Core Insights - Amcor has successfully completed its all-stock combination with Berry Global, enhancing its position as a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions [2][3][4] - The merger is expected to deliver significant synergies, with an estimated $650 million in total synergies by the end of fiscal year 2028, leading to an adjusted EPS accretion of approximately 12% in fiscal year 2026 [1][4] - The company anticipates annual cash flow exceeding $3 billion by fiscal year 2028, providing substantial capacity for organic reinvestment, value-accretive M&A, and shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases [1][4] Financial Projections - Amcor expects to achieve $260 million in pre-tax synergies in fiscal 2026, contributing to the overall EPS growth [4] - By the end of fiscal 2028, total pre-tax synergy benefits are projected to reach approximately $650 million, along with an additional $280 million in one-time cash benefits from working capital improvements [4] - The expected annual cash flow of over $3 billion by fiscal 2028 will enhance the company's ability to invest in growth and return value to shareholders [1][4] Strategic Positioning - The merger allows Amcor to refine its portfolio, enhance average growth rates, margins, and cash generation, positioning the company to meet evolving customer and consumer needs [2][3][5] - Amcor's CEO emphasized the importance of leveraging the combined company's global footprint and enhanced innovation capabilities to drive consistent growth and improve margins [4][5] - The integration of Amcor and Berry Global is expected to create a stronger company with a broader offering for customers, ultimately driving long-term value creation for shareholders [4][5]

Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.67, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22 by a solid margin of 37%. The bottom line marked a 64% improvement year over year. The earnings growth was driven by higher beverage can shipments across the Americas and Europe, enhanced manufacturing efficiencies and cost savings from the company’s restructuring initiatives.Including one-time items, the company reported earnings from continuing operations of $1.6 ...

Core Viewpoint - Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (AMBP) is experiencing solid improvements in earnings estimates, which may lead to continued positive stock momentum [1][2]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts show growing optimism regarding Ardagh's earnings prospects, reflected in upward revisions of earnings estimates [2]. - The consensus earnings estimate for the current quarter is $0.07 per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of +16.67% [5]. - Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter has risen by 40%, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. - For the full year, the expected earnings are $0.20 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +11.11% [6]. - The consensus estimate for the full year has increased by 13.21% due to three estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6][7]. Zacks Rank - Ardagh Metal Packaging currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating promising estimate revisions and potential for outperformance [8]. - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) have historically outperformed the S&P 500 [8]. Stock Performance - The shares of Ardagh Metal Packaging have increased by 23.9% over the past four weeks, suggesting strong investor confidence in its earnings growth prospects [9].

Core Insights - Berry Global reported revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting an 18.1% decrease year-over-year, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.69% [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.55, down from $1.95 in the same quarter last year, and surpassed the consensus EPS estimate of $1.52 by 1.97% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net Sales in Consumer Packaging - International reached $970 million, exceeding the average estimate of $929.31 million, with a year-over-year change of +0.2% [4] - Net Sales in Flexibles amounted to $761 million, surpassing the average estimate of $749.68 million, showing a year-over-year increase of +7% [4] - Net Sales in Consumer Packaging - North America was $789 million, above the average estimate of $775.18 million, reflecting a +5.1% year-over-year change [4] - Operating EBITDA for Consumer Packaging - International was $168 million, compared to the average estimate of $160.91 million [4] - Operating EBITDA for Flexibles reached $126 million, slightly above the average estimate of $124.93 million [4] - Operating EBITDA for Consumer Packaging - North America was $142 million, below the average estimate of $150.66 million [4] Stock Performance - Berry Global's shares have returned -4.2% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite experienced a -0.2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of approximately $1.5 billion, an increase of 11% from the prior year, driven primarily by the Vayner acquisition and organic volume growth across all segments [13][14] - Adjusted EBIT for the quarter increased by 17% year over year, resulting in record adjusted EBIT in the dispensing and specialty closures and custom container segments [13][15] - Record adjusted EPS of $0.82 increased by $0.13 or 19% from the prior year quarter [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the dispensing and specialty closures segment, sales increased by 25% year over year, primarily due to the Vayner acquisition, which contributed approximately $126 million during the quarter [14] - The metal containers segment saw a 2% increase in sales, driven by a 4% increase in unit volumes, particularly in pet food and soup products [15] - Custom containers experienced a 2% increase in sales, with adjusted EBIT rising by 22% compared to the first quarter of 2024, attributed to favorable price cost and higher volumes [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects mid single-digit volume growth in dispensing and specialty closures, metal containers, and custom containers for 2025, driven by strong demand in pet food and a partial recovery in fruit and vegetable pack volumes [11][12] - The pet food market continues to grow at a mid-single-digit rate, supported by pet population growth and premiumization trends [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a customer intimacy model that sets it apart in the marketplace, focusing on innovation and meeting evolving customer needs [11][12] - The integration of the Vayner acquisition is on track, with expectations for continued growth and synergy capture [9][32] - The company remains confident in its ability to execute its strategic growth initiatives and deliver record results in 2025 [12][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit volume growth across all segments despite potential macroeconomic uncertainties [23][30] - The company highlighted strong relationships with customers and a focus on non-discretionary consumer staples, which provide stability in demand [30][42] - Management noted that the ongoing benefits of cost reduction programs and strong customer relationships support a positive outlook for the remainder of 2025 [17][30] Other Important Information - The company confirmed its estimate of adjusted EPS for 2025 in the range of $4 to $4.2, representing a 13% increase at the midpoint compared to 2024 [16] - Free cash flow is estimated at approximately $450 million for 2025, a 15% increase from the prior year [16][108] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about volume guidance amidst economic uncertainty - Management reiterated confidence in mid-single-digit volume growth across segments, citing strong performance in dispensing products and pet food [23][30] Question: Insights on the Vayner acquisition - Management expressed satisfaction with the Vayner acquisition, confirming it aligns with growth expectations and customer service models [31][32] Question: Impact of tariffs and customer purchasing patterns - Management indicated minimal impact from tariffs, with no unusual buying activity observed, particularly in the pet food segment [27][44] Question: Changes in customer new product activity - Management noted ongoing innovation and new product launches, particularly in the soup category, which supports confidence in volume growth [39][40] Question: Expectations for metal containers in Q2 - Management expects flat volume for metal containers in Q2, with growth anticipated in pet food and a stronger performance in the back half of the year [49][52] Question: Free cash flow and capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed free cash flow guidance of $450 million for 2025, with a preference for M&A as the primary use of cash flow [108][111]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter adjusted operating earnings per share was $0.23 compared to a negative $0.02 in the fourth quarter, indicating a significant recovery [26] - The company expects nearly $800 million of run rate quarterly EBITDA in the first half of the year, accelerating to $1.1 billion by Q4 [10] - The company anticipates free cash flow for the full year to be in the range of $100 million to $300 million [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Packaging Solutions North America business saw higher sales and adjusted EBITDA due to the addition of the DS Smith North American business and benefits from sales price increases [29] - The adjusted EBITDA contribution from DS Smith operations in North America was $7 million for two months of the first quarter, with expectations for an additional $25 million in the second quarter [33] - The Packaging Solutions EMEA business benefited from two months of the former DS Smith European legacy business, contributing $104 million to adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry demand in North America was down 2% in the first quarter, with expectations for this level of demand to continue into the second quarter [13] - Demand across European markets was soft in the first quarter but is expected to remain stable on a quarter-to-quarter basis [13] - The company noted a significant gap closure to market by approximately 500 basis points in the North American packaging business [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company outlined three pillars of its strategy designed to drive sustainable value creation, focusing on building an advantaged cost position, superior customer experience, and profitable market share growth [8] - The company is targeting $1.9 billion of cost reductions by the end of 2027, with approximately $400 million already achieved [15] - The integration of DS Smith is a key focus, with significant synergies expected from the combination [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, noting strong negative consumer and business sentiment [12] - The company is prepared for three different scenarios regarding demand, with a focus on controlling its own destiny through strategic execution [14] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to strategy execution despite external challenges [70] Other Important Information - The company will report legacy IP and DS Smith businesses in North America as Packaging Solutions North America and in EMEA as Packaging Solutions EMEA [20] - The strategic option process for the global cellulose fiber business is ongoing, with several interested parties in the due diligence phase [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What demand assumptions are being used for the full year EBITDA guidance? - Management indicated confidence in landing between 3.5% and 4% EBITDA if demand remains stable, with April showing signs of stabilization [49][50] Question: How has the tariff situation impacted the pulp business? - Management noted a mid-single-digit risk to demand due to tariffs, but overall demand remains stable [62][63] Question: Can you provide more details on market share gains in North America? - Management reported improvements in service and reliability, leading to a turnaround in market share, particularly among small to medium-sized customers [78][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter adjusted operating earnings per share was $0.23 compared to a negative $0.02 in the fourth quarter, indicating a significant recovery [30] - The company expects a run rate quarterly EBITDA of nearly $800 million in the first half of the year, accelerating to $1.1 billion by Q4 [12][16] - Free cash flow for the full year is expected to be in the range of $100 million to $300 million [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Packaging Solutions North America business saw higher sales and adjusted EBITDA due to the addition of the DS Smith North American business and benefits from sales price increases [33] - The adjusted EBITDA contribution from DS Smith operations in North America was $7 million for two months of the first quarter, with expectations for an additional $25 million in the second quarter [37] - The Packaging Solutions EMEA business benefited from two months of the former DS Smith European legacy business, contributing $104 million to adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry demand in North America was down 2% in the first quarter, with expectations for this level to continue into the second quarter [15] - Demand across European markets was soft in the first quarter but is expected to remain stable in the second quarter [15] - The company noted a significant gap closure to market by approximately 500 basis points in the North American packaging business [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic pillars: building an advantaged cost position, enhancing customer experience, and driving profitable market share growth [10] - The company aims to achieve $1.9 billion in cost savings by the end of 2027, with approximately $400 million already realized [17] - The integration of DS Smith is a key focus, with a target of achieving $600 million to $700 million in synergies [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the economic environment, noting strong negative consumer and business sentiment [15] - The company is prepared for various scenarios, including potential economic deterioration, and is focused on controlling its own destiny [16] - Management remains optimistic about achieving the targeted range of earnings improvements if demand remains stable [15] Other Important Information - The company is implementing an "eighty-twenty" performance system to drive significant earnings improvement and commercial excellence [20] - The company is actively pursuing a strategic option process for its Global Cellulose Fibers business, with several interested parties in the due diligence phase [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand trends and EBITDA guidance - Management indicated that if demand remains stable, they feel confident in achieving an EBITDA target between $3.5 billion and $4 billion [53][64] Question: Impact of tariffs on pulp business - Management noted that there is mid-single-digit risk to demand due to tariffs, but overall demand remains stable [66][67] Question: Market share gains in North America - Management reported improvements in service and reliability, leading to modest market share gains in local accounts [81][85] Question: Operating rates and portfolio assessment - Management confirmed stability in demand and indicated ongoing footprint optimization efforts [86][89] Question: EBITDA bridge from first half to second half - Management explained that the second half is expected to see a significant increase in EBITDA due to cost savings and price realization [97][100]

Sonoco Products Company (SON) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 30, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company Participants Roger Schrum - Interim Head of Investor RelationsHoward Coker - President and CEOJerry Cheatham - Interim CFOGeorge Staphos - Managing DirectorMichael Roxland - MD - Equity ResearchRodger Fuller - Chief Operating Officer Conference Call Participants Mark Weintraub - Senior Analyst and Head of Business DevelopmentMatthew Roberts - Equity Research AnalystGabe Hajde - Analyst Operator Thank you. I'd now like to ...

Core Viewpoint - Berry Global reported quarterly earnings of $1.55 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 per share, but down from $1.95 per share a year ago, indicating a 20.51% year-over-year decline in earnings [1][2] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $2.52 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.69%, but down from $3.08 billion in the same quarter last year, reflecting a year-over-year revenue decline of 17.99% [2] - Over the last four quarters, Berry Global has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times and topped consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - Berry Global shares have increased approximately 4.5% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of 5.5% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.75 on revenues of $2.52 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $6.21 on revenues of $9.9 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Berry Global is mixed, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Containers - Paper and Packaging industry, to which Berry Global belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 17% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8]

Sonoco Products Company (SON) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 30, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company Participants Roger Schrum - Interim Head of Investor RelationsHoward Coker - President and CEOJerry Cheatham - Interim CFOGeorge Staphos - Managing DirectorMichael Roxland - MD - Equity ResearchRodger Fuller - Chief Operating Officer Conference Call Participants Mark Weintraub - Senior Analyst and Head of Business DevelopmentMatthew Roberts - Equity Research AnalystGabe Hajde - Analyst Operator Thank you. I'd now like to ...