Key Takeaways Nordson's Q1 fiscal 2026 EPS rose 15% to $2.37, beating estimates as revenues grew 8.8% year over year.NDSN's Advanced Technology Solutions sales jumped 23.1%, with organic growth of 20.7% in the quarter.Nordson raised fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting sales of $2.86-$2.96B and EPS of $11-$11.60.Nordson Corporation’s (NDSN) first-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended Jan. 31, 2026) adjusted earnings of $2.37 per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.36. The bottom line increased 15% year over ...

of Newell Brands' global portfolio, made its...][More Releases From This Source]## Explore[Household, Consumer & Cosmetics][Retail][Household Products][Transportation, Trucking & Railroad][News Releases in Similar Topics]---- -- Graco® Launches Its First-Ever Rotating Infant Car Seat with Turn & Slide Technology [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationDesigned to reduce everyday strain, bring baby closer, and reimagine travel to make it easier, without compromising safety.ATLANTA, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire ...

Sales and Revenue - In 2025, the Contractor segment represented approximately 48% of total sales, while the Industrial segment accounted for about 45%[30][34]. - Sales in the Americas constituted approximately 60% of total sales, with EMEA at 24% and Asia Pacific at 16%[18]. - The Expansion Markets segment represented approximately 7% of total sales in 2025, focusing on pumps for the semiconductor industry and environmental monitoring equipment[40]. - The Industrial segment accounted for approximately 45% of total sales in 2025, focusing on equipment and solutions for various industries, with a majority of business outside North America[34]. Product Development and Innovation - Total product development expenditures were $82 million in 2025, averaging about 4% of sales over the last three years[27]. - The company has made significant investments in product innovation and market expansion, focusing on automation and data analytics[16][26]. - The company focuses on product innovation, with significant investments aimed at enhancing automation and configurability[26]. Acquisitions and Market Expansion - The company completed two acquisitions in 2025, enhancing product offerings in the Contractor and Industrial segments[14]. Manufacturing and Operations - Manufacturing capacity is sufficient for current demand, with significant expansion projects completed in the U.S., Switzerland, and Romania in 2024 and 2023[25]. - Manufacturing operations are primarily located in the U.S., with additional facilities in Switzerland, Italy, China, India, Belgium, and Romania[22]. - The company sources raw materials globally, primarily from the Asia Pacific region, to manage costs and ensure availability[41][42]. - The company actively manages supplier relationships and conducts risk assessments to address fluctuations in material prices and availability[42]. Employee Engagement and Culture - As of December 26, 2025, the company employed approximately 4,400 persons, with 1,900 employees based outside the U.S.[46]. - The company has a strong culture of employee engagement, with an average tenure of nearly 11 years for all employees[51]. - The average tenure of executive officers responsible for setting overall strategy is nearly 22 years, while the average tenure of all employees is nearly 11 years[51]. Health, Wellness, and Safety - The company’s Health, Wellness, and Safety program aims to reduce absenteeism and promote healthier lifestyle choices among employees[49]. - The company has a strong focus on health, wellness, and safety, prioritizing the prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses[49]. Compliance and Competition - Compliance with government regulations did not materially affect capital expenditures or earnings during the fiscal year ended December 26, 2025[45]. - The company faces competition from various U.S. and foreign companies, with a focus on product quality, innovation, and customer support to maintain competitiveness[44]. Community Engagement - The company emphasizes community engagement through the Graco Foundation, focusing on educational programs, workforce development, and youth development[53]. Intellectual Property - The company owns numerous patents and trademarks, which are material to its business, but is not materially dependent on any single patent or license[43].

Core Viewpoint - Graco has demonstrated a strong commitment to returning cash to shareholders through consistent dividend payments, achieving a 27-year track record with a 9.4% five-year compound annual growth rate in dividends, despite a modest current yield of 1.19% [1][2] Dividend Profile - Graco paid a quarterly dividend of $0.295 per share, marking a 7.3% year-over-year increase from $0.275 in Q1 2025 [1] - The company's payout ratio stands at 26.8%, indicating a sustainable dividend policy supported by strong cash flow [1] - Graco's dividend yield is lower than that of traditional income stocks, such as AT&T (4.05%) and Verizon (5.77%), but offers higher growth potential [1] Financial Foundation - Graco generated $683.6 million in operating cash flow in fiscal 2025, with a dividend payout of $183.4 million, resulting in a coverage ratio of 3.7x [1] - The company reported a net income of $521.8 million on revenue of $2.24 billion, achieving a net profit margin of 23.3% [1] - Free cash flow amounted to $637.9 million after capital expenditures, leaving $454.6 million available for shareholder returns [1] Peer Comparison - Compared to Bristol Myers Squibb, which has a higher yield of 4.09% but faces patent cliff concerns, Graco's strategy focuses on consistent dividend growth [1] - CVS Health maintained a dividend yield of 3.51% but lowered its cash flow guidance, highlighting the risks associated with high yields in challenging industries [1] - AbbVie and American Tower also provide higher yields but come with specific industry risks [1] Valuation and Total Return Context - Graco trades at 31x trailing earnings and 30x forward earnings, reflecting market confidence but limiting margin of safety for dividend investors [1] - The stock has delivered a total return of 13.45% over the past year and 16.66% year-to-date through February 12, 2026 [1] - An investor who purchased Graco five years ago has seen a stock price increase of 41.05% alongside steadily increasing dividends [1] Sustainability Verdict - Graco's dividend sustainability is supported by a low payout ratio, strong net margins, and minimal interest expenses, indicating a healthy balance sheet [1] - Management's outlook for Q4 2025 remains optimistic, suggesting confidence in future cash generation [2] - The company has the capacity and track record to continue its dividend growth strategy, appealing to dividend growth investors [2]

Group 1 - Newell Brands is implementing price cuts of up to 15% on its Rubbermaid food storage brand [1] - The company is also reducing prices on several core items within its baby-care portfolio, specifically Graco [1]

Core Insights - Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG) is recognized as one of the top 15 Industrial Machinery and Supplies stocks favored by hedge funds, with a median 1-year price target of $93.67, indicating an upside potential of nearly 6% [1] Financial Performance - For Q4, Graco Inc. reported sales of $593 million and segment EBIT of $169 million, with a significant contribution from a one-time upfront license fee of approximately $5 million in its Expansion Markets segment [2] Growth Projections - The company's management anticipates organic growth in the low single digits for 2026, which could increase to mid-single digits when considering mergers and acquisitions. The organic growth forecasts do not include licensing revenues, which are expected to be volatile [3] Business Structure - Graco Inc. specializes in manufacturing fluid handling systems and equipment, structured into four segments: Industrial Products, Process, Lubrication, and Contractor. Their products serve various industries, including automotive, aerospace, chemical, and construction [4]

Core Viewpoint - Graco Inc. (GGG) is showing potential for a bullish breakout as it has reached a key support level and experienced a "golden cross" in its moving averages [1][2]. Technical Analysis - A "golden cross" occurs when a stock's short-term moving average (50-day) crosses above its long-term moving average (200-day), indicating a bullish trend [2]. - The formation of a golden cross involves three stages: a downtrend that bottoms out, the crossover of moving averages, and subsequent upward momentum [3]. Recent Performance - GGG has increased by 6% over the past four weeks, suggesting positive momentum [4]. - The company currently holds a 3 (Hold) rating on the Zacks Rank, indicating potential for further gains [4]. Earnings Outlook - There has been a positive shift in earnings estimates for GGG, with no downward revisions in the past two months and one upward revision, leading to an increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [4][6]. - This positive earnings outlook, combined with the technical indicators, suggests that GGG may be positioned for additional gains in the near future [6].

Core Viewpoint - RBC Capital analyst Deane Dray raised the price target on Graco (GGG) to $100 from $97 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares, indicating positive sentiment towards the company's performance and future prospects [1] Company Performance - Graco reported in-line Q4 results and provided an as-expected low-single-digit organic revenue guidance for 2026, suggesting stability in revenue expectations [1] - The underlying earnings quality and free cash flow of Graco were described as solid, reflecting the company's financial health [1] Industry Insights - Broader short-cycle industrial demand remains choppy, indicating variability in market conditions [1] - Positive inflection was noted in the home center/Contractor segment after 1.5 years of declines, suggesting a potential recovery in this area [1]

Core Insights - The company reported a 22% increase in net earnings to $133 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, with adjusted earnings up 20% to $0.77 per diluted share [3][8] - Operating expenses decreased by $1 million, or 1%, primarily due to the absence of prior year reorganization and litigation costs [1] - The company achieved record sales of $593 million in Q4, an 8% increase from the previous year, driven by acquisitions and organic growth [4][5] Financial Performance - Adjusted operating earnings rose by $21 million, or 15%, with an adjusted operating margin of 27% compared to 25% a year earlier [1] - Gross margin improved by 80 basis points year over year, despite tariffs increasing product costs by $4 million in the quarter [2][8] - Operating cash flow for the year was $684 million, up 10%, with the company repurchasing $423 million of stock and paying $183 million in dividends [6][14] Segment Performance - The industrial segment saw the strongest growth with sales up 11% in the quarter, driven by completions in powder finishing systems [10] - The contractor segment reported an operating margin rate of 24%, with sales increasing 8%, including contributions from acquisitions and currency translation [9] - Expansion markets sales declined 6% in the quarter but showed high single-digit growth for the full year in the semiconductor business [11] 2026 Outlook - The company anticipates low single-digit organic growth for 2026, with pricing expected to contribute about 1% to 1.5% [7][16] - Management described the outlook as cautious but supported by recent order trends, with a focus on disciplined M&A to drive growth [19] - Capital expenditures are projected at $90 million to $100 million, with an additional $50 million planned for facility expansion [17][15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Graco reported fourth quarter sales of $593 million, an increase of 8% from the same quarter last year, with acquisitions contributing 4%, currency translation 2%, and organic sales another 2% to growth [3] - Reported net earnings increased 22% to $133 million, or 79 cents per diluted share, while adjusted non-GAAP net earnings were 77 cents per diluted share, an increase of 20% [3] - The gross margin rate increased by 80 basis points compared to the same quarter last year, despite higher product costs due to tariffs and lower factory volumes [4] - Operating expenses decreased by $1 million, or 1%, primarily due to the absence of prior year business reorganization and litigation costs [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Contractor segment sales increased 8% in the fourth quarter, with acquisitions contributing 5%, currency translation 2%, and organic sales another 1% [13] - The industrial segment saw an 11% growth in sales, driven by strong organic performance and contributions from acquisitions [14] - Expansion markets declined 6% in the quarter but achieved high single-digit full-year sales growth in the semiconductor business [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales at constant currency were up 2%, with growth in both the industrial and contractor segments [11] - The industrial business had strong organic performance in the Americas and EMEA, while Asia-Pacific experienced declines, particularly in China [14] - The overall market for contractor equipment remained flat, with affordability concerns keeping activity subdued [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Graco aims to generate one-third of its long-term revenue growth through strategic acquisitions, with a strong acquisition pipeline [12] - The company is focused on product innovation and advancing the One Graco operating model, which has led to significant inventory reductions and cost efficiencies [60] - Graco is optimistic about growth opportunities in 2026, projecting low single-digit organic growth on a constant currency basis and mid-single-digit growth factoring in expected incremental sales from acquisitions [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the operating environment, noting steady order rates and potential for growth in the contractor segment [33] - The company highlighted the importance of new product launches and the impact of lower mortgage rates on the residential market as potential positive developments [125] - Management acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the global trade environment and its potential impact on operations [126] Other Important Information - Cash provided by operations totaled $684 million for the year, an increase of $62 million, or 10% [7] - Significant cash uses included share repurchases of 5.1 million shares totaling $423 million and dividends of $183 million [8] - The effective tax rate is expected to be 20%-21% for the upcoming year, excluding any one-time items [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on upfront licensing fees associated with electric pumps - Management explained that the upfront licensing fees are likely to be lumpy and not factored into the full-year outlook for organic growth [22][25] Question: Geographic conditions for 2026 - Management characterized the geographic conditions as low single-digit growth, with steady order rates but cautious optimism for improvement [29][33] Question: Signs of pull-forward demand in the contractor side - Management indicated that there was no significant pull-forward demand, but noted a slight pickup in the home center channel [40][42] Question: Pricing assumptions in organic growth guidance - Management expects to realize about 1.5% on the pricing front this year, with price adjustments implemented in late 2025 [51][52] Question: Update on One Graco initiative - Management reported significant inventory reductions and cost efficiencies as a result of the One Graco initiative, with expectations for continued benefits in 2026 [58][60] Question: Backlog trends in the quarter - Management stated that backlogs are at a decent level and that they did a good job in manufacturing to meet customer demands [110][111]