Now what: For the current quarter, Nordson anticipates revenue growth of 1% to 5%, which equates to an approximate range of $467.4 million to $485.9 million, including organic volume in the range of a 1% decline to 3% growth, a 3% increase in revenue from acquisitions, and a 1% foreign currency headwind. That should translate to operating margin of 24% at the midpoint, with GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.25 to $1.37.
By contrast, analysts' consensus estimates predicted third-quarter revenue of $473.8 million, or $3 million below the midpoint of guidance, and earnings of $1.23 per share.
In short, it's hard to find anything not to like about this quarter as Nordson continues to strive for margin expansion and top-line growth in excess of GDP, all in spite of the difficult business environment. When these headwinds abate, Nordson should emerge an even stronger company for it. With that in mind, and given its outperformance this quarter, it's no surprise to see investors so aggressively bidding up Nordson stock today.