Nordson Corp. (NASDAQ: NDSN) reported Q4 EPS of $1.37, $0.04 better than the analyst estimate of $1.33. Revenue for the quarter came in at $574 million versus the consensus estimate of $545.15 million.

Outlook

For the first quarter of fiscal 2018, sales are expected to increase 30 percent to 34 percent compared to the first quarter a year ago. This growth includes organic volume up 15 percent to 19 percent, 11 percent growth from the first year effect of acquisitions, and a positive currency effect of 4 percent based on the current exchange rate environment. At the midpoint of this outlook, operating margin is expected to be approximately 22 percent and GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.29 to $1.39, inclusive of $6 million or $0.07 per diluted share of intangible asset amortization expense related to fiscal 2017 acquisitions. EBITDA and EBITDA margin are expected to be $146 million and 27 percent at the midpoint of the guidance, respectively.

“Our first quarter guidance is very strong, reflective of our current backlog, and is largely driven by the Advanced Technology segment, where strong demand in electronics and medical end markets is driving performance,” said Hilton. “This exceptional growth against very challenging comparisons to the same period a year ago where we generated 10 percent total company organic growth is a result of our technology leadership and diversification efforts. The short cycle nature of our end markets does not provide much visibility beyond a fiscal quarter, however, we do expect growth rates to moderate beyond our first quarter, particularly when you consider our challenging comparisons to prior year.”

GUIDANCE:

Nordson Corp. sees Q1 2018 EPS of $1.29-$1.39, versus the consensus of $0.95.

Fourth Quarter:

• Fourth quarter sales increased 13 percent over prior year’s fourth quarter to $574 million
• Fourth quarter operating profit increased 13 percent over prior year’s fourth quarter to $125 million and is inclusive of $6 million of intangible asset amortization expense for fiscal 2017 acquisitions
• Fourth quarter GAAP diluted EPS increased 5 percent over prior year’s fourth quarter to $1.37, inclusive of $0.07 per diluted share of intangible asset amortization expense for fiscal 2017 acquisitions
• Fourth quarter EBITDA increased 17 percent over prior year’s fourth quarter to $150 million

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