Core Insights - The article discusses the appeal of dividend stocks, particularly those with high yields, while cautioning that unusually high yields may indicate underlying issues with the stock price [1][4] - It emphasizes the benefits of dividend growth investing, which focuses on future income potential rather than immediate high yields [2][3] Dividend Stock Performance - Historical data indicates that high-dividend stocks have outperformed the broader market during periods of high inflation from 1940 to 2021, suggesting a strong performance in certain economic environments [4] - Research from July 1928 to June 2019 shows that high-dividend yield portfolios outperformed low-yield and zero-yield portfolios by 199 basis points and 330 basis points, respectively [5] Methodology for Stock Selection - The article outlines a methodology for selecting dividend stocks, focusing on companies with market caps of at least $2 billion and dividend yields above 6% as of January 9 [7] Company Highlights - **Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR)**: - Dividend Yield as of January 9: 6.01% - Analyst upgrades indicate strong earnings growth potential through fiscal 2027, driven by synergies and debt reduction [10] - The company is moving forward with a 1-for-5 reverse stock split, expected to take effect on January 15, 2026 [11][12] - **United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS)**: - Dividend Yield as of January 9: 6.07% - Analyst raises price target and reassures that dividend concerns are overblown, with expectations for margin improvement and growth in higher-return markets [13] - Despite a nearly 20% drop in shares in 2025, UPS maintains a strong commitment to its dividend, having consistently increased it since going public in 1999 [14][15]

Group 1 - Sealed Air Corporation will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on March 2, 2026, before U.S. markets open [1] - The financial results will be accessible on Sealed Air's investor homepage [1] - Due to the pending acquisition by CD&R, Sealed Air will not hold a conference call this quarter or provide guidance for 2026 [1] Group 2 - Sealed Air is a leading global provider of packaging solutions, focusing on sustainable materials, automation, and services [2] - The company generated $5.4 billion in sales in 2024 and employs approximately 16,400 people across 117 countries/territories [2] - Sealed Air's product offerings include well-known brands such as CRYOVAC, LIQUIBOX, SEALED AIR, AUTOBAG, and BUBBLE WRAP [2]

Core Viewpoint - Crown Holdings, Inc. is set to release its fourth-quarter earnings for the period ending December 31, 2025, on February 4, 2026, after market close [1] Group 1: Earnings Release Details - The earnings release will be followed by a conference call scheduled for 9:00 a.m. (EST) on February 5, 2026, to discuss the results [1] - Dial-in numbers for the conference call are provided: (630) 395-0194 or toll-free (888) 324-8108, with the access password being "packaging" [2] - A replay of the conference call will be available for one week, ending at midnight on February 12, 2026, with specific numbers for replay [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Crown Holdings, Inc. is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment, and services across various end markets [3] - The company's world headquarters is located in Tampa, Florida [3]

Core Insights - Product packaging is crucial in the global economy for the distribution of food, medicines, and consumer goods [1] Group 1: Investment Focus - The current investment strategy emphasizes identifying high-quality, shareholder-oriented companies that are undervalued due to short-term factors or irrational investor behavior [1] - There is a particular interest in legacy businesses in sectors like remittances, ATMs, and tobacco, which are perceived to be in secular decline [1] - Cash-generative, high-yield stocks in these sectors often exhibit under-appreciated revenue and earnings growth, making them attractive investment opportunities [1] Group 2: Geographic Focus - While the primary focus is on U.S. stocks, there is also an interest in attractive investment opportunities within the UK and globally [1]

M&A Activity - Megamergers have increased in the packaging industry over the last two years, leading to fewer large players and a shift in focus towards smaller companies for potential deals in 2026 [1] - Analysts predict that only companies with sufficient balance sheet capacity will pursue acquisitions this year due to excess capacity and a dampened demand outlook [2] - M&A activity is expected to be prevalent among companies dealing with distressed substrates like glass, as organic growth is limited [3] - Lower interest rates and pressure from struggling stock prices are anticipated to drive an increase in M&A activity in 2026 [4] - The pace of packaging mergers and acquisitions is expected to hold steady or increase slightly in 2026, with a shift in the type and size of deals [5] Industry Trends - The packaging industry is expected to adapt to changing consumer spending habits and evolving regulatory attitudes, particularly in the food and beverage sectors [6] - North America led in paper and packaging M&A in 2025, but there is still potential for consolidation in Europe, especially in containerboard and flexible packaging [8] - Major packaging companies have divested non-core assets, indicating a trend towards streamlining operations [9] Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - The implementation of extended producer responsibility for packaging in the U.S. is becoming more significant, with many companies preparing for multiple state programs [10] - The Circular Action Alliance is growing more sophisticated in managing producer responsibilities and aligning reporting deadlines across states [11] - By the end of 2026, more evidence is expected regarding the reinvestment of EPR fees, with initial funding already allocated to recycling facilities [13] Containerboard Sector - The containerboard sector has faced challenges, with production capacity in North America shrinking by approximately 4 million tons, or nearly 10% [18] - Analysts expect further facility closures in 2026, but anticipate a retooling year for containerboard companies rather than a significant pullback [19] - Operating rates are projected to improve, with expectations of reaching the mid-90s, leading to potential price increases later in the year [21] Labor and Automation - The manufacturing sector, including packaging, is experiencing a labor shortage, with nearly 400,000 open manufacturing jobs reported [24] - Recruiting and retaining workers is a significant challenge for manufacturers, with predictions of up to 1.9 million unfilled jobs by 2033 if workforce issues are not addressed [25] - Companies are increasingly turning to automation to fill labor gaps, which also presents opportunities for upskilling workers [28][29]

Company Overview - Amcor plc (AMCR) is a global leader in responsible packaging solutions, serving various markets including consumer goods, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, medical, and personal care [1] - The company is headquartered in Switzerland and operates through two primary segments: Flexibles and Rigid Packaging, offering a broad portfolio that includes films, pouches, cartons, closures, and specialty containers [1] - Amcor has a market capitalization of $19.4 billion [1] Earnings Expectations - Analysts expect Amcor to report a profit of $0.17 per share on a diluted basis for fiscal 2026 second-quarter earnings, which represents a 6.3% increase from $0.16 per share in the same quarter last year [2] - For the current fiscal year, analysts project an EPS of $0.80, up 12.7% from $0.71 in fiscal 2025, and an EPS of $0.89 in fiscal 2027, reflecting an 11.3% year-over-year increase [3] Stock Performance - Amcor's stock has decreased by 9.1% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 16.2% gains and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund's 6.8% gains during the same period [4] Corporate Actions - On December 11, Amcor shares rose by 1.6% following the announcement of a 1-for-5 reverse stock split, which was approved by shareholders on November 6, 2025 [5] - The reverse stock split is set to take effect after the close of trading on January 14, 2026, with shares beginning to trade on a split-adjusted basis on January 15, 2026 [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus opinion on AMCR stock is reasonably bullish, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall; out of 16 analysts, 10 recommend a "Strong Buy," one suggests a "Moderate Buy," and five give a "Hold" [6] - The average analyst price target for AMCR is $10.40, indicating a potential upside of 21.4% from current levels [6]

Core Insights - Sealed Air Corporation celebrates the 85th anniversary of its CRYOVAC® brand food packaging, highlighting its legacy of innovation and customer trust [1][4] - The CRYOVAC® brand has been a pioneer in food packaging technologies since its trademark was filed in 1941, revolutionizing meat packaging and enhancing the availability of fresh proteins [2][6] - The brand's current offerings include a variety of packaging solutions and advanced equipment, emphasizing its commitment to quality and service [3][6] Company Overview - Sealed Air Corporation is a leading global provider of packaging solutions, integrating sustainable materials, automation, and services to preserve food and protect goods [8] - In 2024, the company generated $5.4 billion in sales and employs approximately 16,400 people across 117 countries [8] - The company’s recognized brands include CRYOVAC, LIQUIBOX, SEALED AIR, AUTOBAG, and BUBBLE WRAP, serving diverse markets such as food, medical, and e-commerce [8] Milestones and Future Directions - The CRYOVAC® brand has a history of collaboration with customers, focusing on building lasting relationships and driving innovation in food packaging [4][7] - The 85th anniversary celebrations will commence at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia, from January 27-29, 2026 [4]

Group 1 - Ball Corporation will announce its fourth quarter 2025 earnings on February 3, 2026, before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange [1] - A quarterly conference call will be held at 7 a.m. Mountain Time (9 a.m. Eastern Time) on the same day to discuss the company's results and performance [1] - North American callers can participate in the live Q&A session by calling 877-497-9071, while international callers should use +1 201-689-8727 [1] Group 2 - Ball Corporation provides innovative and sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care, and household products [2] - The company employs 16,000 people globally and reported net sales of $11.80 billion for 2024, excluding the divested aerospace business [2] - Additional information can be found on Ball's website or through their social media channels [2]

Company Overview - SupplyOne Inc. has acquired Wertheimer Box, an 86-year-old corrugated packaging provider, to strengthen its presence in the Midwest and expand custom packaging capabilities [1] - Wertheimer Box specializes in custom shipping boxes, branded packaging, e-commerce mailers, and point-of-purchase displays, operating a 303,000-square-foot plant with around 50 employees [1] - SupplyOne operates more than 50 locations across the U.S. and Canada, providing custom corrugated, foam, wood, and plastic packaging solutions [2] Acquisition Details - The acquisition of Wertheimer Box is SupplyOne's 46th since its founding in 1998, although the terms of the transaction were not disclosed [3] - Doug Wertheimer, President of Wertheimer Box, stated that joining SupplyOne will provide access to broader logistics and national resources while maintaining the company's local culture and customer focus [4] Industry Outlook - The packaging industry has faced significant layoffs and facility closures over the past year due to economic challenges, consolidation, and realignments, with major companies announcing layoffs and restructuring [5] - Despite these challenges, the outlook for corrugated and broader packaging markets is gradually improving, particularly in the Midwest, as indicated by recent earnings data [6] - Segments tied closely to e-commerce and automation have shown greater resilience, with companies like Sealed Air reporting earnings growth and flexible packaging producers like Amcor seeing stable demand from food, beverage, and healthcare sectors [7]

Core Viewpoint - Ball Corporation is a leading global supplier of aluminum packaging products with a market cap of $14.3 billion, serving various industries including beverage, personal care, and household products [1] Financial Performance - The company is expected to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon, with analysts projecting an adjusted EPS of $0.90, reflecting a 7.1% increase from $0.84 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast an adjusted EPS of $3.57, which is a 12.6% increase from $3.17 in fiscal 2024, and an expected rise to $4.03 in fiscal 2026, marking a 12.9% year-over-year growth [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Ball Corporation's shares have declined slightly, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 16.2% gain and the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF's nearly 12% return [4] - On November 4, shares rose by 1.5% after the company reported Q3 2025 revenue of $3.38 billion, exceeding estimates, and noted a 3.9% increase in global shipments of aluminum packaging [5] Market Outlook - Analysts maintain a cautiously optimistic view on BALL stock, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall; among 15 analysts, six suggest a "Strong Buy," two a "Moderate Buy," six a "Hold," and one a "Strong Sell" [6] - The average analyst price target for Ball Corporation is $60.08, indicating a potential upside of 11.4% from current levels [6]