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Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2019

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

Note 6 — 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 2019, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $22,573, $22,634 and $19,259, 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
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	425,605		$	430,816		$	87,227		$	88,761
Service cost		14,587			13,052			1,933			2,048
Interest cost		18,304			14,797			1,670			1,656
Participant contributions		—			—			83			90
Plan amendments		—			—			186			50
Settlements		—			—			(3,018	)		(1,431	)
Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			106			(2,676	)
Actuarial (gain) loss		107,662			(20,502	)		11,852			107
Benefits paid		(14,161	)		(12,558	)		(2,049	)		(1,378	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	551,997		$	425,605		$	97,990		$	87,227
Change in plan assets:
Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	361,073		$	369,234		$	39,617		$	37,504
Actual return on plan assets		76,700			(13,890	)		707			2,370
Company contributions		25,319			18,287			3,696			3,728
Participant contributions		—			—			83			90
Settlements		—			—			(3,018	)		(1,431	)
Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			604			(1,266	)
Benefits paid		(14,161	)		(12,558	)		(2,049	)		(1,378	)
Ending fair value of plan assets	$	448,931		$	361,073		$	39,640		$	39,617
Funded status at end of year	$	(103,066	)	$	(64,532	)	$	(58,350	)	$	(47,610	)
Amounts recognized in financial statements:
Noncurrent asset	$	2,171		$	1,544		$	1,375		$	748
Accrued benefit liability		(6,435	)		(1,176	)		(21	)		(36	)
Long-term pension obligations		(98,802	)		(64,900	)		(59,704	)		(48,322	)
Total amount recognized in financial statements	$	(103,066	)	$	(64,532	)	$	(58,350	)	$	(47,610	)

	United States						International
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
Net actuarial loss	$	178,390		$	130,788		$	33,826		$	23,304
Prior service credit		(100	)		(161	)		(2,342	)		(2,844	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	178,290		$	130,627		$	31,484		$	20,460
Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	13,591		$	6,221		$	2,945		$	1,700
Amortization of prior service credit		(84	)		(61	)		(288	)		(302	)
Total	$	13,507		$	6,160		$	2,657		$	1,398

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

	United States						International
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Balance at beginning of year	$	130,627		$	124,733		$	20,460		$	23,855
Net (gain) loss arising during the year		54,304			15,351			12,737			(752	)
Prior service cost arising during the year		—			—			186			50
Net gain recognized during the year		(6,702	)		(9,479	)		(1,696	)		(2,115	)
Prior service credit recognized during the year		61			22			303			316
Settlement loss		—			—			(470	)		(252	)
Exchange rate effect during the year		—			—			(36	)		(642	)
Balance at end of year	$	178,290		$	130,627		$	31,484		$	20,460

Information regarding the accumulated benefit obligation is as follows:

	United States				International
	2019		2018		2019		2018
For all plans:
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	513,861	$	403,590	$	83,439	$	74,690
For plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation		491,816		373,531		86,534		46,292
Accumulated benefit obligation		453,681		351,516		73,293		42,363
Fair value of plan assets		386,580		307,455		27,769		5,355

Net periodic pension costs include the following components:

	United States									International
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
Service cost	$	14,587		$	13,052		$	11,992		$	1,933		$	2,048		$	2,343
Interest cost		18,304			14,797			13,308			1,670			1,656			1,572
Expected return on plan assets		(23,341	)		(21,964	)		(20,784	)		(1,592	)		(1,512	)		(1,338	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(61	)		(22	)		44			(303	)		(316	)		(302	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		6,702			9,479			9,537			1,696			2,115			2,605
Settlement loss		—			—			648			470			252			363
Total benefit cost	$	16,191		$	15,342		$	14,745		$	3,874		$	4,243		$	5,243

Net periodic pension cost for 2019, 2018 and 2017 included a settlement loss of $470, $252 and $1,011, respectively, due to lump sum retirement payments.

The components of net periodic pension cost other than service cost are included in Other – net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

	United States									International
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:
Discount rate		3.25	%		4.53	%		3.80	%		1.26	%		2.14	%		2.07	%
Rate of compensation increase		4.00			3.90			3.61			3.12			3.12			3.13
Assumptions used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:
Discount rate - benefit obligation		4.53			3.80			3.94			2.14			2.07			1.86
Discount rate - service cost		4.70			4.01			4.31			1.82			1.76			1.55
Discount rate - interest cost		4.15			3.31			3.20			1.90			1.83			1.66
Expected return on plan assets		6.00			6.00			6.25			3.96			3.91			3.51
Rate of compensation increase		3.90			3.61			3.61			3.12			3.13			3.12

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 changes in the discount rates in 2019, 2018, and 2017 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 using the calculated value of 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 management’s estimates using historical experience and expected increases in rates.

Net actuarial gains or losses are amortized to expense on a plan-by-plan basis when they exceed the accounting corridor, which is set at 10 percent of the greater of the plan assets or benefit obligations. Gains or losses outside of the corridor are subject to amortization over an average employee future service period that differs by plan. If substantially all of the plan’s participants are no longer actively accruing benefits, the average life expectancy is used.

The allocation of pension plan assets as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

	United States						International
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Asset Category
Equity securities		11	%		13	%		—	%		—	%
Debt securities		53			50			—			—
Insurance contracts		—			—			54			55
Pooled investment funds		35			36			45			44
Other		1			1			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 92 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 2019, the target in “return-seeking assets” is 30 percent and 70 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 8 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, 2019 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	$	1,208	$	1,208	$	—	$	—	$	441	$	441	$	—	$	—
Money market funds		5,566		5,566		—		—		—		—		—		—
Equity securities:
Basic materials		2,318		2,318		—		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer goods		4,412		4,412		—		—		—		—		—		—
Financial		6,120		6,120		—		—		—		—		—		—
Healthcare		4,460		4,460		—		—		—		—		—		—
Industrial goods		3,152		3,152		—		—		—		—		—		—
Technology		5,064		5,064		—		—		—		—		—		—
Utilities		937		937		—		—		—		—		—		—
Mutual funds		19,674		19,674		—		—		—		—		—		—
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government		83,025		13,094		69,931		—		—		—		—		—
Corporate		151,607		—		151,607		—		—		—		—		—
Other		5,051		—		5,051		—		—		—		—		—
Other types of investments:
Insurance contracts		—		—		—		—		21,245		—		—		21,245
Other		1,101		1,101		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total investments in the fair value hierarchy	$	293,695	$	67,106	$	226,589	$	—	$	21,686	$	441	$	—	$	21,245

Investments measured at Net Asset Value:
Real estate collective funds		33,917								—
Pooled investment funds		121,319								17,954

Total Investments at Fair Value	$	448,931							$	39,640

The fair values of our pension plan assets at October 31, 2018 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	$	1,083	$	1,083	$	—	$	—	$	528	$	528	$	—	$	—
Money market funds		1,620		1,620		—		—		—		—		—		—
Equity securities:
Basic materials		2,763		2,763		—		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer goods		3,703		3,703		—		—		—		—		—		—
Financial		5,306		5,306		—		—		—		—		—		—
Healthcare		4,179		4,179		—		—		—		—		—		—
Industrial goods		2,516		2,516		—		—		—		—		—		—
Technology		4,690		4,690		—		—		—		—		—		—
Utilities		732		732		—		—		—		—		—		—
Mutual funds		21,987		21,987		—		—		—		—		—		—
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government		50,602		10,224		40,378		—		—		—		—		—
Corporate		123,159		—		123,159		—		—		—		—		—
Other		5,589		—		5,589		—		—		—		—		—
Other types of investments:
Insurance contracts		—		—		—		—		21,645		—		—		21,645
Other		1,967		1,967		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total investments in the fair value hierarchy	$	229,896	$	60,770	$	169,126	$	—	$	22,173	$	528	$	—	$	21,645

Investments measured at Net Asset Value:
Real estate collective funds		23,109								—
Pooled investment funds		108,068								17,444

Total Investments at Fair Value	$	361,073							$	39,617

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 10. 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 and mutual funds are valued at 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 are 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 using the net asset value of the underlying properties. Net asset value is calculated using a combination of key inputs, such as revenue and expense growth rates, terminal capitalization rates and discount rates.

•	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.

The following tables present an analysis of changes during the years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018 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)
	Insurance contracts			Total
Beginning balance at October 31, 2018	$	21,645		$	21,645
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held, end of year		913			913
Assets sold during the period		—			—
Purchases		2,431			2,431
Sales		(4,102	)		(4,102	)
Foreign currency translation		358			358
Ending balance at October 31, 2019	$	21,245		$	21,245

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Insurance contracts			Total
Beginning balance at October 31, 2017	$	21,037		$	21,037
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held, end of year		862			862
Assets sold during the period		—			—
Purchases		2,760			2,760
Sales		(2,501	)		(2,501	)
Foreign currency translation		(513	)		(513	)
Ending balance at October 31, 2018	$	21,645		$	21,645

Contributions to pension plans in 2020 are estimated to be approximately $41,100.

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

Year	United States		International
2020	$	22,543	$	2,277
2021		18,439		3,225
2022		20,173		2,797
2023		21,760		2,852
2024		23,096		3,292
2025-2029		140,195		18,378

Other postretirement plans - We sponsor an unfunded postretirement health care benefit plan covering certain of our United States employees. Employees hired after January 1, 2002, are not eligible to participate in this plan. For eligible retirees under the age of 65 who enroll in the plan, the plan is contributory in nature, with retiree contributions in the form of premiums that are adjusted annually. For eligible retirees age 65 and older who enroll in the plan, the plan delivers a benefit in the form of a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), which retirees use for eligible reimbursable expenses, including premiums paid for purchase of a Medicare supplement plan or other out-of-pocket medical expenses such as deductibles or co-pays.

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
		2019			2018			2019			2018
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	72,010		$	75,146		$	512		$	599
Service cost		545			709			16			20
Interest cost		2,984			2,557			19			20
Participant contributions		684			663			—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			(1	)		(11	)
Actuarial (gain) loss		15,101			(4,519	)		(86	)		(110	)
Benefits paid		(2,664	)		(2,546	)		(6	)		(6	)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	88,660		$	72,010		$	454		$	512
Change in plan assets:
Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Company contributions		1,980			1,883			6			6
Participant contributions		684			663			—			—
Benefits paid		(2,664	)		(2,546	)		(6	)		(6	)
Ending fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Funded status at end of year	$	(88,660	)	$	(72,010	)	$	(454	)	$	(512	)
Amounts recognized in financial statements:
Accrued benefit liability	$	(2,740	)	$	(2,360	)	$	(6	)	$	(8	)
Long-term postretirement obligations		(85,920	)		(69,650	)		(448	)		(504	)
Total amount recognized in financial statements	$	(88,660	)	$	(72,010	)	$	(454	)	$	(512	)

	United States						International
		2019			2018			2019			2018
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	28,992		$	14,526		$	(482	)	$	(423	)
Prior service credit		(16	)		(43	)		—			—
Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss	$	28,976		$	14,483		$	(482	)	$	(423	)
Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	$	1,674		$	609		$	(37	)	$	(28	)
Amortization of prior service credit		(16	)		(27	)		—			—
Total	$	1,658		$	582		$	(37	)	$	(28	)

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

	United States						International
		2019			2018			2019			2018
Balance at beginning of year	$	14,483		$	19,982		$	(423	)	$	(342	)
Net (gain) loss arising during the year		15,101			(4,519	)		(86	)		(110	)
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year		(634	)		(1,079	)		28			20
Prior service credit recognized during the year		26			99			—			—
Exchange rate effect during the year		—			—			(1	)		9
Balance at end of year	$	28,976		$	14,483		$	(482	)	$	(423	)

Net postretirement benefit costs include the following components:

	United States									International
		2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
Service cost	$	545		$	709		$	722		$	16		$	20		$	20
Interest cost		2,984			2,557			2,337			19			20			20
Amortization of prior service credit		(26	)		(99	)		(164	)		—			—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss		634			1,079			874			(28	)		(20	)		(17	)
Total benefit cost	$	4,137		$	4,246		$	3,769		$	7		$	20		$	23

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

	United States									International
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:
Discount rate		3.27	%		4.56	%		3.86	%		3.03	%		3.88	%		3.52	%
Health care cost trend rate		3.62			3.75			3.70			4.00			6.35			6.50
Rate to which health care cost trend rate is assumed to incline/decline (ultimate trend rate)		3.24			3.27			3.23			4.05			3.50			3.50
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2026			2026			2026			2040			2037			2037
Assumption used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:
Discount rate - benefit obligation		4.56	%		3.86	%		4.03	%		3.88	%		3.52	%		3.40	%
Discount rate - service cost	4.77			4.11				4.48			3.90		3.54			3.56
Discount rate - interest cost	4.18			3.39				3.27			3.80			3.40			3.20

The weighted average health care trend rates reflect expected increases in the Company’s portion of the obligation.

A one-percentage point change in 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
Health care trend rate:
Effect on total net postretirement benefit cost components in 2019	$	494	$	(400	)	$	9	$	(7	)
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2019	$	11,984	$	(9,800	)	$	108	$	(84	)

Contributions to postretirement plans in 2020 are estimated to be approximately $2,800.

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

Year	United States		International
2020	$	2,747	$	6
2021		2,990		6
2022		3,230		6
2023		3,505		6
2024		3,769		6
2025-2029		21,330		46