NDSN Q4 Deep Dive: Semiconductor and Asia Demand Drive Growth, Guidance Raised

Manufacturing company Nordson (NASDAQ:NDSN) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q4 CY2025, with sales up 8.8% year on year to $669.5 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $725 million at the midpoint, 1.8% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.37 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

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StockStory’s Take

Nordson’s results for Q4 showed steady execution on several fronts, as the company delivered above-consensus revenue growth while maintaining strong margins. Management attributed the quarter’s performance to broad-based demand—especially in its Advanced Technology Solutions segment, which saw more than 20% growth due to robust semiconductor end-market activity. CEO Sundaram Nagarajan noted, “Our precision dispense applications are seeing tremendous investment, especially for advanced chip packaging,” with the Asia-Pacific region serving as a key growth engine. Segment stability in automotive and polymer processing, alongside strong performance in packaging, also contributed to the quarter’s outcome.

Looking ahead, Nordson’s updated guidance reflects continued momentum in semiconductor and electronics markets, as well as a stabilizing outlook in medical and industrial segments. Management pointed to a growing backlog and broad order entry, particularly in Asia, as underpinning the company’s confidence for the coming quarters. Nagarajan highlighted that while the core semiconductor business is driving near-term growth, Nordson remains attentive to potential fluctuations in industrial and automotive demand. The company plans to leverage its innovation and customer proximity to support further expansion, stating, “We are well positioned across the semiconductor supply chain, both technologically and geographically.”

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed the quarter’s performance to strong demand in semiconductor equipment, stabilization in key industrial segments, and operational execution that supported margin expansion. Forward guidance was influenced by broad order momentum and a constructive outlook for core end markets.

• Semiconductor momentum: The Advanced Technology Solutions segment drove double-digit growth, led by applications for advanced chip packaging and test/inspection systems supporting increasing AI computing needs. Management emphasized that semiconductor-related business now accounts for about half of ATS revenue, reflecting both current project wins and long-term industry trends.

• Asia-Pacific demand strength: Organic sales growth was concentrated in Asia, with broad-based demand across product lines but especially pronounced in packaging and electronics. Management noted that this region’s investments in manufacturing and technology are anchoring Nordson’s current growth trajectory.

• Medical segment stabilization: Although the Medical and Fluid Solutions segment saw a slower start—partly attributed to weather-related disruptions—management cited healthy backlog and ongoing project activity as reasons to expect normalized, mid-single-digit growth for the remainder of the year.

• Operational leverage and margin discipline: The company cited improved SG&A (selling, general, and administrative expense) leverage and benefits from its recent medical divestiture as drivers of year-over-year operating margin improvement. Management reiterated a focus on maintaining best-in-class EBITDA margins despite geographic mix headwinds.

• Disciplined capital deployment: Nordson continued to invest in organic projects, repurchase shares, and return capital to shareholders, while also maintaining financial flexibility for future M&A. Management stressed that its acquisition pipeline remains active, particularly in medical components, test and inspection technologies, and core industrial technologies.

Drivers of Future Performance

Nordson expects ongoing strength from semiconductor and Asia-Pacific markets, while monitoring for stabilization in medical, automotive, and industrial demand to support sustained high margins.

• Semiconductor and electronics tailwinds: Management believes that demand for AI-enabled chip manufacturing and advanced packaging will continue to drive growth in the ATS segment. The company is benefiting from its close integration with leading customers, and expects further gains as investments broaden to other regions and applications.

• Medical and industrial normalization: The outlook for medical device and fluid management solutions is for steady, mid-single-digit growth, supported by backlog and project pipelines. Management views automotive and polymer processing end markets as stabilized, with some potential for nominal recovery.

• Margin focus amid mix changes: While geographic and product mix—particularly higher sales in Asia—may create temporary margin headwinds, management expects normalized incremental margins over time. They remain committed to maintaining strong EBITDA margins and leveraging operational efficiencies as demand patterns evolve.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In upcoming quarters, the StockStory team will be tracking (1) sustained order momentum and backlog growth in the semiconductor and electronics segments, (2) stabilization and recovery in medical and industrial end markets, and (3) the company’s ability to maintain high EBITDA margins despite changes in geographic and product mix. Execution on capital deployment and progress in new technology initiatives will also be important indicators of ongoing performance.

Nordson currently trades at $296.71, in line with $299.29 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

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