Avery Dennison has announced preliminary, unaudited results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 30, 2017. Unless otherwise indicated, comparisons are to the same period in the prior year.

In 4Q17, Avery Dennison reported an EPS of ($0.66), including impact of the U.S. tax legislation change, while the adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) stood at $1.33. In addition, 4Q17 net sales increased by 11.9% to $1.74 billion.
 
For the year, Avery Dennison is reporting an EPS of $3.13 with an adjusted EPS of $5.00. Net sales increased 8.7% to $6.61 billion.

“2017 marked the company’s sixth consecutive year of strong top-line growth, margin expansion, and double-digit adjusted EPS growth,” says Mitch Butier, president and CEO. “Strong top-line performance in 2017 reflected a balance of contributions from acquisitions and organic growth, driven by our focus on faster-growing high value categories and large presence in emerging markets.

“Label and Graphic Materials delivered another year of strong growth and continued margin expansion. Retail Branding and Information Solutions’ operating income rose significantly, reflecting outstanding performance in terms of both top-line growth and margin expansion. And we expanded the platform for iIndustrial and Healthcare Materials, through both acquisitions and a return to solid organic growth in the back half of the year.

“In 2018, we expect to once again deliver a strong top-line and double-digit EPS growth while further increasing our level of investment for the future,” says Butier. “I would like to thank our employees for their dedication to creating superior value for our customers, investors and the communities in which we operate. We remain confident that the consistent execution of our strategies will enable us to continue this momentum for years to come.”

Label and Graphic Materials reported sales increased by 9.2%. On an organic basis, sales grew 4.6%. Sales increased mid-single digits on an organic basis in Label and Packaging Materials, as well as in the combined Graphics and Reflective Solutions businesses. The reported operating margin increased 60 basis points to 11.9% as the benefits of increased volume and productivity more than offset higher employee-related costs and the net impact of pricing and raw material costs. The adjusted operating margin increased 70 basis points to 12.2%.