If you like to see more ideas, please subscribe to the premium service "Value in Corporate Events" here and try the free trial. In this service we cover major earnings events, M&A, IPOs and other significant corporate events with actionable ideas. Furthermore, we provide coverage of situations and names on request!At the start of the year, I believed that Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY ) was labeling a better future. So far that still has to materialize, with shares down about 10% year to date, trail ...

Company Overview - Avery Dennison Corporation, based in Mentor, Ohio, operates as a packaging company providing pressure-sensitive materials and various converted products, with a market cap of $12.9 billion [1][2] Stock Performance - The stock has declined 26.4% from its 52-week high of $224.38 reached on September 27, 2024, and has underperformed the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY), which surged 14.3% over the same period [3] - Year-to-date, AVY stock has decreased by 11.8%, and over the past 52 weeks, it has dropped 21.2%, while XLY has increased by 7.2% and 24.8% respectively [4] - The stock has remained mostly below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages over the past year, indicating a bearish trend [4] Recent Financial Results - Following the release of mixed Q2 results on July 22, AVY stock prices gained 1.5%, but demand from apparel and general retail categories remained under pressure due to current tariff policies, leading to net sales of $2.2 billion, down 66 basis points year-over-year, missing expectations [5] - The adjusted EPS remained flat at $2.42, surpassing consensus estimates by 1.7% [6] Analyst Ratings - Among 13 analysts covering AVY stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with a mean price target of $199.50, suggesting a 20.9% upside potential from current price levels [7]

Core Insights - Avery Dennison is an $8.8 billion business focused on material science and digital identification [2] - The company aims to address branding and information challenges, particularly in supply chain efficiency, waste reduction, and labor optimization [2] Business Overview - The company's portfolio consists of two main segments: materials and solutions, with materials accounting for approximately 70% and solutions for about 30% [3] - The primary focus is on enhancing customer experiences by connecting brands with consumers and promoting circularity [2][3]

Summary of Avery Dennison (AVY) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Avery Dennison is an $8.8 billion business focused on material science and digital identification [5][6] - The business is divided into two main segments: Materials (70% of portfolio) and Solutions (30% of portfolio) [6][8] - Approximately 60% of the business is anchored in Consumer Staples, which is less cyclical [6] Core Business Insights - The company aims for GDP plus growth and top quartile returns, focusing on value creation through cycles [8] - High value categories are identified as key growth catalysts, typically growing at GDP plus 2-2.5x with strong margins [7][13] - Significant exposure to emerging markets is expected to drive growth beyond Western or North American GDP [7] Growth Strategy - Anticipated growth of 4.5% to 5% in the next cycle, with contributions from base businesses, Intelligent Labels, and other high value categories [14] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a leverage ratio in the low 2s, allowing for strategic acquisitions and share buybacks [15][16] Recent Acquisition - Avery Dennison announced a small acquisition in the Adhesives space, specifically a flooring adhesives business, which has been growing at mid-single digits with high margins [17][22] - The acquisition is expected to leverage existing adhesive manufacturing capabilities and generate synergies [23][30] Apparel Market Challenges - The apparel market has faced challenges due to tariff uncertainties, leading to a decline in volumes [35][36] - The company is focusing on optimizing its Intelligent Labels business to adapt to these market conditions [38][39] Intelligent Labels Business - More than 60% of the Intelligent Labels business is anchored in apparel, which has been affected by market conditions [38] - The company is exploring growth opportunities in Food and Logistics segments, which have significant potential for adoption [41][42] Innovation and Competitive Advantage - Avery Dennison emphasizes innovation as a key driver for maintaining market leadership, with ongoing developments in RFID technology and digital identity solutions [53][55] - The company has developed a cloud platform, Atma.io, to manage digital identities and track supply chain events, enhancing its competitive edge [74][75] Other High Value Categories - Vescom and Imbellix are highlighted as strong performers, with growth potential in the retail and performance sports sectors [61][64] - The company is also optimistic about its specialty and durable label business, which is expected to grow mid-single digits [69] Pricing Power and Market Adaptation - Avery Dennison has successfully implemented pricing surcharges to manage inflationary pressures and tariff impacts [57][58] - The company leverages its global scale to adapt sourcing routes and manage costs effectively [58][60] Conclusion - Avery Dennison is well-positioned to navigate current market challenges through strategic acquisitions, innovation, and a focus on high value categories, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and pricing strategies [16][17][57]

Company Overview - Avery Dennison's 2024 net sales reached $8.8 billion[8] - The Materials Group accounted for 69% of sales, while the Solutions Group represented 31%[8] - High-value categories constitute approximately 44% of sales, showing a 10 percentage point increase compared to 2019[11] - The U S market accounts for approximately 40% of sales[11] Growth Strategy - The company is targeting over 5% sales growth, excluding currency impacts[27] - This growth is expected to be driven by approximately 1 percentage point from base business growth, 2 percentage points from high-value categories, and 1.5+ percentage points from Intelligent Labels[26] - Intelligent Labels are projected to grow at a rate of 15%+[26] Financial Performance and Capital Allocation - From 2014 to 2024, the adjusted EBITDA margin increased from 11 3% to 16 4%[23] - The company plans to allocate capital with 25-30% for capex/restructuring, ~20% for dividends, and 50-55% for buybacks/M&A[30] - Approximately $8 billion of capital is available for deployment between 2024 and 2028[31]

Core Insights - Meridian has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its Flooring Adhesives Division to Avery Dennison, which will integrate the brands into its Materials Group business, aiming for accelerated innovation and expanded reach [1][2][3] Company Overview - Meridian Adhesives Group is a leading manufacturer of high-performance adhesives, providing solutions across various markets including electronics, product assembly, infrastructure, packaging, and flooring [3] - Avery Dennison Corporation is a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions, reported sales of $8.8 billion in 2024, and employs approximately 35,000 employees in over 50 countries [4]

Image source: The Motley Fool. Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. ET CALL PARTICIPANTS President & Chief Executive Officer — Deon Stander Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer — Gregory S. Lovins Lovins said, "customer feedback and sentiment remains muted." Guidance assumes continued soft apparel volumes in the third quarter. TAKEAWAYS Adjusted Earnings per Share (EPS)-- Adjusted earnings per share was $2.42 in Q2 2025, up 5% sequentially and roughly flat year over year. Organic Sales-- Down 1% o ...

Core Points - The earnings conference call for Avery Dennison took place for the second quarter ended on June 28, 2025 [2] - The call included various corporate participants, including the President, CEO, and CFO [1] - Non-GAAP financial measures were referenced during the discussion, with definitions and reconciliations provided in the accompanying financial statements [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.42, up 5% sequentially and comparable to the prior year, with strong free cash flow of nearly $190 million in the quarter [17][18] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was strong at 16.6%, up 20 basis points compared to the prior year [18] - Sales were down 1% on an organic basis compared to the prior year, primarily due to deflation-related price reductions [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Materials Group sales were down 1% on an organic basis, with modest volume mix growth offset by low single-digit deflation-related price reductions [19][20] - Solutions Group sales were also down 1% organically, with high-value categories up low single digits, while base solutions were down mid-single digits [22] - VESCOM, a suite of productivity solutions, was up roughly 10% in the quarter due to successful rollouts [10][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw low to mid-single-digit organic volume mix growth, while Europe was down low to mid-single digits due to a strong prior year [19][20] - Apparel sales were down 6% in the quarter, with overall apparel and general retail categories experiencing reduced orders and inventory levels [8][11] - Food and logistics categories showed strong growth, with food up mid-teens collectively [11][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is taking a cautious approach to forward expectations, anticipating third-quarter earnings per share to be comparable to the prior year [13][24] - The focus remains on high-value categories and emerging markets, with a strong balance sheet allowing for organic and M&A investments [14][52] - The company is committed to improving network efficiency and expanding innovation, particularly in the Intelligent Labels platform [15][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that trade policy uncertainty impacted results, particularly in apparel and general retail categories [17][30] - Despite challenges, management expressed confidence in long-term earnings progression and the ability to navigate dynamic environments [15][24] - The company anticipates a return to earnings growth in the fourth quarter, assuming no significant macro shifts [25][41] Other Important Information - The company announced a 7% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.94 per share, continuing a decade-long trend of annual growth [19] - The company returned approximately $500 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in the first half of the year [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to whether you see pent-up demand and potential quicker turnarounds in the second half? - Management noted continued retail sales volume softness in Europe and muted customer sentiment, with expectations of low single-digit demand in apparel and general retail overall [30][31] Question: What are the expected volumes for the back half of the year? - Management reiterated that apparel business is expected to be down low single digits in Q3, with growth anticipated in Intelligent Labels in the second half [34][37] Question: What are the exit rates in your materials businesses into the third quarter? - Exit rates for the Materials Group were relatively flat overall, with slight improvements noted in June [98] Question: What is the outlook for Embellix and its reliance on global sporting events? - Management expects growth in Embellix to begin in Q4, with confidence in the long-term growth trajectory despite challenges in the apparel market [84][98] Question: How is the rollout with CVS going for VESCOM? - The rollout with CVS is progressing well, with strong growth anticipated as the company continues to leverage data for shelf-edge labeling solutions [86][87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.42, up 5% sequentially and comparable to the prior year, with strong free cash flow of nearly $190 million in the quarter [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was strong at 16.6%, up 20 basis points compared to the prior year [16] - Sales were down 1% on an organic basis compared to the prior year, primarily due to deflation-related price reductions [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Materials Group sales were down 1% on an organic basis, with high-value categories up low single digits and base business down low single digits [18][19] - Solutions Group sales were down 1% organically, with high-value categories up low single digits and base solutions down mid single digits [21] - The Solutions Group achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.1%, up 30 basis points compared to the prior year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America saw low to mid single-digit growth in organic volume mix, while Europe was down low to mid single digits [19] - Apparel sales were down 6% in the quarter, with overall apparel and general retail categories experiencing reduced orders and inventory levels [6][10] - Food and logistics categories showed strong growth, with food sales up mid-teens collectively [10][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its global scale, innovation, and go-to-market strategy to maintain competitive advantages in large growing markets [12][13] - There is an emphasis on expanding high-value categories and pursuing new projects in food and logistics [10][12] - The company plans to continue disciplined capital allocation, including share repurchases and dividends, while exploring M&A opportunities to enhance high-value category contributions [52][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for the third quarter, expecting earnings per share to be comparable to the prior year amid trade policy uncertainties [12][15] - The company anticipates a normalization of growth in apparel and general retail categories over time, despite current softness [10][11] - Management remains confident in the long-term growth trajectory, particularly in high-value categories and emerging markets [13][72] Other Important Information - The company announced a 7% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.94 per share, continuing a decade-long trend of annual dividend growth [17] - The company is actively managing its global network to reduce inefficiencies and associated costs due to shifts in trade policies [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to whether you see pent-up demand and potential quicker turnarounds in the second half? - Management noted continued retail sales volume softness in Europe and muted customer sentiment, with expectations of low single-digit demand in apparel and general retail overall [29][30] Question: What are your expectations for volumes in the back half of the year? - Management anticipates growth in Intelligent Labels in the third quarter and expects new programs to gain traction in the fourth quarter [38][42] Question: What impact do you expect from the closure of Kroger stores on your deployments? - Management stated that the rollout with Kroger continues as planned, with no significant impact from store closures on their deployments [78] Question: What are the expectations for growth in the Embellix business? - Management expects growth in the Embellix business to begin in the fourth quarter, driven by performance brands and upcoming sporting events [86][100] Question: How is the company managing tariff cost impacts? - Management indicated that they largely offset tariff-related costs in Q2 through strategic pricing and sourcing shifts, with expectations to continue this in Q3 [91][92]