Core Insights - The company reported a solid third quarter with earnings up 2% year over year, driven by productivity and higher volume mix despite ongoing trade policy changes [3][12][21] - The apparel segment showed divergent trends, with high-value category apparel sales growing in the high single digits, while base apparel volumes remained down low single digits due to soft retail demand [4][5][17] - The Solutions Group achieved organic sales growth of 4%, supported by strong performance in high-value categories, particularly VESCOM and Embellix, both exceeding 10% growth [1][16][17] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share reached $2.37, up 2% compared to the prior year, with reported sales increasing by 1.5% [12][21] - The adjusted EBITDA margin was strong at 16.5%, reflecting a 10 basis point increase year over year [12] - The company generated strong adjusted free cash flow of nearly $270 million in the quarter, maintaining a robust balance sheet with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.2 [13] Segment Performance - The Materials Group experienced a slight revenue decline of 2% on an organic basis, primarily due to low single-digit deflation-related price reductions [14][15] - Specialty durable labels and adhesives continued to show strong growth, partially offsetting declines in graphics and performance tapes [2][15] - Intelligent Labels sales grew approximately 3% year over year, driven by key segments such as apparel, food, logistics, and industrial [4][17] Strategic Developments - The company announced a major partnership with Walmart to leverage RFID innovations in fresh grocery categories, marking a significant industry milestone [5][30] - The strategic focus on high-value categories is evident, with these categories now representing 45% of total business year to date [8][9] - The company is committed to disciplined capital allocation, having repurchased approximately $454 million in stock and grown dividends by 7% [10][13] Outlook - For the fourth quarter, the company anticipates reported sales growth of 5% to 7%, with organic growth expected to be between 0% to 2% [18][19] - The company expects to see high-value categories return to growth in the fourth quarter, despite current trade policy uncertainties [2][7] - The outlook incorporates seasonality and incremental productivity, with adjusted earnings per share projected to be in the range of $2.35 to $2.45 [19][21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.37, up 2% year over year, exceeding the midpoint of expectations [11] - Reported sales increased by 1.5% compared to the prior year, with organic sales remaining comparable to the prior year [11] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was strong at 16.5%, up 10 basis points year over year, with adjusted free cash flow of nearly $270 million generated in the quarter [12][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Materials Group sales were down 2% on an organic basis, with modest volume mix growth offset by low single-digit deflation-related price reductions [13] - Solutions Group delivered organic sales growth of 4%, driven by high single-digit growth in high-value categories, while base solutions were down low single digits [15] - Apparel business saw high-value category sales grow high single digits, while base apparel remained down low single digits due to soft retailer demand [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America and Europe experienced continued soft consumer product demand, leading to comparable volume, while emerging markets showed growth with Asia-Pacific up low single digits and Latin America up mid-single digits [14] - The company noted that general retail categories continued to experience tariff-related softness, with sales down mid-teens [16] - The enterprise-wide Intelligent Labels sales grew approximately 3% compared to the prior year, with growth in apparel and food segments [6][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its RFID innovation and solutions, particularly in the fresh grocery categories, as evidenced by a new partnership with Walmart [6][9] - The strategic shift towards high-value categories is underscored by these categories now representing 45% of total business year to date [9] - The company anticipates improved year-over-year growth in the fourth quarter, despite ongoing trade policy uncertainties [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macro uncertainties and maintain strong profitable growth [8][19] - The company expects slight improvements in organic sales growth and continued year-over-year EPS growth in the fourth quarter [18][19] - Management highlighted the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships in driving future growth, particularly in the food segment [6][9] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $454 million in stock and increased its dividend by 7% year to date [10] - The acquisition of Tailor Adhesives for $390 million is expected to strengthen the Materials Group's high-value category adhesives franchise [10] - The company is transitioning to a fiscal calendar that aligns with the Gregorian calendar, which will add approximately 2% to growth in the fourth quarter [70] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are volumes progressing in the Materials segment given macro uncertainty? - Management indicated that while overall volumes were positive, they were less than expected due to lower retail volumes and muted demand from consumer packaged goods [22][23] Question: Can you discuss the Walmart partnership and its potential impact? - The partnership is seen as a critical validation of the company's technology, with expectations of high single-digit to low double-digit growth in Intelligent Labels revenue over the next couple of years [25][28] Question: What is the current status of the Intelligent Labels pipeline? - The pipeline continues to grow in both opportunities and dollar value, with good traction in key segments [31][32] Question: How does RFID technology coexist with other IoT technologies in Walmart? - The company believes UHF RFID is the best-suited technology for item-level identification, while other IoT technologies have specific use cases [49][50] Question: What are the expectations for the Embelex business going forward? - Management expressed optimism for continued growth in the Embelex business, particularly related to the World Cup [62][64] Question: Where is deflation occurring in materials, and how does it compare to price competition? - Deflation has been observed primarily in paper and chemicals, with slight headwinds from price inflation due to tariffs [73][74] Question: Why is there a positive disconnect this quarter between Intelligent Labels and apparel? - The difference is attributed to new rollouts and technology deployments that have been successful despite overall apparel weakness [77]

Financial Performance - The company reported net sales of $2.2 billion[16] - Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) was $2.37, a 2% increase year-over-year[13, 16] - Strong adjusted free cash flow (FCF) of $269 million was generated[15, 16] - The adjusted EBITDA margin was 16.5%, up 10 bps[17] - The company returned $167 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends[16] Segment Performance - Materials Group reported sales increased 1.2% to $1.5 billion[27] but sales down 1.9% organically[27] - Solutions Group reported sales increased 2.0% to $700 million[30] and sales up 3.6% organically[30] - High-value categories delivered sales of approximately $1.0 billion, with low single-digit (LSD) organic growth[18] - Base categories delivered sales of approximately $1.2 billion, with low single-digit (LSD) organic decline[18] Outlook and Strategy - The company expects Q4 adjusted EPS to be between $2.35 and $2.45[14] - Full-year reported sales growth is projected at 5-7%, including a ~2% tailwind from currency translation and ~2% impact from extra days[45] - The company completed the acquisition of Taylor Adhesives for $390 million[15]

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 Performance - The company reported net sales of $2.2 billion [16] - Organic sales decreased by 1.0% [16, 20, 29, 33] - Adjusted EPS was $2.42, comparable to the prior year [13, 16] - Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 20 bps to 16.6% [18] - Strong adjusted free cash flow (FCF) was $189 million [17] Segment Performance - Materials Group reported sales increased 0.2% to $1.6 billion [29] - Solutions Group reported sales decreased 2.6% to $670 million [33] - High-value categories delivered sales of approximately $1.0 billion, up low single digits (LSD) organically and up mid-single digits (MSD) excluding estimated impact of tariffs [19] - Base categories delivered sales of approximately $1.2 billion, down LSD organically [19] Outlook and Strategy - The company expects adjusted EPS of $2.24 to $2.40 in Q3 2025 [14, 42] - The company anticipates slight sales growth versus the prior year [44] - The company is targeting approximately 100% adjusted FCF conversion [44]

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]