Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EPS of $9.53 and generated $707 million of adjusted free cash flow for the full year 2025, demonstrating the durability of its franchise [3][14] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was maintained at 16.4% for the full year, despite headwinds from trade policy changes and softer consumer sentiment [3][14] - In Q4, adjusted EPS was $2.45, up 3% compared to the prior year, with reported sales increasing by 3.9% [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Materials Group, reported sales increased by 5%, with low single-digit volume and mix growth offset by deflation-related price reductions [4][15] - The Solutions Group saw sales increase by approximately 1.5%, with high-value categories representing 60% of the portfolio [5][19] - Intelligent Labels within the Solutions Group grew mid-single digits, driven by food, logistics, and industrial categories [6][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In developed markets, North America experienced low single-digit volume mix declines, while Europe delivered mid-single-digit growth [15] - Emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America were up low single digits [15] - The apparel business was down approximately 7%, impacted by tariff-related uncertainties [5][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving growth in high-value categories, which now represent 45% of sales, and aims to expand this further [8][10] - There is a commitment to accelerating innovation and enhancing digital capabilities to improve operational productivity and customer solutions [9][10] - The company achieved its 2025 sustainability objectives and is making progress towards its 2030 goals [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to stronger growth in 2026, anticipating adjusted earnings per share growth of approximately 6% at the midpoint [11][21] - The company does not expect macroeconomic tailwinds in the near term, focusing instead on internal levers to drive performance [11][38] - There is a recognition of the need to improve organic revenue growth, with decisive actions being taken to address this [8][12] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $860 million to shareholders in 2025, including $572 million in buybacks and $288 million in dividends [14] - The balance sheet remains strong, with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.4 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the 40 basis point drop in margin? - The drop was attributed to soft base volumes, wage inflation, and some one-time benefits in the prior year [26][28] Question: What are the growth expectations for Intelligent Labels in 2026? - Growth is anticipated to be above the low single digits achieved in 2025, driven by increased adoption in apparel and logistics [32][34] Question: How do high-value categories compare in margin to core categories? - High-value categories typically have higher variable margins than the rest of the portfolio, contributing to overall margin expansion [40][42] Question: What impact has the Walmart partnership had on inquiries from other grocery sellers? - The partnership has increased interest and inquiries from other grocery sellers, leading to potential pilots and trials [47][48] Question: What is the expected timing for restructuring benefits throughout 2026? - Restructuring benefits are expected to be balanced across the year, with a more significant impact in the middle quarters [68][70] Question: What actions are being taken to drive organic growth in high-value categories? - The company is focusing on new customer acquisition, accelerating innovation outcomes, and leveraging digital capabilities [75][78]

Core Viewpoint - Avery Dennison Corporation (AVY) is experiencing growth driven by productivity improvements and cost-saving measures, supported by strong demand for consumer-packaged goods and e-commerce trends [1][3][4] Group 1: Financial Performance and Growth Drivers - Approximately 40% of Avery Dennison's revenues come from labeling non-durable consumer goods, with strong demand in this sector [3] - The company expects over 15% growth for its Intelligent Labels in 2025, reflecting a robust long-term outlook [8] - The Materials Group segment is benefiting from productivity improvements and higher volume, which are expected to continue boosting margins [6][5] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Avery Dennison is focusing on five key priorities: driving growth in high-value product categories, enhancing profitability in base businesses, pursuing productivity improvements, maintaining disciplined capital management, and leading with environmentally responsible practices [7] - The company is executing long-term restructuring initiatives to enhance growth in its base business while reallocating resources to high-value categories [8][9] Group 3: Challenges and Concerns - The company is facing higher raw material costs, particularly in paper and energy, which are expected to impact margins [2][10] - Supply chain challenges and currency translation issues are anticipated to affect top-line growth [11] - Avery Dennison's adjusted EPS for the second quarter of 2025 is projected to be between $2.30 and $2.50, indicating a year-over-year decline at the mid-point [11] Group 4: Stock Performance - AVY shares have declined by 19.7% over the past year, compared to a 7.6% decline in the industry [12]