Nordson : Reports Fiscal 2016 Third Quarter Results

22 Aug 2016

• Sales increase 6 percent from prior year's third quarter to $490 million, inclusive of 4 percent organic growth
• Operating profit grows to $124million, a 20 percent increase compared to the prior year's third quarter
• Operating margin expands to 25 percent of sales, a 3 percentage point improvement compared to the prior year's third quarter
  
• GAAP diluted EPS grows to $1.46, a 28 percent increase compared to the prior year's third quarter
• Pro-forma 12 week order rates increase 16 percent over same period a year ago

Westlake, Ohio, USA - August 22, 2016 -Nordson Corporation(Nasdaq: NDSN) today reported results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. For the quarter ending July 31, 2016, sales were $490 million, a 6 percent increase from the prior year's third quarter. This change in sales includes a 4 percent increase in organic volume, a 2 percent increase related to the first year effect of acquisitions, and less than 1 percent negative impact related to the unfavorable effects of currency translation. Operating profit was $124 million, net income was $84 million, and diluted earnings per share were $1.46. Prior year third quarter sales, operating profit, net income and diluted earnings per share were $463 million, $103 million, $69 million and $1.14, respectively. A reconciliation of GAAP diluted EPS to normalized amounts and a calculation of free cash flow are included in the attached tables.

'Nordson delivered record revenue and profitability in the third quarter as our global team continued meeting customer needs across our diverse end markets and driving efficiency throughout our operations,' said Michael F. Hilton, Nordson President and Chief Executive Officer. 'We generated very solid organic growth of 4 percent in the quarter compared to a period of robust growth a year ago, outperforming the continuing low-growth global macroeconomic environment. Operating margin in the quarter was 25 percent, a three percentage point improvement compared to the previous year's third quarter, with incremental operating margin in the quarter of 77 percent and earnings per share growth of 28 percent, both over the prior year third quarter. Shortly after the end of the quarter, Nordson's Board of Directors increased our dividend by 13 percent, marking the 53 consecutive year Nordson has raised its annual dividend.

Third Quarter Segment Results

Adhesive Dispensing Systems organic sales volume increased 4 percent compared to the prior year's third quarter, with additional volume growth of 1 percent related to the first year effect of the WAFO acquisition. 'Strength in consumer non-durable and general product assembly markets in the current quarter helped drive excellent organic growth in this segment for the fifth straight quarter,' said Hilton. Geographically, Europe and the U.S. led the growth. Reported operating margin in the segment was 27 percent in the quarter, or 28 percent on a normalized basis to exclude non-recurring charges related to restructuring initiatives.

Advanced Technology Systems organic sales volume increased 6 percent compared to the prior year's third quarter, with additional volume growth of 5 percent related to the first year effect of the Liquidyn and MatriX acquisitions. 'We generated robust organic growth in the third quarter compared to the prior year based on strong demand for automated and semi-automated dispense equipment in electronic end markets and fluid management components for medical end markets,' said Hilton. Geographically, Japan, Asia Pacific and the United States led the growth. Volume leverage, product mix and continuous improvement initiatives helped drive reported segment operating margin to 31 percent, an increase of seven percentage points compared to the same quarter a year ago.

Industrial Coating Systems sales volume decreased 3 percent from the prior year's third quarter. 'Sales were impacted by very challenging comparisons to the prior year, where total segment volume was up 23 percent at this time a year ago,' said Hilton. 'Strength in powder and liquid coating product lines during the current quarter was offset by softness in other product lines. Growth in Europe and the United States was offset by other geographies.' Reported operating margin was 17 percent in the quarter, or 18 percent on a normalized basis to exclude non-recurring charges related to restructuring initiatives. Detailed results by operating segment and geography are included in the attached tables.

Order Rates and Backlog

Order rates for the 12-week period ending August 14, 2016, measured in constant currency, increased by 16 percent over the same period a year ago. Order rates by segment and geography are provided in the accompanying financial tables, with pro-forma growth in order rates calculated as though fiscal year 2015 acquisitions were owned in both years.

Backlog for the quarter ended July 31, 2016 was approximately $333 million, an increase of 22 percent compared to the same period a year ago, and inclusive of 20 percent organic growth and 2 percent growth due to acquisitions. Backlog amounts are calculated at July 31, 2016 exchange rates.

Outlook

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, sales are expected to increase 6 percent to 10 percent as compared to the fourth quarter a year ago. This growth includes organic volume growth of 5 percent to 9 percent and 1 percent growth from the first year effect of acquisitions. The effect of currency translation is expected to be minimal compared to the prior year based on the current exchange rate environment. At the midpoint of this sales outlook and excluding any potential one-time charges associated with restructuring initiatives, operating margin is expected to be approximately 22 percent, and diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.15 to $1.27.

'A strong backlog, solid order rates, and continued customer project activity lead us to forecast robust growth, improved operating margin and higher earnings per share in our fourth quarter compared to the prior year,' said Hilton. 'At the low endof our fourth quarter guidance, Nordson is on track to deliver full year records for revenue, operating profit and diluted earnings per share. We're on pace for full year organic growth of approximately 5 percent compared to the prior year, a strong level reflecting our ability to leverage our technology, service and global footprint in growth niches across the diverse end markets we serve. Over the long term, we remain focused on using tools within the Nordson Business System to drive growth, enhance margins and create sustained shareholder value.'

Nordson will broadcast its third-quarter conference call on its web site atwww.nordson.com/investors on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. eastern time. For persons unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available for 14 days after the event. Information about Nordson's investor relations and shareholder services is available from James R. Jaye, Senior Director of Communications & Investor Relations at (440) 414-5639.

Exceptfor historical information and comparisons contained herein, statements included in this release may constitute 'forward-looking statements,' as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, as discussed in the company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that could cause actual results to differ.

Nordson Corporation engineers, manufactures and markets differentiated products and systems used for the precision dispensingof adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials, polymers, plastics and other materials, fluid management, test and inspection, UV curingand plasma surface treatment, all supported by application expertise and direct global sales and service. Nordson serves a wide variety of consumer non-durable, durable and technology end markets including packaging, nonwovens, electronics, medical, appliances, energy, transportation, construction, and general product assembly and finishing. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the company has operations and support offices in more than 35 countries. Visit Nordson on the web athttp://www.nordson.com,@Nordson_Corp, orwww.facebook.com/nordson.

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CONTACT:

Nordson Corporation
James R. Jaye (Senior Director, Communications and Investor Relations)

440.414.5639
Jim.Jaye@nordson.com