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Operating Segments
 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 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 enables 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
July 31, 2021    
Net external sales$345,449 $301,409 $— $646,858 
Operating profit (loss)123,829 80,769 (16,322)188,276 
July 31, 2020
Net external sales$288,965 $249,216 $— $538,181 
Operating profit (loss)74,744 49,952 (12,641)112,055 
Nine Months Ended
July 31, 2021
Net external sales$932,640 $830,322 $— $1,762,962 
Operating profit (loss)311,515 204,556 (52,379)463,692 
July 31, 2020
Net external sales$835,038 $727,537 $— $1,562,575 
Operating profit (loss)207,603 140,928 (36,354)312,177 
We had significant sales in the following geographic regions:
 Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
 July 31, 2021July 31, 2020July 31, 2021July 31, 2020
United States$201,531 $183,508 $589,771 $560,941 
Americas47,717 38,265 128,769 106,021 
Europe162,298 132,107 453,900 394,554 
Japan24,946 31,226 79,913 90,353 
Asia Pacific210,366 153,075 510,609 410,706 
Total net external sales$646,858 $538,181 $1,762,962 $1,562,575