Nordson Beats Q4 Revenue Estimates

Nordson Corporation NDSN reported results Thursday for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, ending October 31, 2014. Sales were $469 million, above estimates of $459.31 million and a 14 percent increase over the prior year’s fourth quarter.

The increase in sales included a 13 percent increase in organic volume, a 3 percent increase related to the first year effect of acquisitions, and a 2 percent decrease related to the unfavorable effects of currency translation.

Diluted EPS was $1.13 while Basic EPS was $1.14, above estimates of $1.13 and the $0.93 reported in the prior year period.

“Our global team met strong demand from across our diverse end markets to deliver 13 percent organic sales volume growth compared to the fourth quarter a year ago,” said Nordson President and CEO Michael F. Hilton. “Organic growth was broad based across all segments and geographies and drove record fourth quarter sales, operating profit and earnings per share.”

For the first quarter of fiscal 2015, sales growth is expected to be in the range of 5 percent to 9 percent as compared to the first quarter a year ago.

Q1 2015 GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $0.60 to $0.70, inclusive of a $0.01 per share short term purchase accounting charge related to the step-up in value of acquired inventory. Analysts had estimated EPS at $0.73.

Nordson traded at $46.75 in the after-hours session, up 0.39 percent.