10-Q 1 l92564ae10-q.htm NORDSON CORPORATION FORM 10-Q/PERIOD END 1-27-02 Nordson Corporation Form 10-Q/Period end 1-27-02
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FORM 10-Q
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended                      January 27, 2002                     

OR

     
[   ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 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)
     
Ohio   34-0590250

 
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
28601 Clemens Road, Westlake, Ohio   44145

 
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:                      (440) 892-1580                    

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 (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes        X                No                 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common Shares without par value as of January 25, 2002: 33,223,001

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Part II — Other Information
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES


Table of Contents

NORDSON CORPORATION

INDEX

             
        Page Number
       
Part I — Financial Information
       
 
 
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
       
 
   
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income -
Thirteen Weeks ended January 27, 2002 and January 28, 2001
    3  
 
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet -
January 27, 2002 and October 28, 2001
    4  
 
   
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
Thirteen Weeks ended January 27, 2002 and January 28, 2001
    5  
 
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
    6  
 
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
    12  
 
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    15  
 
Part II — Other Information
       
 
 
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
    15  
 
   
Signature
    16  

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NORDSON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(Dollars and shares in thousands except for per share amounts)

                     
        Thirteen Weeks Ended
       
        January 27, 2002   January 28, 2001
       
 
Sales
  $ 144,957     $ 175,333  
Cost of sales
    65,203       77,313  
Selling & administrative expenses
    66,364       75,670  
Goodwill amortization
          3,862  
Severance and restructuring costs
          126  
 
   
     
 
Operating profit
    13,390       18,362  
Other income (expense):
               
 
Interest expense
    (5,678 )     (7,814 )
 
Interest and investment income
    349       169  
 
Other – net
    427       1,042  
 
   
     
 
Income before income taxes
    8,488       11,759  
Income taxes
    2,801       4,233  
 
   
     
 
Net income
  $ 5,687     $ 7,526  
 
   
     
 
Common Shares
    33,152       32,453  
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, nonvested stock and deferred stock-based compensation
    244       475  
 
   
     
 
Common shares and common share equivalents
    33,396       32,928  
 
   
     
 
Earnings per share:
               
   
Basic
  $ .17     $ .23  
 
   
     
 
   
Diluted
  $ .17     $ .23  
 
   
     
 
Dividends per common share
  $ .14     $ .14  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes.

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NORDSON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in thousands)

                   
      January 27, 2002   October 28, 2001
     
 
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,973     $ 7,881  
 
Marketable securities
    57       62  
 
Receivables
    139,462       167,822  
 
Inventories
    133,860       139,186  
 
Deferred income taxes
    37,785       37,564  
 
Prepaid expenses
    10,862       9,662  
 
   
     
 
 
   Total current assets
    331,999       362,177  
Property, plant and equipment – net
    129,991       133,332  
Goodwill – net
    326,396       326,515  
Other intangible assets – net
    16,467       16,591  
Other assets
    20,699       23,838  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 825,552     $ 862,453  
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
 
Notes payable
  $ 181,472     $ 194,964  
 
Accounts payable
    47,807       55,357  
 
Current portion of long-term debt
    14,580       14,580  
 
Other current liabilities
    80,956       90,752  
 
   
     
 
 
   Total current liabilities
    324,815       355,653  
Long-term debt
    179,916       188,078  
Other liabilities
    55,453       54,996  
Shareholders’ equity:
               
 
Common shares
    12,253       12,253  
 
Capital in excess of stated value
    116,202       114,889  
 
Retained earnings
    500,617       499,570  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
    (19,672 )     (18,358 )
 
Common shares in treasury, at cost
    (343,617 )     (344,194 )
 
Deferred stock-based compensation
    (415 )     (434 )
 
   
     
 
 
   Total shareholders’ equity
    265,368       263,726  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 825,552     $ 862,453  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes.

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NORDSON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

                   
      Thirteen Weeks Ended
     
      January 27, 2002   January 28, 2001
     
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
 
Net income
  $ 5,687     $ 7,526  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    6,710       10,385  
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    12,395       (38,194 )
 
Other – net
    3,265       4,006  
 
   
     
 
 
    28,057       (16,277 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (3,112 )     (8,284 )
 
Sale of marketable securities
    5        
 
Acquisition of business
          (280,351 )
 
   
     
 
 
    (3,107 )     (288,635 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 
Net proceeds from (repayment of) notes payable
    (10,999 )     257,525  
 
Net proceeds from (repayment of) long-term debt
    (8,968 )     49,123  
 
Issuance of common shares
    1,881       2,479  
 
Purchase of treasury shares
    (65 )     (372 )
 
Dividends paid
    (4,640 )     (4,541 )
 
   
     
 
 
    (22,791 )     304,214  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (67 )     84  
 
   
     
 
Increase (decrease) in cash
    2,092       (614 )
Cash and cash equivalents
           
 
Beginning of fiscal year
    7,881       785  
 
   
     
 
 
End of period
  $ 9,973     $ 171  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes.

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NORDSON CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 27, 2002

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 quarter ended January 27, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 28, 2001.
 
2.   Revenue recognition. Revenues are recognized when customer orders are complete and shipped. Accruals for the cost of product warranties are maintained for anticipated future claims. A limited number of the Company’s large engineered system sales contracts are accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method. Accordingly, the amount of revenue recognized for a given accounting period is based on the ratio of actual costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion.
 
3.   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.
 
4.   Inventories. Inventories consisted of the following:

                 
(dollars in thousands)   January 27, 2002   October 28, 2001
 
 
Finished goods
  $ 52,322     $ 56,106  
Work-in process
    15,785       15,517  
Raw materials and finished parts
    65,753       67,563  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 133,860     $ 139,186  
 
   
     
 

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5.   Accounting changes. On October 29, 2001 the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board statements No. 141, “Business Combinations,” and No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” No. 141 requires that all business combinations be accounted for by the purchase method and that certain acquired intangible assets be recognized as assets apart from goodwill. No. 142 provides that goodwill should not be amortized but instead be tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level. In accordance with No. 142, the Company completed a transitional goodwill impairment test that resulted in no impairment loss being recognized. No reclassification of intangible assets apart from goodwill was necessary as a result of the adoption of No. 142. Goodwill amortization expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2001 was $3,862 ($2,811 after tax or $.08 per share).
 
    The following table reflects the consolidated results adjusted as though the adoption of No. 142 occurred as of the beginning of the three-month period ended January 28, 2001:

                 
    January 27,   January 28,
(Dollars in thousands)   2002   2001
 
 
Net income:
               
As reported
  $ 5,687     $ 7,526  
Goodwill amortization
          2,811  
 
   
     
 
Adjusted net income
  $ 5,687     $ 10,337  
 
   
     
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
               
As reported
  $ 0.17     $ 0.23  
Goodwill amortization
          0.09  
 
   
     
 
Adjusted basic earnings per share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.32  
 
   
     
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
               
As reported
  $ 0.17     $ 0.23  
Goodwill amortization
          0.08  
 
   
     
 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.31  
 
   
     
 

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    Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the quarter ended January 27, 2002 by operating segment are as follows:

                                 
    Adhesive   Coating &   Advanced        
    Dispensing & Nonwoven   Finishing   Technology        
    Fiber Systems   Systems   Systems   Total
   
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)                                
Balance at October 28,2001
  $ 27,337     $ 3,204     $ 295,974     $ 326,515  
Currency effect
    (48 )           (71 )     (119 )
     
     
     
     
Balance at January 27, 2002
  $ 27,289     $ 3,204     $ 295,903     $ 326,396  
     
     
     
     

    Information regarding the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:

                         
(Dollars in thousands)                        
    October 31, 2001
   
    Carrying   Accumulated   Net Book
    Amount   Amortization   Value
   
 
 
Core/Developed Technology
  $ 10,400     $ 1,069     $ 9,331  
Non-Compete Agreements
    4,745       2,090       2,655  
Patent Costs
    2,498       1,184       1,314  
Other
    4,145       2,854       1,291  
 
   
     
     
 
Total
  $ 21,788     $ 7,197     $ 14,591  
 
   
     
     
 
                         
    January 27, 2002
   
    Carrying   Accumulated   Net Book
    Amount   Amortization   Value
   
 
 
Core/Developed Technology
  $ 10,400     $ 1,157     $ 9,243  
Non-Compete Agreements
    4,745       2,141       2,604  
Patent Costs
    2,575       1,238       1,337  
Other
    5,206       3,923       1,283  
 
   
     
     
 
Total
  $ 22,926     $ 8,459     $ 14,467  
 
   
     
     
 

    At January 27, 2002 and October 28, 2001 $2,000,000 of intangible assets related to a minimum pension liability for the Company’s pension plans were not subject to amortization.

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    Amortization expense for the first quarter of 2002 was $290,000. Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows

         
Fiscal Year   Amounts (in thousands)

 
2002
  $ 1,166  
2003
  $ 1,134  
2004
  $ 846  
2005
  $ 821  
2006
  $ 774  

    In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When a liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes a cost by increasing the carrying value of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, an entity either settles the obligation for its recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss upon settlement. The Company is required to adopt No. 143 in fiscal 2003 and has not yet determined the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
    In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” No. 144, which supersedes No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of,” provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of. Although retaining many of the fundamental recognition and measurement provisions of No. 121, this Statement significantly changes the criteria that would have to be met to classify an asset as held-for-sale. This distinction is important because assets held-for-sale are stated at the lower of their fair values or carrying amounts, and depreciation is no longer recognized. The Company is required to adopt No. 144 in fiscal 2003 and has not yet determined the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
6.   Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income for the thirteen weeks ended January 27, 2002 and January 28, 2001 is as follows:

                 
    Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
(dollars in thousands)   January 27, 2002   January 28, 2001
 
 
Net income
  $ 5,687     $ 7,526  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (1,314 )     994  
 
   
     
 
Comprehensive income
  $ 4,373     $ 8,520  
 
   
     
 

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    Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) consisted of $15,000,000 of accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments and $4,672,000 of minimum pension liability adjustments at January 27, 2002. At January 28,2001 it consisted entirely of accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments. First quarter activity is as follows:

                 
(dollars in thousands)   January 27, 2002   January 28, 2001
 
 
Beginning balance
  $ (18,358 )   $ (11,946 )
Current-period change
    (1,314 )     994  
 
   
     
 
Ending balance
  $ (19,672 )   $ (10,952 )
 
   
     
 

7.   Operating segments. The Company conducts business across three primary businesses: adhesive dispensing and nonwoven fiber systems, coating and finishing systems and advanced technology systems. The composition of segments and measure of segment profitability is consistent with that used by the Company’s management. The primary measurement focus is operating profit, which equals sales less operating costs and expenses. Operating profit excludes interest income (expense), investment income (net) and other income (expense). Items below the operating income line of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income are not presented by segment, since they are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those described in Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies, of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 28, 2001.
 
    End markets for Nordson products include food and beverage, metal furniture, appliances, electronic components, disposable nonwoven products and automotive components. Nordson sells its products primarily though a direct, geographically dispersed sales force.
 
    The following table presents information about the Company’s reportable segments:

                                           
      Adhesive                                
      Dispensing   Coating                        
      & Nonwoven   &   Advanced                
      Fiber   Finishing   Technology                
(in thousands)   Systems   Systems   Systems   Corporate   Total

 
 
 
 
 
Thirteen weeks ended
                                       
January 27, 2002
                                       
 
Net external sales
  $ 90,779     $ 26,821     $ 27,357     $     $ 144,957  
 
Operating profit (loss)
    15,167       80       2,839       (4,696 )     13,390  
Thirteen weeks ended
                                       
January 28, 2001
                                       
 
Net external sales
  $ 97,989     $ 28,818     $ 48,526     $     $ 175,333  
 
Operating profit (loss)
    16,002       (325 )     12,036       (9,351 )(a)     18,362  

  (a) Includes severance and restructuring costs of $.1 million and all of the Company’s goodwill amortization of $3.9 million.

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

                   
      Thirteen weeks ended
     
(dollars in thousands)   January 27, 2002   January 28, 2001
 
 
Total operating income for
               
reported segments
  $ 13,390     $ 18,362  
 
Interest expense
    (5,678 )     (7,814 )
 
Interest and investment income
    349       169  
 
Other — net
    427       1,042  
 
   
     
 
Income before income taxes
  $ 8,488     $ 11,759  
 
   
     
 

    The Company has significant sales in the following geographic regions:

                 
    Thirteen weeks ended
   
(dollars in thousands)   January 27, 2002   January 28, 2001
 
 
North America
  $ 71,873     $ 84,691  
Europe
    46,019       47,344  
Japan
    12,538       19,897  
Pacific South
    14,527       23,401  
 
   
     
 
Total
  $ 144,957     $ 175,333  
 
   
     
 

8.   Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company uses derivatives to moderate the financial market risks of its business operations. Derivatives such as forward contracts may be used to hedge the foreign currency market exposures underlying certain assets and liabilities and forecasted transactions. The Company may also enter into interest rate swap agreements to modify the interest characteristics of its long-term debt. Additionally, the Company may use foreign denominated fixed-rate debt and intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long-term investment nature to protect the value of its investment in its wholly owned foreign subsidiaries.
 
    For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings for the current period. For hedges of net investment in foreign operations, realized and unrealized gains and losses are not included in net income, but are shown in the Cumulative Translation Adjustment account included in Other Comprehensive Income.
 
    At January 27, 2002, the Company had designated an interest rate swap as a fair value hedge. This derivative qualified for the short-cut method, therefore no gain or loss related to ineffectiveness was recognized. The swap was recorded with a fair market value of $172,000 in Other Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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    The Company economically hedges intercompany receivables and payables with foreign exchange contracts, which are usually short-term in nature. These derivatives are not designated as fair value hedges. All changes in the fair value of these contracts are included in Other Income (Expense), Other – net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. Losses of $396,000 and gains of $237,000 were recognized from changes in fair value of these contracts as of January 27, 2002 and January 28, 2001, respectively.
 
    For the quarter ended January 27, 2002, net gains of $1,994,000 were included in the Cumulative Translation Adjustment account related to foreign denominated fixed-rate debt designated as a hedge of net investment in foreign operations.

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 the Company’s financial condition and results of operations for the periods included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SALES

Worldwide sales for the first quarter of 2002 were $145.0 million, a 17.3% decrease over sales of $175.3 million for the comparable period of 2001. Volume decreased 16.9%, with the effect of the stronger dollar on currency translations accounting for the difference.

Volume in the Company’s advanced technology systems segment was down 43% from the prior year, primarily due to the global slowdown in the semiconductor and electronics industries. Volume for the Company’s adhesive dispensing systems business was down 7%, influenced by lower nonwoven systems sales in North America. Volume for the Company’s coating and finishing systems business decreased 6% when compared to the same period of 2001. This decrease was influenced by lower North American powder sales.

The lower sales volume in the advanced technology segment impacted all four of the geographic regions in which the Company operates. North American volume was down 15% and European volume was down 5%. Volume was down 30% in Japan and 38% in the Company’s Pacific South region.

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OPERATING PROFIT

Operating profit, as a percentage of sales decreased to 9.2% for the first quarter of 2002 from 10.5% for the first quarter of 2001. Excluding goodwill amortization, operating profit, as a percentage of sales, was 12.7% last year.

The gross margin rate decreased for the first quarter from 55.9% in 2001 to 55.0% in 2002. The lower margins were attributable to the mix of products sold, higher indirect costs, unfavorable currency effects and pricing pressures.

At the beginning of fiscal 2000, the Company announced Action 2000, a two-year program of broad-based initiatives to improve performance and reduce costs. During 2001, the Company’s initiative resulted in the recognition of $14.0 million of severance and restructuring charges. Of this amount, $13.3 million of severance and related benefit payments were made to approximately 400 employees. The remainder related to inventory write-offs associated with the combination of certain businesses. It is anticipated that the program will be substantially complete by the end of fiscal year 2002 and that additional costs of approximately $2.0 million, primarily related to severance payments, will be incurred during the last three quarters of 2002. Of the unpaid amount of $7.6 million at October 28, 2001, $4.8 million remained at January 27, 2002.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $9.3 million, or 12.3% for the first quarter of 2002 compared to the same period of 2001. The decrease is mainly attributable the results of Action 2000 described above. Due to the decrease in sales, selling and administrative expenses as a percent of sales increased from 43.2% in 2001 to 45.8% in 2002. There was no goodwill amortization in the first quarter of 2002 as a result of the implementation of FAS No. 142. Goodwill amortization for the first quarter of 2001 was $3.9 million.

NET INCOME

For the first quarter of 2002, net income, as a percentage of sales, decreased to 3.9% from 4.3% for the same period of 2001. Net interest expense decreased $2.3 million, mainly as a result of lower borrowing levels.

Net income for the first quarter of 2002 was $5.7 million or $.17 per share on a diluted basis compared with $7.5 million or $.23 per share on a diluted basis in 2001. Excluding goodwill amortization, net income for 2001 was $10,337, or $.31 per share.

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FOREIGN CURRENCY EFFECTS

In the aggregate, average exchange rates for the first quarter 2002 used to translate international sales and operating results into U.S. dollars compared unfavorably with average exchange rates existing during the comparable 2001 periods. 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 the Company operates. However, if transactions for the first quarter 2002 were translated at exchange rates in effect during the first quarter of 2001, sales would have been approximately $636,000 higher while third-party costs and expenses would have been approximately $343,000 higher.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

During the first quarter of 2002, net assets increased $1,642,000 from the prior year-end. This increase is primarily due to earnings of $5,687,000 and the net issuance of Nordson stock of $1,881,000, offset by the payment of $4,640,000 in dividends, and $1,314,000 from translating foreign net assets at the end of the first quarter when the U.S. dollar was stronger against other currencies than at the prior year end.

Working capital, as of the end of the quarter, increased $660,000 over the prior year-end. This change consisted primarily of decreases in notes payable, other current liabilities and accounts payable offset by decreases in accounts payable and inventories.

Receivables decreased from the collection of year-end receivables arising from strong sales in the fourth quarter of 2001. Inventories and accounts payable decreased as a result of lower level of business activity and the Company’s effort to improve working capital efficiencies. Accrued liabilities decreased as a result of the payment of severance, bonuses and profit sharing incentives during the first quarter of 2002.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $2,092,000 during the first quarter of 2002. Cash provided by operating activities was $28,057,000, which was used for the repayment of almost $20,000,000 of debt, dividend payments, and outlays for capital expenditures. Available lines of credit continue to be adequate to meet additional cash requirements over the next year.

OUTLOOK

Although there has been some improvement in the pace of activity within a number of the Company’s businesses, a return to growth is not expected before the second half of the fiscal year. Substantial progress has been made in the Company’s efforts to improve its cost structure and working capital efficiencies. With a recovery widely forecasted for the second half of the year, Nordson is well positioned to return to sales and earnings growth.

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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS
UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

The statements in the paragraph titled “Outlook” that refer to anticipated trends, events or occurrences in, or expectations for, the future (generally indicated by the use of phrases such as “Nordson expects” or “Nordson believes” or words of similar import or by references to “risks”) are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the protection afforded by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Consequently, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the expected results include, but are not limited to: deferral of orders, customer-requested delays in system installations, currency exchange rate fluctuations, a sales mix different from assumptions and significant changes in local business conditions in geographic regions in which the Company conducts business.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information regarding the Company’s financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates was disclosed in Form 10-K filed by the Company on January 25, 2002. The information disclosed has not changed materially in the interim period since October 28, 2001.

Part II — Other Information

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)  No report on Form 8-K was filed for the quarter ended January 27, 2002.

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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.

             
Date:   March 12, 2002       Nordson Corporation
 
        By:   /s/ Peter S. Hellman

Peter S. Hellman
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial and
Administrative Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
            /s/ Nicholas D. Pellecchia

Nicholas D. Pellecchia
Vice President, Finance
and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

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