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NDSN vs SWK
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Nordson Corporation (NDSN) vs. Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- NDSN combines high-margin precision dispensing technology with broad-based organic growth and record quarterly results, supporting consistent earnings beats and raised guidance.
- SWK has delivered stronger recent price momentum, but its margin recovery is partly tied to one-time tariff refunds and a more leveraged balance sheet.
- Profitability quality diverges sharply: NDSN posts a return on equity (ROE, a measure of profit generated from shareholder capital) near 18%, versus roughly 7% for SWK.
- Both stocks have outperformed the broader market over the past year, yet their growth drivers, sector exposure, and risk profiles are materially different.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, earnings quality, and stability, Tickeron's AI would currently favor NDSN over SWK.
- For deeper context on each name, explore NDSN Major News and NDSN Today's Price Move, as well as SWK Major News and SWK Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are currently positioning across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines two well-known industrial manufacturers that occupy very different corners of the market. NDSN (Nordson Corporation) is a precision technology company focused on dispensing and fluid-control systems, while SWK (Stanley Black & Decker) is a global leader in tools, outdoor equipment, and engineered fastening. Although both names have advanced substantially over the past year, their relative performance, earnings quality, and risk exposure differ in ways that matter to traders and longer-term investors alike. This comparison is most relevant for readers weighing momentum against fundamentals, or those assessing how two industrial equities respond to the same macro environment across distinct end markets.
NDSN Overview and Recent Performance
Nordson Corporation engineers and manufactures systems that dispense, apply, and control adhesives, coatings, polymers, sealants, and medical fluids. It reports across three segments: Industrial Precision Solutions, Medical and Fluid Solutions, and Advanced Technology Solutions. In recent weeks, NDSN has been supported by record results and broad-based organic growth, with management raising full-year guidance on the strength of order momentum and an 18% year-over-year increase in backlog. Recent market activity reflects improving demand across electronics dispense systems, precision agriculture, and industrial coating applications. The company also announced a 15% dividend increase, marking 63 consecutive years of annual dividend growth. With an operating margin near 27% and ROE approaching 18%, Nordson's profitability profile is among the strongest in its peer group, though its shares trade at a premium valuation with a forward P/E (price-to-earnings ratio) in the mid-20s.
SWK Overview and Recent Performance
Stanley Black & Decker designs and markets hand tools, power tools, outdoor products, and accessories under brands including DEWALT, STANLEY, CRAFTSMAN, and BLACK+DECKER, alongside an engineered fastening business serving automotive and industrial markets. Over the past year, SWK has been one of the stronger performers in its sector, benefiting from a multi-year cost-reduction program that generated roughly $2.1 billion in pre-tax run-rate savings. Recent market activity has pushed the stock near 52-week highs ahead of its quarterly earnings release. However, a portion of the company's margin improvement has been driven by tariff refunds that management has not included in forward guidance, and its balance sheet carries meaningful long-term debt. The divestiture of its aerospace fastening business (CAM) generated proceeds used largely for debt reduction, reflecting an ongoing focus on deleveraging.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page curates a selection of automated trading strategies from a much larger universe. Tickeron offers hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, but only the strategies best suited to current market conditions earn a place in this featured section. Each bot has its own trading style, timeframe, strategy, performance statistics, and set of tickers it monitors, so the page serves as a practical starting point for traders evaluating which automated approaches are currently in favor. The curated list is designed to surface bots demonstrating favorable, verifiable performance characteristics rather than the full catalog. For readers interested in how systematic, rules-based strategies are navigating the same stocks and sectors discussed here, exploring Trending AI Robots can provide useful, data-driven context.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Despite both being classified as industrials, NDSN and SWK present contrasting investment profiles. Nordson operates a high-margin, niche precision business with revenue measured in the billions and an operating margin near 27%, whereas Stanley Black & Decker generates roughly $15 billion in annual revenue at single-digit margins typical of a diversified toolmaker. Growth drivers also differ: Nordson's momentum is led by electronics and industrial dispense demand, while Stanley's recovery leans on brand strength, cost discipline, and engineered fastening strength offset by soft DIY retail demand.
On momentum, SWK has posted stronger trailing returns, but its gains carry greater risk from a leveraged balance sheet and margin benefits tied to non-recurring tariff refunds. NDSN offers more consistent earnings quality and stronger returns on capital, though at a higher valuation multiple. Risk factors diverge as well: Nordson is exposed to cyclical industrial and electronics spending, while Stanley faces tariff, currency, and consumer demand sensitivity. In terms of market sentiment, analysts broadly rate both a "Buy," yet Stanley's average price target sits below its recent share price, signaling more limited consensus upside.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, earnings stability, and observable catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor NDSN in the current environment. Nordson's combination of record results, broad-based organic growth, an expanding backlog, rising guidance, and superior returns on equity reflects a steadier and more durable fundamental trend than Stanley Black & Decker's recovery, which depends in part on one-time refunds and ongoing deleveraging. While SWK has demonstrated stronger recent price momentum, its higher leverage and margin-quality questions introduce greater variability. Accordingly, the AI verdict favors NDSN on the basis of relative positioning and consistency, framed as a probabilistic assessment rather than a definitive claim.
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 NDSN is a StrongBuy and SWK is a Hold.
NDSN in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on November 05, 2026
NDSN may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 27 of 37 cases where NDSN's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
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%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 146 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 57%.
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 32 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 32 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 66%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 31 of 64 cases where NDSN's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 48%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NDSN as a result. In 36 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 43%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NDSN turned negative on November 05, 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 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 22 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 43%.
NDSN moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
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 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 75, 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 81 (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 (5.290) is normal, around the industry mean (3.717). P/E Ratio (31.236) is within average values for comparable stocks, (35.605). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.888) is also within normal values, averaging (1.879). Dividend Yield (0.012) settles around the average of (0.032) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.828) is also within normal values, averaging (186.943).
SWK in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026
The 10-day moving average for SWK crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 13 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SWK as a result. In 60 of 95 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SWK just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where SWK's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
SWK moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +4.32% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SWK advanced for three days, in 192 of 285 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 130 of 203 cases where SWK Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 10 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 15 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SWK 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 72%.
SWK broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. SWK’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 26 (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 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 Valuation Rating of 55 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (1.943) is normal, around the industry mean (3.124). P/E Ratio (28.046) is within average values for comparable stocks, (22.442). SWK's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.170) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.020). SWK has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.029) as compared to the industry average of (0.018). P/S Ratio (0.886) is also within normal values, averaging (2.217).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 79 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SWK’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 70, placing this stock worse than average.
NDSN | SWK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 18 | 34 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 81 Overvalued | 55 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 49 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 50 | 79 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 43 | 2 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 37 | 26 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 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.
SWK's Valuation (55) in the Tools And Hardware industry is in the same range as NDSN (81) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that SWK’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's Profit vs Risk Rating (49) in the Industrial Machinery industry is somewhat better than the same rating for SWK (100) in the Tools And Hardware industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew somewhat faster than SWK’s over the last 12 months.
NDSN's SMR Rating (50) in the Industrial Machinery industry is in the same range as SWK (79) in the Tools And Hardware industry. This means that NDSN’s stock grew similarly to SWK’s over the last 12 months.
SWK's Price Growth Rating (2) in the Tools And Hardware industry is somewhat better than the same rating for NDSN (43) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that SWK’s stock grew somewhat faster than NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
SWK's P/E Growth Rating (26) in the Tools And Hardware industry is in the same range as NDSN (37) in the Industrial Machinery industry. This means that SWK’s stock grew similarly to NDSN’s over the last 12 months.
| NDSN | SWK | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 76% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 73% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 5 days ago 57% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 68% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 54% | 9 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 44% | 19 days ago 72% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 68% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 64% |
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).
NDSN’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while SWK’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- NDSN’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- SWK’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.
NDSN’s TA Score shows that 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SWK’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- NDSN’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
- SWK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
NDSN (@Industrial Machinery) experienced а -5.65% price change this week, while SWK (@Tools & Hardware) price change was +11.25% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Machinery industry was -3.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -16.06%, and the average quarterly price growth was -22.56%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Tools & Hardware industry was -2.44%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.94%, and the average quarterly price growth was -4.62%.
Reported Earning Dates
NDSN is expected to report earnings on Dec 09, 2026.
SWK is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Industrial Machinery (-3.29% 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.
@Tools & Hardware (-2.44% weekly)Tools & Hardware industry includes companies that manufacture security products, storage cabinets, steel rules and tapes, calipers, shoe hook fasteners, lumber, structural materials and other related supplies. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., Snap-on Incorporated and L.S. Starrett Company are some of the largest, established players in this industry. The industry is also seeing rapid growth in online sales. The proliferation of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects has boosted industry demand. But oil price volatility poses potential risks to this industry, particularly to e-commerce companies which spend on services of shipping companies, which might alter charges based on oil price movements.
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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% | -6.11% | ||
| SWK - NDSN | 71% Closely correlated | -2.59% | ||
| ROP - NDSN | 68% Closely correlated | -0.26% | ||
| HLMN - NDSN | 67% Closely correlated | -2.85% | ||
| AME - NDSN | 66% Loosely correlated | -5.95% | ||
| TKR - NDSN | 65% Loosely correlated | -6.27% | ||
More | ||||
SWK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SWK has been closely correlated with NDSN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SWK jumps, then NDSN could also see price increases.