Is Amcor Stock Underperforming the S&P 500?

Company Overview - Amcor plc (AMCR) is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and provides packaging solutions for consumer and healthcare markets, focusing on sustainability across flexible and rigid formats [1] - The company has a market capitalization of nearly $19 billion, serving global food, beverage, medical, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries [1] Stock Performance - AMCR stock is currently trading 21.2% below its March high of $10.45 and has experienced a modest decline over the past three months, while the S&P 500 Index advanced 3.7% during the same period, indicating relative underperformance [2] - Over the past 52 weeks, AMCR has declined 17.6% and has fallen another 12.5% year-to-date (YTD), contrasting with the S&P 500's respective gains of 12.8% and 16.1% [4] Technical Analysis - The stock has remained below its 200-day moving average of $8.95 since mid-August, failing to break through this declining trend line [5] - Although AMCR briefly reclaimed its 50-day average of $8.23 in November, a pullback in December reversed that progress, indicating a weak near-term trend [5] Financial Performance - On November 5, AMCR reported Q1 fiscal 2026 results, with revenue rising 71.3% year-over-year to $5.75 billion, slightly missing the analyst estimate of $5.83 billion [6] - Adjusted EPS reached $0.19, matching expectations and reflecting an 18% annual increase [6] - Earnings exceeded the midpoint of management's guidance range, demonstrating disciplined cost control and improving productivity [7] Future Outlook - Management targets at least $260 million in synergy benefits in fiscal 2026, with potential for more than 30% EPS growth driven by synergies over the three years through fiscal 2028 [7] - The integration of the Berry business is tracking at the upper end of expectations, strengthening confidence in management's execution [7] Industry Context - The pressure on AMCR is not isolated, as shares of rival Ball Corporation (BALL) also declined 12.2% over the past 52 weeks and fell another 7.7% YTD [8]