WESTLAKE, OH -- Nordson today reported second-quarter net income was $52 million, down 20% from a year ago.

For the quarter ended April 30, sales fell 1% year-over-year to $315 million, including a 3% increase from acquisitions offset by a 3% decrease in organic volume and a 1% loss related to currency translation. Sales improved strongly sequentially.

Operating profit was $77 million, down from $92 million. The conglomerate took one-time charges of $4 million during the quarter.

Sales volume in Adhesive Dispensing Systems was down 1% from a year ago, with growth in consumer non-durables offset by softness in some durables. Operating margins were 33%. Advanced Technology Systems' sales volume grew 3% over 2011.

Nordson is the parent company of Asymtek, YesTech, Dage and EFD, among others.

Order rates for the 12-week period ended May 13, increased 9% over a year ago. Backlogs were up 29% to $197 million. For the third quarter, the company guided for sales of $337 million to $349 million, which would be up eight to 12% from last year.