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GGG vs NDSN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Graco Inc. (GGG) vs. Nordson Corporation (NDSN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Momentum gap: NDSN has posted record results and a double-digit year-to-date advance, while GGG trades lower on softer construction-linked demand.
- Different growth engines: NDSN is riding semiconductor and electronics dispense strength; GGG leans on contractor and industrial fluid-handling markets still normalizing.
- Valuation contrast: GGG trades near a mid-20s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio with a rising dividend, while NDSN commands a premium multiple justified by faster earnings growth.
- Balance-sheet profiles: GGG carries effectively no long-term debt, whereas NDSN uses moderate leverage to fund a programmatic acquisition strategy.
- Guidance divergence: NDSN has raised its full-year outlook on a growing backlog, while GGG's outlook reflects a gradual recovery in core markets.
Introduction
Investors comparing GGG and NDSN are weighing two quality industrial franchises with very different near-term narratives. Both design equipment that dispenses, sprays, and controls fluids and coatings, yet their end-market exposure and recent relative performance have diverged sharply. This stock comparison is especially relevant for investors deciding between a slower-growing, cash-rich dividend compounder and a higher-multiple growth story levered to the semiconductor cycle. For traders, the contrast in momentum and sentiment between the two names highlights how market positioning can shift even within the same broad industrial sector.
GGG Overview and Recent Performance
GGG (Graco Inc.) manufactures systems that move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid and powder materials across Contractor, Industrial, and Expansion Markets segments. Its products serve paint and coatings, protective coatings and foam, process manufacturing, and general industrial applications. Graco is widely regarded for its durable niche positioning, recurring consumables revenue, and disciplined capital allocation, including a multi-decade dividend growth streak and an essentially debt-free balance sheet.
Recent market activity has been mixed. The company reported record second-quarter sales and earnings, with adjusted earnings per share rising 17% year over year, and management pointed to improving order trends and a growing backlog. However, the stock remains below prior-year levels, and recent quarters have included misses on revenue and earnings tied to softer construction-related demand in the Americas, timing of finishing-systems revenue, and tariff-related cost pressures. Sentiment has been supported by active share repurchases and new product launches, but tempered by a slower-than-expected recovery in contractor and residential repaint markets.
NDSN Overview and Recent Performance
NDSN (Nordson Corporation) is a precision technology company that engineers and markets systems to dispense and apply adhesives, coatings, polymers, sealants, and other fluids. Its three segments—Industrial Precision Solutions, Medical and Fluid Solutions, and Advanced Technology Solutions—span consumer non-durable, medical, electronics, and industrial end markets. Nordson's direct-sales model and acquisition-driven growth framework, known as NBS Next, have supported consistent margin expansion.
Recent performance has been notably strong. Nordson delivered record quarterly sales and adjusted earnings, with organic growth across all three segments and a particularly sharp acceleration in Advanced Technology Solutions driven by semiconductor and electronics dispense demand. Management raised full-year guidance, citing an 18% year-over-year increase in backlog and broad-based order momentum. The stock has advanced significantly in recent months, reflecting investor confidence in the electronics upcycle, while a strategic precision-agriculture acquisition and a completed medical contract manufacturing divestiture have reshaped the portfolio toward higher-growth applications.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks is growth trajectory. NDSN is currently benefiting from a robust semiconductor and electronics dispense cycle, generating high-teens-to-20%-plus adjusted earnings growth and prompting management to raise guidance. GGG, by comparison, is posting more modest growth as construction-linked contractor demand stabilizes only gradually and industrial finishing systems face timing headwinds.
Risk profiles also differ. Graco's cash-rich, debt-light structure and steady dividend provide a defensive cushion, but its exposure to residential repaint and remodel activity and tariff-sensitive inputs has weighed on sentiment. Nordson carries meaningful long-term debt, yet its strong free cash flow conversion and deleveraging trend mitigate that leverage while funding buybacks and bolt-on acquisitions. On valuation, GGG trades at a lower P/E and higher dividend yield, appealing to value- and income-oriented investors, whereas NDSN's premium multiple reflects faster growth but leaves less room for error if electronics demand cools. Sector exposure reinforces the divide: GGG skews toward construction and general industrial markets, while NDSN is more leveraged to semiconductor, medical, and consumer end markets.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors—trend consistency, earnings momentum, backlog growth, and upward guidance revisions—Tickeron's AI would likely favor NDSN in the current environment. Nordson's record results, accelerating electronics-driven demand, and raised full-year outlook signal stronger relative positioning and positive trend consistency across its segments. GGG retains a high-quality balance sheet and improving order book, but its softer near-term growth and construction-market exposure currently place it in a more neutral momentum profile. This assessment reflects probabilistic, model-based analysis of current conditions rather than a definitive prediction of future returns.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is GGG is a StrongBuy and NDSN is a StrongBuy.
GGG's RSI Indicator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for GGG moved out of oversold territory on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 21 of the 39 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 54%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 6 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +2.55% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GGG advanced for three days, in 146 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
GGG may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 84 of 211 cases where GGG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 40%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on GGG as a result. In 43 of 94 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 46%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for GGG turned negative on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 22 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 50%.
GGG moved below its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for GGG crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 5 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 36%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where GGG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. GGG’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 76 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.440) is normal, around the industry mean (4.171). P/E Ratio (21.412) is within average values for comparable stocks, (39.205). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.334) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (0.031) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.643) is also within normal values, averaging (186.943).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 91 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. GGG’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock worse than average.
NDSN in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026
NDSN moved above its 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 25 of 42 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on NDSN as a result. In 49 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NDSN just turned positive on November 03, 2026. Looking at past instances where NDSN's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Following a +2.60% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NDSN advanced for three days, in 162 of 302 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
NDSN may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 144 of 257 cases where NDSN Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NDSN moved out of overbought territory on October 07, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 33 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 33 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 64%.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NDSN declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 44%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NDSN’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 82 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.641) is normal, around the industry mean (4.171). P/E Ratio (33.306) is within average values for comparable stocks, (39.205). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.888) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.031) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.828) is also within normal values, averaging (186.943).
GGG | NDSN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 34 | 25 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 76 Overvalued | 82 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 91 | 44 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 45 | 50 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 72 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 76 | 27 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
GGG's Valuation (76) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as NDSN (82). This means that GGG’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's Profit vs Risk Rating (44) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for GGG (91). This means that NDSN’s stock grew somewhat faster than GGG’s over the last 12 months.
GGG's SMR Rating (45) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as NDSN (50). This means that GGG’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as GGG (72). This means that NDSN’s stock grew similarly to GGG’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's P/E Growth Rating (27) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for GGG (76). This means that NDSN’s stock grew somewhat faster than GGG’s over the last 12 months.
| GGG | NDSN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 46% | 1 day ago 59% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 58% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 56% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 53% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 52% | 28 days ago 44% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 40% | 1 day ago 56% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
GGG’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while NDSN’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- GGG’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- NDSN’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
GGG’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NDSN’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GGG’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- NDSN’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
GGG (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а +4.06% price change this week, while NDSN (@Industrial Machinery) price change was +2.08% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +1.87%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -12.26%, and the average quarterly price growth was -18.53%.
Reported Earning Dates
GGG is expected to report earnings on Feb 01, 2027.
NDSN is expected to report earnings on Dec 09, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (+1.87% weekly)The industry makes and maintains machines for consumers, the industry, and most other companies. While it has traditionally been categorized as heavy industry, some smaller companies are also branching into the light category. The industry is pivotal in providing the equipment for production in businesses like agriculture, mining, industry and construction, gas, electricity and water utilities. It also supplies supporting equipment for almost all sectors of the economy, such as equipment for heating, and air conditioning of buildings. Illinois Tool Works Inc., Parker-Hannifin Corporation and Rockwell Automation Inc are some of the major U.S. companies operating in this industry.
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GGG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, GGG has been closely correlated with LECO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 74% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if GGG jumps, then LECO could also see price increases.
NDSN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NDSN has been closely correlated with SWK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NDSN jumps, then SWK could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NDSN | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDSN | 100% | +1.06% | ||
| SWK - NDSN | 71% Closely correlated | -1.96% | ||
| ROP - NDSN | 68% Closely correlated | -1.24% | ||
| HLMN - NDSN | 67% Closely correlated | -0.48% | ||
| TKR - NDSN | 65% Loosely correlated | +1.84% | ||
| GTES - NDSN | 65% Loosely correlated | +2.33% | ||
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