Note 7 — Retirement, pension and other postretirement plans

Retirement plans — We have funded contributory retirement plans covering certain employees. Our contributions are primarily determined by the terms of the plans, subject to the limitation that they shall not exceed the amounts deductible for income tax purposes. We also sponsor unfunded contributory supplemental retirement plans for certain employees. Generally, benefits under these plans vest gradually over a period of approximately three years from date of employment, and are based on the employee’s contribution. The expense applicable to retirement plans for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $15,747, $14,423 and $12,955, respectively.

Pension plans — We have various pension plans covering a portion of our United States and international employees. Pension plan benefits are generally based on years of employment and, for salaried employees, the level of compensation. Actuarially determined amounts are contributed to United States plans to provide sufficient assets to meet future benefit payment requirements. We also sponsor an unfunded supplemental pension plan for certain employees. International subsidiaries fund their pension plans according to local requirements.

A reconciliation of the benefit obligations, plan assets, accrued benefit cost and the amount recognized in financial statements for pension plans is as follows:

	United States						International
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	345,479		$	299,716		$	96,831		$	85,543
Service cost		10,851			8,071			2,816			2,597
Interest cost		15,037			13,921			2,561			3,185
Participant contributions		—			—			127			137
Plan amendments		—			186			—			(419	)
Settlements		—			—			(3,260	)		—
Other		—			—			475			—
Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			(7,906	)		(5,343	)
Actuarial (gain) loss		1,371			34,610			2,751			13,293
Benefits paid		(11,699	)		(11,025	)		(3,780	)		(2,162	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	361,039		$	345,479		$	90,615		$	96,831
Change in plan assets:
Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	277,912		$	243,506		$	39,618		$	37,078
Actual return on plan assets		5,868			25,535			1,960			1,627
Company contributions		23,239			19,896			4,888			4,009
Participant contributions		—			—			127			137
Settlements		—			—			(3,277	)		—
Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			(2,063	)		(1,071	)
Benefits paid		(11,699	)		(11,025	)		(3,780	)		(2,162	)
Ending fair value of plan assets	$	295,320		$	277,912		$	37,473		$	39,618
Funded status at end of year	$	(65,719	)	$	(67,567	)	$	(53,142	)	$	(57,213	)
Amounts recognized in financial statements:
Noncurrent asset	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	17
Accrued benefit liability		(784	)		(709	)		(7	)		(6	)
Long-term pension and retirement obligations		(64,935	)		(66,858	)		(53,135	)		(57,224	)
Total amount recognized in financial statements	$	(65,719	)	$	(67,567	)	$	(53,142	)	$	(57,213	)

	United States						International
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
Net actuarial loss	$	114,898		$	111,337		$	30,544		$	34,683
Prior service cost (credit)		(235	)		(47	)		(818	)		(995	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	114,663		$	111,290		$	29,726		$	33,688
Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	7,691		$	8,694		$	1,902		$	2,459
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		77			121			(89	)		(97	)
Total	$	7,768		$	8,815		$	1,813		$	2,362

The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:

	United States						International
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Balance at beginning of year	$	111,290		$	93,541		$	33,688		$	23,594
Net (gain) loss arising during the year		13,820			26,372			2,380			13,438
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year		—			186			—			(419	)
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year		(9,742	)		(7,940	)		(2,268	)		(1,233	)
Prior service (cost) credit recognized during the year		(121	)		(237	)		90			101
Settlement loss		(516	)		(632	)		(1,319	)		—
Curtailment loss		(68	)		—			—			—
Exchange rate effect during the year		—			—			(2,845	)		(1,793	)
Balance at end of year	$	114,663		$	111,290		$	29,726		$	33,688

Information regarding the accumulated benefit obligation is as follows:

	United States				International
	2015		2014		2015		2014
For all plans:
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	354,567	$	336,464	$	69,489	$	75,305
For plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation		361,040		345,479		82,521		87,128
Accumulated benefit obligation		354,567		336,464		69,444		73,135
Fair value of plan assets		295,320		277,912		37,424		37,415

Net pension benefit costs include the following components:

	United States									International
	2015			2014			2013			2015			2014			2013
Service cost	$	10,851		$	8,071		$	8,896		$	2,816		$	2,597		$	2,098
Interest cost		15,037			13,921			12,314			2,561			3,185			2,872
Expected return on plan assets		(18,316	)		(17,297	)		(15,241	)		(1,589	)		(1,772	)		(1,512	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		121			237			157			(90	)		(101	)		(81	)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss		9,742			7,940			13,995			2,285			1,233			1,406
Settlement loss		516			632			—			1,319			—			—
Curtailment loss		68			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	18,019		$	13,504		$	20,121		$	7,302		$	5,142		$	4,783

Net periodic pension cost for 2015 included a settlement loss of $593 due to lump sum retirement payments and $1,242 due to a plan termination. Net periodic pension cost for 2014 included a settlement loss of $632, due to a lump sum retirement payment.

The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of pension benefits were as follows:

	United States									International
	2015			2014			2013			2015			2014			2013
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:
Discount rate		4.39	%		4.29	%		4.75	%		2.81	%		2.94	%		3.72	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.50			3.49			3.30			3.22			3.19			3.18
Assumptions used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:
Discount rate		4.29			4.75			3.85			2.94			3.72			3.52
Expected return on plan assets		6.76			7.24			7.24			4.39			4.60			4.43
Rate of compensation increase		3.49			3.30			3.30			3.19			3.18			3.13

The amortization of prior service cost is determined using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plans.

The discount rate reflects the current rate at which pension liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year. The discount rate used considers a yield derived from matching projected pension payments with maturities of a portfolio of available bonds that receive the highest rating given from a recognized investments ratings agency. The increase in the discount rate in 2015 and decrease in 2014 are due to changes in yields for these types of investments as a result of the economic environment.

In determining the expected return on plan assets, we consider both historical performance and an estimate of future long-term rates of return on assets similar to those in our plans. We consult with and consider the opinions of financial and other professionals in developing appropriate return assumptions. The rate of compensation increase is based on managements’ estimates using historical experience and expected increases in rates.

Economic assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. The effect of a one percent change in the discount rate, expected return on assets and compensation increase is shown in the table below. Bracketed numbers represent decreases in expense and obligation amounts.

	United States						International
	1% Point Increase			1% Point Decrease			1% Point Increase			1% Point Decrease
Discount rate:
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2015	$	(5,156	)	$	6,335		$	(1,605	)	$	2,206
Effect on pension obligation as of October 31, 2015	$	(45,247	)	$	56,766		$	(15,901	)	$	19,273
Expected return on assets:
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2015	$	(2,582	)	$	2,582		$	(362	)	$	362
Compensation increase:
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2015	$	3,891		$	(2,228	)	$	1,274		$	(1,041	)
Effect on pension obligation as of October 31, 2015	$	19,507		$	(11,101	)	$	7,652		$	(6,922	)

The allocation of pension plan assets as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:

	United States						International
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Asset Category
Equity securities		19	%		23	%		—	%		—	%
Debt securities		29			29			—			—
Insurance contracts		—			—			54			58
Pooled investment funds		51			47			46			42
Other		1			1			—			—
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%

Our investment objective for defined benefit plan assets is to meet the plans’ benefit obligations, while minimizing the potential for future required plan contributions.

Our United States plans comprise 89 percent of the worldwide pension assets. In general, the investment strategies focus on asset class diversification, liquidity to meet benefit payments and an appropriate balance of long-term investment return and risk. Target ranges for asset allocations are determined by dynamically matching the actuarial projections of the plans’ future liabilities and benefit payments with expected long-term rates of return on the assets, taking into account investment return volatility and correlations across asset classes. For 2015, the target in “return-seeking assets” is 45 percent and 55 percent in fixed income. Plan assets are diversified across several investment managers and are invested in liquid funds that are selected to track broad market indices. Investment risk is carefully controlled with plan assets rebalanced to target allocations on a periodic basis and continual monitoring of investment managers’ performance relative to the investment guidelines established with each investment manager.

Our international plans comprise 11 percent of the worldwide pension assets. Asset allocations are developed on a country-specific basis. Our investment strategy is to cover pension obligations with insurance contracts or to employ independent managers to invest the assets.

The fair values of our pension plan assets at October 31, 2015 by asset category are in the table below:

	United States								International
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash	$	1,781	$	1,781	$	—	$	—	$	8	$	8	$	—	$	—
Money market funds		4,286		4,286		—		—		—		—		—		—
Equity securities:										—
Basic materials		2,705		2,705		—		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer goods		4,173		4,173		—		—		—		—		—		—
Financial		6,989		6,989		—		—		—		—		—		—
Healthcare		3,436		3,436		—		—		—		—		—		—
Industrial goods		3,105		3,105		—		—		—		—		—		—
Technology		4,080		4,080		—		—		—		—		—		—
Utilities		822		822		—		—		—		—		—		—
Mutual funds		28,112		28,112		—		—		—		—		—		—
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government		29,219		7,276		21,943		—		—		—		—		—
Corporate		54,224		—		54,224		—		—		—		—		—
Other		1,546		—		1,546		—		—		—		—		—
Other types of investments:										—
Insurance contracts		—		—		—		—		20,432		—		—		20,432
Real estate collective funds		18,827		—		—		18,827		—		—		—		—
Pooled investment funds		131,347		—		131,347		—		17,033		—		17,033		—
Other		668		668		—		—		—		—		—		—
	$	295,320	$	67,433	$	209,060	$	18,827	$	37,473	$	8	$	17,033	$	20,432

The fair values of our pension plan assets at October 31, 2014 by asset category are in the table below:

	United States								International
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash	$	1,617	$	1,617	$	—	$	—	$	8	$	8	$	—	$	—
Money market funds		2,820		2,820		—		—		—		—		—		—
Equity securities:
Basic materials		3,224		3,224		—		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer goods		5,114		5,114		—		—		—		—		—		—
Financial		8,036		8,036		—		—		—		—		—		—
Healthcare		4,372		4,372		—		—		—		—		—		—
Industrial goods		3,527		3,527		—		—		—		—		—		—
Technology		4,226		4,226		—		—		—		—		—		—
Utilities		1,084		1,084		—		—		—		—		—		—
Mutual funds		31,255		31,255		—		—		—		—		—		—
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government		26,447		7,877		18,570		—		—		—		—		—
Corporate		50,720		—		50,720		—		—		—		—		—
Other		2,486		—		2,486		—		—		—		—		—
Other types of investments:
Insurance contracts		—		—		—		—		23,174		—		—		23,174
Real estate collective funds		16,495		—		—		16,495		—		—		—		—
Pooled investment funds		115,877		—		115,877		—		16,436		—		16,436		—
Other		612		612		—		—		—		—		—		—
	$	277,912	$	73,764	$	187,653	$	16,495	$	39,618	$	8	$	16,436	$	23,174

These investment funds did not own a significant number of shares of Nordson Corporation common stock for any year presented.

The inputs and methodology used to measure fair value of plan assets are consistent with those described in Note 12. Following are the valuation methodologies used to measure these assets:

Money market funds - Money market funds are public investment vehicles that are valued with a net asset value of one dollar. This is a quoted price in an active market and is classified as Level 1.

Equity securities - Common stocks are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. Mutual funds are valued at the net asset values of the shares at year-end, as determined by the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded and are classified as Level 1.

Fixed income securities - U.S. Treasury bills reflect the closing price on the active market in which the securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. Securities of U.S. agencies are valued using bid evaluations and a classified as Level 2. Corporate fixed income securities are valued using evaluated prices, such as dealer quotes, bids and offers and are therefore classified as Level 2.

Insurance contracts - Insurance contracts are investments with various insurance companies. The contract value represents the best estimate of fair value. These contracts do not hold any specific assets. These investments are classified as Level 3.

Real estate collective funds – These funds are valued at the estimated fair value of the underlying properties. Estimated fair value is calculated using a combination of key inputs, such as revenue and expense growth rates, terminal capitalization rates and discount rates. These investments are classified as Level 3.

Pooled investment funds - These are public investment vehicles valued using the net asset value. The net asset value is based on the value of the assets owned by the plan, less liabilities. These investments are not quoted on an active exchange and are classified as Level 2.

The following tables present an analysis of changes during the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 in Level 3 plan assets, by plan asset class, for U.S. and International pension plans using significant unobservable inputs to measure fair value:

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(Level 3)
	Real estate collective funds			Insurance contracts			Total
Beginning balance at October 31, 2014	$	16,495		$	23,174		$	39,669
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held, end of year		2,469			724			3,193
Assets sold during the period		36			7			43
Purchases		—			3,769			3,769
Sales		(173	)		(5,763	)		(5,936	)
Foreign currency translation		—			(1,479	)		(1,479	)
Ending balance at October 31, 2015	$	18,827		$	20,432		$	39,259

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
	(Level 3)
	Real estate collective funds			Insurance contracts			Total
Beginning balance at October 31, 2013	$	14,958		$	22,093		$	37,051
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held, end of year		1,667			771			2,438
Assets sold during the period		25			—			25
Purchases		—			2,816			2,816
Sales		(155	)		(1,529	)		(1,684	)
Foreign currency translation		—			(977	)		(977	)
Ending balance at October 31, 2014	$	16,495		$	23,174		$	39,669

Contributions to pension plans in 2016 are estimated to be approximately $25,400.

Retiree pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are anticipated to be paid as follows:

Year	United States		International
2016	$	11,741	$	3,010
2017		12,862		2,689
2018		13,878		3,383
2019		15,095		5,140
2020		16,389		3,723
2021-2025		101,531		19,573

Other postretirement plans - We have an unfunded postretirement benefit plan covering certain of our United States employees. Employees hired after January 1, 2002, are not eligible to participate in this plan. The plan provides medical and life insurance benefits. The plan is contributory, with retiree contributions in the form of premiums that are adjusted annually, and contains other cost-sharing features, such as deductibles and coinsurance. We also sponsor an unfunded, non-contributory postretirement benefit plan that provides medical and life insurance benefits for certain international employees.

A reconciliation of the benefit obligations, accrued benefit cost and the amount recognized in financial statements for other postretirement plans is as follows:

	United States						International
		2015			2014			2015			2014
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	69,479		$	61,004		$	897		$	768
Service cost		979			1,037			29			28
Interest cost		2,946			3,062			35			38
Participant contributions		412			431			—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			(111	)		(63	)
Actuarial (gain) loss		(3,677	)		6,015			(321	)		130
Benefits paid		(1,824	)		(2,070	)		(5	)		(4	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	68,315		$	69,479		$	524		$	897
Change in plan assets:
Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Company contributions		1,412			1,639			5			4
Participant contributions		412			431			—			—
Benefits paid		(1,824	)		(2,070	)		(5	)		(4	)
Ending fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Funded status at end of year	$	(68,315	)	$	(69,479	)	$	(524	)	$	(897	)
Amounts recognized in financial statements:
Accrued benefit liability	$	(2,142	)	$	(2,069	)	$	(7	)	$	(7	)
Long-term postretirement obligations		(66,173	)		(67,410	)		(517	)		(890	)
Total amount recognized in financial statements	$	(68,315	)	$	(69,479	)	$	(524	)	$	(897	)

	United States						International
		2015			2014			2015			2014
Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive (gain) loss:
Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	17,652		$	22,434		$	(379	)	$	(86	)
Prior service credit		(573	)		(1,012	)		—			—
Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss	$	17,079		$	21,422		$	(379	)	$	(86	)
Amounts expected to be recognized
during next fiscal year:
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	$	847		$	1,187		$	(25	)	$	—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(267	)		(438	)		—			—
Total	$	580		$	749		$	(25	)	$	—

The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:

	United States						International
		2015			2014			2015			2014
Balance at beginning of year	$	21,422		$	16,393		$	(86	)	$	(243	)
Net (gain) loss arising during the year		(3,677	)		6,015			(321	)		130
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year		(1,104	)		(1,435	)		—			13
Prior service credit recognized during the year		438			449			—			—
Exchange rate effect during the year		—			—			28			14
Balance at end of year	$	17,079		$	21,422		$	(379	)	$	(86	)

Net postretirement benefit costs include the following components:

	United States									International
		2015			2014			2013			2015		2014			2013
Service cost	$	979		$	1,037		$	1,145		$	29	$	28		$	35
Interest cost		2,946			3,062			2,598			35		38			38
Amortization of prior service credit		(438	)		(449	)		(473	)		—		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss		1,104			1,435			2,112			—		(13	)		(4	)
Total benefit cost	$	4,591		$	5,085		$	5,382		$	64	$	53		$	69

The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of postretirement benefits were as follows:

	United States									International
	2015			2014			2013			2015			2014			2013
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:
Discount rate		4.50	%		4.40	%		4.80	%		4.35	%		4.25	%		4.95	%
Health care cost trend rate		3.72			3.93			4.12			6.31			6.48			6.65
Rate to which health care cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)		3.27			3.41			3.47			3.50			3.50			3.50
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2025			2024			2021			2031			2031			2031
Assumption used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:
Discount rate		4.40	%		4.80	%		3.85	%		4.25	%		4.95	%		4.40	%

The discount rate and the health care cost trend rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a one-percentage point change in the discount rate and the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects. Bracketed numbers represent decreases in expense and obligation amounts.

	United States						International
	1% Point Increase			1% Point Decrease			1% Point Increase			1% Point Decrease
Discount rate:
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2015	$	(777	)	$	946		$	(6	)	$	7
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2015	$	(9,474	)	$	12,040		$	(96	)	$	126
Health care trend rate:
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2015	$	663		$	(524	)	$	17		$	(13	)
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2015	$	10,492		$	(8,419	)	$	120		$	(93	)

Contributions to postretirement plans in 2016 are estimated to be approximately $2,100.

Retiree postretirement benefit payments are anticipated to be paid as follows:

Year	United States		International
2016	$	2,142	$	7
2017		2,304		8
2018		2,466		11
2019		2,583		12
2020		2,773		12
2021-2025		17,097		78