Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, Graphic Packaging reported sales of $2.1 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $365 million, and margins of 17.2%, which were significantly below expectations due to weaker volumes and input cost inflation [7][30][31] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.51, reflecting the challenging operating environment [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas business experienced a volume decline of approximately 1%, while the international business saw a growth of about 3% [10][30] - Innovation sales growth was reported at $44 million for the quarter, indicating a positive contribution from new product categories [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall sales were flat year-over-year, with food representing approximately 38% of packaging sales, showing uneven results across product categories [17] - Beverage packaging sales, which account for about 25% of overall sales, saw a decline after two years of strong performance, attributed to slowing beer consumption trends [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from Vision 2025 to Vision 2030, focusing on reinvestment and returning capital to shareholders, with a new $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization approved by the Board [9][36] - The Waco recycled paperboard investment is on track for a fourth-quarter startup, expected to generate substantial cash flow in the coming years [8][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer confidence has significantly declined in the U.S. and other markets, leading to a stretched consumer base and reduced spending [10][24] - The company has adjusted its guidance for 2025, now expecting a volume decline of 2% as a base case, reflecting the challenging backdrop for CPG and QSR customers [34][35] Other Important Information - Input cost inflation was significant in Q1 2025, with expectations for continued inflation in the coming quarters [31][34] - The company plans to implement a $40 price increase on recycled and unbleached paperboard grades effective May 15, 2025, to help recover margins [11][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in volume and affordability issues - Management acknowledged that affordability is a key issue affecting volumes, with consumers buying fewer items due to economic pressures [46][48] Question: Guidance assumptions for price-cost dynamics - The company expects to see a positive price contribution late in 2025, with efforts to recover inflation costs rolling into 2026 [52][95] Question: Supply-demand balance and potential industry actions - Management indicated that they will take rolling market-related downtime to align supply with demand, and noted recent closures by competitors that could help balance the market [58][60] Question: Revised guidance implications - The lower guidance reflects a combination of inflation impacts and volume declines, with a focus on matching supply and demand [84][92] Question: Long-term cash flow trajectory - Management remains confident in the long-term cash flow trajectory, expecting a significant reduction in CapEx in the coming years [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, Graphic Packaging reported sales of $2.1 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $365 million, and margins of 17.2%, with adjusted EPS at $0.51, all significantly below expectations due to weaker volumes and input cost inflation [5][27][28] - Adjusted EBITDA was impacted by a $34 million headwind from price, volume, and mix, while input cost inflation amounted to $21 million [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas business experienced a volume decline of approximately 1%, while the non-integrated international business saw a volume increase of about 3% [27] - Innovation sales growth was reported at $44 million for the quarter, driven by new contributions in various product categories [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes in the Americas were disappointing, down about 1%, while international markets showed slight growth but began to pull back due to economic uncertainty [8][9] - The food market represented approximately 38% of packaging sales, with mixed results across product categories, while beverage sales, accounting for about 25% of overall packaging sales, saw its first decline after two years of strong performance [14][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from Vision 2025 to Vision 2030, focusing on reinvestment and returning capital to stockholders, with a new $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization approved by the Board [7][34] - The Waco recycled paperboard investment is on track for a fourth-quarter startup, with expectations of generating substantial excess cash over the next several years [5][8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer confidence has significantly declined, impacting volumes across markets, and a 2% volume decline is now the base case for 2025 [22][32] - Input cost inflation is expected to continue, with price increases announced to help recover margins [29][30] Other Important Information - The company plans to maintain capital spending in the $700 million range for 2025, with expectations of generating innovation sales growth of at least 2% [33][34] - The company is committed to improving its environmental footprint and enhancing its competitive advantage through innovation [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in volume decline and affordability issues - Management acknowledged that affordability is a key factor affecting volumes, with customers experiencing volume declines of approximately 3% to 4% [45][46] Question: Guidance assumptions for price-cost dynamics - Management expects to see a positive price contribution late in 2025, with efforts to recover inflation through pricing actions [52][53] Question: Supply-demand balance and potential industry actions - Management indicated that they will take rolling market-related downtime to match supply with demand, and noted recent closures by competitors that could help balance the market [61][62] Question: Revised guidance and EBITDA margin expectations - Management clarified that the revised guidance reflects a temporary impact from inflation, with a path back to previous margin levels expected through pricing recovery and the Waco project [94][95]

Financial Performance & Guidance - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $2.12 billion, a decrease of 6% year-over-year compared to $2.259 billion in Q1 2024[39] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $365 million, down from $443 million in Q1 2024, with Adjusted EBITDA Margin decreasing by 240bps to 172%[39] - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was $051, compared to $066 in Q1 2024[39] - The company revised its 2025 Net Sales guidance to $82 billion to $85 billion and Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $14 billion to $16 billion[44] - Capital spending for 2025 is projected to be approximately $700 million[46, 53] Strategic Initiatives & Market Dynamics - Volume increased by 1% year-over-year, with America's down 1% and International up 3%, while price decreased by 1% year-over-year[5] - Innovation Sales Growth reached $44 million in Q1 2025, with a solid pipeline visibility to at least 2% Innovation Sales Growth in 2025[5] - The company announced a new $15 billion share repurchase authorization, bringing the total available authorization to $1865 billion[5] - The Waco, Texas recycled paperboard investment is moving toward completion with a Q4 2025 startup, while the Middletown, Ohio facility closure was announced[5] Future Outlook - The company aims for low-single-digit annual sales growth, mid-single-digit annual Adjusted EBITDA growth, and high-single-digit annual Adjusted EPS growth[47] - Graphic Packaging anticipates generating over $5 billion in cash flow between 2024 and 2030, with approximately $800 million to $1 billion in cash flow expected in 2025[49]

Core Viewpoint - Graphic Packaging Holding Company has announced a new $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization, increasing the total available authorization to $1.865 billion as of April 30, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Share Repurchase Authorization - The new authorization allows for share repurchases through open market transactions, privately negotiated deals, and Rule 10b5-1 plans, depending on market conditions and the company's financial status [2]. - The previous share repurchase authorization from July 27, 2023, had $365 million remaining, which is now combined with the new authorization [1]. Group 2: Financial Strategy and Dividend - The company's President and CEO, Michael Doss, indicated that capital spending needs will decline significantly as the Vision 2025 investment nears completion, allowing for excess cash generation [3]. - The Board of Directors has approved a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.11 per share, which was paid on April 5, 2025, to stockholders of record as of March 15, 2025 [3]. Group 3: Commitment to Shareholder Returns - The company plans to measure potential investments against the alternative of repurchasing stock and aims to return a substantial amount of cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in the future [4].

Core Insights - Amcor reported $3.33 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 2.3% [1] - The EPS for the same period was $0.18, unchanged from a year ago, with no EPS surprise against the consensus estimate [1] - The reported revenue was a surprise of -4.37% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.49 billion [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Rigid Packaging net sales were $728 million, falling short of the $795.13 million average estimate, representing a year-over-year decline of 10.5% [4] - Flexible net sales reached $2.61 billion, slightly below the $2.67 billion estimate, with a year-over-year increase of 0.3% [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Flexibles was $357 million, compared to the average estimate of $372.48 million [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Corporate expenses was -$28 million, better than the average estimate of -$31.37 million [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Rigid Packaging was $55 million, below the average estimate of $69.01 million [4] Stock Performance - Amcor shares have returned -4.9% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Amcor reported net sales of CHF 3.3 billion and EBIT of CHF 384 million, both marginally higher than the previous year [13] - Adjusted EPS grew by 5% on a comparable basis, benefiting from cost management and improved healthcare volumes [14] - The company expects adjusted EPS for fiscal 2025 to be in the range of $0.72 to $0.74 per share [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Flexibles segment, volumes increased by 1%, with modest share gains in healthcare and protein, but offset by weaker consumer demand in North America [15] - The Rigid Packaging segment faced challenges, with net sales approximately 3% lower than last year due to a 2% decline in volumes and unfavorable price mix [19] - Adjusted EBIT for the Rigid Packaging segment was £55 million, impacted by lower volumes and price mix headwinds [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American volumes declined by low single digits, particularly in the Beverage sector, while Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America saw low to mid single-digit growth [16] - Healthcare volumes improved, with medical volumes up in the high single digits, indicating a recovery in pharmaceutical packaging demand [17] - The overall demand environment in North America became more variable and uncertain, affecting consumer demand [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger with Berry Global is expected to deliver significant synergies, with an identified total of €650 million over three years, leading to an estimated EPS accretion of over 35% [11] - The company aims to refine its portfolio mix to focus on higher value, faster-growing end markets, enhancing growth rates and margins [10] - Amcor is committed to maintaining a strong investment-grade balance sheet while increasing long-term EPS growth and shareholder value [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving synergies despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, with a clear visibility to significant EPS growth driven by synergies alone [25] - The company anticipates muted overall demand in Q4, aligning with the current macroeconomic conditions and uncertainty around tariff impacts [23] - Management highlighted the importance of understanding consumer behavior changes, particularly in response to inflation and economic uncertainty [70] Other Important Information - The company has returned £550 million in cash to shareholders through a growing dividend, with a declared dividend of $12.75 per share, a 2% increase from the previous year [22] - Amcor's R&D investment is approximately €180 million annually, with over 1,500 R&D professionals dedicated to addressing complex challenges in functionality and sustainability [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on North American volume decline - Management noted that North American Beverage business saw high single-digit volume declines, primarily due to weak consumer demand and inflationary pressures [31][32] Question: Synergy-driven EPS growth assumptions - Management confirmed that the €260 million in synergies expected for fiscal 2026 is achievable even in a challenging macro environment, with confidence in delivering these synergies [41][42] Question: Breakdown of procurement synergies - Management indicated that procurement synergies will be a major contributor, with initial focus on SG&A, followed by procurement and operations [47][50] Question: Impact of consumer behavior on growth outlook - Management acknowledged that consumer demand has weakened, leading to changes in purchasing behavior, which affects customer forecasts [70][72] Question: Structural issues in North American Beverage business - Management clarified that the current volume decline is not deemed structural, and improvements are expected as volumes recover [80][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of CHF 3.3 billion and EBIT of CHF 384 million, both marginally higher than the previous year [14] - Adjusted EPS grew by 5% on a comparable basis, benefiting from cost management and improved healthcare volumes [15] - The company expects adjusted EPS for fiscal 2025 to be in the range of $0.72 to $0.74 per share, reflecting two months of earnings from the legacy Berry business [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Flexibles segment, volumes were up 1% year-over-year, with modest share gains in healthcare and protein, offset by weaker consumer demand in North America [16] - The Rigid Packaging segment faced challenges, with net sales approximately 3% lower than last year due to a 2% decline in overall volumes and unfavorable price mix impacts [20] - Adjusted EBIT for the Rigid Packaging segment was £55 million, impacted by lower volumes and price mix headwinds [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American volumes were down low single digits, particularly in the Beverage sector, which saw a high single-digit decline [17][32] - Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America achieved low to mid single-digit volume growth, with China and India showing mid to high single-digit growth [16][17] - The healthcare market continued to improve, with medical volumes up in the high single digits, indicating strong demand for pharmaceutical packaging [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver identified synergies and accelerate earnings growth following the merger with Berry Global, with a synergy run rate expected to start strong in fiscal 2026 [8][12] - The combined entity will focus on higher value, faster-growing end markets, optimizing R&D investments to address complex functionality and sustainability challenges [11] - The company plans to prune its portfolio to enhance growth rates, margins, and cash generation across remaining segments [11][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a variable and uncertain demand environment, particularly in North America, driven by consumer affordability issues and inflation [32][34] - The company remains confident in achieving significant EPS growth through synergies, independent of macroeconomic conditions [26][41] - Management anticipates muted overall demand in Q4, aligning with current macroeconomic conditions, but expects to maintain earnings within original guidance [25] Other Important Information - The company has returned £550 million in cash to shareholders through dividends, with a 2% increase in the March dividend compared to the previous year [24] - The integration teams have already identified €650 million in synergies, with €260 million expected to benefit fiscal 2026 earnings [12][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on North American volume decline - Management indicated that North American Beverage business saw high single-digit declines due to weak consumer demand, particularly in discretionary categories [32][34] Question: Synergy-driven EPS growth assumptions - Management confirmed that the €260 million in synergies for fiscal 2026 is expected to provide a 12% EPS uplift, independent of organic growth assumptions [36][41] Question: Breakdown of synergies, particularly procurement - Management stated that procurement will be a major contributor to synergies, with initial focus on SG&A, followed by procurement and operations [46][49] Question: Portfolio pruning timing and strategy - Management emphasized the importance of dynamic portfolio management and indicated that the assessment of businesses will continue, but timing for execution remains uncertain [55][56] Question: Procurement synergies and supplier engagement - Management highlighted the importance of harmonizing supplier terms and leveraging the combined entity's purchasing power to achieve procurement synergies [95][96]

Financial Performance - Amcor's Net sales increased by 0.4% to $3,333 million in 3Q25 compared to the prior comparator period[25] - Amcor's EPS increased by 5% to 180 cents in 3Q25 compared to the prior comparator period[25] - Amcor expects approximately 12% adjusted EPS accretion in FY26 through delivery of synergies alone[11,43,45] - Amcor narrowed adjusted EPS range to approximately 72 to 74 cents per share for the year ended June 30, 2025[44] - Amcor expects adjusted Free Cash Flow of approximately $900 million to $1,000 million for the year ended June 30, 2025[44] Merger and Synergies - The merger with Berry Global closed, and integration has commenced earlier than anticipated[11,45] - Amcor expects to deliver $260 million of synergy benefits in fiscal year 2026[21,22] - Amcor has clear visibility to $650 million total synergies expected by year 3[19,22,24] - Amcor anticipates $280 million in one-time cash benefits from working capital efficiencies offsetting costs to achieve synergies[20,24] Segment Performance - Flexibles segment net sales up 1% to $2,605 million in 3Q25[31] - Rigid Packaging segment net sales down 3% to $728 million in 3Q25[36]

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]

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]