Core Insights - Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ:NDSN) is recognized as one of the 10 Best Rising Dividend Stocks to Buy Now [1] - The company designs and produces equipment and systems for applying adhesives, coatings, sealants, and biomaterials across various industries, with approximately two-thirds of its revenue generated from international customers [2] - Nordson emphasizes high-precision, innovative solutions and continues to expand into fast-growing sectors like medical devices, supported by strategic acquisitions and a strong global sales network [3] - The company has a notable history of rewarding shareholders, marking its 62nd consecutive year of dividend increases, currently paying a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, yielding around 1.38% as of October 28 [4]

Core Insights - Nordson Corporation is highlighted as a highly profitable manufacturing stock, with a focus on its recent Corporate Responsibility Update that outlines its climate strategy and energy-efficiency upgrades [1][2] - The company is enhancing its governance framework, which includes a stronger supplier code of conduct and a more diverse board, indicating improved risk management and oversight [2] - Nordson is investing in internal talent development, creating new talent pipelines to support its growth initiatives, particularly the NBS Next strategy [3] Company Overview - Nordson Corporation specializes in precision technology manufacturing, offering dispensing systems, surface treatment, and test and inspection solutions across various sectors, including electronics, medical, and industrial assembly [4] - The company operates in over 35 countries and maintains strong profit margins, positioning it as a durable and promising investment opportunity within the manufacturing sector [4]

Core Viewpoint - Nordson Corporation (NDSN) is expected to report strong earnings growth, with analysts projecting a profit increase for fiscal Q4 2025 and beyond, despite recent stock performance lagging behind market indices [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - NDSN is valued at a market cap of $13.4 billion and is set to announce its fiscal Q4 earnings for 2025 soon [1]. - Analysts anticipate a profit of $2.93 per share for fiscal Q4 2025, representing a 5.4% increase from $2.78 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For fiscal 2025, the expected profit is $10.14 per share, up 4.2% from $9.73 per share in fiscal 2024, with further growth projected to $11.05 per share in fiscal 2026 [2]. Recent Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, NDSN's stock has declined by 3.9%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which returned 18.4%, and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund, which increased by 15% [3]. - Following the release of better-than-expected Q3 results, NDSN's shares surged by 3% in the subsequent trading session [4]. Q3 Results - In Q3, NDSN reported a revenue increase of 12.1% year-over-year to $741.5 million, exceeding consensus estimates by 2.8% [4]. - The adjusted EPS for Q3 was $2.73, reflecting a 13.3% increase from the previous year and surpassing analyst expectations by 3.8% [4]. Analyst Ratings - Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for NDSN, with five out of eleven analysts recommending "Strong Buy" and six suggesting "Hold" [5]. - The mean price target for NDSN is $257.56, indicating an 8.1% potential upside from current levels [5].

Group 1: Company Overview - Nordson (NDSN) is part of the Industrial Products group, which consists of 187 companies and is currently ranked 7 within the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - The Zacks Rank is a stock-picking model that focuses on earnings estimates and revisions, with Nordson holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [3] Group 2: Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, Nordson has gained approximately 13.6%, outperforming the Industrial Products sector, which has returned an average of 5.4% [4] - In comparison, another stock in the Industrial Products sector, Napco (NSSC), has returned 23% year-to-date [4] - Nordson belongs to the Manufacturing - General Industrial industry, which includes 41 stocks and is currently ranked 144 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average gain of 7.4% this year [5] Group 3: Analyst Sentiment - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nordson's full-year earnings has increased by 1.1% over the past quarter, indicating improved analyst sentiment and earnings outlook [3] - In contrast, Napco's consensus EPS estimate has risen by 28.9% over the past three months, and it holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5][6]

Core Thesis - Nordson Corporation is positioned as a consistent cash generator with a strong reputation, having increased its dividend for 61 consecutive years [2] - The company has shifted from a defensive compounder to a growth-oriented industrial aristocrat under CEO Sundaram Nagarajan, targeting 6-8% growth and 10-12% EPS expansion [2][4] Financial Performance - As of September 30th, Nordson's share was trading at $226.95, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 28.55 and 20.53 respectively [1] - The company generates an average EBITDA of approximately 30% and has a return on invested capital (ROIC) above 12% [2] Strategic Acquisitions - Notable acquisitions include CyberOptics in 2022 for semiconductor inspection and Atrion in 2024 for medical valves and fluid components, enhancing Nordson's presence in high-growth markets [3] - These acquisitions have increased goodwill from $1.8 billion to $2.8 billion, indicating a strategic redefinition of Nordson's portfolio [3] Market Position and Valuation - Nordson trades at approximately 17-18x EV/EBITDA, which is below peer Graco at around 20x, suggesting potential upside if growth initiatives succeed [3] - The company’s strong balance sheet and consumables-driven revenue model provide stability against cyclical pressures and foreign exchange exposure [4] Growth Potential - If Nordson's growth initiatives are successful, it could be rerated to peer multiples, offering a potential upside of 15-25% [4] - The combination of a long-standing industrial compounder with transformative growth strategies positions Nordson favorably in the market [4]

Core Insights - Nordson Corporation (NDSN) is experiencing strong momentum in its Advanced Technology Solutions segment, which is enhancing its attractiveness to investors [1][9] - The company's shares have increased by 10.4% year-to-date, outperforming the industry growth of 5.9% [1] - NDSN holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive market sentiment [1] Business Strength - The growth in the Advanced Technology Solutions segment is driven by rising demand for electronic processing, optical sensors, and electronics dispensing products in the semiconductor and electronics markets [4] - Strong customer demand is also noted in nonwovens, precision agriculture, packaging, and consumer non-durable product lines [4] Accretive Acquisitions - NDSN is enhancing its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, which contributed to an 8% increase in total revenues in Q3 of fiscal 2025 [5] - The acquisition of Atrion Corp. in August 2024 expanded NDSN's medical offerings in infusion and cardiovascular therapies [5] - The acquisition of ARAG Group in August 2023 bolstered NDSN's precision dispensing technology and allowed entry into the precision agriculture market [6] Rewards to Shareholders - In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, NDSN paid out $133 million in dividends, a 13.9% increase year-over-year [7] - The company repurchased treasury shares worth $218.2 million, significantly up from $34.1 million in the previous year [7] - A 5% increase in dividends to 82 cents per share was announced in August 2025 [7] Northbound Estimate Revision - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NDSN's fiscal 2025 earnings has been revised upward by 1% in the past 60 days [8]

Core Insights - Nordson Corporation (NDSN) is experiencing strong growth in its Advanced Technology Solutions segment, with organic sales increasing by 8% year-over-year in the first nine months of fiscal 2025 [1][8] - The company anticipates overall sales for fiscal 2025 to be between $2.75 billion and $2.87 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of approximately 4.5% at the midpoint [3][8] Segment Performance - The Advanced Technology Solutions segment's operating margin improved by 360 basis points year-over-year, driven by solid organic sales growth, optimization of the manufacturing footprint, and strategic cost reduction initiatives [1][8] - Demand for electronic processing, optical sensors, and electronics dispensing products in the semiconductor and electronics markets is bolstering segment performance, although there is lower demand for x-ray inspection systems and measurement and control products [2][8] Peer Comparison - Graco Inc. (GGG) is benefiting from strong momentum in its Industrial and Expansion Markets segments, with growth in powder finishing, lubrication product lines, and vehicle services [4] - IDEX Corporation (IEX) is facing challenges in its Fluid & Metering Technologies segment due to softness in agriculture, energy, water, and semiconductor businesses, as well as weak chemical markets in Europe [5] Valuation and Market Performance - Nordson's shares have increased by 8.6% over the past six months, closely aligning with the industry's growth of 8.7% [6] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 20.68X, which is slightly below the industry average of 21.14X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NDSN's fiscal 2025 earnings has risen by 0.7% over the past 30 days [11]

Company Overview - Nordson Corporation, based in Westlake, Ohio, specializes in manufacturing and marketing products and systems for dispensing, applying, and controlling adhesives, coatings, polymers, and other fluids globally [1] - The company has a market capitalization of $12.7 billion and operates through three segments: Industrial Precision Solutions, Medical and Fluid Solutions, and Advanced Technology Solutions [1][2] Stock Performance - Nordson's stock reached a 52-week high of $266.86 on November 25, 2024, and is currently trading 15.6% below that peak [3] - Over the past three months, the stock has gained 7.5%, aligning with the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLI) 7.5% increase during the same period [3] - In the longer term, the stock has gained 7.7% in 2025 but has declined 11.8% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming XLI's 16.1% increase in 2025 and 14.9% gains over the past year [4] Financial Performance - Following the release of Q3 results on August 20, Nordson's stock prices increased by 3% [5] - The company reported solid organic growth, particularly in its advanced technology solutions segment, with a 15% organic sales growth year-over-year [5] - Total sales for the quarter were $741.5 million, reflecting a 12.1% year-over-year increase and surpassing market expectations by 2.8% [5] - Adjusted EPS grew by 13.3% year-over-year to $2.73, exceeding consensus estimates by 3.8% [5] Competitive Position - Compared to its peer Ingersoll Rand Inc., Nordson has outperformed, as Ingersoll Rand experienced a 9.6% decline in 2025 and a 15.5% drop over the past 52 weeks [6] - Among 11 analysts covering Nordson stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with a mean price target of $256.44, indicating a 13.8% upside potential [6]

Industry Overview - The robotics and automation industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1%, reaching over $165 billion by 2029, driven by labor shortages and increased e-commerce demands [1] - Automation and robotics are seen as solutions to improve efficiency, cut costs, and enhance safety for companies [1] Company Analysis: Rockwell Automation - Rockwell Automation has grown to nearly $40 billion in size and is a significant player in industrial automation, offering control systems, software platforms, and motor control devices [3][4] - The company reported $360 million in total structural cost reductions over five months, maintaining strong margins despite rising costs and inventory imbalances [4] - Rockwell's recurring revenue increased by 7% year-over-year, and the company plans to invest $2 billion over the next five years in digital infrastructure, plants, and talent to accelerate revenue growth [5] Company Analysis: Nordson - Nordson specializes in industrial and medical precision dispensing equipment, reporting a 12% year-over-year sales increase in its recent third-quarter results [6] - The company has been actively reducing debt, buying back shares, and increasing dividends, with a recent 5% dividend increase bringing its yield to 1.44% [6][7] - Nordson's acquisition of Atrion has driven growth, but potential divestitures may slow sales gains, presenting a buying opportunity for investors [7][8] Company Analysis: Symbotic - Symbotic focuses on warehouse and distribution center automation, with a revenue growth of over 25% year-over-year despite a mixed earnings report [10] - The company has seen its shares nearly double in value in 2025, indicating strong customer adoption rates [10] - Symbotic must demonstrate sustainable profitability and improved margins to gain investor confidence, as it adapts to changing market conditions [11]

Core Insights - Nordson Corporation (NDSN) is facing rising costs and expenses, with a 14.5% year-over-year increase in cost of sales during Q3 of fiscal 2025, and SG&A expenses growing by 2.3% year over year [1][8] - Despite these rising costs, NDSN's EBITDA margin improved by 70 basis points to 32% due to increased sales in electronic processing and optical sensors, as well as the Advanced Technology Solutions segment [2][8] - The company reported total revenues of $742 million for the quarter, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase, driven by strong demand across multiple product lines [2][8] Financial Performance - NDSN's cost of sales increased to 45.2% of total revenues, up 100 basis points from the previous year [1] - The company has a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 20.95X, which is above the industry average of 20.54X, and carries a Value Score of D [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NDSN's fiscal 2025 earnings has increased by 0.7% over the past 60 days [10] Market Trends - Positive trends for NDSN include strong customer demand in nonwovens, precision agriculture, packaging, and consumer non-durable product lines, which are expected to support long-term growth [3] - The company is focusing on operational excellence and disciplined portfolio management to enhance margin performance in the future [3] Peer Comparison - Among peers, Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (AIT) faced a 5.7% year-over-year increase in cost of sales, with a slight decrease in gross margin [4] - Flowserve Corporation's (FLS) cost of sales decreased by 1.2% year over year, while its gross margin increased by 260 basis points [5]