Avery Dennison Q3 2020 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Avery Dennison reported net sales of $1.73 billion, a decrease of 1.8%. However, the company experienced strong earnings growth and free cash flow due to better-than-expected revenue and cost reduction actions. Reported net income was $1.79 per share, up 5%, and adjusted net income was $1.91 per share, up 15%.
Revenue exceeded expectations due to extraordinary agility of the team.
All three operating segments expanded their adjusted operating margins despite lower sales.
Volumes have generally been improving faster than expected.
The company raised its dividend rate by 7%.
Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison
Forward Guidance
The company expects sales to decline in 2020 on lower demand, with the second quarter representing the trough, and now anticipates that earnings will exceed prior year. For the fourth quarter, the company anticipates an underlying sales trend that is similar to or better than the decline experienced in the third quarter. The company is targeting to deliver free cash flow of more than $500 million in 2020.
Positive Outlook
- Sales decline trend expected to be similar to or better than Q3 in Q4.
- Company anticipates that earnings will exceed prior year.
- Targeting free cash flow of more than $500 million in 2020.
- The company is prepared for a range of possible macro scenarios and how they might impact each of its businesses.
- The company has initiated cost control and cash management actions to partially offset the decline in demand for certain of its businesses.
Challenges Ahead
- Sales are expected to decline in 2020 due to lower demand.
- Demand outlook for Q4 and next year remains highly uncertain.
- Expected sales decline due to lower demand
- Near-term demand decline impacting some businesses.
- Markets continue to recover.