By Tess Stynes
Avery Dennison Corp.'s (AVY) second-quarter earnings rose 7.2%
as the maker of labels and tags reported revenue growth in its two
main business segments and stronger margins.
For the year, the company narrowed its per-share earnings
estimate to $2.50 to $2.70, from its previous estimate for $2.40 to
$2.75.
Avery Dennison has been aiming to increase its focus on its
businesses that make pressure-sensitive labels and coated films for
various products. The company recently closed on its deal to sell
its office- and consumer-products business and custom
pressure-sensitive labels unit to CCL Industries Inc. (CCDBF,
CCL.A.T, CCL.B.T) for $500 million. The deal came several months
after U.S. regulatory pressure scuttled a $550 million deal to sell
the office- and consumer-products division to 3M Co. (MMM).
"I'm pleased to report another quarter of strong earnings
growth, driven by restructuring and other productivity actions we
initiated last year," said President and Chief Executive Dean
Scarborough said.
Avery Dennison reported a profit of $68.8 million, or 68 cents a
share, up from $64.2 million, or 62 cents a share, a year earlier.
Excluding asset write-downs and restructuring-related costs and
other items, adjusted earnings from continuing operations were up
at 71 cents from 53 cents.
Net sales increased 4.2% to $1.55 billion. On an organic basis,
which typically excludes currency impacts, acquisitions and
divestitures--sales were up 5%.
Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters most recently projected
earnings of 70 cents on revenue of $1.54 billion.
Gross margin rose to 26.9% from 26%.
Avery Dennison said net sales at its
pressure-sensitive-materials segment, the biggest contributor to
the top line, were up 3.1% as label and packaging materials sales
recorded growth in the mid-single digits on a percentage basis. Net
sales at its retail-branding and information-solutions segment
improved 7.3% amid increased demand from U.S. and European
retailers and brands.
Shares closed Monday at $44.40 and were inactive premarket. The
stock is up 27% this year.
Write to Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@dowjones.com
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