%WDC+847.82%
+1729%+799%-130%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

NVMI versus WDC key metrics
MetricNVMIWDC
Share price$357.56$399.22
Market cap$11.37B$149.44B
1-day change-5.35%-1.53%
YTD return+15.04%+135.34%
1-year return+20.74%+238.05%
5-year return+263.84%+868.00%
P/E ratio (TTM)44.7014.83
Forward P/E26.1812.54
EPS (TTM)$8.00$26.92
Dividend yield0.00%0.13%
Annual dividend$0.00$0.50
Revenue (latest FY)$880.58M$12.92B
Revenue growth (YoY)+30.96%+35.70%
Net income (latest FY)$259.22M$9.42B
Gross margin57.37%48.85%
Operating margin28.78%34.47%
Net margin29.44%72.95%
52-week high$615.99$799.87
52-week low$266.43$112.52
Distance from 52-week high-41.95%-50.09%
Analyst consensusstrong_buybuy
Avg. price target upside+48.79%+68.71%
Average volume517.26K7.65M
Shares outstanding31.81M374.32M
Employees1,61240,000
SectorTechnologyTechnology
IndustryElectronic ComponentsElectronic 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

  • Western Digital is about 13.1 times larger than Nova by market value ($149.44B vs $11.37B).
  • WDC has outperformed NVMI by 217.3 percentage points over the past year.
  • Nova trades at a higher earnings multiple (44.7x vs 14.8x trailing P/E).
  • Western Digital is more profitable, keeping 72.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 29.4 cents for Nova.

About Nova

NVMI stock →

Nova Ltd. engages in the design, development, production, and sale of process control systems used in the manufacture of semiconductors in Taiwan, the United States, China, Korea, and internationally.

Technology · Electronic Components · 1,612 employees

About Western Digital

WDC stock →

Western Digital Corporation engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of data storage devices and solutions based on hard disk drive (HDD) technology in the United States, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company offers internal HDDs, data center drives, data center platforms, external drives, portable drives, NAS for home and office, and accessories.

Technology · Electronic Components · 40,000 employees

NVMI vs WDC FAQ

Which is bigger, Nova or Western Digital?

Western Digital (WDC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $149.44B compared with $11.37B for Nova (NVMI).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, NVMI or WDC?

WDC returned +238.05% over the past 12 months, compared with +20.74% for NVMI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, NVMI or WDC?

WDC has the lower trailing P/E at 14.8, versus 44.7 for NVMI. 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, Nova or Western Digital?

Western Digital pays a dividend yielding 0.13%, while Nova does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Nova and Western Digital in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Electronic Components industry within the Technology sector.

More comparisons