GWW vs NDSN
W. W. Grainger (GWW) and Nordson (NDSN) compared side by side. W. W. Grainger (GWW) is larger, with a market cap of $63.6B versus $17.8B for Nordson, about 3.6 times the size. On trailing earnings, NDSN is cheaper at 32.3x versus 34.4x for GWW.
Head to head
| Metric | GWW | NDSN |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $63.6B | $17.8B |
| P/E (TTM) | 34.4x | 32.3x |
| Forward P/E | 26.4x | 24.6x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $18.8B | $3.0B |
| Revenue growth | 10.3% | 10.3% |
| Gross margin | 39.4% | 55.4% |
| Operating margin | 16.1% | 27.4% |
| Free cash flow | $1.5B | $724.0M |
| Dividend yield | 0.74% | 1.18% |
| 1-year return | +41.2% | +36.8% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +26.5% | +5.9% |
| Max drawdown | -65% | -74% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | B- |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
GWW vs NDSN FAQ
Which is bigger, GWW or NDSN?
W. W. Grainger (GWW) is larger, with a market cap of $63.6B versus $17.8B for Nordson, about 3.6 times the size.
Is GWW or NDSN cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NDSN is cheaper at 32.3x versus 34.4x for GWW. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, GWW or NDSN?
GWW returned +41.2% over the past year including dividends, versus +36.8% for NDSN, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, GWW or NDSN?
NDSN yields 1.18% versus 0.74% for GWW.
Full pages: W. W. Grainger · Nordson