First Quarter Highlights:
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Sales were a first quarter record of $669 million, an increase of 9% year-over-year
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Earnings per diluted share were $2.38, up 44% year-over-year
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Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $2.37, a first quarter record and up 15% year-over-year
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Backlog grew approximately 4% year-over-year
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Increasing full year guidance for sales and earnings
WESTLAKE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Nordson Corporation (Nasdaq: NDSN) today reported results for the fiscal first quarter ended January 31, 2026. Sales were a first quarter record of $669 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter sales of $615 million. The first quarter 2026 sales included an organic sales increase of 7% and a favorable currency translation impact of 4%, which was slightly offset by the medical contract manufacturing divestiture completed in the fourth quarter of last year.
Net income was $133 million, or $2.38 of earnings per diluted share, compared to prior year’s first quarter net income of $95 million, or $1.65 of earnings per diluted share. First quarter 2026 earnings benefited from a non-cash gain on a minority technology investment recognized during the quarter. Excluding the non-cash gain and acquisition-related amortization, first quarter adjusted earnings per diluted share were a record $2.37, a 15% increase from the prior year adjusted earnings per diluted share of $2.06.
EBITDA was also a first quarter record of $203 million or 30% of sales, an increase of 8% compared to prior year EBITDA of $188 million, or 31% of sales.
Commenting on the Company’s fiscal 2026 first quarter results, Nordson President and Chief Executive Officer Sundaram Nagarajan said, “Our proprietary technology portfolio, close to the customer business model and Ascend strategy have positioned us well to win in our inflecting end markets, particularly in the semiconductor space. We delivered organic growth in all our segments, as well as solid margin and cash flow. This strong first quarter performance has set the stage well for fiscal 2026.”
First Quarter Segment Results
Industrial Precision Solutions sales of $327 million increased 9% from the prior year, inclusive of an organic sales increase of 3% and favorable currency translation of 6%. The organic sales increase was driven by balanced growth across most product lines, with particular strength in Asia Pacific markets. EBITDA in the quarter was $110 million, or 34% of sales, compared to prior year first quarter EBITDA of $113 million.
Medical and Fluid Solutions sales of $193 million were flat compared to the prior year first quarter, inclusive of an organic sales increase of 3% and a favorable currency impact of 1%, which was offset by 4% related to the previously divested medical contract manufacturing business. The organic sales increase was driven by growth in engineered fluid solution product lines. EBITDA in the quarter was $70 million, or 36% of sales, up 9% versus the prior year first quarter EBITDA of $64 million.
Advanced Technology Solutions sales of $149 million increased 23% compared to the prior year first quarter, inclusive of an organic sales increase of 21% and favorable currency translation of 2%. The organic sales increase compared to prior year was driven by ongoing growth in electronics dispense systems and recovering demand for x-ray systems. EBITDA in the quarter was $33 million, or 22% of sales, up 43% from the prior year first quarter EBITDA of $23 million.
Outlook
The Company enters the second quarter with increased backlog, up approximately 4% over the prior year. Order entry momentum was broad-based in the quarter with particular strength in our ATS segment. These trends position the Company to deliver second quarter fiscal 2026 sales in the range of $710 to $740 million. Second quarter adjusted earnings are forecasted to be in the range of $2.70 to $2.90 per diluted share.
Based on the strong start to the year, the second quarter outlook and the current foreign exchange rate environment, the Company is increasing its full year guidance. Sales are now expected to be in the range of $2,860 to $2,980 million and adjusted earnings to be in the range of $11.00 to $11.60 per diluted share.
Reflecting on the full year outlook, Mr. Nagarajan said, “At the start of the year, we indicated that several of our key end markets had begun to inflect, and I am proud of our teams for delivering such a strong first quarter. We have growing confidence in our full year based on strengthening backlog and order entry, which is reflected in our increased annual guidance range. We remain focused on serving our customers and returning value to our shareholders.”
Nordson management will provide additional commentary on these results and outlook during its previously announced webcast on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. eastern time, which can be accessed at https://investors.nordson.com. Information about Nordson’s investor relations and shareholder services is available from Lara Mahoney, vice president, investor relations and corporate communications at (440) 204-9985 or lara.mahoney@nordson.com.
Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “continue,” “target,” or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. These statements reflect management’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, U.S. and international economic and political conditions; financial and market conditions; currency exchange rates and devaluations; possible acquisitions and the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; the Company’s ability to successfully divest or dispose of businesses that are deemed not to fit with its strategic plan; the effects of changes in U.S. trade policy and trade agreements, including changes in tariffs by the U.S. or other nations; the effects of changes in tax law; and the possible effects of events beyond our control, such as political unrest, including the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, acts of terror, natural disasters and pandemics and the other factors discussed in Item 1A (Risk Factors) in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and in its Forms 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which should be reviewed carefully. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release.
Nordson Corporation is an innovative precision technology company that leverages a scalable growth framework through an entrepreneurial, division-led organization to deliver top tier growth with leading margins and returns. The Company’s direct sales model and applications expertise serve global customers through a wide variety of critical applications. Its diverse end market exposure includes consumer non-durable, medical, electronics and industrial end markets. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the Company has operations and support offices in over 35 countries. Visit Nordson on the web at www.nordson.com, linkedin/Nordson, or www.facebook.com/nordson.
NORDSON CORPORATION SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
| Three Months Ended |
| January 31, 2026 | | January 31, 2025 |
SALES | | | | | | | |
Industrial Precision Solutions | $ | 326,861 | | | | | $ | 300,448 | | | |
Medical and Fluid Solutions | | 193,183 | | | | | | 193,609 | | | |
Advanced Technology Solutions | | 149,417 | | | | | | 121,363 | | | |
Total sales | $ | 669,461 | | | | | $ | 615,420 | | | |
| | | | | | | |
EBITDA | | | | | | | |
Industrial Precision Solutions | $ | 110,311 | | | 34 | % | | $ | 112,776 | | | 38 | % |
Medical and Fluid Solutions | | 70,206 | | | 36 | % | | | 64,332 | | | 33 | % |
Advanced Technology Solutions | | 32,600 | | | 22 | % | | | 22,771 | | | 19 | % |
Corporate expenses | | (10,127 | ) | | | | | (11,776 | ) | | |
Total EBITDA (non-GAAP)(1) | $ | 202,990 | | | 30 | % | | $ | 188,103 | | | 31 | % |
(1) | Total company EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures – net income to EBITDA. |
NORDSON CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands except for per-share amounts) |
| Three Months Ended |
| January 31, 2026 | | January 31, 2025 |
Sales | $ | 669,461 | | | $ | 615,420 | |
Cost of sales | | 303,339 | | | | 279,524 | |
Gross profit | | 366,122 | | | | 335,896 | |
Gross margin % | | 54.7 | % | | | 54.6 | % |
| | | |
Selling and administrative expenses | | 199,717 | | | | 194,949 | |
Operating profit | | 166,405 | | | | 140,947 | |
| | | |
Interest expense — net | | (22,741 | ) | | | (25,618 | ) |
Other income — net | | 20,837 | | | | 1,526 | |
Income before income taxes | | 164,501 | | | | 116,855 | |
| | | |
Income taxes | | 31,119 | | | | 22,203 | |
| | | |
Net income | $ | 133,382 | | | $ | 94,652 | |
| | | |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | | | |
Basic | | 55,789 | | | | 57,129 | |
Diluted | | 56,127 | | | | 57,486 | |
| | | |
Earnings per share: | | | |
Basic earnings | $ | 2.39 | | | $ | 1.66 | |
Diluted earnings | $ | 2.38 | | | $ | 1.65 | |
NORDSON CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
| January 31, 2026 | | October 31, 2025 |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 120,392 | | | $ | 108,442 | |
Receivables — net | | 571,583 | | | | 587,843 | |
Inventories — net | | 451,138 | | | | 444,814 | |
Other current assets | | 108,558 | | | | 101,752 | |
Total current assets | | 1,251,671 | | | | 1,242,851 | |
| | | |
Property, plant and equipment - net | | 521,508 | | | | 516,914 | |
Goodwill | | 3,332,244 | | | | 3,304,685 | |
Other assets | | 855,499 | | | | 853,231 | |
| $ | 5,960,922 | | | $ | 5,917,681 | |
| | | |
Notes payable and debt due within one year | $ | 54,312 | | | $ | 315,000 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | 405,737 | | | | 443,260 | |
Total current liabilities | | 460,049 | | | | 758,260 | |
| | | |
Long-term debt | | 1,943,182 | | | | 1,681,254 | |
Other liabilities | | 445,585 | | | | 434,596 | |
Total shareholders' equity | | 3,112,106 | | | | 3,043,571 | |
| $ | 5,960,922 | | | $ | 5,917,681 | |
| | | |
NORDSON CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
| Three Months Ended |
| January 31, 2026 | | January 31, 2025 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | |
Net income | $ | 133,382 | | | $ | 94,652 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 36,585 | | | | 37,031 | |
Other non-cash items | | (11,675 | ) | | | 3,160 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other | | (17,864 | ) | | | 24,279 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | 140,428 | | | | 159,122 | |
| | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | | (17,513 | ) | | | (21,399 | ) |
Other — net | | (158 | ) | | | 7,123 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | (17,671 | ) | | | (14,276 | ) |
| | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | |
Issuance (repayment) of long-term debt | | 2,367 | | | | (22,563 | ) |
Repayment of finance lease obligations | | (1,616 | ) | | | (1,320 | ) |
Dividends paid | | (45,786 | ) | | | (44,602 | ) |
Issuance of common shares | | 18,795 | | | | 1,001 | |
Purchase of treasury shares | | (86,001 | ) | | | (60,098 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | (112,241 | ) | | | (127,582 | ) |
| | | |
Effect of exchange rate change on cash: | | 1,434 | | | | (2,792 | ) |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | | 11,950 | | | | 14,472 | |
| | | |
Cash and cash equivalents: | | | |
Beginning of period | | 108,442 | | | | 115,952 | |
End of period | $ | 120,392 | | | $ | 130,424 | |
| | | |
NORDSON CORPORATION SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
| Three Months Ended | | Sales Variance |
| January 31, 2026 | | January 31, 2025 | | Organic | | Acquisitions / Divestitures | | Currency | | Total |
SALES BY SEGMENT | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industrial Precision Solutions | $ | 326,861 | | | $ | 300,448 | | | 3.2 | % | | — | % | | 5.6 | % | | 8.8 | % |
Medical and Fluid Solutions | | 193,183 | | | | 193,609 | | | 2.7 | % | | (4.3 | )% | | 1.4 | % | | (0.2 | )% |
Advanced Technology Solutions | | 149,417 | | | | 121,363 | | | 20.7 | % | | — | % | | 2.4 | % | | 23.1 | % |
Total sales | $ | 669,461 | | | $ | 615,420 | | | 6.5 | % | | (1.4 | )% | | 3.7 | % | | 8.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION | | | | | | | | | | | |
Americas | $ | 261,930 | | | $ | 267,836 | | | (0.4 | )% | | (2.9 | )% | | 1.1 | % | | (2.2 | )% |
Europe | | 182,461 | | | | 167,762 | | | (0.3 | )% | | (0.2 | )% | | 9.3 | % | | 8.8 | % |
Asia Pacific | | 225,070 | | | | 179,822 | | | 23.2 | % | | — | % | | 2.0 | % | | 25.2 | % |
Total sales | $ | 669,461 | | | $ | 615,420 | | | 6.5 | % | | (1.4 | )% | | 3.7 | % | | 8.8 | % |
NORDSON CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES - NET INCOME TO EBITDA (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
| Three Months Ended |
| January 31, 2026 | | January 31, 2025 |
Net income | $ | 133,382 | | | $ | 94,652 | |
Income taxes | | 31,119 | | | | 22,203 | |
Interest expense — net | | 22,741 | | | | 25,618 | |
Other income — net | | (20,837 | ) | | | (1,526 | ) |
Inventory step-up amortization(1) | | — | | | | 3,135 | |
Severance and other(1) | | — | | | | 5,961 | |
Acquisition-related costs (1) | | — | | | | 1,030 | |
Adjusted operating profit | | 166,405 | | | | 151,073 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 36,585 | | | | 37,030 | |
EBITDA (non-GAAP) (2) | $ | 202,990 | | | $ | 188,103 | |
(1) | Represents non-recurring cost reduction actions as well as fees and non-cash inventory charges associated with acquisitions. |
(2) | EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure used by management to evaluate the Company's ongoing operations. EBITDA is defined as operating profit plus certain adjustments, such as non-recurring cost reduction actions, fees and non-cash inventory charges associated with acquisitions, plus depreciation and amortization. |
NORDSON CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES - ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER SHARE (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
| Three Months Ended |
| January 31, 2026 | | January 31, 2025 |
GAAP AS REPORTED | | | |
Net income | $ | 133,382 | | | $ | 94,652 | |
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 2.38 | | | $ | 1.65 | |
| | | |
Shares outstanding — diluted | | 56,127 | | | | 57,486 | |
| | | |
ADJUSTMENTS | | | |
Inventory step-up amortization(1) | $ | — | | | $ | 3,135 | |
Acquisition costs(1) | | — | | | | 1,030 | |
Severance and other(1) | | — | | | | 5,961 | |
Acquisition amortization of intangibles | | 19,569 | | | | 19,311 | |
Non-cash gain on minority investment(2) | | (22,238 | ) | | | — | |
Total adjustments | $ | (2,669 | ) | | $ | 29,437 | |
| | | |
Adjustments net of tax | $ | (632 | ) | | $ | 23,844 | |
EPS effect of adjustments | $ | (0.01 | ) | | $ | 0.41 | |
| | | |
NON-GAAP | | | |
Adjusted net income(3) | | 132,750 | | | $ | 118,496 | |
Adjusted earnings per share (4) | $ | 2.37 | | | $ | 2.06 | |
(1) | Represents non-recurring cost reduction actions as well as fees and non-cash inventory charges associated with acquisitions. |
(2) | Represents non-cash gain on minority investment accounted for at fair value. |
(3) | Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP measure defined as net income plus tax effected adjustments and other discrete tax items. |
(4) | Adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure defined as GAAP EPS adjusted for tax effected adjustments and other discrete tax items. |
NORDSON CORPORATION RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES - OPERATING CASH FLOW TO FREE CASH FLOW (Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands) |
| Year to Date |
| January 31, 2026 | | January 31, 2025 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 140,428 | | | $ | 159,122 | |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | | (17,513 | ) | | | (21,399 | ) |
Free cash flow — year to date (1) | $ | 122,915 | | | $ | 137,723 | |
| | | |
Net income — year to date | $ | 133,382 | | | $ | 94,652 | |
Non-cash gain on minority investment — after-tax | | (16,679 | ) | | | — | |
Net income excluding non-cash gain on minority investment — year to date(2) | $ | 116,703 | | | $ | 94,652 | |
Free cash flow conversion — year to date(3) | | 105 | % | | | 146 | % |
(1) | Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure used by management to evaluate the Company's ongoing operations and is defined as Net cash provided by operating activities minus Additions to property, plant and equipment. |
(2) | Net income excluding non-cash gain on minority investment is a non-GAAP measure used by management as an input to the calculation of Free cash flow conversion and is defined as Net income excluding non-cash gains/losses on minority investment. |
(3) | Free cash flow conversion is a non-GAAP measure used by management to evaluate the Company's ongoing operations and is defined as Free cash flow divided by Net income excluding non-cash gain on minority investment. |
Management uses certain non-GAAP measures, such as adjusted net income, adjusted EPS and EBITDA, internally to make strategic decisions, forecast future results, and evaluate the Company's current performance. Given management's use of these non-GAAP measures, the Company believes these measures are important to investors in understanding the Company's current and future operating results as seen through the eyes of management. In addition, management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in enabling them to better assess changes in the Company's core business across different time periods. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures to other companies' non-GAAP financial measures, even if they have similar names. Amounts may not add due to rounding. |
Source: Nordson Corporation