Nordson Corp. (NASDAQ: NDSN) reported Q4 EPS of $1.39, $0.15 better than the analyst estimate of $1.24. Revenue for the quarter came in at $509 million versus the consensus estimate of $482.09 million.

GUIDANCE:

Nordson Corp. sees Q1 2017 EPS of $0.74-$0.84, versus the consensus of $0.73.

“Nordson generated record sales in the quarter, driven by the value we bring our customers, the diverse and resilient end markets we serve, and the hard work of our global team,” said Michael F. Hilton, Nordson President and Chief Executive Officer. “Outstanding organic growth of 13 percent in the fourth quarter capped a terrific year in which we delivered 7 percent organic growth. All three of our operating segments and most geographies contributed to the growth in the quarter.”

“We leveraged the increased volume and our ongoing continuous improvement initiatives to improve fourth quarter operating margin by five percentage points compared to the prior year to 22 percent, or 23 percent on a normalized basis to exclude one-time items,” Hilton added. “Fourth quarter GAAP diluted EPS expanded 56 percent compared to the prior year to $1.31, or $1.39 on a normalized basis to exclude one-time items. These one-time items are primarily related to previously-announced restructuring initiatives, where we continue to make good progress and expect a benefit in future results.”

“Free cash flow in the quarter before dividends was $121 million, or 160 percent of net income, representing strong cash conversion. Capital deployment during the quarter included acquiring LinkTech to add to our Advanced Technology segment’s medical offering, increasing our annual dividend for the 53rd consecutive year, and reducing debt.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Nordson Corp. (NDSN) click here.