How did Nordson's third-quarter revenue and earnings compare to consensus estimates and prior-year performance?

Fundamental snapshot:

Nordson posted third‑quarter FY 2025 revenue of $1.13 billion, essentially flat versus the consensus street forecast of $1.14 billion but a 4 % decline from the $1.18 billion reported a year earlier. On the earnings side the company delivered $2.44 in adjusted EPS, comfortably topping the $2.30 consensus estimate and representing a 7 % year‑over‑year increase over the $2.27 EPS recorded in Q3 2024. The revenue miss was largely driven by weaker demand in the industrial adhesives segment, while the earnings beat reflected higher gross margins (up 140 bps) and continued cost‑discipline in SG&A.

Trading implications:

The mix of a modest revenue shortfall and an earnings beat tends to keep the stock in a tight range. Technicals show the price hovering near its 20‑day moving average with a bullish engulfing candle on the day of the release, suggesting short‑term upside potential if the market digests the guidance lift (full‑year revenue now projected at $4.55 billion, +2 % YoY). However, the revenue miss and a still‑elevated inventory level in key end‑markets leave downside risk if demand softness persists. A prudent approach is to look for a breakout above the recent resistance at $115 for a long entry, targeting the 200‑day MA around $130, while setting a stop just below the 20‑day MA (~$108). Conversely, a failure to sustain the earnings momentum could trigger a retest of the $105 support zone, offering a short‑term sell‑the‑news opportunity.