FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 0-7977

NORDSON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio		34-0590250
(State of incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
28601 Clemens Road
Westlake, Ohio		44145
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(Telephone Number)

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 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 þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

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

Large accelerated filer þ		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company o
				(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

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

As of July 31, 2011, there were 67,757,123 shares of Nordson Corporation common shares outstanding.

 

 

Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION			3
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)			3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income			3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows			5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements			6
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS			21
Results of Operations			21
Liquidity and Capital Resources			25
Critical Accounting Policies			25
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK			26
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES			27
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION			27
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS			27
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS			27
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS			28
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS			28
SIGNATURES			29
EX-4.1
EX-10.1
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1
EX-32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

Nordson Corporation

Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010				July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
(In thousands, except for per share data)
Sales		$	312,255			$	279,121			$	902,141			$	751,369
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales			124,205				113,320				350,168				300,026
Selling and administrative expenses			109,394				98,106				315,365				289,788
			233,599				211,426				665,533				589,814
Operating profit			78,656				67,695				236,608				161,555
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(827	)			(1,580	)			(3,560	)			(4,661	)
Interest and investment income			190				170				430				649
Other — net			169				177				2,896				700
			(468	)			(1,233	)			(234	)			(3,312	)
Income before income taxes			78,188				66,462				236,374				158,243
Income taxes			21,638				11,133				68,685				43,751
Net income		$	56,550			$	55,329			$	167,689			$	114,492
Average common shares			67,945				68,095				67,998				67,616
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, nonvested stock, and deferred stock-based compensation			836				674				864				839
Average common shares and common share equivalents			68,781				68,769				68,862				68,455
Basic earnings per share		$	0.83			$	0.81			$	2.47			$	1.69
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.82			$	0.80			$	2.44			$	1.67
Dividends declared per share		$	0.105			$	0.095			$	0.315			$	0.285

Basic and diluted earnings per share, average common shares and common share equivalents, and dividends declared per share have been restated to give effect to a two-for-one stock split. See Note 1 for additional information.

See accompanying notes.

Nordson Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

		July 31, 2011				October 31, 2010
(In thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	69,057			$	42,329
Marketable securities			—				7,840
Receivables — net			259,847				243,790
Inventories — net			137,792				117,721
Deferred income taxes			35,659				33,576
Prepaid expenses			8,809				5,775
Total current assets			511,164				451,031
Property, plant and equipment — net			124,304				116,395
Goodwill			369,607				347,326
Intangible assets — net			49,481				42,927
Other assets			29,888				28,675
		$	1,084,444			$	986,354
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable		$	381			$	2,160
Accounts payable			42,433				40,262
Income taxes payable			18,206				24,336
Accrued liabilities			96,872				96,133
Customer advanced payments			15,004				10,999
Current maturities of long-term debt			111				14,260
Current obligations under capital leases			4,234				3,764
Total current liabilities			177,241				191,914
Long-term debt			51,838				96,000
Deferred income taxes			19,750				9,745
Pension and retirement obligations			105,813				103,327
Other liabilities			83,995				80,296
Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares			12,253				12,253
Capital in excess of stated value			271,298				255,595
Retained earnings			943,942				797,695
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(49,016	)			(66,306	)
Common shares in treasury, at cost			(532,670	)			(494,165	)
Total shareholders’ equity			645,807				505,072
		$	1,084,444			$	986,354

See accompanying notes.

Nordson Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	167,689			$	114,492
Depreciation and amortization			20,805				22,345
Non-cash stock compensation			6,770				6,644
Deferred income tax expense			1,024				19,306
Other non-cash expense			1,763				1,157
(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment			227				(91	)
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options			(7,150	)			(6,104	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities			(10,836	)			(91,220	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			180,292				66,529
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment			(14,306	)			(7,812	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment			130				237
Sale of product lines			—				(881	)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired			(34,627	)			(18,492	)
Proceeds from sale of (purchases of) marketable securities			7,552				(937	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(41,251	)			(27,885	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings			—				7,253
Repayment of short-term borrowings			(1,827	)			(6,122	)
Proceeds from long-term debt			49,500				101,000
Repayment of long-term debt			(107,810	)			(91,290	)
Repayment of capital lease obligations			(3,522	)			(3,848	)
Issuance of common shares			9,620				10,804
Purchase of treasury shares			(46,342	)			(13,611	)
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options			7,150				6,104
Dividends paid			(21,442	)			(19,315	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(114,673	)			(9,025	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash			2,360				(358	)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents			26,728				29,261
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year			42,329				18,781
End of quarter		$	69,057			$	48,042

See accompanying notes.

Nordson Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

July 31, 2011

NOTE REGARDING AMOUNTS AND FISCAL YEAR REFERENCES

			In this quarterly report, all amounts related to United States dollars 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.
			Unless otherwise noted, all references to years relate to our fiscal year ending October 31.

	1.		Basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended July 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
			On March 1, 2011, the Board of Directors declared a 2-for-1 stock split on our common shares, effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend paid on April 12, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 25, 2011. Accordingly, all per-share amounts and number of common shares and common share equivalents have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split.

2.

Basis of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

	3.		Revenue recognition. Most of our 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.
			In October 2009, the FASB issued an accounting standard update on multiple deliverable arrangements. This accounting standard update establishes a relative selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) if available, third-party evidence (TPE) if vendor-specific objective evidence is not available, or best estimated selling price (BESP) if neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence is available. Our multiple deliverable arrangements include installation, installation supervision, training, and spare parts, which tend to be completed in a short period of time, at an insignificant cost, and utilizing skills not unique to us, therefore, are typically regarded as inconsequential or perfunctory. Revenue for undelivered items is deferred and included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet. Revenues deferred in 2011 and 2010 were not material. The requirements of this standard did not significantly change our units of accounting or how we allocate arrangement consideration to various units of accounting. The adoption of this standard had no material impact on our financial position or results of operations as of July 31, 2011.

Nordson Corporation

4.

Environmental remediation costs. We accrue for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs for future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present value. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recognized as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.

5.

Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

6.

Earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year, while diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents consist of shares issuable upon exercise of stock options computed using the treasury stock method, as well as nonvested (restricted) stock and deferred stock-based compensation. Options whose exercise price is higher than the average market price are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months and nine months ended July 31, 2011, and the three months ended July 31, 2010, no options for common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the nine months ended July 31, 2010, options for 23 common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

7.

Recently issued accounting standards. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update that amends current comprehensive income guidance. This accounting update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, we must report comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income which contains two sections, net income and other comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance will be effective beginning in 2013. This guidance is not expected to impact our consolidated financial statements, as it only requires a change in the format of presentation.

8.

Inventories. At July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, inventories consisted of the following:

		July 31, 2011				October 31, 2010
Finished goods		$	94,411			$	83,459
Work-in-process			17,192				15,614
Raw materials and finished parts			50,514				43,305
			162,117				142,378
Obsolescence and valuation reserves			(17,501	)			(16,802	)
LIFO reserve			(6,824	)			(7,855	)
		$	137,792			$	117,721

Nordson Corporation

9.

Goodwill and intangible assets. On November 1, 2010 we completed the acquisition of Micromedics, Inc. that resulted in $13,312 of goodwill. On June 30, 2011 we completed the acquisition Constructiewerkhuizen G. Verbruggen NV that resulted in $8,461 of goodwill. The amount for Verbruggen is based on a preliminary purchase price allocation and may require subsequent adjustment as more information about the fair value of assets becomes available.

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 by operating segment are as follows.

		Adhesive				Advanced				Industrial
		Dispensing				Technology				Coating
		Systems				Systems				Systems				Total
Balance at October 31, 2010		$	33,783			$	313,543			$	—			$	347,326
Acquisition			8,461				13,312				—				21,773
Currency effect			183				325				—				508
Balance at July 31, 2011		$	42,427			$	327,180			$	—			$	369,607

			Accumulated goodwill impairment losses were $232,789 at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010. These losses were recorded in 2009, with $229,173 related to the Advanced Technology Systems segment and $3,616 related to the Industrial Coating Systems segment.
			Information regarding our intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:

						July 31, 2011
						Accumulated
		Carrying Amount				Amortization				Net Book Value
Patent costs		$	22,212			$	8,609			$	13,603
Customer relationships			39,115				10,972				28,143
Non-compete agreements			4,695				3,623				1,072
Core/developed technology			2,788				2,299				489
Trade name			6,850				1,345				5,505
Other			1,444				775				669
Total		$	77,104			$	27,623			$	49,481

						October 31, 2011
						Accumulated
		Carrying Amount				Amortization				Net Book Value
Patent costs		$	20,641			$	6,961			$	13,680
Customer relationships			30,630				8,273				22,357
Non-compete agreements			5,982				4,857				1,125
Core/developed technology			2,788				2,123				665
Trade name			1,684				479				1,205
Other			1,432				636				796
Total		$	63,157			$	23,329			$	39,828

Nordson Corporation

			Effective November 1, 2010, the Dage trade name was converted from an indefinite-lived asset to a finite-lived asset with a remaining life of 20 years. At October 31, 2010, the value of this trade name was $3,099.
			Amortization expense for the three months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 was $1,652 and $1,862, respectively. Amortization expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 was $5,699 and $4,895, respectively.

	10.		Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income for the three months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Net income		$	56,550			$	55,329
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(2,053	)			(126	)
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses			1,527				1,158
Comprehensive income		$	56,024			$	56,361

Comprehensive income for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

		Nine Months Ended
		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Net income		$	167,689			$	114,492
Foreign currency translation adjustments			12,792				(27,044	)
Remeasurement of supplemental pension liability			—				(2,746	)
Settlement loss			—				5,014
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses			4,498				4,962
Comprehensive income		$	184,979			$	94,678

			Accumulated other comprehensive loss at July 31, 2011 consisted of pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments of $98,286 offset by $49,270 of net foreign currency translation adjustment credits. Accumulated other comprehensive loss at July 31, 2010 consisted of pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments of $89,079 offset by $13,795 of net foreign currency translation adjustment credits.
			Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Beginning balance		$	(66,306	)		$	(55,470	)
Current-period change			17,290				(19,814	)
Ending balance		$	(49,016	)		$	(75,284	)

Nordson Corporation

	11.		Stock-based compensation. The amended and restated 2004 long-term performance plan, approved by our shareholders in 2008, provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, nonvested (restricted) stock, stock purchase rights, stock equivalent units, cash awards and other stock or performance-based incentives. The number of common shares available for grant of awards is 2.5% of the number of common shares outstanding as of the first day of each fiscal year.
			Stock Options
			Nonqualified or incentive stock options may be granted to our employees and directors. Generally, options granted to employees may be exercised beginning one year from the date of grant at a rate not exceeding 25% per year for executive officers and 20% per year for other employees and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Vesting accelerates upon the occurrence of events that involve or may result in a change of control. Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance of treasury shares on a first-in first-out basis.
			We recognized compensation expense related to stock options of $733 in the three months ended July 31, 2011 and $562 in the three months ended July 31, 2010. Amounts for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 were $2,163 and $1,676, respectively.
			The following table summarizes activity related to stock options for the nine months ended July 31, 2011:

														Weighted
						Weighted-Average								Average
		Number of				Exercise Price Per				Aggregate				Remaining
		Options				Share				Intrinsic Value				Term
Outstanding at October 31, 2010			2,362			$	20.15
Granted			287			$	43.32
Exercised			(784	)		$	18.94
Forfeited or expired			(9	)		$	26.47
Outstanding at July 31, 2011			1,856			$	24.21			$	49,786			6.4 years
Vested or expected to vest at July 31, 2011			1,778			$	23.92			$	48,191			6.3 years
Exercisable at July 31, 2011			947			$	19.77			$	29,616			4.8 years

			At July 31, 2011, there was $7,550 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.1 years.
			The fair value of each option grant was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

Nine months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Expected volatility			.431-.451				.429-.442
Expected dividend yield			1.28	%			1.35-1.40	%
Risk-free interest rate			1.89%-2.25	%			2.27-3.18	%
Expected life of the option (in years)			5.4-6.3				5.4-6.3

The weighted-average expected volatility used to value the 2011 options was .443. The weighted-average expected volatility used to value the 2010 options was .436. The weighted-average dividend yield used to value the 2010 options was 1.39%.

Nordson Corporation

			Historical information was the primary basis for the selection of the expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the expected lives of the options. The risk-free interest rate was selected based upon yields of U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option being valued.
			The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 was $16.80 and $11.08, respectively.
			The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 was $831 and $180, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 was $22,988 and $18,849, respectively.
			Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $9,620 for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and $10,804 for the nine months ended July 31, 2010. The tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises was $7,150 for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and $6,104 for the nine months ended July 31, 2010.
			Nonvested Common Shares
			We may grant nonvested common shares to our employees and directors. These shares may not be disposed of for a designated period of time (generally six months to five years) defined at the date of grant. For employee recipients, shares are forfeited on a pro-rata basis in the event employment is terminated as a consequence of the employee recipient’s retirement, disability or death. Termination for any other reason results in forfeiture of the shares. For non-employee directors, restrictions lapse upon the retirement, disability or death of the non-employee director. Termination of service as a director for any other reason results in a pro-rata forfeiture of shares.
			As shares are issued, deferred share-based compensation equivalent to the fair market value on the date of grant is charged to shareholders’ equity and subsequently amortized over the restriction period. Tax benefits arising from the lapse of restrictions on the shares are recognized when realized and credited to capital in excess of stated value.
			The following table summarizes activity related to nonvested shares during the nine months ended July 31, 2011:

						Weighted-Average
		Number of				Grant Date Fair
		Shares				Value
Nonvested shares at October 31, 2010			80			$	24.70
Granted			38			$	43.41
Vested			(32	)		$	19.34
Forfeited			(1	)		$	43.32
Nonvested shares at July 31, 2011			85			$	34.86

			As of July 31, 2011, there was $1,957 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares. The cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
			The amount charged to expense related to nonvested stock was $309 in the three months ended July 31, 2011 and $247 in the three months ended July 31, 2010. For the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010, the amounts were $924 and $584, respectively.

Nordson Corporation

			Directors Deferred Compensation
			Non-employee directors may defer all or part of their compensation until retirement. Compensation may be deferred as cash or as share equivalent units. Deferred cash amounts are recorded as liabilities. Additional share equivalent units are earned when common share dividends are declared.
			The following table summarizes activity related to director deferred compensation share equivalent units during the nine months ended July 31, 2011:

						Weighted-Average
		Number of				Grant Date Fair
		Shares				Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2010			267			$	16.54
Deferrals			2			$	49.34
Restricted stock units vested			18			$	16.55
Dividend equivalents			2			$	50.40
Distributions			(32	)		$	15.06
Outstanding at July 31, 2011			257			$	17.27

			The amount charged to expense related to this plan was $52 for the three months ended July 31, 2011 and $89 for the three months ended July 31, 2010. For the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010, the amounts were $209 and $260, respectively.
			Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan
			Under the long-term incentive compensation plan, executive officers and selected other key employees receive common share awards based solely on corporate performance measures over three-year performance periods. Awards vary based on the degree to which corporate performance exceeds predetermined threshold, target and maximum performance levels at the end of a performance period. No payout will occur unless certain threshold performance objectives are exceeded.
			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 calculations are also based upon the grant date fair value determined using the market price of common stock at the grant date, adjusted for dividends. This 2011 per-share value was $42.02 for both the executive officers and selected other key employees. The 2010 per-share values were $26.10 and $29.52 for the executive officers and $26.10 for the selected other key employees. The 2009 per-share value was $13.23. The amount charged to expense for the three months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 was $899 and $2,954, respectively. For the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010, the amounts were $3,218 and $3,794, respectively. The cumulative amount recorded in shareholders’ equity at July 31, 2011 was $5,232.

Nordson Corporation

	12.		Warranty accrual. We offer warranty to our customers depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that we repair or replace defective products within a specified time period (generally one year) from the date of delivery or first use. We record an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the adequacy of our warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The liability for warranty costs is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
			Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and 2010:

		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Beginning balance		$	5,242			$	4,587
Warranty assumed from acquisition			—				60
Warranty of divested product lines			—				(211	)
Accruals for warranties			4,734				5,237
Warranty payments			(4,121	)			(3,813	)
Currency effect			130				(225	)
Ending balance		$	5,985			$	5,635

	13.		Operating segments. We conduct business across three primary business segments: Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Advanced Technology Systems, and Industrial Coating Systems. Effective November 1, 2010, the Industrial Coating Systems segment includes our industrial UV Curing product line that had previously been reported in the Advanced Technology Systems segment, where it was combined with our former UV Curing graphic arts and lamps product lines that were sold in 2010. This change more closely reflects the change in management of this product line and its related growth opportunities. Prior year results have been reclassified to reflect the segment change.
			The composition of segments and measure of segment profitability is consistent with that used by our chief operating decision maker. The primary measure used by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing performance is operating profit, which equals sales less cost of sales and certain operating expenses. Items below the operating profit line of the Consolidated Statement of Income (interest and investment income, interest expense and other income/expense) are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by our chief operating decision maker and are not presented by operating segment. In addition, the measure of segment operating profit that is reported to and reviewed by the chief operating decision maker excludes severance costs associated with the 2008-2010 cost reduction program and expense related to the withdrawal from a multiemployer employee pension fund in Japan. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those described in Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies, of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010.

Nordson Corporation

The following table presents sales and operating profits of our reportable segments:

		Adhesive				Advanced				Industrial
		Dispensing				Technology				Coating
		Systems				Systems				Systems				Corporate				Total
Three months ended July 31, 2011
Net external sales		$	153,071			$	111,652			$	47,532			$	—			$	312,255
Operating profit (loss)			51,385				30,884				8,417				(12,030)	a			78,656
Three months ended July 31, 2010
Net external sales		$	135,517			$	102,980			$	40,624			$	—			$	279,121
Operating profit (loss)			43,763				26,572				5,004				(7,644)	b			67,695
Nine months ended July 31, 2011
Net external sales		$	449,479			$	321,339			$	131,323			$	—			$	902,141
Operating profit (loss)			157,230	c			87,726				19,125				(27,473)	a			236,608
Nine months ended July 31, 2010
Net external sales		$	382,681			$	267,888			$	100,800			$	—			$	751,369
Operating profit (loss)			119,661				58,940				6,834				(23,880)	b			161,555

Nordson Corporation

A reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:

Three months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Total profit for reportable segments		$	78,656			$	67,695
Interest expense			(827	)			(1,580	)
Interest and investment income			190				170
Other-net			169				177
Income before income taxes		$	78,188			$	66,462

Nine months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Total profit for reportable segments		$	236,608			$	161,555
Interest expense			(3,560	)			(4,661	)
Interest and investment income			430				649
Other-net			2,896				700
Income before income taxes		$	236,374			$	158,243

We had significant sales in the following geographic regions:

Three months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
United States		$	77,883			$	71,953
Americas			26,510				21,146
Europe			97,620				81,925
Japan			26,663				26,864
Asia Pacific			83,579				77,233
Total net sales		$	312,255			$	279,121

Nine months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
United States		$	227,456			$	197,337
Americas			72,528				56,556
Europe			285,927				243,374
Japan			81,895				67,041
Asia Pacific			234,335				187,061
Total net sales		$	902,141			$	751,369

Prior year sales include reclassification adjustments primarily into Asia Pacific from the United States based on more accurate end-user destination information for products sold by our Advanced Technology Systems segment to certain global customers.

Nordson Corporation

14.

Pension and other postretirement plans. The components of net periodic pension cost for the three and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 were:

		U.S.								International
Three months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010				July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Service cost		$	1,509			$	1,612			$	545			$	390
Interest cost			3,017				2,860				760				662
Expected return on plan assets			(3,882	)			(2,897	)			(373	)			(333	)
Amortization of prior service cost			171				134				2				11
Amortization of net actuarial loss			1,915				1,479				219				90
Total benefit cost		$	2,730			$	3,188			$	1,153			$	820

		U.S.								International
Nine months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010				July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Service cost		$	4,553			$	4,933			$	1,600			$	1,210
Interest cost			8,949				8,740				2,237				2,071
Expected return on plan assets			(11,595	)			(8,692	)			(1,104	)			(1,028	)
Amortization of prior service cost			500				442				4				37
Amortization of net actuarial loss			5,584				4,518				643				280
Settlement loss			—				8,022				—				—
Total benefit cost		$	7,991			$	17,963			$	3,380			$	2,570

During the nine months ended July 31, 2010, net periodic pension cost included settlement losses of $8,022 due to lump sum retirement payments.

The components of other postretirement benefit cost for the three and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 were:

		U.S.								International
Three months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010				July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Service cost		$	281			$	243			$	7			$	7
Interest cost			733				667				11				11
Amortization of prior service cost			(287	)			(429	)			—				—
Amortization of net actuarial loss			401				135				(2	)			(1	)
Total benefit cost		$	1,128			$	616			$	16			$	17

		U.S.								International
Nine months ended		July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010				July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
Service cost		$	842			$	628			$	23			$	22
Interest cost			2,199				1,878				31				33
Amortization of prior service cost			(860	)			(861	)			—				—
Amortization of net actuarial loss			1,204				878				(6	)			(4	)
Total benefit cost		$	3,385			$	2,523			$	48			$	51

Nordson Corporation

	15.		Severance and restructuring costs. In March 2011 we announced a restructuring of our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment operations located in Georgia in order to optimize operations and better serve our customers. The restructuring involves the expansion of our facility in Duluth and a new facility in Swainsboro. The existing Swainsboro facility, as well as facilities in Norcross and Dawsonville, will be closed. Severance costs associated with this action will occur through the third quarter of 2012 and are estimated to be approximately $1,500. Payments are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2012. Of the total expense amount, $64 was recorded in selling and administrative expenses in the three months ended July 31, 2011.
			As a result of this restructuring initiative, we assessed the fair value of the facilities involved and remeasured to fair value two of the facilities using third party property appraisals or market-corroborated inputs. The amount of Level 2 long-lived assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis was $4,150. Impairment losses of $1,322 on the two facilities were recorded in selling and administrative expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2011.

	16.		Fair value measurements. The inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are classified into the following categories:
			Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
			Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
			Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
			The following table presents the classification of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 31, 2011:

		Total				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)		$	13,897			$	—			$	13,897			$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)			3,986				—				3,986				—
Total assets at fair value		$	17,883			$	—			$	17,883			$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)		$	6,240			$	6,240			$	—			$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)			416				—				416				—
Total liabilities at fair value		$	6,656			$	6,240			$	416			$	—

	(a)		We maintain a rabbi trust that serves as an investment to shadow our deferred compensation plan liability. The investment assets of the trust consist of life insurance policies for which we recognize income or expense based upon changes in cash surrender value.
	(b)		We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risk of foreign currency exposures resulting from receivables, payables, intercompany receivables, intercompany payables and loans denominated in foreign currencies. The maturities of these contracts are usually less than 90 days. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates.
	(c)		Senior management and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100% of their salary and incentive compensation into various non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Deferrals can be allocated to various market performance measurement funds. Changes in the value of compensation deferred under these plans are recognized each period based on the fair value of the underlying measurement funds.

Nordson Corporation

	17.		Financial instruments. We operate internationally and enter into intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Consequently, we are subject to market risk arising from exchange rate movements between the dates foreign currencies are recorded and the dates they are settled. We regularly use foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our risks related to most of these transactions. These contracts usually have maturities of 90 days or less and generally require us to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars at maturity, at rates stated in the contracts. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments.
			Gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts are recorded in “Other – net” on the Consolidated Statement of Income together with the transaction gain or loss from the hedged balance sheet position. For the three months ended July 31, 2011, we recognized losses of $3,532 on foreign exchange contracts and gains of $3,640 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. For the nine months ended July 31, 2011, we recognized losses of $8,083 on foreign exchange contracts and gains of $9,980 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
			We had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at July 31, 2011:

		Sell								Buy
		Notional				Fair Market				Notional				Fair Market
		Amounts				Value				Amounts				Value
Euro		$	14,623			$	14,680			$	92,340			$	93,840
British pound			1,632				1,647				38,807				39,188
Japanese yen			10,096				10,460				11,455				11,757
Others			5,019				5,188				31,265				33,257
Total		$	31,370			$	31,975			$	173,867			$	178,042

The following table shows the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts in the consolidated balance sheet at July 31, 2011.

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Balance sheet location

Fair value

Balance sheet location

Fair value

Receivables

$

3,986

Accrued liabilities

$

416

Nordson Corporation

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at July 31, 2011, other than receivables and accounts payable, are shown in the table below. The carrying values of receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

		Carrying
		Amount				Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents		$	69,057			$	69,057
Notes payable			381				381
Long-term debt			51,949				53,280
Foreign exchange contracts (net)			3,570				3,570

We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of financial instruments:

	•		Cash, cash equivalents and notes payable are valued at their carrying amounts due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments.
	•		Long-term debt is valued by discounting future cash flows at currently available rates for borrowing arrangements with similar terms and conditions.
	•		Foreign exchange contracts are estimated using quoted exchange rates.

18.		Income taxes. We record our interim provision for income taxes based on our estimated annual effective tax rate, as well as certain items discrete to the current period. The effective tax rates for the three and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2011 were 27.7% and 29.1%, respectively.
		During the three months ending July 31, 2011, we recorded a favorable adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits of $2,027, primarily related to settlements with tax authorities. Additionally, during the three months ending July 31, 2011, we recorded a tax benefit of $368 related to an adjustment of deferred taxes resulting from a tax rate reduction in the United Kingdom.
		In December 2010, Congress passed and the President signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which provided retroactive reinstatement of a research credit. As a result, we recorded an additional tax benefit related to 2010 of $1,580 in the nine months ended July 31, 2011. Additionally, in the nine month period end July 31, 2011 we recorded a $549 tax benefit related to prior years for deductions associated with the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
		The balance of unrecognized tax benefits at July 31, 2011 was $2,476, compared to $4,078 at October 31, 2010. The amounts that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate were $2,417 and $4,019 at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, respectively. At July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010 we had accrued interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits of $304 and $468, respectively. During the three months ended July 31, 2011, unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $1,740, primarily due to settlement with tax authorities.
		The effective tax rates for the three and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2010 were 16.8% and 27.6%, respectively. During the three months ended July 31, 2010 we sold our graphic arts and lamps product lines to Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., and we recognized $10,700 in tax benefits from the write off of our tax basis in the product lines.
		The effective tax rate for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 was negatively impacted by the enactment in March 2010 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the subsequent enactment of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, resulting in an additional tax charge of $5,255. The charge is due to a reduction in the value of our deferred tax asset as a result of a change to the tax treatment associated with Medicare Part D subsidies. This was partially offset by the consolidation of certain operations and legal entities, resulting in a $3,500 tax benefit.

Nordson Corporation

	19.		Acquisitions. On November 1, 2010, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Micromedics, Inc., a St. Paul, Minnesota company that is a leader in applying and dispensing biomaterials for controlling bleeding, healing wounds and other related medical procedures. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred, which consisted solely of cash, was $21,296. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, goodwill of $13,312 and identifiable intangible assets of $7,500 were recorded, of which customer relationships is the primary asset valued at $4,550 and amortized over 10 years. Micromedics is being reported in our Advanced Technology Systems segment.
			On June 30, 2011, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Constructiewerkhuizen G. Verbruggen NV (Verbruggen), a Belgium manufacturer of flat dies and coextrusion equipment for the multi-layer flexible packaging industry. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred, which consisted solely of cash, was $13,331 and is subject to certain post-closing adjustments. Based on a preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, goodwill of $8,461and identifiable intangible assets of $4,017 were recorded, of which customer relationships is the primary asset valued at $2,900 and amortized over 11 years. As noted above, the allocation of the consideration transferred is preliminary and a final determination of required adjustments will be made based upon an independent appraisal of the fair value of related long-lived tangible and intangible assets and the determination of the fair value of certain other acquired assets and liabilities. Verbruggen is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment.

	20.		Contingencies. We are involved in pending or potential litigation regarding environmental, product liability, patent, contract, employee and other matters arising from the normal course of business, including the environmental matter discussed below. After consultation with legal counsel, we do not expect that resolutions of these matters will result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual results of operations or cash flows.
			We have voluntarily agreed with the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin and other Potentially Responsible Parties 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. At July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, our accruals for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site were $795 and $885, respectively.
			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 our 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, our liability could be greater than our current estimate. However, we do not expect that the costs associated with remediation will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual results of operations or cash flows.

21.

Subsequent events. On August 26, 2011, we completed the previously announced acquisition of Value Plastics, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of precision engineered, plastic molded, single-use fluid connection components used primarily in critical flow control applications for healthcare and medical-device markets. Headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, Value Plastics employs approximately 75 people and had revenues of approximately $26,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. The purchase price was $250,000, subject to adjustment as provided in the purchase agreement. Cash and existing lines of credit were used for the purchase. Value Plastics will be reported in our Advanced Technology Systems segment.

Nordson Corporation

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is Management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors affecting our financial condition and results of operations for the periods included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

On March 11, 2011, a severe earthquake and tsunami occurred in Japan. Minor damage occurred at several of our facilities there, and we recorded an immaterial charge in the three months ended April 30, 2011. The charge was below our insurance policy deductible. Our operations in Japan represented approximately 9% of our 2010 worldwide sales. We do not expect a significant impact on our results of operations, but uncertainty continues to exist with respect to the availability of electrical power, the effects of damage to nuclear power plants, impact on other infrastructure, and the resulting commercial impact.

Sales

Worldwide sales for the three months ended July 31, 2011 were $312,255, an increase of $33,134, or 11.9%, from sales of $279,121 for the comparable period of 2010. Sales volume increased 5.2%, and favorable effects of currency translations increased sales by 6.7%. Sales increased in all three business segments and all geographic regions in which we operate, except Japan.

Sales of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment for the three months ended July 31, 2011 were $153,071, an increase of $17,554, or 13.0% from the comparable period of 2010. Sales volume increased 3.6%, and favorable currency translation effects increased sales by 9.4%. The increase in sales volume was driven by the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe regions. The sales increase was driven by consumer non-durable end- markets.

Advanced Technology Systems segment sales for the three months ended July 31, 2011 were $111,652 compared to $102,980 in the comparable period of 2010, an increase of $8,672, or 8.4%. Volume increased 4.8%, and currency translation effects increased sales by 3.6%. Within the segment, the volume increase can be traced to the U.S., Americas and Europe regions. Dispensing and surface treatment product lines showed particular strength.

Effective November 1, 2010, the Industrial Coating Systems segment includes our industrial UV Curing product line that had previously been reported in the Advanced Technology Systems segment, where it was combined with our former UV Curing graphic arts and lamps product lines that were sold in 2010. This change more closely reflects the change in management of this product line and its related growth opportunities. Prior year results have been reclassified to reflect the segment change.

Sales of the Industrial Coating Systems segment for the three months ended July 31, 2011 were $47,532, an increase of $6,908, or 17.0%, from sales of $40,624 for the three months ended July 31, 2010. Volume increased 11.2%, and currency translation effects increased sales by 5.8%. Sales volume increased in all geographic regions, except Japan. Within this segment, sales increased across all product lines.

Nordson Corporation

On a geographic basis, sales in the United States increased 8.2% for the three months ended July 31, 2011 from the three months ended July 31, 2010. Sales in the Americas region were up 25.4%, with volume increasing 18.9% and favorable currency effect adding 6.5%. The European sales increase of 19.2% consisted of 4.9% volume and 14.3% from currency effects. Sales in Japan for the three months ended July 31, 2011 decreased 0.7% from the comparable period of the prior year. A decrease of 10.8% in sales volume was partially offset by favorable currency effects of 10.1%. Asia Pacific sales increased 8.2%, with volume increasing 4.3% and favorable currency effects adding 3.9%.

Worldwide sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 were $902,141, an increase of $150,772, or 20.1% from sales of $751,369 for the comparable period of 2010. Of the increase, 16.6% related to volume, and favorable effects of currency translations increased sales by 3.5%. Sales increased in all three business segments and all five geographic regions in which we operate.

Sales of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 were $449,479, an increase of $66,798, or 17.5% from the comparable period of 2010. Sales volume increased 12.9%, and favorable currency translation effects increased sales by 4.6%. Volume increased in all geographic regions and was most pronounced in the Asia Pacific and Americas regions. Sales increased in both consumer non-durable and consumer durable end markets.

Advanced Technology Systems segment sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 were $321,339 compared to $267,888 in the comparable period of 2010, an increase of $53,451, or 20.0%. Volume increased 18.2%, and currency translation effects increased sales by 1.8%. Within the segment, volume increases occurred in all geographic regions and were most pronounced in Asia Pacific due to higher demand in consumer electronics end-markets. Dispensing and surface treatment product lines also showed particular strength.

Sales of the Industrial Coating Systems segment for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 were $131,323, an increase of $30,523, or 30.3%, from the nine months ended July 31, 2010. Volume increased 26.8%, and currency translation effects increased sales by 3.5%. Sales volume increased in all geographic regions and was most pronounced in the United States, Americas and Asia Pacific regions. Within this segment, sales increased across all product lines.

On a geographic basis, sales in the United States increased 15.3% for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 from the nine months ended July 31, 2010. Sales in the Americas region were up 28.2%, with volume increasing 23.3% and favorable currency effect adding 4.9%. The European sales increase of 17.5% consisted of 13.3% volume and favorable currency effects of 4.2%. Sales in Japan for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 increased 22.2% from the comparable period of the prior year. The increase consisted of volume of 11.6% and favorable currency effects of 10.6%. Asia Pacific sales increased 25.3%, with volume increasing 22.2% and favorable currency effects adding 3.1%.

Operating Profit

Cost of sales for the three months ended July 31, 2011 were $124,205, up from $113,320 in 2010. Cost of sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 were $350,168, up from $300,026 in 2010. The gross margin percentage was 60.2% for the three months ended July 31, 2011, as compared to 59.4% for the comparable period of 2010. The gross margin percentage was 61.2% for the nine months ended July 31, 2011, as compared to 60.1% for the comparable period of 2010. The increases in gross margin percentages in 2011 were primarily due to revenue mix, low-cost sourcing, higher absorption of fixed overhead costs and favorable currency effects.

Nordson Corporation

Selling and administrative expenses for the three months ended July 31, 2011 were $109,394, compared to $98,106 for the comparable period of 2010. This represented an increase of $11,288, or 11.5%. Currency translation effects increased selling and administrative expenses by 6.0%, and the current year included $3,136 related to a fee paid to withdraw from a multiemployer employee pension fund in Japan. The remainder of the increase was largely due to higher compensation expenses resulting from a higher level of business activity in the current year. Selling and administrative expenses for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 were $315,365, compared to $289,788 for the comparable period of 2010. This represented an increase of $25,577, or 8.8%. The increase was largely due to higher compensation expenses resulting from a higher level of business activity in the current year. Currency translation effects increased selling and administrative costs by 2.8% for the nine-month period. In addition, during the three months ended April 30, 2011, we announced the decision to consolidate operations and reduce the number of our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment facilities in Georgia. As a result, two of our facilities were written down to fair value resulting in impairment losses of $1,322 that were recorded in selling and administrative expense.

Selling and administrative expenses for the three months ended July 31, 2011 as a percent of sales was 35.0% compared to 35.1% for the comparable period of 2010. For the nine months ended July 31, 2011, these expenses as a percent of sales decreased to 35.0% from 38.6% for the comparable period of 2010. The decrease was primarily the result of higher sales in the current year.

Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 25.2% for the three months ended July 31, 2011, up from 24.3% for the comparable period of 2010. Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 26.2% for the nine months ended July 31, 2011, up from 21.5% for the comparable period of 2010. The increases were primarily due to higher sales volume supported by a more efficient cost structure.

Operating profit as a percent of sales for the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment increased to 33.6% for the three months ended July 31, 2011 from 32.3% in 2010 and to 35.0% for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 from 31.3% for the comparable period of 2010. The increases were primarily due to higher sales volume supported by a more efficient cost structure. Operating profit for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 included impairment losses of $1,322 on two facilities that were written down to fair value.

For the Advanced Technology Systems segment, operating profit as a percent of sales for the three months ended July 31, 2011 was 27.7% compared to 25.8% for the three months ended July 31, 2010. For the nine months ended July 31, 2011 operating profit as a percent of sales was 27.3%, up from 22.0% last year. The increases were primarily due to higher sales volume supported by a more efficient cost structure.

Operating profit for the Industrial Coating Systems segment was 17.7% of sales for the three months ended July 31, 2011, compared to 12.3% for the three months ended July 31, 2010. For the nine months ended July 31, 2011, operating profit was 14.6% of sales, compared 6.8% in the same period of 2010. The increases were primarily due to higher sales volume supported by a more efficient cost structure.

Interest and Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense for the three months ended July 31, 2011 was $827, down from $1,580 for the three months ended July 31, 2010. Interest expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 was $3,560, down from $4,661 for the nine months ended July 31, 2010. The decreases were primarily due to lower borrowing levels and a reduction of interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits.

Other income was $169 for the three months ended July 31, 2011, and $177 in the comparable period of the prior year. Included in those amounts were foreign exchange gains, net of $108 in 2011 and $239 in 2010. Other income for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 was $2,896, compared to $700 for the nine months ended July 31, 2010. Included in those amounts were foreign exchange gains, net of $1,897 in 2011 and foreign exchange losses, net of $38 in 2010.

Nordson Corporation

Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the three and nine-month periods ending July 31, 2011 were 27.7% and 29.1%, compared to 16.8% and 27.6% for the comparable periods ending July 31, 2010.

The tax rate for the three months ended July 31, 2011, was impacted by a favorable adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits primarily related to settlements with tax authorities that reduced income taxes by $2,027. Additionally, during the three months ending July 31, 2011, we recorded a tax benefit of $368 related to an adjustment of deferred taxes resulting from a tax rate reduction in the United Kingdom.

In December 2010, Congress passed and the President signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which provided retroactive reinstatement of a research credit. As a result, we recorded an additional tax benefit related to 2010 of $1,580 in the nine months ended July 31, 2011. Additionally, in the nine month period ending July 31, 2011 we recorded a $549 tax benefit related to prior years for deductions associated with the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended July 31, 2010 was positively impacted by a tax benefit of $10,700 from the write-off of our tax basis in our UV graphic arts and lamps product lines.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 was negatively impacted by the enactment in March 2010 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the subsequent enactment of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, resulting in an additional tax charge of $5,255. The charge is due to a reduction in the value of our deferred tax asset as a result of a change to the tax treatment associated with Medicare Part D subsidies. This was partially offset by the consolidation of certain operations and legal entities, resulting in a $3,500 tax benefit.

Net Income

Net income for the three months ended July 31, 2011 was $56,550, or $0.82 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $55,329, or $0.80 per share on a diluted basis in the same period of 2010. This represents a 2.2% increase in net income and a 2.5% increase in earnings per share. For the nine months ended July 31, 2011, net income was $167,689, or $2.44 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $114,492, or $1.67 per share for the nine months ended July 31, 2010. This represents a 46.5% increase in net income and a 46.1% increase in earnings per share.

Foreign Currency Effects

In the aggregate, average exchange rates for 2011 used to translate international sales and operating results into U.S. dollars compared favorably with average exchange rates existing during 2010. It is not possible to precisely measure the impact on operating results arising from foreign currency exchange rate changes, because of changes in selling prices, sales volume, product mix and cost structure in each country in which we operate. However, if transactions for the three months ended July 31, 2011 were translated at exchange rates in effect during the same period of 2010, sales would have been approximately $18,800 lower while third-party costs and expenses would have been approximately $10,900 lower. If transactions for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 were translated at exchange rates in effect during the same period of 2010, sales would have been approximately $26,000 lower and third party costs and expenses would have been approximately $13,700 lower.

Nordson Corporation

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the nine months ended July 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents increased $26,728. Cash provided by operations during this period was $180,292, compared to $66,529 for the nine months ended July 31, 2010. Cash of $198,278 was generated from net income adjusted for non-cash income and expenses as compared to $163,853 last year. The increase is primarily due to higher net income, partially offset by lower deferred income taxes. Changes in operating assets and liabilities used $17,986 of cash in the current year, compared to $97,324 in 2010, which included $52,028 of cash contributions to U.S. pension plans.

Cash used in investing activities was $41,251 for the nine months ended July 31, 2011, compared to $27,885 in the comparable period of the prior year. Current year capital expenditures were $14,306, up from $7,812 in 2010. Significant expenditures included continued rollout of our SAP enterprise management software and construction of our new corporate headquarters building that replaced the facility sold in 2009. The acquisition of Micromedics, Inc. and Verbruggen used $34,627 of cash in 2011, and the acquisition of GLT used $18,492 of cash in 2010. Cash proceeds of $7,552 were received in 2011 from the maturity of bank certificates of deposit that had been classified as short-term marketable securities.

Cash used by financing activities was $114,673 for the nine months ended July 31, 2011, compared to $9,025 for the nine months ended July 31, 2010. In the current year, cash of $60,137 was used for repayment of net short and long-term borrowings. In addition, cash of $46,342 was used for the repurchase of common shares, and cash of $21,442 was used for dividend payments. Cash of $9,620 was provided by the issuance of common stock related to stock option exercises.

On June 30, 2011, we entered into a $150,000 three-year Private Shelf Note agreement with an insurance company. Borrowings under the agreement may be up to 12 years, with an average life of up to 10 years and are unsecured with covenants similar to our revolving credit facility. The interest rate on each borrowing can be fixed or floating and is based upon the market rate at the borrowing date. At July 31, 2011, there were no borrowings outstanding under this agreement.

The following is a summary of significant changes in balance sheet captions from the end of 2010 to July 31, 2011. Receivables increased $16,057 due to higher sales in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. Inventories increased $20,071 due to the higher level of business activity expected in the fourth quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter and inventory acquired in the Micromedics and Verbruggen acquisitions. Prepaid expenses increased $3,034 primarily due to insurance and pension payments made in the first three quarters of the year. Goodwill increased $22,281 primarily as a result of the Micromedics and Verbruggen acquisitions. Other intangibles — net increased $6,554. This increase related primarily to our acquisitions, which added $11,517, offset by total amortization expense of $5,699. The decrease of $6,130 in income taxes payable was primarily due to a U.S. tax payment made in the third quarter, partially offset by an increase in pretax income in 2011. The increase in customer advanced payments can be traced to a higher level of engineered system orders that require partial payment in advance. The increase of $10,005 in long-term deferred income tax liabilities was primarily due to amortization of goodwill for tax purposes and Micromedics and Verbruggen purchase accounting adjustments.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare financial statements. Estimates are based 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 results of operations or financial position were discussed in Item 7 of the 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010. There were no material changes in these policies during the three months ended July 31, 2011.

Nordson Corporation

Outlook

Order rates remain positive compared to the prior year but are reflective of the current lower macroeconomic growth. We will continue to monitor macroeconomic issues and react accordingly. However, our focus continues to be on the long term, and we will continue to invest strategically to support growth opportunities.

We will continue to look for strategic acquisition opportunities. We will also continue to develop new applications and markets for our technologies and move forward with additional lean and other operational initiatives to enhance our financial performance.

For the fourth quarter of 2011, sales are expected to increase 9% to 13% compared to the same period a year ago, including an estimated 4% favorable effect associated with currency translation. Diluted earnings per share are expected in the range of $0.77 to $0.84, inclusive of a $.02 per share charge related to anticipated restructuring activities.

Safe Harbor Statements Under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Of 1995

This Form 10-Q, 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 we operate and the U.S. and global economies. Statements in this 10-Q 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. We undertake 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 actual results to differ materially from the expected results are discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information regarding our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates was disclosed in our 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010. The information disclosed has not changed materially in the interim period since then.

Nordson Corporation

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management with the participation of the principal executive officer (President and Chief Executive Officer) and principal financial officer (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer) has reviewed and evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of July 31, 2011. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the principal executive and financial officers, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of July 31, 2011 in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended July 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II — Other Information

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in pending or potential litigation regarding environmental, product liability, patent, contract, employee and other matters arising from the normal course of business, including the environmental matter discussed below. After consultation with legal counsel, we do not expect that resolutions of these matters will result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual results of operations or cash flows.

We have voluntarily agreed with the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin and other Potentially Responsible Parties 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. At July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, our accruals for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site were $795 and $885, respectively.

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 our 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, our liability could be greater than our current estimate. However, we do not expect that the costs associated with remediation will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Information regarding our risk factors was disclosed in our 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010. The information disclosed has not changed materially in the interim period since then.

Nordson Corporation

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table summarizes common stock repurchased by the Company during the three months ended July 31, 2011:

										Total Number of				Maximum Number
										Shares Purchased				of Shares that
		Total Number				Average				as Part of Publicly				May Yet Be Purchased
		of Shares				Price Paid				Announced Plans				Under the Plans
(In thousands, except for per share data)		Purchased				per Share				or Programs (1)				or Programs
May 1, 2011 to May 31, 2011			44			$	49.84				44				1,956
June 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011			346			$	50.83				346				1,610
July 1, 2011 to July 31, 2011			134			$	55.12				132				1,478
Total			524								522

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number:

4.1 Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement for $150 million between Nordson Corporation and New York Life Investment Management LLC dated as of June 30, 2011.

10.1 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among VP Acquisition Holdings, Inc., the Stockholders of VP Acquisition Holdings, Inc., the Optionholders of VP Acquisition Holdings, Inc., American Capital, Ltd., as Securityholder Representative, and Nordson Corporation dated as of July 15, 2011.

31.1 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Chief Executive Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Chief Financial Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101 The following financial information from Nordson Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended July 31, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2011 and July 31, 2010, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2011 and July 31, 2010, and (iv) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Nordson Corporation

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.