UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

(Mark One)

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007

OR

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                to               

 

Commission file number 0-7977

 

NORDSON CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(440) 892-1580

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Shares with no par value

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o  No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer o  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No x

 

The aggregate market value of Common Stock, no par value per share, held by nonaffiliates (based on the closing sale price on the Nasdaq) as of April 30, 2007 was approximately $1,320,022,000.

 

There were 33,667,062 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 30, 2007.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting — Part III

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

PART I

 

NOTE REGARDING DOLLAR AMOUNTS

 

In this annual report, all amounts related to U.S. and foreign currency and to the number of Nordson Corporation’s Common Shares, except for per share earnings and dividend amounts, are expressed in thousands.

 

 

General Description of Business

Nordson Corporation is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of equipment used for precision dispensing, testing and inspection, surface preparation and curing. Nordson’s technology-based systems can be found in production facilities around the world. The Company serves many diverse markets, including the appliance, automotive, bookbinding, container, converting, electronics, food and beverage, furniture, life sciences, medical, metal finishing, nonwoven, packaging and semiconductor industries.

 

The Company’s strategy for long-term growth is based on a customer-driven focus and a global mindset. Headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, Nordson markets its products through a network of direct operations in 30 countries. Consistent with this strategy, more than two-thirds of the Company’s revenues are generated outside the United States.

 

Nordson has more than 4,000 employees worldwide. Principal manufacturing facilities are located in the United States in California, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and Rhode Island, as well as in China, Germany, India, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

 

Corporate Purpose and Goals

Nordson Corporation strives to be a vital, self-renewing, worldwide organization which, within the framework of ethical behavior and enlightened citizenship, grows and produces wealth for its customers, employees, shareholders and communities.

 

Nordson operates for the purpose of creating balanced, long-term benefits for all of our constituencies: customers, employees, shareholders and communities.

 

Our corporate goal for growth is to double the value of the Company over a five-year period, with the primary measure of value set by the market for the Company’s Common Shares.

 

While external factors may impact value, the achievement of this goal will rest with earnings growth, capital and human resource efficiency and positioning for the future.

 

Nordson does not expect every quarter to produce increased sales, earnings and earnings per share, or to exceed the comparative prior year’s quarter. We do expect to produce long-term gains. When short-term swings occur, we do not intend to alter our basic objectives in efforts to mitigate the impact of these natural occurrences.

 

Growth is achieved by seizing opportunities with existing products and markets, investing in systems to maximize productivity and pursuing growth markets. This strategy is augmented through product line additions, engineering, research and development, and acquisition of companies that can serve multinational industrial markets.

 

We create benefits for our customers through a Package of Values^®, which includes carefully engineered, durable products; strong service support; the backing of a well-established worldwide company with financial and technical strengths; and a corporate commitment to deliver what was promised.

 

We strive to provide genuine customer satisfaction; it is the foundation upon which we continue to build our business.

 

Complementing our business strategy is the objective to provide opportunities for employee self-fulfillment, growth, security, recognition and equitable compensation. This goal is met through Human Resources’ facilitation of employee training and leadership training and the creation of on-the-job growth opportunities. The result is a highly qualified and professional management team capable of meeting corporate objectives.

We recognize the value of employee participation in the planning process. Strategic and operating plans are developed by all business units and divisions, resulting in a sense of ownership and commitment on the part of employees in accomplishing Company objectives. In addition, employees participate in Lean initiatives to continuously improve the Company’s processes.

 

Nordson Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Nordson is committed to contributing approximately 5 percent of domestic pretax earnings to human services, education and other charitable activities, particularly in communities where the Company has major facilities.

 

Financial Information About Operating Segments, Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” Nordson has reported information about the Company’s three operating segments. This information is contained in Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which can be found in Part II, Item 8 of this document.

 

Principal Products and Uses

Nordson Corporation is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of equipment used for precision dispensing, testing and inspection, surface preparation and curing. Nordson’s technology-based systems can be found in production facilities around the world. Equipment ranges from manual, stand-alone units for low-volume operations to microprocessor-based automated systems for high-speed, high-volume production lines.

 

Nordson markets its products in the United States and in more than 50 other countries, primarily through a direct sales force and also through qualified distributors and sales representatives. Nordson has built a worldwide reputation for its creativity and expertise in the design and engineering of high-technology application equipment that meets the specific needs of its customers.

 

The following is a summary of the products and markets served by the Company’s business segments:

 

 

This segment delivers Nordson proprietary dispensing technology to diverse markets for applications that commonly reduce material consumption, increase line efficiency and enhance product brand and appearance.

 

 

 

This segment integrates Nordson proprietary product technologies found in progressive stages of a customer’s production process, such as surface preparation, precisely controlled dispensing of material onto the surface, curing of dispensed material, bond testing and X-ray inspection to ensure quality. This segment primarily serves the specific needs of electronic and related high-tech industries.

 

 

 

This segment provides both standard and highly-customized equipment used primarily for applying coatings, paint, finishes, sealants and other materials. This segment primarily serves the consumer durables market.

 

 

Manufacturing and Raw Materials

Nordson’s production operations include machining and assembly. The Company manufactures specially designed parts and assembles components into finished equipment. Many components are made in standard modules that can be used in more than one product or in combination with other components for a variety of models. The Company has principal manufacturing operations in the United States in Amherst, Ohio; Norcross, Swainsboro and Dawsonville, Georgia; Carlsbad, California; Robbinsville, New Jersey and East Providence, Rhode Island; as well as in Shanghai and Suzhou, China; Luneburg, Germany; Bangalore, India; Maastricht, The Netherlands and in Slough and Aylesbury, United Kingdom.

 

Principal materials used to make Nordson products are metals and plastics, typically in sheets, bar stock, castings, forgings and tubing. Nordson also purchases many electrical and electronic components, fabricated metal parts, high-pressure fluid hoses, packings, seals and other items integral to its products. Suppliers are competitively selected based on cost, quality and service. All significant raw materials that Nordson uses are available through multiple sources.

 

Nordson’s senior operating executives supervise an extensive quality control program for Nordson equipment, machinery and systems.

 

Natural gas and other fuels are primary energy sources for Nordson. However, standby capacity for alternative sources is available if needed.

 

Intellectual Property

The Company maintains procedures to protect its intellectual property (including patents, trademarks and copyrights) both domestically and internationally. Risk factors associated with the Company’s intellectual property are discussed in Item 1A Risk Factors.

 

Seasonal Variation in Business

Generally, the highest volume of sales occurs in the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter due in large part to the timing of our customers’ capital spending programs. First-quarter sales volume is typically the lowest of the year due to customer holiday shutdowns.

 

Working Capital Practices

No special or unusual practices affect Nordson’s working capital. However, the Company generally requires advance payments as deposits on customized equipment and systems and, in certain cases, requires progress payments during the manufacturing of these products. The Company has initiated a number of new processes focused on reduction of manufacturing lead times. These initiatives have resulted in lower investment in inventory while maintaining the capability to respond promptly to customer needs.

 

Customers

The Company serves a broad customer base, both in terms of industries and geographic regions. The loss of a single or few customers would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. In fiscal 2007, no single customer accounted for 5 percent or more of sales.

 

Backlog

The Company’s backlog of open orders from continuing operations increased to $98,135 at October 31, 2007, from $68,637 at October 31, 2006. The increase can be traced to $14,234 from fiscal 2007 acquisitions in the Advanced Technology Systems segment, $11,658 from base businesses (primarily the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment) and $3,606 from the favorable effects of changes in currency rates. All orders in the fiscal 2007 year-end backlog are expected to be shipped to customers in fiscal 2008.

 

Government Contracts

Nordson’s business neither includes nor depends upon a significant amount of governmental contracts or subcontracts. Therefore, no material part of the Company’s business is subject to renegotiation or termination at the option of the government.

 

Competitive Conditions

Nordson equipment is sold in competition with a wide variety of alternative bonding, sealing, caulking, finishing, coating, testing and inspection techniques. Any production process that requires surface preparation or modification, application of material to a substrate or surface, curing or testing and inspection is a potential use for Nordson equipment.

 

Many factors influence the Company’s competitive position, including pricing, product quality and service. Nordson enjoys a leadership position in its business segments by delivering high-quality, innovative products and technologies, as well as after-the-sale service and technical support. Working with customers to understand their processes and developing the application solutions that help them meet their production requirements also contributes to Nordson’s leadership position. Nordson’s worldwide network of direct sales and technical resources also is a competitive advantage.

 

Research and Development

Investments in research and development are important to Nordson’s long-term growth, enabling the Company to keep pace with changing customer and marketplace needs through the development of new products and new applications for existing products. The Company places strong emphasis on technology developments and improvements through its internal engineering and research teams. Research and development expenses related to continuing operations were approximately $35,432 in fiscal 2007, compared with approximately $25,336 in fiscal 2006 and $22,341 in fiscal 2005.

 

Environmental Compliance

We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign environmental, safety and health laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions to the air, discharges to land and water and the generation, handling, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste and other materials. Under certain of these laws, we can be held strictly liable for hazardous substance contamination of any real property we have ever owned, operated or used as a disposal site or for natural resource damages associated with such contamination. We are also required to maintain various related permits and licenses, many of which require periodic modification and renewal. The operation of manufacturing plants unavoidably entails environmental, safety and health risks, and we could incur material unanticipated costs or liabilities in the future if any of these risks were realized in ways or to an extent that we did not anticipate.

 

We believe that we operate in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations requires continuing management effort and expenditures. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, costs and capital expenditures to comply with these laws and regulations and to obtain and maintain the necessary permits and licenses. We believe that the cost of complying with environmental laws and regulations will not have a material affect on our earnings, liquidity or competitive position, but we cannot assure that material compliance-related costs and expenses may not arise in the future. For example, future adoption of new or amended environmental laws, regulations or requirements or newly discovered contamination or other circumstances that require a response on our part may require us to incur costs and expenses that we cannot presently anticipate.

 

We believe that we have properly designed our policies, practices and procedures to prevent unreasonable risk of material environmental damage arising from our operations. We accrue for estimated environmental liabilities with charges to expense. We believe our environmental accrual is adequate to provide for our portion of the costs of all such known environmental liabilities. Except for the disclosure in Item 3, Legal Proceedings, compliance with federal, state and local environmental protection laws during fiscal 2007 had no material effect on the Company’s capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. Based upon consideration of currently available information, we believe liabilities for environmental matters will not have a material adverse affect on our financial position, operating results or liquidity, but we cannot assure that material environmental liabilities may not arise in the future.

 

Employees

As of October 31, 2007, Nordson had 4,089 full- and part-time employees, including 146 at the Company’s Amherst, Ohio, facility that are represented by a collective bargaining agreement that expires on October 31, 2010. No material work stoppages have been experienced at any of the Company’s facilities during any of the periods covered by this report.

 

Available Information

The Company’s proxy statement, annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (Form 10-K), quarterly reports (Form 10-Q) and current reports (Form 8-K) and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge at http://www.nordson.com/investors/SEC/ as soon as reasonably practical after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. Copies of these reports may also be obtained free of charge by sending written requests to Barbara Price, Manager, Shareholder Relations, Nordson Corporation, 28601 Clemens Road, Westlake, Ohio 44145.

 

 

In an enterprise as diverse and complex as Nordson’s, a wide range of factors could affect future performance. We discuss in this section some of the risk factors that, if they actually occurred, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, value and results of operations. You should consider these risk factors in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K because these factors could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. The risks that we highlight below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that the Company does not presently know about or that the Company currently believes will be immaterial may also affect the Company’s business.

The significant risk factors affecting our operations include the following:

 

Changes in U.S. or international economic conditions could adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.

In fiscal 2007, 31 percent of the Company’s revenue was derived from domestic customers while 69 percent was derived from international customers. The Company’s largest markets include appliance, automotive, bookbinding, construction, container, converting, electronics assembly, food and beverage, furniture, life sciences, medical, metal finishing, nonwovens, packaging and semiconductor. A slowdown in any of these specific end markets could directly affect the Company’s revenue stream and profitability.

 

A portion of our product sales is attributable to industries and markets, such as the semiconductor and metal finishing industries, which historically have been cyclical and sensitive to relative changes in supply and demand and general economic conditions. The demand for our products depends, in part, on the general economic conditions of the industries or national economies of our customers. Downward economic cycles in our customers’ industries or countries may reduce sales of some of our products. It is not possible to predict accurately the factors that will affect demand for our products in the future.

 

Any significant downturn in the health of the general economy, either globally, regionally or in the markets in which we sell products could have an adverse effect on our revenues and financial performance.

 

Political conditions in foreign countries in which we operate could adversely affect us.

The Company conducts its manufacturing, sales and distribution operations on a worldwide basis and is subject to risks associated with doing business outside the United States. In fiscal 2007, approximately 69 percent of our total sales were to customers outside the U.S. We expect that international operations and U.S. export sales will continue to be important to our business for the foreseeable future. Both the sales from international operations and U.S. export sales are subject in varying degrees to risks inherent in doing business outside the United States. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

 

Any of these events could reduce the demand for our products, limit the prices at which we can sell our products, or otherwise have an adverse effect on our operating performance.

 

The inability to continue to develop new products could limit the Company’s revenue and profitability.

Innovation is critical to the Company’s success. We believe that we must continue to enhance our existing products and to develop and manufacture new products with improved capabilities in order to continue to be a market leader. We also believe that we must continue to make improvements in our productivity in order to maintain our competitive position. Our inability to anticipate, respond to or utilize changing technologies could have a material adverse effect on our business and our consolidated results of operations.

Our growth strategy includes acquisitions, and we may not be able to make acquisitions of suitable candidates or integrate acquisitions successfully.

Our recent historical growth has also depended, and our future growth is likely to continue to depend, in large part on our acquisition strategy and the successful integration of acquired businesses into our existing operations. We intend to continue to seek additional acquisition opportunities both to expand into new markets and to enhance our position in existing markets throughout the world. We cannot assure, however, that we will be able to successfully identify suitable candidates, prevail against competing potential acquirers, negotiate appropriate acquisition terms, obtain financing that may be needed to consummate such acquisitions, complete proposed acquisitions, successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing operations or expand into new markets. In addition, we cannot assure that any acquisition, once successfully integrated, will perform as planned, be accretive to earnings, or prove to be beneficial to our operations and cash flow.

 

The success of any acquisition is subject to other risks and uncertainties, including:

 

 

In addition, an acquisition could adversely impact the Company’s operating performance as a result of the incurrence of acquisition-related debt, acquisition expenses, or the amortization of acquisition-acquired assets.

 

We may also face liability with respect to acquired businesses for violations under environmental laws occurring prior to the date of our acquisition, and some or all of these liabilities may not be covered by environmental insurance secured to mitigate the risk or by indemnification from the sellers from which we acquired these businesses. We could also incur significant costs, including, but not limited to, remediation costs, natural resources damages, civil or criminal fines and sanctions and third-party claims, as a result of past or future violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws.

 

Our inability to protect our intellectual property rights could adversely affect product sales and financial performance.

Difficulties in acquiring and maintaining our intellectual property rights could also adversely affect the Company’s business and financial position. Our performance may depend in part on our ability to establish, protect and enforce intellectual property rights with respect to our patented technologies and proprietary rights and to defend against any claims of infringement. These activities involve complex and constantly evolving legal, scientific and factual questions and uncertainties. The Company’s ability to compete effectively with other companies depends in part on its ability to maintain and enforce the Company’s patents and other proprietary rights, which are essential to its business. These measures afford only limited protection and may not in all cases prevent our competitors from gaining access to our intellectual property and proprietary information.

Litigation has been and may continue to be necessary to enforce the Company’s intellectual property rights, to protect the Company’s trade secrets and to determine the validity and scope of the Company’s proprietary rights. In addition, we may face claims of infringement that could interfere with our ability to use technology or other intellectual property rights that are material to our business operations. If litigation that we initiate is unsuccessful, we may not be able to protect the value of some of our intellectual property. If a claim of infringement against us is successful, we may be required to pay royalties or license fees to continue to use technology or other intellectual property rights that we have been using or we may be unable to obtain necessary licenses from third parties at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable time. If we are unable to timely obtain licenses on reasonable terms, we may be forced to cease selling or using any of our products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property, or to redesign or, in the case of trademark claims, rename our products to avoid infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. This may not always be possible or, if possible, may be time consuming and expensive. Intellectual property litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could be expensive to us and divert some of our resources. Our intellectual property rights may not be as valuable as we believe, which could result in a competitive disadvantage or adversely affect our business and financial performance.

 

Significant movements in foreign currency exchange rates or change in monetary policy may harm our financial results.

We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly with respect to the Euro, the British Pound and the Yen. Any significant change in the value of the currencies of the countries in which we do business against the U.S. dollar could affect our ability to sell products competitively and control our cost structure, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For additional detail related to this risk, see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

 

The majority of our consolidated revenues in fiscal 2007 were generated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which is our reporting currency. We recognize foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from our operations in the period incurred. As a result, currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which we do business have caused and will continue to cause foreign currency transaction and translation gains and losses, which historically have been material and could continue to be material. We cannot predict the effects of exchange rate fluctuations upon our future operating results because of the number of currencies involved, the variability of currency exposures and the potential volatility of currency exchange rates. We take actions to manage our foreign currency exposure, such as entering into hedging transactions, where available, but we cannot assure that our strategies will adequately protect our consolidated operating results from the effects of exchange rate fluctuations.

 

We also face risks arising from the imposition of exchange controls and currency devaluations. Exchange controls may limit our ability to convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars or to remit dividends and other payments by our foreign subsidiaries or customers located in or conducting business in a country imposing controls. Currency devaluations diminish the U.S. dollar value of the currency of the country instituting the devaluation and, if they occur or continue for significant periods, could adversely affect our earnings or cash flow.

Inability to access capital could impede growth.

The limits imposed on us by the restrictive covenants contained in our credit facilities could prevent us from making acquisitions or capital improvements or cause us to lose access to these facilities.

 

Our existing credit facilities contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to, among other things:

 

 

In addition, our credit facilities require us to meet financial ratios, including debt to consolidated EBITDA (both as defined in the credit facility) and consolidated EBITDA to interest expense (as defined in the credit facility).

 

These restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet extraordinary capital needs and could otherwise restrict our financing activities.

 

Our ability to comply with the covenants and other terms of our credit facilities will depend on our future operating performance. If we fail to comply with such covenants and terms, we will be in default and the maturity of the related debt could be accelerated and become immediately due and payable. We may be required to obtain waivers from our lenders in order to maintain compliance under our credit facilities, including waivers with respect to our compliance with certain financial covenants. If we are unable to obtain any necessary waivers and the debt under our credit facilities is accelerated, our financial condition would be adversely affected.

 

We may need new or additional financing in the future to expand our business or refinance existing indebtedness. If we are unable to access capital on satisfactory terms and conditions, we may not be able to expand our business or meet our payment requirements under our existing credit facilities. Our ability to obtain new or additional financing will depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. We may not be able to obtain new or additional financing because we have substantial debt or because we may not have sufficient cash flow to service or repay our existing or future debt. In addition, depending on market conditions and our financial performance, equity financing may not be available on satisfactory terms or at all.

 

We could be adversely affected by rapid changes in interest rates.

Any period of unexpected or rapid increase in interest rates may also adversely affect our profitability. At October 31, 2007, we had $346,939 of total debt outstanding, of which approximately 86 percent was priced at interest rates that float with the market. A 1 percent increase in the interest rate on the floating rate debt in fiscal 2007 would have resulted in approximately $2,313 of additional interest expense. A higher level of floating rate debt would increase the exposure discussed above. For additional detail related to this risk, see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

 

The Company may, from time to time, post financial or other information on its Web site, http://www.nordson.com/Investors/. The Internet address is for informational purposes only and is not intended for use as a hyperlink. The Company is not incorporating any material on its Web site into this Report.

 

 

None.

 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s principal properties as of its fiscal 2007 year end.

 

 

 

Business Segment — Property Identification Legend

 

1 — Adhesive Dispensing Systems

 

2 — Advanced Technology Systems

 

3 — Industrial Coating and Automotive Systems

 

a — During fiscal 2007, the Company sold its 75,000 square foot complex in East Providence, Rhode Island and its 44,000 square foot facility in Lincoln, Rhode Island and purchased a 116,000 square foot facility in East Providence, Rhode Island. The two sold properties are being leased back and used for production until the newly purchased facility is ready for use. At that time, the lease will be terminated.

 

The facilities listed above have adequate, suitable and sufficient capacity (production and nonproduction) to meet present and foreseeable demand for the Company’s products.

 

Other properties at international subsidiary locations and at branch locations within the United States are leased. Lease terms do not exceed 25 years and generally contain a provision for cancellation with some penalty at an earlier date.

In addition, the Company leases equipment under various operating and capitalized leases. Information about leases is reported in Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements that can be found in Part II, Item 8 of this document.

 

 

Environmental — The Company has voluntarily agreed with the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin and other Potentially Responsible Parties (“PRP”) to share costs associated with the remediation of the City of New Richmond municipal landfill (the “Site”) and constructing a potable water delivery system serving the impacted area down gradient of the Site.

 

The Feasibility Study/Remedial Investigation for this project was completed and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“WDNR”) in September 2006. The Company accrued $2,835 of expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2006, its best estimate of its obligation. This amount was recorded in selling and administrative expenses. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the PRPs signed an Environmental Repair Contract with the WDNR. The estimated cost to the Company for Site remediation, constructing a potable water delivery system and ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring (“OM&M”) at the Site and the impacted area down gradient of the Site over the statutory monitoring period of 30 years is $3,008. The amount recorded in accrued liabilities is $1,858, and the remaining $1,150 of the liability is classified as long-term.

 

The liability for environmental remediation represents management’s best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable undiscounted costs related to known remediation obligations. The accuracy of the Company’s estimate of environmental liability is affected by several uncertainties such as additional requirements that may be identified in connection with remedial activities, the complexity and evolution of environmental laws and regulations, and the identification of presently unknown remediation requirements. Consequently, the Company’s liability could be greater than its current estimate. However, the Company does not expect that the costs associated with remediation will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

In addition, the Company is involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Based on current information, the Company does not expect that the ultimate resolution of pending and threatened legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. The Company is not involved in any other legal proceedings that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 103 of Regulation S-K.

 

 

None.

 

Executive Officers of the Company

 

The executive officers of the Company as of October 31, 2007, were as follows:

 

 

PART II

 

 

Market Information and Dividends

(a) The Company’s Common Shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol NDSN. As of November 30, 2007, there were approximately 2,040 registered shareholders. The table below is a summary of dividends paid per Common Share, the range of market prices, and average price-earnings ratios with respect to common shares, during each quarter of fiscal years 2007 and 2006. The price-earnings ratios reflect average market prices relative to trailing four-quarter total earnings per share from continuing operations.

 

 

(b) Use of Proceeds. Not applicable.

 

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

Performance Graph

The following is a graph that compares the five-year cumulative return from investing $100 on November 1, 2002 in each of Nordson Common Shares, the MidCap 400 Index and the S&P MidCap 400 Industrial Machinery Index. Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
INDEXED RETURNS

 

 

Five-Year Summary

 

 

 

 

(c) Income from continuing operations as a percentage of shareholders’ equity

 

In this annual report, all amounts related to U.S. and foreign currency and to the number of shares of Nordson Corporation Common Shares, except for per share earnings and dividend amounts, are expressed in thousands.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company’s management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the accounting policies and estimates it uses to prepare financial statements. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. Actual amounts and results could differ from these estimates used by management.

 

Certain accounting policies that require significant management estimates and are deemed critical to the Company’s results of operations or financial position are discussed below. On a regular basis, the Company reviews critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the board of directors.

 

Revenue Recognition — Most of the Company’s revenues are recognized upon shipment, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer. Revenues from contracts with multiple element arrangements, such as those including installation or other services, are recognized as each element is earned based on objective evidence of the relative fair value of each element. If the installation or other services are inconsequential to the functionality of the delivered product, the entire amount of revenue is recognized upon satisfaction of the criteria noted above. Inconsequential installation or other services are those that can generally be completed in a short period of time, at insignificant cost, and the skills required to complete these installations are not unique to the Company. If installation or other services are essential to the functionality of the delivered product, revenues attributable to these obligations are deferred until completed. Amounts received in excess of revenue recognized are included as deferred revenue within accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. Revenues deferred in fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 were not material.

 

Goodwill — Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. At October 31, 2007, and October 31, 2006, goodwill represented 47 percent and 40 percent, respectively, of the Company’s total assets. The majority of the goodwill resulted from the acquisition of Dage Holdings, Limited in fiscal 2007 and EFD Inc. in fiscal 2001. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level, or more often if indications of impairment exist. The estimated fair value of a reporting unit is determined by applying appropriate discount rates to estimated future cash flows and terminal value amounts for the reporting units. The results of the Company’s analyses indicated no impairment of goodwill exists.

 

Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for 28 percent of the Company’s consolidated inventories at October 31, 2007, and 37 percent at October 31, 2006, with the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method used for the remaining inventory. On an ongoing basis, the Company tests its inventory for technical obsolescence, as well as for future demand and changes in market conditions. The Company has historically maintained inventory reserves to reflect those conditions when the cost of inventory is not expected to be recovered. The Company also maintains inventory reserves for inventory used for demonstration purposes. Amounts expensed related to inventory reserves were $2,725, $2,210 and $2,896 in fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The reserve balance was $11,117, $7,499 and $7,126 at the end of fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The fiscal 2007 increase is traced to acquisitions and currency changes.

 

Pension Plans and Postretirement Medical Plan — The measurement of liabilities related to the Company’s pension plans and postretirement medical plan is based on management’s assumptions related to future factors,

including interest rates, return on pension plan assets, compensation increases, mortality and turnover assumptions and health care cost trend rates.

 

Effective October 31, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R) (FAS 158). This Statement requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit post-retirement plans in their balance sheets. This amount is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation of the plans (the projected benefit obligation for pension plans and the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for other post-retirement plans). Changes in the funded status of the plans are recognized in the year in which the change occurs through accumulated other comprehensive income. Under FAS 158, gains and losses, prior service costs and credits, and any remaining transition amounts under FAS No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions and FAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, that have not yet been recognized through net periodic benefit cost are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax effects.

 

The weighted-average discount rate used to determine the present value of the Company’s domestic pension plan obligations was 6.25 percent at October 31, 2007, compared to 6.00 percent at October 31, 2006. The discount rate for these plans, which comprised 75 percent of the worldwide pension obligations at October 31, 2007, was based on quality fixed income investments with a duration period approximately equal to the period over which pension obligations are expected to be settled. The weighted-average discount rate used to determine the present value of the Company’s various international pension plan obligations was 5.00 percent at October 31, 2007, compared to 4.28 percent at October 31, 2006. The discount rates used for the international plans were determined by using quality fixed income investments.

 

In determining the expected return on plan assets, the Company considers both historical performance and an estimate of future long-term rates of return on assets similar to those in the Company’s plans. The Company consults with and considers the opinions of financial and actuarial experts in developing appropriate return assumptions. The expected rate of return (long-term investment rate) on domestic pension assets was 8.48 percent for fiscal year 2007 8.50 percent for fiscal 2006. The average expected rate of return on international pension assets decreased to 4.99 percent in fiscal 2007 from 5.41 percent in fiscal 2006.

 

The assumed rate of compensation increases for domestic employees was 3.30 percent in fiscal 2007, the same as fiscal 2006. The assumed rate of compensation increases for international employees was 3.36 percent in fiscal 2007, compared to 3.13 percent in fiscal 2006.

 

Annual expense amounts are determined based on the discount rate used at the end of the prior year. Differences between actual and assumed investment returns on pension plan assets result in actuarial gains or losses that are amortized into expense over a period of years.

 

With respect to the domestic postretirement medical plan, the discount rate used to value the benefit obligation increased from 6.00 percent at October 31, 2006, to 6.25 percent at October 31, 2007. The annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (the health care cost trend rate) is assumed to be 8.00 percent in fiscal 2008, decreasing gradually to 5.00 percent in fiscal 2011. The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects:

 

 

Employees hired after January 1, 2002, are not eligible to participate in the domestic postretirement medical plan.

 

The Company expects that pension and postretirement expenses in fiscal 2008 will be approximately $2,000 lower than fiscal 2007, primarily reflecting changes in actuarial assumptions.

Financial Instruments — Assets, liabilities and commitments that are to be settled in cash and are denominated in foreign currencies are sensitive to changes in currency exchange rates. The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts, which are derivative financial instruments, to reduce the risk of foreign currency exposures resulting from the collection of receivables, payables and loans denominated in foreign currencies. The maturities of these contracts are usually less than 90 days. Forward contracts are marked to market each accounting period, and the resulting gains or losses are included in “other — net” within other income (expense) on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

Warranties — The Company provides customers with a product warranty that requires the Company to repair or replace defective products within a specified period of time (generally one year) from the date of delivery or first use. An accrual is recorded for expected warranty costs for products shipped through the end of each accounting period. In determining the amount of the accrual, the Company relies primarily on historical warranty claims by product sold. Amounts charged to the warranty reserve were $5,702, $6,092 and $4,090 in fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The reserve balance was $5,784, $4,917 and $3,989 at the end of fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (LTIP) — Under the long-term incentive compensation plan, executive officers and selected other employees receive cash or stock payouts based solely on corporate performance measures over three-year performance periods. Payouts vary based on the degree to which corporate performance equals or exceeds predetermined threshold, target and maximum performance levels at the end of a performance period. No payout will occur unless the Company equals or exceeds certain threshold performance objectives.

 

For the fiscal 2005-2007 performance period, payouts will be in cash based upon the share price of the Company’s Common Shares on October 31, 2007.

 

Over the three-year performance period, costs were accrued based upon current performance projections for the three-year period and the percentage of the requisite service that has been rendered, along with changes in value of the Company’s Common Shares. The method of estimating accrual amounts was revised upon adoption of FAS 123(R), however the cumulative effect of the change was not material. The accrual for this performance period continues to be classified as accrued liabilities. At October 31, 2007, the liability for the plan originating in fiscal 2005 was $3,590.

 

For the fiscal 2006-2008 and the fiscal 2007-2009 performance periods, payouts will be in Common Shares. The amount of compensation expense is based upon current performance projections for each three-year period and the percentage of the requisite service that has been rendered. The calculation is also based upon the weighted-average value of the Company’s Common Shares at the dates of grant. These payouts are recorded as capital in excess of stated value in shareholders’ equity. The amount recorded at October 31, 2007 for the plans originating in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 was $4,721.

 

Compensation expense attributable to all LTIP performance periods for fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $4,606, $5,456 and $4,237, respectively.

 

Discontinued Operations

On October 13, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its Fiber Systems Group to Saurer Ltd. for $5,966. The Fiber Systems Group was acquired in fiscal 1998 as part of the acquisition of J&M Laboratories as a means of expanding the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment. However, due to the changing competitive environment, the Fiber Systems Group did not meet the Company’s financial performance objectives. The sale enabled the Company to concentrate its activities on better performing or faster growing product lines. Proceeds of $5,411 were received on the closing date, with the remaining $555 to be paid over an 18-month period following the closing date. In accordance with FASB Statement of Accounting Standards No. 144, the results of this business have been classified as discontinued operations. Accordingly, the revenues, costs and expenses, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of this business have been segregated in the Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Sales of the discontinued operations were $5,919 and $6,983 for fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. The net loss from operations was $9,882 and $6,172 for fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively. Included in the fiscal 2006 loss from discontinued operations was severance expense of $699 related to 27 employees of the Fiber Systems Group that were not hired by Saurer Ltd. Also, included in the fiscal 2006 loss from discontinued operations is the recognition of an impairment of an intangible asset of $2,630. A gain of $2,813 was recognized on the sale of the assets. The net tax benefit of $1,872 on disposal is the result of $2,867 tax expense on one-time gains resulting from the disposal, offset by $4,739 tax benefit resulting from an excess of tax basis over book basis in Fiber Systems Group assets.

 

Fiscal Years 2007 and 2006

Sales — Worldwide sales for fiscal 2007 were $993,649, an increase of 11.4 percent from fiscal 2006 sales of $892,221. Acquisitions accounted for 7.9 percentage points of the growth, while sales volume of base businesses increased 0.1 percent. Favorable currency effects caused by the weaker U.S. dollar increased sales by an additional 3.4 percent.

 

Historically, the Company reported its results in three operating segments: Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Advanced Technology Systems, and Finishing and Coating Systems. In the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company announced an organizational restructuring in which the portion of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment serving the automotive industry was combined with the Finishing and Coating Systems segment to form the newly named Industrial Coating and Automotive Systems segment. The operations of this segment are headquartered in Amherst, Ohio, are managed by the same executive and share certain resources (engineering, sales and factories). Prior fiscal year results have been reclassified to reflect the segment change.

 

All three segments reported higher sales volume in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. Sales of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment were $509,568 in fiscal 2007, an increase of $30,710, or 6.4 percent, from fiscal 2006. Sales volume was up 1.7 percent, while currency effects increased reported sales by 4.7 percent. The increase in sales volume can be traced to higher system sales in several geographic regions, most notably Asia Pacific. Sales of the Advanced Technology Systems segment were $300,719 in fiscal 2007, an increase of $61,461, or 25.7 percent from fiscal 2006. Acquisitions generated a volume increase of 29.3 percent, while sales volume of base product lines was down 5.0 percent. Favorable currency translation rates contributed 1.4 percent to sales growth within this segment. Sales within this segment were impacted by weakness in the semiconductor and electronic assembly markets. Industrial Coating and Automotive Systems segment sales in fiscal 2007 were $183,362, an increase of $9,257, or 5.3 percent, from the prior year. This increase can be traced to a volume increase of 2.7 percent and favorable currency effects of 2.6 percent. The volume increase can be traced to higher system sales in Japan and Asia Pacific.

 

It is estimated that the effect of pricing on total revenue was neutral relative to the prior year.

 

Sales outside the United States accounted for 69.3 percent of total fiscal 2007 sales, up from 67.4 percent in fiscal 2006. Sales volume in fiscal 2007 exceeded that of fiscal 2006 in all five geographic regions, largely driven by acquisitions. Sales volume was up 14.1 percent in Japan, 11.4 percent in the Americas, 11.3 percent in Asia, 7.2 percent in Europe and 4.7 percent in the United States. Currency affects favorably impacted sales in the Americas, Asia and Europe regions but negatively impacted sales in Japan.

 

Operating profit — Cost of sales in fiscal 2007 was $439,804, up 15.8 percent from fiscal 2006, due primarily to the increase in sales volume. Currency effects increased cost of sales by 2.8 percent. Gross margins, expressed as a percent of sales, decreased to 55.7 percent in fiscal 2007 from 57.4 percent in fiscal 2006. The fiscal 2007 percentage was negatively impacted by short-term inventory purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisitions that reduced the margin percentage by approximately 0.9 percent. These adjustments were partially offset by favorable currency effects that increased the gross margin rate by 0.3 percent. Changes in product mix also contributed to the overall margin percentage decrease.

 

Selling and administrative expenses, excluding severance and restructuring costs, were $401,294 in fiscal 2007, an increase of $39,115, or 10.8 percent, from fiscal 2006. Acquisitions and associated purchase accounting adjustments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets increased selling and administrative expenses by 6.9 percent,

and currency translation effects increased these expenses by 2.8 percent. The remainder of the increase was largely due to higher compensation and product development costs. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 40.4 percent in fiscal 2007 from 40.6 percent in fiscal 2006, reflecting ongoing Lean efforts and revenue increases that were supported by existing capacity.

 

Operating profit margins, expressed as a percent of sales, decreased to 15.3 percent in fiscal 2007 from 16.5 percent in fiscal 2006. Purchase accounting adjustments for inventory; property, plant and equipment; and intangible assets associated with fiscal 2007 acquisitions reduced operating profit margins by 1.2 percent.

 

Segment operating profit margins in fiscal years 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 

 

Operating capacity for each of our segments can support increases or decreases in order activity without significant changes in operating costs. Also, currency translation affects reported operating margins. Operating margins for each of our segments were favorably impacted from a weaker dollar during the year.

 

Operating profit as a percentage of sales for the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment was 23.2 percent, up from 22.8 percent in fiscal 2006. The increase can be traced to the increased sales volume and to favorable currency rates. In March 2007, the Company announced that it would close a manufacturing operation located in Talladega, Alabama and move production activities to other Nordson facilities that are closer to supplier locations. Total severance costs for the 36 affected employees will be approximately $541 and are being recorded over the future service period of April 2007 through March 2008. The expense amount recorded in fiscal 2007 was $433.

 

During fiscal 2006, the Company realigned the management of its Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment, which resulted in the elimination of nine positions. These actions better positioned the segment to achieve its growth objectives. Total costs recorded in fiscal 2006 attributable to the position eliminations were $429.

 

Operating profit as a percentage of sales for the Advanced Technology Systems segment decreased to 13.5 percent in fiscal 2007 from 23.8 percent in fiscal 2006. The operating profit of this segment was impacted by approximately $11,800 of purchase accounting adjustments for inventory; property, plant and equipment; and intangible assets related to the fiscal 2007 acquisitions and by reduced demand in certain end markets, which resulted in lower absorption of fixed expenses. Sales mix also contributed to the decrease in the operating profit percentage from the prior year. In an effort to improve efficiencies in operations serving the curing and drying market, the Company eliminated 13 positions in the Advanced Technology Systems segment second half of fiscal 2006. Total costs attributable to the position eliminations were $380.

 

Operating profit as a percentage of sales for the Industrial Coating and Automotive Systems segment was 9.6 percent in fiscal 2007, up from 5.9 percent in fiscal 2006. The improvement in the operating profit percentage is primarily due to sales volume increasing at a rate greater than operating costs. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company began a number of restructuring actions to improve performance and reduce costs in this segment. These actions, which included operational consolidations and approximately 60 personnel reductions, were completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. As a result of these actions, this segment now operates with lower costs and improved operating performance. The fiscal 2006 results include $1,818 of severance and restructuring costs.

 

Interest and other income (expense) — Interest expense in fiscal 2007 was $21,542, an increase $9,525, or 79.3 percent from fiscal 2006 due to higher borrowing levels resulting from the four acquisitions made during fiscal 2007. Interest and investment income in fiscal 2007 was $1,505, down from $1,867 in the prior year. The prior year amount included income of $898 from an income tax refund. Other income was $3,617 in fiscal 2007, as opposed to other expense of $1,031 in fiscal 2006. The current year amount included a $3,038 gain on the sale-leaseback of real estate. Included in other income (expense) are currency losses of $1,028 in fiscal 2007 and $1,796 in fiscal 2006.

Income taxes — The Company’s effective income tax rate on continuing operations was 33.2 percent in fiscal 2007, up from 28.4 percent in fiscal 2006. The fiscal 2006 rate reflects the approval by the Joint Committee on Taxation of an income tax refund of approximately $3,100. The increase in the effective tax rate is also due to higher tax rates on foreign income and a lower extraterritorial income exclusion.

 

Net income — Income from continuing operations was $90,692, or $2.65 per diluted share in fiscal 2007. This compares to income from continuing operations of $97,667, or $2.86 per diluted share in fiscal 2006. This represents a 7.1 percent decrease in income from continuing operations and a 7.3 percent decrease in earnings per share from continuing operations. Net income, including discontinued operations, was $90,598, or $2.65 per diluted share in fiscal 2006.

 

Recently issued accounting standards — In May 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” (FAS 154). This Statement replaces Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes,” and FASB Statement No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements,” and changes the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. FAS 154 applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principles and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when specific transition provisions are not provided. The Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements for changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine the period specific or cumulative effect of the change. The Company adopted FAS 154 in fiscal 2007. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

 

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (FIN 48) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertain income tax positions that are recognized in a company’s financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on financial statement classification, accounting for interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods and new disclosure requirements. The Company will adopt FIN 48 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The Company has not yet determined the impact of adoption on its results of operations or financial position.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157). This Statement provides a common definition of fair value and establishes a framework to make the measurement of fair value in generally accepted accounting principles more consistent and comparable. It also requires expanded disclosures to provide information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the methods and assumptions used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measures on earnings. FAS 157 is effective for the Company’s 2009 fiscal year, although early adoption is permitted. The Company has not yet determined the impact of adoption on its results of operations or financial position.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (FAS 158) an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R). This Statement requires an entity to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur in other comprehensive income. This Statement also requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position. As discussed in Note 4, the Company adopted the requirement to recognize the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans and the disclosure requirements of FAS 158 as of October 31, 2007. The effect of adopting FAS 158 on individual line items of the Company’s balance sheet is disclosed in Note 4. The adoption did not impact the Company’s results of operations or cash flows. The Company previously complied with the requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date its fiscal year-end statement of financial position.

 

In September 2006, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (SAB 108). SAB 108 was issued in order to eliminate the diversity in practice surrounding how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements. SAB 108 requires that registrants quantify errors using both a balance sheet and income statement approach and evaluate whether either approach results in a misstated amount that, when all relevant quantitative

and qualitative factors are considered, is material. The Company adopted SAB 108 in fiscal 2007. The adoption had no effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (FAS 159). This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and report unrealized gains and losses on these instruments in earnings. The Company must adopt FAS 159 in fiscal 2009 and has not yet determined the impact of adoption on its results of operations or financial position.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (FAS 141(R)). This Statement provides greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations. It requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction, establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and requires the acquirer to disclose the nature and financial effect of the business combination. The Company must adopt FAS 141(R) in fiscal 2010 and has not yet determined the impact of adoption on its results of operations or financial position.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (FAS 160). This Statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The Company must adopt FAS 160 in fiscal 2010 and has not yet determined the impact of adoption on its results of operations or financial position.

 

Fiscal Years 2006 and 2005

Sales — Worldwide sales for fiscal 2006 were $892,221, an increase of 7.2 percent from fiscal 2005 sales of $832,179. Sales volume increased 8.5 percent, offset by unfavorable currency effects of 1.3 percent related to the stronger U.S. dollar.

 

The Company is organized into three business segments: Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Advanced Technology Systems and Industrial Coating and Automotive Systems. All three reported higher sales volume in fiscal 2006 compared to fiscal 2005. Sales of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment were $478,959 in fiscal 2006, an increase of $19,563, or 4.3 percent, from fiscal 2005. Sales volume was up 6.3 percent, while currency effects reduced reported sales by 2.0 percent. Sales of the Advanced Technology Systems segment were $239,258 in fiscal 2006, an increase of $39,451, or 19.7 percent from fiscal 2005. Sales volume increased 20.1 percent, while currency effects reduced sales by 0.4 percent. Within this segment, the sales volume increase was attributable to strength in the electronics market in Asia Pacific. Industrial Coating and Automotive Systems segment sales in fiscal 2006 were $174,105, an increase of $1,028, or 0.6 percent, from the prior year. This increase can be traced to a volume increase of 1.4 percent offset by negative currency effects of 0.8 percent. Volume increases were seen throughout this segment, except for automotive, with liquid system sales being particularly strong. It is estimated that the effect of pricing on total revenue was neutral relative to the prior year.

 

Sales outside the United States accounted for 67.4 percent of total fiscal 2006 sales, up slightly from 66.5 percent in fiscal 2005. Sales volume in fiscal 2006 exceeded that of fiscal 2005 in all five geographic regions, with the largest increase generated in the Asia Pacific region, where sales volume increased 27.4 percent. Sales volume was up 4.4 percent in the United States, 6.8 percent in the Americas, 7.6 percent in Europe and 3.8 percent in Japan. These increases can be traced largely to the Advanced Technology Systems segment.

 

Operating profit — Cost of sales in fiscal 2006 was $379,800, up 4.7 percent from fiscal 2005, due primarily to a volume increase of 5.5 percent, offset by currency effects that reduced cost of sales by 0.8 percent. Gross margins, expressed as a percent of sales, increased to 57.4 percent in fiscal 2006 from 56.4 percent in fiscal 2005. The increase was driven by favorable product mix and productivity improvements. Currency effects reduced the margin rate by approximately 0.3 percent.

Selling and administrative expenses were $362,179 in fiscal 2006, an increase of $24,397, or 7.2 percent, from fiscal 2005. The increase is primarily due to compensation increases and higher employee benefit costs. Other charges totaling $6,510 for stock option expense and for remediation costs related to a Wisconsin landfill also impacted fiscal 2006 selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses were 40.6 percent of sales in both fiscal years 2006 and 2005, reflecting ongoing Lean efforts and revenue increases that were supported by existing capacity. Currency effects reduced selling and administrative expenses by 1.0 percent.

 

Effective in fiscal 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method, resulting in stock option expenses of $3,675 for the year. Under the modified prospective transition method, compensation costs in fiscal 2006 include cost for options granted prior to but not vested as of October 31, 2005, and unvested options granted in fiscal 2006. Compensation expense is being recognized in selling and administrative expenses on a straight-line basis over the total requisite service period of each option grant. Prior to fiscal 2006, the Company accounted for its stock options under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” No stock option expense was reflected in net income, as all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying Common Shares on the date of grant.

 

The Company has voluntarily agreed with the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin and other Potentially Responsible Parties (“PRP”) to share costs associated with the remediation of the City of New Richmond municipal landfill (the “Site”) and providing clean drinking water to the affected residential properties down gradient of the Site. The Feasibility Study / Remedial Investigation for this project was completed and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“WDNR”) in September 2006. The Company accrued $2,835 of expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2006, its best estimate of its obligation with respect to remediation of the Site and constructing a potable water delivery system serving the impacted area down gradient of the Site. This amount was recorded in selling and administrative expenses.

 

Operating profit margins, expressed as a percent of sales, were 16.5 percent in fiscal 2006 compared to 15.7 percent in fiscal 2005. Segment operating profit margins in fiscal years 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

 

Operating capacity for each of our segments can support increases or decreases in order activity without significant changes in operating costs. Also, currency translation affects reported operating margins. Operating margins for each of our segments were negatively impacted from a stronger dollar during the year.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company realigned the management of its Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment, which resulted in the elimination of nine positions. These actions better positioned the segment to achieve its growth objectives. Total costs attributed to the position eliminations were $429.

 

Sales volume of the Advanced Technology Systems segment improved at a rate greater than operating costs, resulting in an increase in the operating profit percentage. In an effort to improve efficiencies in operations serving the curing and drying market, the Company eliminated 13 positions in the Advanced Technology Systems segment second half of fiscal 2006. Total severance costs of $380 were paid in fiscal 2006.

 

The improvement in the Industrial Coating and Automotive Systems segment operating profit is primarily due to sales volume increasing at a rate greater than operating costs. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company began a number of restructuring actions to improve performance and reduce costs in this segment. These actions, which included operational consolidations and approximately 60 personnel reductions, were completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. As a result of these actions, resources are more effectively aligned with shifting patterns of global demands, enabling the segment to operate both with lower costs and better capability to serve customers in the faster growing emerging markets. Total restructuring costs were $2,693, of which $875 was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, and the remainder was recorded in fiscal 2006.

Substantially all of the $2,693 of expense was associated with cash expenditures for severance payments to terminated employees.

 

Interest and other income (expense) — Interest expense in fiscal 2006 was $12,017, a decrease of 13.1 percent from fiscal 2005 due to lower borrowing levels. Interest and investment income in fiscal 2006 was $1,867, up from $1,826 in the prior year. Interest income of $898 on an income tax refund in fiscal 2006 was offset by lower interest income from cash equivalents and marketable securities. Other expense was $1,031 in fiscal 2006, as opposed to other income of $1,586 in fiscal 2005. Included in these amounts were currency losses of $1,796 in fiscal 2006, and $705 in fiscal 2005.

 

Income taxes — The Company’s effective income tax rate on continuing operations was 28.4 percent in fiscal 2006, down from 29.7 percent in fiscal 2005. The fiscal 2006 rate reflects the approval by the Joint Committee on Taxation of an income tax refund of approximately $3,100, which was treated as a discrete event in the third quarter. The fiscal 2005 tax rate was impacted by the reversal of a valuation allowance on foreign tax credits of $7,367, offset somewhat by a lower extraterritorial income exclusion and a higher state income tax provision.

 

Net income — Income from continuing operations was $97,667, or $2.86 per diluted share in fiscal 2006. This compares to income from continuing operations of $84,510, or $2.31 per diluted share in fiscal 2005. This represents a 15.6 percent increase in income from continuing operations and a 23.8 percent increase in earnings per share from continuing operations. The per-share increase was impacted by the repurchase of approximately 10 percent of the Company’s outstanding common shares in September 2005. Net income, including discontinued operations was $90,598, or $2.65 per diluted share in fiscal 2006, compared to $78,338, or $2.14 per diluted share in fiscal 2005.

 

Liquidity, Capital Expenditures and Sources of Capital

During fiscal 2007 the Company made four acquisitions that used cash of $325,245. Existing lines of credit and cash were used for the purchases. These transactions were the primary reason for the decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $17,723 during fiscal 2007.

 

Cash generated by operations in fiscal 2007 was $124,248, up from $120,024 last year. The primary sources of cash were net income and non-cash expenses offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities. The increase in year-end receivables is traced to significantly higher sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. The inventory increase is primarily due to acquisitions. Net long-term deferred taxes decreased during fiscal 2007 largely as a result of recording deferred tax liabilities related to acquisition purchase accounting adjustments. Other noncurrent assets increased due to the funding of a deferred compensation obligation.

 

In fiscal 2007, the Company adopted FAS 158. This Statement requires an entity to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur in other comprehensive income. The adoption of FAS 158 resulted in an increase of $25,384 in long-term pension and retirement obligations, an increase of $13,113 in postretirement obligations and a decrease of $8,895 in current liabilities. Within long-term liabilities, other liabilities increased primarily due to higher deferred compensation.

 

Cash used by investing activities was $348,109 in fiscal 2007, compared to $7,195 in fiscal 2006. In addition to acquisitions, which used $325,245 of cash, capital expenditures increased from $13,610 last year to $31,017 in fiscal 2007. Included in the capital expenditures are the purchase of two buildings, one in the U.S. and one in China. The building purchased in the U.S. permits the consolidation of the Company’s Rhode Island operations into one location. The building purchased in China replaced a leased facility also located in China. The remainder of the fiscal 2007 capital expenditures was concentrated on global information systems and on machinery and equipment in China. In fiscal 2006, cash of $5,411 was generated from the sale of the Fiber Systems Group.

 

Cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2007 was $202,224. Net proceeds of $281,293 from short-term borrowings were used for four acquisitions, capital expenditures, scheduled repayments of $54,290 of long-term debt, dividend payments to shareholders of $23,481, and the repurchase $9,090 of the Company’s Common Shares. Total dividend payments increased $1,109 from fiscal 2006 due to an increase in the per-share amount of 4.5 percent from fiscal 2006. Issuance of Common Shares related to the exercise of stock options generated $9,264 of cash.

The following table summarizes the Company’s obligations as of October 31, 2007:

 

 

*Pension and postretirement plan funding amounts after fiscal 2008 will be determined based on the future funded status of the plans and therefore cannot be estimated at this time.

 

Nordson has various lines of credit with both domestic and foreign banks. At October 31, 2007, these lines totaled $515,393, of which $215,584 was unused. Included in the total amount of $515,393 was a $400,000 unsecured, multicurrency credit facility with a group of banks that was entered into in July 2007 and expires in fiscal 2012. This facility may be increased by $100,000 to $500,000 under certain conditions and replaced the Company’s existing $300,000 facility that was scheduled to expire in fiscal 2009. At the end of fiscal 2007, $280,000 was outstanding under this facility, while there were no borrowings outstanding under the previous facility at the end of fiscal 2006. There are two primary financial covenants that the Company must meet under the new facility. The first covenant limits the amount of additional debt the Company can incur to 3.5 times EBITDA (both debt and EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement). At the end of fiscal 2007, this covenant would not have limited the amount the Company could borrow under this facility. The second covenant requires EBITDA to be at least three times interest expense (both as defined in the credit agreement). For fiscal 2007, EBITDA was 9.0 times interest expense. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at October 31, 2007.

 

The Company believes that the combination of present capital resources, internally generated funds and unused financing sources are more than adequate to meet cash requirements for fiscal 2008. There are no significant restrictions limiting the transfer of funds from international subsidiaries to the parent Company.

 

The board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 1,000 of the Company’s Common Shares over a three-year period beginning November 2006. The board of directors amended this resolution in August 2007 to permit the Company to enter into written agreements with independent third party brokers to purchase Common Shares on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Uses for repurchased shares include the funding of benefit programs, including stock options, restricted stock and 401(k) matching. Shares purchased are treated as treasury shares until used for such purposes. The repurchase program is funded using the Company’s working capital. During fiscal 2007, the Company repurchased 139 of the shares authorized to be repurchased under this program for $6,850.

 

Outlook

The Company’s priorities for fiscal 2008 are focused upon realizing the returns on the investments made in fiscal 2007. Economic uncertainties in the United States and other developed economies, rising energy costs and a weak housing market may act to temper consumer demand and indirectly affect capital investments by our customers. However, with major investments in new products and applications having been made over the past two years, four acquisitions having been completed in fiscal 2007, and the expectation for an improving climate in certain Advanced Technology markets, we expect fiscal year 2008 to be a year of improved financial performance. We will continue to look for strategic acquisition opportunities, develop new applications and markets for our technologies, and implement lean and other operational initiatives as ways to further enhance financial performance.

Effects of Foreign Currency

The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on sales and operating results cannot be precisely measured because of fluctuating selling prices, sales volume, product mix and cost structures in each country where Nordson operates. As a general rule, a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies has a favorable effect on sales and net income, while a strengthening of the U.S. dollar has a detrimental effect.

 

In fiscal 2007 compared with fiscal 2006, the U.S. dollar was generally weaker against foreign currencies. If fiscal 2006 exchange rates had been in effect during fiscal 2007, sales would have been approximately $30,261 lower and third-party costs would have been approximately $20,807 lower. In fiscal 2006 compared with fiscal 2005, the U.S. dollar was generally stronger against foreign currencies. If fiscal 2005 exchange rates had been in effect during fiscal 2006, sales would have been approximately $11,161 higher and third-party costs would have been approximately $6,535 higher. These effects on reported sales do not include the impact of local price adjustments made in response to changes in currency exchange rates.

 

 

The Company operates internationally and enters into transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Consequently, the Company is subject to market risk arising from exchange rate movements between the dates foreign currencies are recorded and the dates they are settled. Nordson regularly uses foreign exchange contracts to reduce its risks related to most of these transactions. These contracts, primarily Euro, British Pound and Yen, usually have maturities of 90 days or less, and generally require the Company to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars at maturity, at rates stated in the contracts. Gains and losses from changes in the market value of these contracts offset foreign exchange losses and gains, respectively, on the underlying transactions. The balance of transactions denominated in foreign currencies are designated as hedges of the Company’s net investments in foreign subsidiaries or are intercompany transactions of a long-term investment nature. As a result of the Company’s use of foreign exchange contracts on a routine basis to reduce the risks related to nearly all of the Company’s transactions denominated in foreign currencies as of October 31, 2007, the Company did not have a material foreign currency risk related to its derivatives or other financial instruments.

 

Note 11 to the financial statements contains additional information about the Company’s foreign currency transactions and the methods and assumptions used by the Company to record these transactions.

 

The Company finances a portion of its operations with short-term and long-term borrowings and is subject to market risk arising from changes in interest rates for its long-term debt. The tables that follow present principal repayments and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates of fixed-rate debt.

 

At October 31, 2007

 

At October 31, 2006

The Company also has variable-rate notes payable. The weighted average interest rate of this debt was 5.3 percent at October 31, 2007 and 3.1 percent at October 31, 2006. A 1 percent increase in interest rates would have resulted in additional interest expense of approximately $2,313 on the notes payable in fiscal 2007.

 

Inflation

Inflation affects profit margins because the ability to pass cost increases on to customers is restricted by the need for competitive pricing. Although inflation has been modest in recent years and has had no material effect on the years covered by these financial statements, Nordson continues to seek ways to minimize the impact of inflation. It does so through focused efforts to raise its productivity.

 

Trends

The Five-Year Summary in Item 6 documents Nordson’s historical financial trends. Over this period, the world’s economic conditions fluctuated significantly. Nordson’s solid performance is attributed to the Company’s participation in diverse geographic and industrial markets and its long-term commitment to develop and provide quality products and worldwide service to meet customers’ changing needs.

 

Safe Harbor Statements Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This Form 10-K, particularly “Management’s Discussion and Analysis,” contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to, among other things, income, earnings, cash flows, changes in operations, operating improvements, businesses in which Nordson Corporation operates and the U.S. and global economies. Statements in this 10-K that are not historical are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” and may be indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “supports,” “plans,” “projects,” “expects,” “believes,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “hope,” “forecast,” “management is of the opinion,” use of the future tense and similar words or phrases.

 

In light of these risks and uncertainties, actual events and results may vary significantly from those included in or contemplated or implied by such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the expected results are discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors.

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

Years ended October 31, 2007, October 31, 2006 and October 30, 2005

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

October 31, 2007 and October 31, 2006

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

Years ended October 31, 2007, October 31, 2006 and October 30, 2005

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Years ended October 31, 2007, October 31, 2006 and October 30, 2005