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IEX vs NDSN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? IDEX Corporation (IEX) vs. Nordson Corporation (NDSN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- IDEX Corporation (IEX) and Nordson Corporation (NDSN) both operate in the industrial sector with exposure to manufacturing and fluid handling markets, showing solid year-to-date gains that outpace the broader market.
- IEX reported second-quarter 2026 organic sales growth of 5% alongside record orders, contributing to stronger trailing returns compared with NDSN.
- NDSN posted record second-quarter fiscal 2026 sales of $741 million (up 8% year-over-year) and raised full-year guidance, reflecting resilient demand in its core segments.
- Both stocks have delivered 1-year returns above 40%, though IEX has edged ahead on a relative basis amid recent market activity.
- Sector tailwinds from industrial spending support both companies, while valuation and margin stability remain key differentiators for investors evaluating relative positioning.
- Market sentiment remains constructive for both names following earnings beats, with focus on order trends and guidance updates in recent weeks.
Introduction
This comparison examines IDEX Corporation (IEX) and Nordson Corporation (NDSN), two industrial companies with complementary yet distinct business models. IEX provides engineered fluidics, health and science technologies, and dispensing solutions, while NDSN specializes in precision dispensing, coating, and adhesive application equipment. The analysis targets investors and traders seeking to understand relative performance, growth drivers, and market positioning within the industrial machinery space. It highlights observable trends from recent market activity to support informed evaluation of these stocks in the current environment.
IDEX Corporation (IEX) Overview and Recent Performance
IDEX Corporation (IEX) operates as a diversified industrial company focused on fluid and metering technologies, health and science applications, and fire and safety products. In recent weeks, the stock has benefited from strong second-quarter 2026 results released on July 29, which included net sales of $920.6 million (up 6% reported, 5% organically) and record orders of $1.07 billion (up 29%). These figures reinforced positive sentiment around demand resilience. As of mid-August 2026, shares traded near $238.94, contributing to year-to-date returns of approximately 35.7% and one-year returns near 45%, both exceeding the S&P 500 benchmark. Recent market activity has been supported by upward earnings revisions and order momentum, though broader industrial cyclicality remains a consideration for performance consistency.
Nordson Corporation (NDSN) Overview and Recent Performance
Nordson Corporation (NDSN) designs and manufactures precision equipment for adhesive dispensing, coating, and fluid management across packaging, electronics, and medical end markets. The company reported record second-quarter fiscal 2026 results with sales of $741 million (up 8% year-over-year) and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.86 (up 18%), prompting an increase in full-year guidance. In recent market activity, shares have traded around $308.72 as of mid-August 2026, delivering year-to-date gains of about 29.2% and one-year returns near 42%, also ahead of the S&P 500. Sentiment has been bolstered by organic growth and margin expansion, with attention on sustained demand in core segments amid ongoing industrial activity.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
IDEX Corporation (IEX) and Nordson Corporation (NDSN) share industrial sector exposure but differ in business focus and scale. IEX offers broader diversification across fluid handling and health sciences, providing some insulation from single-end-market swings, whereas NDSN maintains deeper specialization in dispensing technologies with potentially higher margin stability in targeted applications. Recent momentum favors IEX on trailing returns and order growth, while NDSN highlights consistent sales records and guidance lifts. Risk factors include cyclical industrial demand for both, with IEX showing slightly higher historical volatility in certain periods. Market sentiment remains balanced, with investors weighing valuation multiples against earnings visibility in the current environment.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as recent trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron’s AI would likely assign a modest probabilistic edge to IDEX Corporation (IEX) in the near term due to stronger year-to-date outperformance and order acceleration. However, Nordson Corporation (NDSN) remains competitive given its record results and guidance. Outcomes depend on continued industrial spending and sector rotation dynamics.
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 IEX is a Hold and NDSN is a StrongBuy.
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 undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
IEX’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green whileNDSN’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- IEX’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- NDSN’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
IEX’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NDSN’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IEX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- NDSN’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
IEX (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а -2.84% price change this week, while NDSN (@Industrial Machinery) price change was -1.92% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was +0.21%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.64%, and the average quarterly price growth was -2.92%.
Reported Earning Dates
IEX is expected to report earnings on Oct 27, 2026.
NDSN is expected to report earnings on Dec 16, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (+0.21% 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.
| IEX | NDSN | IEX / NDSN | |
| Capitalization | 16.5B | 17.7B | 93% |
| EBITDA | 958M | 893M | 107% |
| Gain YTD | 27.062 | 33.196 | 82% |
| P/E Ratio | 32.19 | 32.22 | 100% |
| Revenue | 3.59B | 2.9B | 123% |
| Total Cash | 621M | 102M | 609% |
| Total Debt | 1.89B | 1.97B | 96% |
IEX | NDSN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 75 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 39 Fair valued | 57 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 89 | 47 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 62 | 51 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 48 | 23 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 24 | 31 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
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.
IEX's Valuation (39) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as NDSN (57). This means that IEX’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's Profit vs Risk Rating (47) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for IEX (89). This means that NDSN’s stock grew somewhat faster than IEX’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's SMR Rating (51) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as IEX (62). This means that NDSN’s stock grew similarly to IEX’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's Price Growth Rating (23) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as IEX (48). This means that NDSN’s stock grew similarly to IEX’s over the last 12 months.
IEX's P/E Growth Rating (24) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as NDSN (31). This means that IEX’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
| IEX | NDSN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 47% | 3 days ago 41% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 61% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 44% | 3 days ago 43% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 50% | 3 days ago 42% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 52% | 3 days ago 48% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 56% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 26 days ago 50% | 3 days ago 55% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 51% | 6 days ago 43% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 65% | 3 days ago 43% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 42% | 3 days ago 53% |
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