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Operating Segments
 6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Operating Segments
Operating segments
We conduct business across two primary operating segments:  Industrial Precision Solutions (IPS) and Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS).  The composition of segments and measure of segment profitability is consistent with that used by our chief operating decision maker.  The primary measure used by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing performance is operating profit, which equals sales less cost of sales and certain operating expenses.  Items below the operating profit line of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (interest and investment income, interest expense and other income/expense) are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by our chief operating decision maker and are not presented by operating segment.  
Effective in the second quarter of 2020, we made changes to realign our management team and our operating segments, consolidating our former three operating segments into the two described above, which are reflected in our disclosures. Existing product lines were unchanged as part of this new structure. This realignment will enable us to better serve global customers and markets, to more efficiently leverage technology synergies, to operate divisions of significant size in a consistent and focused way and to position ourselves for our next chapter of profitable growth. The revised operating segments better reflect how we manage the Company, allocate resources, and assess performance of the businesses.
Industrial Precision Solutions: This segment delivers proprietary dispensing and processing technology to diverse end markets. Product lines reduce material consumption, increase line efficiency and enhance product brand and appearance. Components are used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, paint, finishes, sealants and other materials. This segment primarily serves the non-durables, industrial and consumer durables markets.
Advanced Technology Solutions: This segment integrates our proprietary product technologies found in progressive stages of a customer’s production processes, such as surface treatment, precisely controlled dispensing of material and post-dispense test and inspection to ensure quality. Related single-use plastic molded syringes, cartridges, tips, fluid connection components, tubing, balloons and catheters are used to dispense or control fluids in production processes or within customers’ end products. This segment predominantly serves customers in the electronics, medical and related high-tech industrial markets.
The following table presents information about our segments:
Three Months EndedIndustrial
Precision
Solutions		Advanced
Technology
Solutions		CorporateTotal
April 30, 2021    
Net external sales$298,775 $290,763 $— $589,538 
Operating profit (loss)104,283 76,585 (14,477)166,391 
April 30, 2020
Net external sales$282,274 $247,204 $— $529,478 
Operating profit (loss)76,454 58,689 (10,114)125,029 
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2021
Net external sales$587,191 $528,913 $— $1,116,104 
Operating profit (loss)187,686 123,786 (36,056)275,416 
April 30, 2020
Net external sales$546,073 $478,321 $— $1,024,394 
Operating profit (loss)132,858 90,976 (23,712)200,122 
We had significant sales in the following geographic regions:
 Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
 April 30, 2021April 30, 2020April 30, 2021April 30, 2020
United States$202,924 $188,933 $388,240 $377,433 
Americas44,914 36,673 81,052 67,756 
Europe156,451 136,056 291,602 262,447 
Japan27,852 31,575 54,967 59,127 
Asia Pacific157,397 136,241 300,243 257,631 
Total net external sales$589,538 $529,478 $1,116,104 $1,024,394