Avery Dennison Corp

Previous wording

We use the non-GAAP financial measures defined below in this MD&A.

Current wording

We use the non-GAAP financial measures described below in this MD&A.

Previous wording

•Sales change ex. currency refers to the increase or decrease in net sales, excluding the estimated impact of foreign currency translation, and, where applicable, the currency adjustments for transitional reporting of highly inflationary economies and the reclassification of sales between segments. Additionally, where applicable, sales change ex. currency is also adjusted for extra days in our fiscal year and the calendar shift resulting from extra days in the prior fiscal year. The estimated impact of foreign currency translation is calculated on a constant currency basis, with prior-period results translated at current-period average exchange rates to exclude the effect of foreign currency fluctuations. Our 2025 fiscal year that began on December 29, 2024 will end on December 31, 2025; fiscal years 2026 and beyond will be coincident with the calendar year beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.

Current wording

•Sales change ex. currency refers to the increase or decrease in net sales, excluding the estimated impact of foreign currency translation, and, where applicable, currency adjustments for transitional reporting of highly inflationary economies and the reclassification of sales between segments. Additionally, where applicable, sales change ex. currency is also adjusted for the estimated impact of extra days in our fiscal year and the calendar shift resulting from extra days in the prior fiscal year. The estimated impact of foreign currency translation is calculated on a constant currency basis, with prior-period results translated at current-period average exchange rates to exclude the effect of foreign currency fluctuations. Our 2025 fiscal year began on December 29, 2024 and ended on December 31, 2025; fiscal years 2026 and beyond are coincident with the calendar year, beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.

Previous wording

•Adjusted free cash flow refers to cash flow provided by operating activities, less payments for property, plant and equipment, less payments for software and other deferred charges, plus proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies, plus proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment, plus (minus) net proceeds from insurance and sales (purchases) of investments, less net cash used for Argentine Blue Chip Swap securities. Where applicable, adjusted free cash flow is also adjusted for certain acquisition-related transaction costs. We believe that adjusted free cash flow assists investors by showing the amount of cash we have available for debt reductions, dividends, share repurchases and acquisitions.

Current wording

•Adjusted free cash flow refers to cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities, less payments for property, plant and equipment, less payments for software and other deferred charges, plus proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment, plus (minus) net proceeds from insurance and sales (purchases) of investments. Where applicable, adjusted free cash flow is also adjusted for certain acquisition-related transaction costs, proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies and net cash used for Argentine Blue Chip Swap securities. We believe that adjusted free cash flow assists investors by showing the amount of cash we have available for debt reductions, dividends, share repurchases and acquisitions.

Previous wording

Net income decreased from approximately $531 million in the first nine months of 2024 to approximately $522 million in the first nine months of 2025. The primary factors affecting this decrease were:

Current wording

Net income increased from approximately $166 million in the first three months of 2025 to approximately $168 million in the first three months of 2026. The primary factors affecting this increase were:

Previous wording

•Benefits from productivity initiatives, including material re-engineering and savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs

Current wording

•Benefits from productivity initiatives, including savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs

Previous wording

We recorded $22.8 million in restructuring charges, net of reversals, during the nine months ended September 27, 2025. These charges consisted of severance and related costs for the reduction of approximately 770 positions, as well as asset impairment charges, at various locations across our company. Our 2025 actions are primarily intended to optimize our operational footprint.

Current wording

We recorded $15.9 million in restructuring charges during the three months ended March 31, 2026. These charges consisted of severance and related costs for the reduction of approximately 370 positions, as well as asset impairment charges, at various locations across our company as a result of actions taken to optimize our operational footprint and workforce headcount.

Previous wording

During the first nine months of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities decreased compared to the same period last year primarily due to higher incentive compensation payments, changes in operational working capital, higher tax payments, net of refunds, and higher trade rebate payments, partially offset by the prior-year settlement payment for the Adasa legal matter. During the first nine months of 2025, adjusted free cash flow decreased compared to the same period last year primarily due to a decrease in net cash provided by operating activities, partially offset by lower purchases of property, plant and equipment and higher proceeds from the sales of property, plant and equipment.

Current wording

During the first three months of 2026, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities increased compared to the same period last year primarily due to lower incentive compensation payments and changes in operational working capital, partially offset by higher tax payments, net of refunds. During the first three months of 2026, adjusted free cash flow increased compared to the same period last year primarily due to an increase in net cash provided by operating activities.

Previous wording

Certain factors that we believe may contribute to or impact our 2025 results are described below.

Current wording

Certain factors that we anticipate will contribute to our 2026 results are described below.

Previous wording

◦We expect a favorable impact to our net sales and operating income from foreign currency translation, based on recent rates.

Current wording

•Based on recent rates, favorable impact from foreign currency translation to our full-year net sales and operating income

Previous wording

◦We expect our effective tax rate to be in the mid-twenty percent range.

Current wording

•Our full-year effective tax rate to be in the high-twenty percent range

Previous wording

◦We anticipate incremental savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs.

Current wording

•Incremental savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs

Previous wording

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER

Current wording

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER

Previous wording

Gross profit for the first nine months of 2025 decreased from the same period last year primarily due to the net impact of pricing and raw material input costs and higher employee-related costs, partially offset by benefits from productivity initiatives, including material re-engineering and savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs, and higher volume/mix.

Current wording

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2026 increased from the same period last year due to higher volume, favorable foreign currency translation and the net benefit of pricing and raw material costs, including material re-engineering and benefits from productivity initiatives, including savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs, partially offset by unfavorable mix and higher employee-related costs.

Previous wording

Marketing, general and administrative expense increased in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year primarily due to growth investments and higher employee-related costs, partially offset by benefits from productivity initiatives and savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs.

Current wording

Marketing, general and administrative expense increased in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency translation, higher employee-related costs and growth investments, partially offset by benefits from productivity initiatives and savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs.

Previous wording

Interest expense increased in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year primarily due to the €500 million of senior notes we issued in November 2024.

Current wording

Interest expense increased in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year primarily due to the €500 million of senior notes we issued in September 2025.

Previous wording

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 27, 2025 increased compared to the same period last year primarily due to lower discrete tax benefits and a higher net charge related to the U.S. tax on foreign earnings. Refer to Note 6, “Taxes Based on Income,” to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Current wording

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2026 increased compared to the same period last year primarily due to a higher net discrete charge from increases in tax reserves related to a court ruling impacting tax group requirements in a foreign jurisdiction. Refer to Note 6, “Taxes Based on Income,” to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Previous wording

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER

Current wording

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER

Previous wording

During the fourth quarter of 2024, we modified our segment performance measure to exclude other expense (income), net. This change aligns with how our chief operating decision maker evaluates segment performance and allocates resources. Prior-year periods have been conformed to the current-period presentation. Segment adjusted operating income is defined as income before taxes adjusted for other expense (income), net; interest expense; other non-operating expense (income), net; and other items.

Current wording

Our chief operating decision maker uses segment adjusted operating income to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Segment adjusted operating income is defined as income before taxes adjusted for other expense (income), net; interest expense; and other non-operating expense (income), net.

Previous wording

(1)Segment adjusted operating income excluded other expense (income), net, and other items of $11.0 million and $39.9 million in the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, respectively. Exclusions related to charges associated with restructuring actions, outcomes of legal matters and settlements, net, (gain) loss on venture and other investments, transaction and related costs, losses from Argentine peso remeasurement and Blue Chip Swap transactions and (gain) loss on sales of assets.

Current wording

(1)Segment adjusted operating income excluded other expense (income), net, of $7.7 million and $4.4 million in the first quarters of 2026 and 2025, respectively. Exclusions related to charges associated with restructuring actions, loss from Argentine peso remeasurement, (gain) loss on venture and other investments, outcomes of legal matters and settlements, transaction and related costs and (gain) loss on sales of assets.

Previous wording

In the first nine months of 2025, net sales decreased on an organic basis compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to the impact of raw material deflation-related price reductions, partially offset by favorable volume/mix. On an organic basis, net sales increased by a low single digit rate in North America, decreased by a low single digit rate in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, were comparable in Asia Pacific and increased by a low single digit rate in Latin America.

Current wording

In the first quarter of 2026, net sales increased on an organic basis compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to higher volume, partially offset by the impact of raw material deflation-related price reductions and unfavorable mix. On an organic basis, net sales increased by a low single digit rate in North America and by a high single digit rate in Asia Pacific, decreased by a mid-single digit rate in Latin America and were comparable in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Previous wording

Segment adjusted operating income increased in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year primarily due to productivity initiatives, including material re-engineering and savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs, and favorable volume/mix, partially offset by the net impact of pricing and raw material input costs.

Current wording

Segment adjusted operating income increased in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year primarily due to higher volume, favorable foreign currency translation and benefits from productivity initiatives, including savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs, partially offset by unfavorable mix and higher employee-related costs.

Previous wording

In the third quarter of 2025, net sales increased on an organic basis compared to the same period in the prior year due to a high single digit rate increase in high-value categories, partially offset by a low single digit rate decrease in the base business. Company-wide, on an organic basis, net sales of intelligent labels increased by a low single digit rate compared to the same period in the prior year.

Current wording

In the first quarter of 2026, net sales decreased on an organic basis compared to the same period in the prior year due to a mid-single digit rate decrease in the base business, partially offset by a low single digit rate increase in high-value categories. Company-wide, on an organic basis, net sales of intelligent labels decreased by a low single digit rate compared to the same period in the prior year.

Previous wording

Segment adjusted operating income decreased in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period last year primarily due to the net impact of pricing and raw material costs, higher employee-related costs and growth investments, partially offset by benefits from productivity initiatives, including savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs, and higher volume.

Current wording

Segment adjusted operating income decreased in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year primarily due to higher employee-related costs, unfavorable volume and growth investments, partially offset by the net benefit of pricing and raw material costs and benefits from productivity initiatives, including savings from restructuring actions, net of transition costs.

Previous wording

During the first nine months of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities decreased compared to the same period last year primarily due to higher incentive compensation payments, changes in operational working capital, higher tax payments, net of refunds, and higher trade rebate payments, partially offset by the prior-year settlement payment for the Adasa legal matter.

Current wording

During the first three months of 2026, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities increased compared to the same period last year primarily due to lower incentive compensation payments and changes in operational working capital, partially offset by higher tax payments, net of refunds.

Previous wording

During the first nine months of 2025, in our Materials Group reportable segment, we primarily invested in equipment to support growth in the U.S., certain countries in Europe and certain countries in Asia Pacific, primarily China; in our Solutions Group reportable segment, we primarily invested in buildings and equipment to support growth in certain countries in Asia Pacific, including China and Vietnam, and in the U.S. During the first nine months of 2024, in our Solutions Group reportable segment, we primarily invested in buildings and equipment in certain countries in Asia Pacific, including China and Vietnam, in the U.S. and in certain countries in Latin America, primarily Mexico; in our Materials Group reportable segment, we primarily invested in buildings and equipment to support growth in the U.S. and certain countries in Europe, primarily France.

Current wording

During the first three months of 2026, in our Materials Group reportable segment, we primarily invested in equipment to support growth in the U.S., certain countries in Europe, including Belgium and Luxembourg, and certain countries in Asia Pacific, including China and Malaysia; in our Solutions Group reportable segment, we primarily invested in equipment to support growth in certain countries in Asia Pacific, including Vietnam and China, the U.S. and certain countries in Latin America, primarily Mexico.

Previous wording

During the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, we primarily invested in information technology upgrades in the U.S.

Current wording

During the first three months of 2026 and 2025, we primarily invested in information technology upgrades in the U.S.

Previous wording

During the first nine months of 2025, we settled €420 million notional amount of net investment hedges.

Current wording

During the first three months of 2025, we settled €420 million notional amount of net investment hedges.

Previous wording

During the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, our commercial paper borrowings were used to fund the repayment of long-term debt, dividend payments, share repurchases, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes.

Current wording

During the first three months of 2026 and 2025, our commercial paper borrowings were used to fund dividend payments, share repurchases, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. During the first three months of 2025, commercial paper borrowings were also used to fund the repayment of long-term debt.

Previous wording

We paid dividends of $2.76 per share in the first nine months of 2025 compared to $2.57 per share in the same period last year. In April 2025, we increased our quarterly dividend rate to $0.94 per share, representing an increase of approximately 7% from our previous quarterly dividend rate of $0.88 per share.

Current wording

We paid dividends of $0.94 per share in the first three months of 2026 compared to $0.88 per share in the same period last year. In April 2026, subsequent to the end of the first quarter of 2026, we increased our quarterly dividend rate to $1.00 per share, representing an increase of approximately 6% from our previous quarterly dividend rate of $0.94 per share.

Previous wording

During the first nine months of 2025 and 2024, we repurchased approximately 2.5 million and 0.5 million shares of our common stock, respectively.

Current wording

During the first three months of 2026 and 2025, we repurchased approximately 0.3 million and 1.4 million shares of our common stock, respectively.

Previous wording

During the first nine months of 2025, we settled €420 million notional amount of fair value hedges.

Current wording

During the first three months of 2025, we settled €420 million notional amount of fair value hedges.

Previous wording

In the nine months ended September 27, 2025, goodwill increased by approximately $53 million to $2.03 billion, reflecting the impact of foreign currency translation.

Current wording

In the three months ended March 31, 2026, goodwill decreased by approximately $10 million to $2.26 billion, primarily reflecting the impact of foreign currency translation.

Previous wording

In the nine months ended September 27, 2025, other intangibles resulting from business acquisitions, net, decreased by approximately $61 million to $694.4 million, primarily reflecting current year amortization expense, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation.

Current wording

In the three months ended March 31, 2026, other intangibles resulting from business acquisitions, net, decreased by approximately $26 million to $801.2 million, primarily reflecting current year amortization expense.

Previous wording

As of September 27, 2025, the balance of our shareholders’ equity was $2.21 billion. Refer to Note 8, “Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information,” to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Current wording

As of March 31, 2026, the balance of our shareholders’ equity was $2.30 billion. Refer to Note 8, “Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information,” to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Previous wording

International operations generated approximately 69% of our net sales during the nine months ended September 27, 2025. Our future results are subject to changes in worldwide economic conditions, tariffs, social, geopolitical, and market conditions in the regions in which we operate and the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates.

Current wording

International operations generated approximately 69% of our net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2026. Our future results are subject to changes in worldwide economic conditions, tariffs, social, geopolitical, and market conditions in the regions in which we operate and the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates.

Previous wording

The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation on net sales in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period last year was primarily related to sales in Brazil and Mexico, partially offset by euro-denominated sales.

Current wording

The favorable impact of foreign currency translation on net sales in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period last year was primarily related to euro-denominated sales and sales in China.

Previous wording

Operational working capital, as a percentage of annualized current-quarter net sales, is reconciled to working capital (deficit) below. The working capital deficit (current assets minus current liabilities) as of the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to our €500 million of senior notes due in the first quarter of 2025. Our objective is to minimize our investment in operational working capital, as a percentage of annualized current-quarter net sales, to maximize our cash flow and return on investment. As shown below, operational working capital, as a percentage of annualized current-quarter net sales, in the third quarter of 2025 increased compared to the third quarter of 2024.

Current wording

Operational working capital, as a percentage of annualized current-quarter net sales, is reconciled to working capital below. Our objective is to minimize our investment in operational working capital, as a percentage of annualized current-quarter net sales, to maximize our cash flow and return on investment. As shown below, operational working capital, as a percentage of annualized current-quarter net sales, in the first quarter of 2026 decreased compared to the first quarter of 2025.

Previous wording

The average number of days sales outstanding was 67 days in the third quarter of 2025 compared to 66 days in the third quarter of 2024, calculated using the accounts receivable balance at quarter-end divided by the average daily sales in the respective quarter.

Current wording

The average number of days sales outstanding was 65 days in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 64 days in the first quarter of 2025, calculated using the accounts receivable balance at quarter-end divided by the average daily sales in the respective quarter. The increase in average number of days sales outstanding primarily reflected the timing of collections, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation.

Previous wording

Average inventory turnover was 6.1 in the third quarter of both 2025 and 2024, calculated using the annualized third-quarter cost of products sold in 2025 and 2024, respectively, and divided by the inventory balance at quarter-end.

Current wording

Average inventory turnover was 6.7 in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 6.0 in the first quarter of 2025, calculated using the annualized first-quarter cost of products sold in 2026 and 2025, respectively, and divided by the inventory balance at quarter-end. The increase in average inventory turnover primarily reflected lower inventory balances.

Previous wording

The average number of days payable outstanding was 75 days in the third quarter of 2025 compared to 79 days in the third quarter of 2024, calculated using the accounts payable balance at quarter-end divided by the respective annualized third-quarter cost of products sold. The decrease in average number of days payable outstanding primarily reflected the timing of vendor payments and the impact of foreign currency translation.

Current wording

The average number of days payable outstanding was 73 days in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 76 days in the first quarter of 2025, calculated using the accounts payable balance at quarter-end divided by the respective annualized first-quarter cost of products sold. The decrease in average number of days payable outstanding primarily reflected the impact of foreign currency translation, the timing of vendor payments and the impact of acquisitions.