Core Insights - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps investors identify stocks with strong momentum, addressing the challenges of defining momentum [2] Company Overview: Crown Holdings (CCK) - Crown Holdings currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating strong potential for outperformance [3][4] - Over the past week, CCK shares increased by 2.55%, while the Zacks Containers - Metal and Glass industry rose by 3.15% [6] - In the last quarter, CCK shares rose by 12.75%, and over the past year, they increased by 15.52%, outperforming the S&P 500, which saw declines of -2.63% and gains of 13.25% respectively [7] Trading Volume and Price Activity - CCK's average 20-day trading volume is 1,399,624 shares, which serves as a baseline for price-to-volume analysis; rising prices with above-average volume are typically bullish [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, 5 earnings estimates for CCK have been revised upwards, increasing the consensus estimate from $6.83 to $7.09 [10] - For the next fiscal year, 4 estimates have moved higher, while 1 has been revised downwards [10] Conclusion - Given the positive momentum indicators and earnings outlook, CCK is positioned as a strong buy candidate for investors seeking short-term opportunities [12]

Company Overview - Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. is part of the Industrial Products sector, which consists of 190 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of 9, indicating its relative strength among sectors [2] - The company is classified under the Metal Products - Procurement and Fabrication industry, which includes 9 companies and is ranked 77 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. has increased by approximately 28.9%, significantly outperforming the average gain of 0.4% in the Industrial Products group [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ardagh's full-year earnings has risen by 1.7% over the past quarter, reflecting improved analyst sentiment and earnings outlook [4] Comparative Analysis - Another stock in the Industrial Products sector, Crown Holdings, has also shown strong performance with a year-to-date increase of 20.3% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [5] - The Containers - Metal and Glass industry, where Crown Holdings operates, has gained 6.4% since the beginning of the year, ranking 30 among industries [7]

Core Viewpoint - Crown Holdings (CCK) has experienced significant stock performance, with a 13.7% increase over the past month and an 18.3% rise since the beginning of the year, outperforming the Zacks Industrial Products sector and the Zacks Containers - Metal and Glass industry [1] Financial Performance - Crown Holdings reported an EPS of $1.67 in its last earnings report, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.22, marking a strong record of positive earnings surprises over the last four quarters [2] - For the current fiscal year, Crown is projected to achieve earnings of $7.09 per share on revenues of $12.12 billion, reflecting a 10.61% increase in EPS and a 2.67% increase in revenues [3] - The next fiscal year forecasts earnings of $7.71 per share on $12.42 billion in revenues, indicating year-over-year changes of 8.69% and 2.54%, respectively [3] Valuation Metrics - Crown Holdings has a Value Score of B, with Growth and Momentum Scores of C and B, respectively, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B [6] - The stock trades at 13.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates, aligning with the peer industry average, and at 9.6X trailing cash flow, also matching the peer group's average [7] - The PEG ratio stands at 1.69, which does not position the company among the top tier from a value perspective [7] Zacks Rank - Crown Holdings holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), supported by favorable earnings estimate revisions from analysts [8] - The combination of a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B suggests that Crown shares may have potential for further gains [8]

Core Insights - Crown Holdings, Inc. has partnered with San Juan Beverage Company to exclusively provide packaging for SAN JUAN BAMMARITA, a premium ready-to-drink cocktail created with former NFL player Kam Chancellor [1][2] - BAMMARITA is positioned as a gluten-free, lower-calorie alternative to traditional margaritas, featuring four flavors: Lime, Cadillac, Mango, and Kiwi Strawberry, each with 6% alcohol by volume [3][2] - A portion of BAMMARITA's sales will be donated to charity: water, supporting clean water access projects globally [2] Company Overview - Crown Holdings, Inc. is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and serves various consumer marketing companies [5] - San Juan Beverage Company, founded in 2017, is known for its small-batch hard seltzers and has launched the first production Seltzery® in the nation [4][7] - West Coast Container will collaborate with Crown to support the new product launch, leveraging their experience in new product development [8] Market Context - The ready-to-drink (RTD) market is rapidly growing, and the partnership aims to capitalize on this trend by bringing innovative products to consumers [2] - The launch of BAMMARITA is strategically timed with seasonal promotions, such as Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day, to maximize visibility and sales [3]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Summary: Crown Holdings (CCK) - Crown Holdings currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is positioned for potential outperformance in the market [3] - CCK's shares have increased by 8.54% over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Containers - Metal and Glass industry, which rose by 6.63% during the same period [5] - Over the last month, CCK's price change is 16.46%, compared to the industry's 14.7% [5] - In the last three months, CCK shares have risen by 11.48%, and over the past year, they are up 17.57%, while the S&P 500 has moved -5.55% and 13.72%, respectively [6] - The average 20-day trading volume for CCK is 1,370,725 shares, indicating a bullish sign with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, five earnings estimates for CCK have been revised upwards, while none have been lowered, increasing the consensus estimate from $6.83 to $7.09 [9] - For the next fiscal year, four estimates have moved upwards, with one downward revision noted [9] Conclusion - Considering the positive price trends and earnings outlook, CCK is identified as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a strong candidate for near-term investment [11]

Financial Performance - Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025, increased to $2,887 million, up from $2,784 million in 2024, primarily due to higher beverage can volumes and the pass-through of higher material costs[130]. - The Americas Beverage segment reported net sales of $1,320 million for Q1 2025, a 8% increase from $1,222 million in Q1 2024, with segment income rising to $236 million from $189 million[133]. - The European Beverage segment achieved net sales of $512 million in Q1 2025, up 6% from $482 million in Q1 2024, with segment income increasing to $67 million from $51 million[137]. - The Asia Pacific segment maintained net sales of $279 million for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024, with segment income rising to $47 million from $42 million due to improved manufacturing performance[142]. - The Transit Packaging segment's net sales decreased to $482 million in Q1 2025 from $520 million in Q1 2024, with segment income falling to $60 million from $68 million[147]. - Other segment net sales increased to $294 million in Q1 2025, up from $281 million in Q1 2024, with segment income rising significantly to $29 million from $8 million[150]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash from operating activities improved from an outflow of $102 million in Q1 2024 to an inflow of $14 million in Q1 2025, driven by higher income from operations[160]. - Cash from financing activities decreased from an inflow of $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, to an outflow of $153 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to $203 million of common stock repurchases[166]. - The Company utilizes cash flows from operations, borrowings under revolving credit facilities, and acceleration of cash receipts under receivables securitization and factoring programs to fund operations and capital expenditures[172]. - The Company expects to have sufficient liquidity to refinance or repay its senior notes at maturity[173]. Capital Expenditures and Commitments - The Company expects capital expenditures to be approximately $450 million in 2025, reflecting ongoing investments to meet market demand[163]. - The Company had approximately $84 million of capital commitments primarily related to Americas Beverage and European Beverage, expected to be funded through cash flows from operations[174]. Tax and Income - The effective income tax rate decreased to 16.9% for Q1 2025 from 29.9% in Q1 2024, primarily due to an income tax benefit of $22 million recorded in 2025[156]. - Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased from $26 million in Q1 2024 to $34 million in Q1 2025, mainly due to higher earnings in the beverage can operations in Brazil[158]. Debt and Financial Ratios - The Company's total net leverage ratio was 2.6 to 1.0 at March 31, 2025, in compliance with the covenant requiring a ratio no greater than 4.5 to 1.0[169]. - Long-term debt payments due in the next twelve months include $875 million of 4.75% senior notes and €500 million ($541 million) of 2.875% senior notes, both due in February 2026[173]. - The Company's revolving credit agreements provide a capacity of $1.65 billion, with available capacity of $1.62 billion as of March 31, 2025[167]. - A change of 0.25% in floating interest rates would change annual interest expense by approximately $8 million before tax, with $1.8 billion principal floating interest rate debt as of March 31, 2025[192]. - The Company's debt agreements contain covenants that limit the ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends, or repurchase capital stock, subject to certain exceptions[168].

Group 1 - Crown Holdings (CCK) has outperformed its peers in the Industrial Products sector, with a year-to-date performance increase of 16.2%, while the sector has seen an average decline of 7.9% [4] - The Zacks Rank for Crown Holdings is currently 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, with the consensus estimate for full-year earnings having increased by 4.1% in the past quarter [3] - Crown Holdings belongs to the Containers - Metal and Glass industry, which is ranked 30 in the Zacks Industry Rank, and has outperformed the average gain of 1.8% in this group [5] Group 2 - Epiroc Aktiebolag Unsponsored ADR (EPOKY) is another stock in the Industrial Products sector that has shown strong performance, with a year-to-date return of 17.9% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5] - The Manufacturing - General Industrial industry, which includes Epiroc, has underperformed with a year-to-date decline of 10.7% and is ranked 167 [6] - Investors should continue to monitor both Crown Holdings and Epiroc Aktiebolag Unsponsored ADR for their potential to maintain solid performance in the Industrial Products sector [6]

Core Insights - Crown Castle Inc. (CCI) reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share of $1.10, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.02, but reflecting a nearly 1% decline year over year [1] - The company maintained its 2025 guidance for AFFO per share in the range of $4.06-$4.17, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at $4.47, above the projected range [6] Financial Performance - CCI's net revenues for the first quarter were $1.06 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04 billion, but down 4.8% year over year [2] - Total site rental revenues decreased by 5.3% year over year to $1.01 billion, attributed to a $16 million decrease in amortization of prepaid rent and a $39 million decrease in straight-lined revenues [3] - Services and other revenues increased by 8.7% year over year to $50 million, exceeding the estimate of $44.4 million [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $722 million, down 4.2% year over year [4] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, CCI had cash and cash equivalents of $60 million, a decrease from $100 million as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Total debt and long-term obligations amounted to $22.87 billion, reflecting a 2.5% sequential decrease [5] Guidance and Outlook - CCI reaffirmed its site rental revenue guidance for 2025 to be between $3.987 billion and $4.032 billion, with adjusted EBITDA estimated in the range of $2.755-$2.805 billion [6] - Contributions from the Fiber Business are included in net income but excluded from other results and outlook components due to its classification as discontinued operations [7]

Core Insights - Crown Holdings, Inc. reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.67, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22 by 37% and marking a 64% year-over-year improvement [1][2] - The company's net sales for the quarter reached $2.89 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.87 billion and reflecting a 3.7% increase from the previous year's $2.78 billion [2] - Crown Holdings raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $6.70-$7.10, up from the previous estimate of $6.60-$7.00, indicating an expected year-over-year growth of 8% [9] Financial Performance - The cost of products sold increased by 0.7% year over year to $2.26 billion, while gross profit rose 16% to $620 million, resulting in a gross margin of 21.6%, which is a 230-basis point expansion year over year [3] - Selling and administrative expenses decreased by 1.3% year over year to $152 million, contributing to a total segment operating income of $398 million, up from $308 million in the prior-year quarter [4] Segment Performance - In the Americas Beverage segment, net sales totaled $1.32 billion, an 8% increase year over year, with operating profit rising 25% to $236 million [5] - The European Beverage segment saw sales increase by 6% year over year to $512 million, with operating income jumping 31% to $67 million [5] - The Asia-Pacific segment's sales remained flat at $279 million, but operating profit increased by 12% to $47 million [6] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - At the end of Q1 2025, Crown Holdings had cash and cash equivalents of $0.78 billion, down from $1.12 billion at the end of 2024, and generated $14 million in cash from operating activities [7] - The company's long-term debt decreased to $4.74 billion from $6.62 billion at the end of 2024 [7] Stock Performance - Crown Holdings' shares have increased by 16.7% over the past year, contrasting with a 6.3% decline in the industry [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share for the quarter were $1.65, up from $0.56 in the prior year quarter, while adjusted earnings per share increased to $1.67 from $1.02 [3] - Net sales rose by 3.7% year-over-year, driven by a 1% increase in global beverage can volumes and a 16% increase in North American food can volumes [3][4] - Segment income reached $398 million, compared to $308 million in the prior year quarter, reflecting a 29% increase [4][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Beverage can segment income improved by 24% year-over-year, with significant contributions from higher shipments in the Americas and Europe [6][7] - North American food can volumes increased by 16%, driven by demand from vegetable and pet food customers [11] - Transit Packaging performance declined due to subdued industrial demand, particularly affecting the higher margin equipment and tools business [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - European beverage volumes improved by 5%, with growth noted in Eastern and Southern Europe and the Gulf States, leading to a more than 30% increase in segment income [9] - In Asia Pacific, segment income advanced by 12%, benefiting from revenue quality improvements and ongoing cost reduction programs [9] - North American beverage can volumes were up 2%, while Brazil saw an 11% increase, attributed to strong customer performance during the carnival season [96] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is raising its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $6.70 to $7.10, reflecting confidence in continued strong performance [4] - There is an expectation of a tight supply situation in both North America and Europe during the summer selling season, with ongoing substrate shifts anticipated [30][75] - The company aims to maintain a long-term leverage target of approximately 2.5 times, balancing capital investments and shareholder returns [68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the operating environment remains uncertain, the company is well-positioned in its markets and expects strong demand to continue [12] - The potential impact of tariffs is being monitored closely, with estimates of income exposure below $30 million for the year [10][84] - Management expressed optimism about the summer selling season, with expectations of continued strong performance in beverage can businesses [30][48] Other Important Information - The company returned $233 million to shareholders in Q1 2025, including $203 million in share repurchases [4] - Adjusted free cash flow for the full year is estimated to be approximately $800 million after $450 million of capital spending [5] - The company achieved trailing twelve months EBITDA above $2 billion for the first time, with EBITDA margins increasing by 260 basis points in the quarter [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are customers changing their behavior going into the seasonal peak period? - Management indicated that inventory levels are short, and there has not been significant pre-buying behavior observed in the beverage can segment [17][18] Question: Are there signs of increased promotional activity from brand owners or retailers? - Management noted that there is no significant promotional activity, but some large customers are optimistic about their opportunities post-COVID [22] Question: What are the expectations for North America performance in 2025 and 2026? - Management expects to be materially in line with the market in 2025 and potentially ahead in 2026 [31] Question: What is the outlook for the Transit business given potential tariff impacts? - Management acknowledged a multitude of quoting opportunities but noted that actual orders are slower due to cautious capital budgets among customers [35] Question: How is the company addressing supply chain issues related to tariffs? - Management estimated direct tariff impacts to be below $10 million, primarily affecting equipment made for customers in Europe [37] Question: What drove the strong performance in the Americas Beverage segment? - Management attributed the strong performance to high utilization rates and effective execution in manufacturing [45] Question: How does the company view the balance between supply and demand in the can industry? - Management emphasized the importance of being mindful of supply-demand dynamics before embarking on rapid capacity expansion [91]