Nordson Corp. (NASDAQ: NDSN) President and Chief Executive Officer Sundaram Nagarajan executed a block sale of 41,800 Nordson shares on February 24, 2026, generating approximately $12.26 million in gross proceeds. The transaction carried a weighted-average price of $293.26 per share, with executed prices ranging from $291.64 to $295.04.
The disposition occurred while Nordson's share price was trading near its 52-week peak of $305.28, with the stock up roughly 37% over the trailing 12 months. An analysis cited in company coverage characterizes the shares as appearing overvalued at current levels relative to their Fair Value.
Concurrent with the sale, Nagarajan exercised stock options to acquire 41,800 company shares at an exercise price of $165.21 per share, representing a total exercise cost of about $6.9 million. Those options carried an original expiration date of November 25, 2029. Company filings indicate that a portion of the newly sold shares was allocated to satisfy the option exercise price, withholding tax obligations and broker fees tied to the exercise.
After completing the option exercise and subsequent sale, Nagarajan's direct holdings amount to 64,824 Nordson shares. That total incorporates 127 Stock Equivalent Units and/or Restricted Share Units that have been credited from dividend payments under the company’s Stock Incentive and Award Plan. In addition to direct holdings, Nagarajan maintains an indirect interest in 8,000 shares held by the Sundaram Nagarajan Irrevocable Insurance Trust dated December 5, 2023.
Separately, Nordson disclosed first-quarter fiscal 2026 financial results that met and, in one respect, exceeded market expectations. The company reported diluted earnings per share of $2.37, in line with consensus estimates, while revenue came in at $669 million, ahead of forecasts by $16.18 million.
Market analysts responded to the quarterly results with revised price targets. Jefferies raised its target to $300 from $275 while retaining a Hold rating, citing a 9% increase in sales, 7% organic revenue growth and a 15% increase in adjusted EPS attributed to operating leverage and cost control. DA Davidson lifted its target to $335 from $290 and continued to carry a Buy rating; that firm’s revision highlighted anticipated gains in Nordson’s ATS segment driven by stronger semiconductor demand.
Both firms’ adjustments to their price targets reflect constructive interpretations of the latest financials and cited end-market dynamics. The sequence of the CEO’s option exercise, the contemporaneous sale to cover obligations, and recent analyst revisions are factual elements now in the public record.
Context and ownership details
- The share sale produced approximately $12.26 million in proceeds at a weighted-average price of $293.26.
- The option exercise involved 41,800 shares at $165.21 per share, for a total exercise cost near $6.9 million; those options would have expired on November 25, 2029.
- Post-transaction direct ownership is 64,824 shares, including 127 Stock Equivalent Units/Restricted Share Units accrued via dividends; indirect ownership includes 8,000 shares held by an irrevocable insurance trust dated December 5, 2023.
Financial performance and analyst response
- Nordson reported Q1 fiscal 2026 EPS of $2.37, matching analyst expectations, and revenue of $669 million, beating estimates by $16.18 million.
- Jefferies lifted its price target to $300 from $275 and kept a Hold rating, citing sales growth, organic growth and margin expansion.
- DA Davidson raised its target to $335 from $290 and maintained a Buy rating, emphasizing anticipated ATS segment growth tied to semiconductor demand.
These items together outline the most recent insider activity, the resulting ownership posture of the CEO, and the marketplace reaction to the company’s latest quarter.