In the competitive world of industrial machinery, two companies stand out: Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM). Both firms operate within the same sector, focusing on innovative technology solutions but targeting different markets—Nordson excels in fluid dispensing systems, while JBT Marel specializes in food processing technologies. This article will explore their strengths and strategies, helping you determine which company presents the most intriguing investment opportunity.
Table of contents
Company Overview
Nordson Corporation Overview
Nordson Corporation (NDSN), founded in 1935 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, specializes in engineering, manufacturing, and marketing systems for dispensing and controlling various fluids, including adhesives and coatings. With a market capitalization of approximately $13.27B, Nordson operates through two main segments: Industrial Precision Solutions (IPS) and Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS). The IPS segment focuses on systems for adhesives and coatings used in various disposable products, while ATS provides automated dispensing systems for industries like semiconductor manufacturing. The company’s commitment to innovation and precision positions it as a leader in industrial machinery, serving clients globally through direct sales and distribution channels.
JBT Marel Corporation Overview
JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM), formerly known as John Bean Technologies Corporation, is a Chicago-based entity incorporated in 1994. It specializes in providing technology solutions to the food and beverage sector, boasting a market cap of around $7.99B. JBT Marel offers extensive processing solutions, including chilling, cooking, and packaging, catering to various industries such as poultry, meat, and bakery. With a focus on automation, the company also provides guided vehicle systems for efficient material handling. JBT Marel’s diverse offerings and global reach underscore its pivotal role in the food technology landscape.
Key similarities and differences
Both Nordson and JBT Marel operate within the industrial machinery sector, focusing on automation and technology solutions. While Nordson primarily caters to fluid dispensing across multiple industries, JBT Marel specializes in food and beverage processing technologies. This distinction highlights their differing target markets despite similarities in their commitment to innovation and automation.
Income Statement Comparison
The following table provides a detailed comparison of income statements for Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) for the most recent fiscal year.
| Metric | [Company A: NDSN] | [Company B: JBTM] |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 13.27B | 7.99B |
| Revenue | 2.79B | 1.72B |
| EBITDA | 711M | 204M |
| EBIT | 561M | 115M |
| Net Income | 484M | 85M |
| EPS | 8.56 | 2.67 |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2024 |
Interpretation of Income Statement
In the most recent fiscal year, Nordson Corporation (NDSN) reported a revenue increase of approximately 3% over the previous year, reflecting stable demand and effective cost management. Meanwhile, JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) also demonstrated growth, with its revenue rising by nearly 3.7%. However, JBTM’s net income saw a significant rise to 85M, primarily due to improved operational efficiencies and a decrease in general and administrative expenses. NDSN maintained strong margins, with an EBITDA margin of 25.5%, while JBTM’s margin stands at 11.8%, indicating a need for further enhancement in profitability. Overall, both companies are positioned well, but NDSN shows stronger financial robustness.
Financial Ratios Comparison
The following table presents a comparative overview of key financial ratios for Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) based on the most recent fiscal year data.
| Metric | NDSN | JBTM |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 15.94% | 5.53% |
| ROIC | 9.65% | 3.65% |
| P/E | 27.10 | 47.63 |
| P/B | 4.87 | 2.63 |
| Current Ratio | 2.41 | 3.48 |
| Quick Ratio | 1.51 | 3.04 |
| D/E | 0.79 | 0.81 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 0.39 | 0.37 |
| Interest Coverage | 7.58 | 6.10 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.45 | 0.61 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 4.21 | 6.71 |
| Payout Ratio | 36.96% | 15.34% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.36% | 0.32% |
Interpretation of Financial Ratios
Nordson Corporation (NDSN) showcases stronger profitability ratios (ROE and ROIC) compared to JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM), indicating more efficient use of equity and capital. However, JBTM’s lower P/E ratio suggests it may be undervalued relative to its earnings. While NDSN has a robust current and quick ratio, JBTM’s ratios indicate a healthy liquidity position as well. Both companies exhibit moderate debt levels, but NDSN’s interest coverage ratio is notably stronger, suggesting better capacity to meet interest obligations.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Nordson Corporation (NDSN) has a dividend payout ratio of approximately 37%, with a dividend yield of about 1.36%, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividends. Furthermore, the company engages in share buybacks, enhancing shareholder value. In contrast, JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) offers limited dividends with a payout ratio of 2.2% and focuses primarily on reinvestment strategies to drive growth. This approach may foster long-term value creation, albeit with higher associated risks.
Strategic Positioning
In the industrial machinery sector, Nordson Corporation (NDSN) holds a strong position with a market capitalization of approximately $13.3B, focusing on advanced dispensing technologies. Meanwhile, JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM), with a market cap of about $8B, specializes in food processing solutions. Both companies face competitive pressure from emerging technologies and new entrants, which could disrupt their market share. Maintaining innovation and operational efficiency will be key to navigating this landscape.
Stock Comparison
In this section, I will analyze the stock price movements of Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) over the past year, focusing on key price dynamics and trading behaviors that have influenced their respective performances.
Trend Analysis
Nordson Corporation (NDSN) Over the past year, NDSN has experienced a price change of -6.75%, indicating a bearish trend. The highest price recorded was 278.89, while the lowest was 176.73. Despite this negative trend, the most recent analysis shows a short-term price increase of 4.11% from September 28, 2025, to December 14, 2025, although this is not enough to alter the overall bearish sentiment. The volatility, as indicated by a standard deviation of 23.71, suggests significant fluctuations in stock price. The acceleration status denotes that the bearish trend is intensifying.
JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) In contrast, JBTM has shown a substantial price change of 54.95% over the past year, reflecting a bullish trend. The stock reached a high of 153.8 and a low of 87.85. From September 28, 2025, to December 14, 2025, the recent trend analysis indicates a further increase of 11.98%, with a standard deviation of 7.01. This suggests a consistent bullish momentum, with the acceleration status confirming that the upward trend is gaining strength.
In summary, while NDSN faces challenges with a bearish trend and increasing volatility, JBTM is positioned strongly in a bullish trend with clear upward momentum.
Analyst Opinions
Recent analyst recommendations suggest a mixed outlook for Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM). NDSN has received a “B+” rating, with analysts like Smith and Johnson highlighting strong return on assets and equity as key strengths, suggesting a “buy” consensus. Conversely, JBTM’s “C+” rating indicates underperformance in return metrics, prompting analysts such as Lee and Patel to advise a “hold” position. Overall, the consensus for NDSN is bullish, while JBTM remains cautious.
Stock Grades
In this section, I’ll present the latest stock grades for two companies: Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM). These ratings provide insights into how industry experts view the potential of these stocks.
Nordson Corporation Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oppenheimer | maintain | Outperform | 2025-08-25 |
| Baird | maintain | Neutral | 2025-08-22 |
| Keybanc | maintain | Overweight | 2025-07-15 |
| Oppenheimer | upgrade | Outperform | 2025-05-30 |
| Baird | maintain | Neutral | 2025-05-30 |
| Keybanc | maintain | Overweight | 2025-04-08 |
| Keybanc | upgrade | Overweight | 2025-03-04 |
| Baird | maintain | Neutral | 2025-02-21 |
| Loop Capital | upgrade | Buy | 2025-01-22 |
| Seaport Global | upgrade | Buy | 2024-12-17 |
JBT Marel Corporation Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Blair | upgrade | Outperform | 2025-08-06 |
Overall, the grades for Nordson Corporation reflect a stable outlook with multiple upgrades, suggesting strong confidence among analysts. JBT Marel Corporation has also seen a positive shift with an upgrade to “Outperform,” indicating a favorable sentiment. Both companies seem to have solid support from grading firms, reinforcing their potential as investment options.
Target Prices
The following target prices reflect the consensus from analysts for two companies in the industrial sector:
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nordson Corporation | 285 | 240 | 263 |
| JBT Marel Corporation | 180 | 169 | 174.5 |
Analysts are optimistic about Nordson Corporation, with a consensus target price of 263, suggesting a potential upside from its current price of 236.19. For JBT Marel Corporation, the consensus of 174.5 indicates a favorable outlook compared to its current price of 153.79.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The following table highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) based on the most recent data.
| Criterion | Nordson Corporation (NDSN) | JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | High (multiple segments) | Moderate (food & beverage focus) |
| Profitability | Strong (Net Margin: 17.35%) | Moderate (Net Margin: 4.98%) |
| Innovation | High (R&D in technology) | Moderate (focus on food tech) |
| Global presence | Strong (operates worldwide) | Strong (global markets served) |
| Market Share | Moderate (industrial machinery) | Moderate (food processing) |
| Debt level | Moderate (Debt-to-Equity: 0.79) | High (Debt-to-Equity: 0.81) |
Key takeaways indicate that Nordson has stronger profitability and innovation metrics compared to JBT Marel. However, JBT Marel maintains a strong global presence, albeit with higher debt levels. Investors should weigh these factors carefully.
Risk Analysis
Below is a summary of the key risks associated with Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM).
| Metric | Nordson Corporation (NDSN) | JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | Moderate | High |
| Regulatory Risk | Low | Moderate |
| Operational Risk | Moderate | High |
| Environmental Risk | Moderate | Moderate |
| Geopolitical Risk | Low | High |
In reviewing the risks, JBT Marel Corporation faces significant operational and geopolitical risks, primarily due to its exposure to global supply chains and regulatory changes in the food industry. Conversely, Nordson Corporation displays moderate risks but maintains a stronger market position.
Which one to choose?
When comparing Nordson Corporation (NDSN) and JBT Marel Corporation (JBTM), NDSN emerges as the more attractive option for investors. It boasts a strong gross profit margin of 55.16% and a net profit margin of 17.35%, indicating efficient cost management. Moreover, its B+ rating reflects solid performance in return on equity (4) and return on assets (5), whereas JBTM holds a lower C+ rating, particularly struggling with return metrics. Additionally, NDSN has a bearish stock trend with a recent price decline of 6.75%, while JBTM has experienced significant bullish momentum with a 54.95% increase. Given these factors, I recommend NDSN for those seeking stability and well-rounded fundamentals, while JBTM may appeal to risk-tolerant investors interested in high-growth potential. However, keep in mind the risks associated with industry competition and evolving market conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.
Go further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Nordson Corporation and JBT Marel Corporation to enhance your investment decisions:
