Avery Dennison Corporation announced preliminary, unaudited results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 28, 2013.

“I’m happy to report another year of excellent progress toward our long-term goals,” said Dean Scarborough, Avery Dennison chairman, president and CEO. “We delivered a solid finish to a strong year, with higher-than-expected top-line growth, a significant increase in earnings, and solid free cash flow.

“Both of our core businesses beat their sales targets through innovation and share gain,” Scarborough added. “At the same time, they delivered outstanding margin expansion, further strengthening their competitive positions. I thank all the members of our global team for their contributions to these results.

“We will continue to deliver on our long-term financial commitments through top-line growth, margin expansion, and disciplined capital management, while returning significant cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchase,” Scarborough said.

Fourth Quarter 2013 Results by Segment

Pressure-sensitive Materials (PSM) – PSM segment sales increased approximately 8 percent. Within the segment, Label and Packaging Materials sales increased mid-single digits. Combined sales for Graphics, Reflective, and Performance Tapes increased low double digits. Operating margin improved 180 basis points to 9.5 percent as the benefit of higher volume, lower restructuring costs, and productivity initiatives more than offset the impact of changes in product mix. Adjusted operating margin improved 100 basis points.

Retail Branding and Information Solutions (RBIS) – RBIS segment sales increased approximately 3 percent driven by increased demand from European retailers and brands. Operating margin increased 460 basis points to 7.4 percent as the benefit of productivity initiatives and higher volume, as well as the impact of a prior year impairment and a gain on sale of assets, more than offset higher employee-related expenses. Adjusted operating margin improved 140 basis points.