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]