Core Insights - Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.15, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.86 and the company's guidance of $1.80-$1.90, reflecting a 19% year-over-year improvement [1][7] - The company generated net sales of $3.15 billion, a 3.6% increase from the previous year, driven by strong performance in the Americas Beverage, European Beverage, and North American Tinplate segments [2][7] - Crown Holdings raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $7.10-$7.50, indicating a projected 14% year-over-year growth at the midpoint [7][8] Financial Performance - The cost of products sold increased by 2.4% year over year to $2.44 billion, while gross profit rose by 7.9% to $713 million, leading to an improved gross margin of 22.6% compared to 21.7% in the prior year [3] - Selling and administrative expenses rose by 7.3% year over year to $161 million, with segmental operating income increasing to $476 million from $437 million in the previous year [3] Segment Analysis - The Americas Beverage segment reported net sales of $1.40 billion, up 6% year over year, with operating profit increasing by 10.3% to $268 million [4] - The European Beverage segment's sales rose by 13.4% to $635 million, with operating income increasing to $97 million from $88 million [4] - The Asia-Pacific segment experienced a revenue decline of 11.7% to $256 million, with operating profit decreasing to $50 million from $55 million [5] - The Transit Packaging segment's revenues totaled $526 million, down from $555 million, with operating profit falling by 1.4% to $72 million [5] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - At the end of Q2 2025, Crown Holdings had cash and cash equivalents of $0.94 billion, down from $1.41 billion a year earlier, while generating $463 million in cash from operating activities in the first half of 2025, compared to $343 million in the same period last year [6] - Long-term debt decreased to $5.62 billion as of June 30, 2025, from $5.95 billion a year prior [6] Stock Performance - Crown Holdings' shares have increased by 36.8% over the past year, contrasting with a 12.4% decline in the industry [9]

Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) Q2 2025 Earnings Call July 22, 2025 9:00 AM ET Company Participants Kevin Charles Clothier - Senior VP & CFO Timothy J. Donahue - Chairman, President & CEO Conference Call Participants Anthony James Pettinari - Citigroup Inc., Research Division Arun Shankar Viswanathan - RBC Capital Markets, Research Division Christopher S. Parkinson - Wolfe Research, LLC Edlain S. Rodriguez - Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Research Division Gabrial Shane Hajde - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research ...

Core Viewpoint - Graphic Packaging (GPK) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings due to lower revenues for the quarter ended June 2025, with the actual results being a significant factor influencing its near-term stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to be released on July 29, and if the key numbers exceed expectations, the stock may rise; conversely, a miss could lead to a decline [2]. - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $0.41 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 31.7%, while revenues are projected at $2.18 billion, down 2.6% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 2.56%, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Graphic Packaging aligns with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of 0%, suggesting no recent differing analyst views [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict the deviation of actual earnings from the consensus estimate, with positive readings being more reliable [9][10]. - Graphic Packaging currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5, making it challenging to predict an earnings beat [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Graphic Packaging was expected to earn $0.56 per share but only achieved $0.51, resulting in a surprise of -8.93% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has only surpassed consensus EPS estimates once [14]. Conclusion - While the potential for an earnings beat exists, Graphic Packaging does not appear to be a strong candidate for such an outcome, and investors should consider additional factors before making investment decisions [17].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for the quarter were $1.81 per share compared to $1.45 per share in the prior year quarter, with adjusted earnings per share at $2.15 compared to $1.81 in the prior year quarter [3] - Net sales increased by 3.6% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher shipments in North American Beverage and European Beverage [3] - Free cash flow improved to $387 million from $178 million in the prior year, reflecting higher income and lower capital spending [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Beverage segment income advanced 9% in the quarter, following a 21% improvement in the prior year's second quarter [7] - Americas Beverage reported a 10% increase in segment income, with North American shipments advancing 1% and Brazil showing 2% growth [8] - North American food demand increased by 9% in the second quarter, driven by strong vegetable volumes, leading to a 150% improvement in income in the other segment [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Asia Pacific, income declined as Southeast Asian market volumes were down high single digits compared to the prior year, impacted by tariffs affecting consumer confidence [9] - European Beverage unit volumes advanced 6%, contributing to record income across the region [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is raising its guidance for the full year adjusted EPS to a range of $7.1 to $7.5 per share, reflecting strong performance and potential impacts from tariffs [4] - The company is focused on returning cash to shareholders while maintaining a healthy balance sheet, with net leverage expected to be approximately 2.5 times by the end of 2025 [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding potential impacts of tariffs on consumer and industrial activity, but noted strong performance in the first half of the year [4] - The outlook for Europe remains positive, with expectations for continued growth driven by sustainable packaging needs [25] Other Important Information - The company expects to maintain a strong balance sheet and continue returning cash to shareholders, with a focus on capital projects that support growth [52] - The restructuring charge of approximately $40 million was primarily due to asset write-downs in a Chinese plant and severance costs in Signode [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for segments in Q3 - Management indicated that while Q3 comparisons are challenging, they expect improvement in European beverage and North American food, with Americas beverage performance likely to be flat compared to last year [14][15] Question: Strength in non-reportable segments - Management noted that strength in non-reportable segments is due to investments in the North American food business and easier comparisons from last year [18] Question: Customer conversations regarding market tightness in Europe - Management remains bullish on the need for more cans in Europe, driven by sustainable packaging trends, despite potential soft spots [24] Question: Restructuring charge details - The restructuring charge was primarily due to asset write-downs and severance costs, with expectations for benefits to materialize in the future [35] Question: Impact of tariffs on beverage can volumes - Management stated that they do not see significant destocking or direct tariff impacts in Europe, but are cautious about the overall economic environment [41] Question: Capital deployment priorities - The primary goal is to increase returns to shareholders, with a focus on supporting customer needs and growth opportunities [51] Question: Demand softness in the U.S. due to immigration enforcement - Management noted that despite political and economic noise, can demand remains strong, with beverage units in cans up 4.5% [58] Question: Sustainability of margins in North America - Management indicated that while margins are currently strong, continuous improvement efforts are ongoing to maintain and enhance profitability [109]

Core Insights - Crown Holdings reported revenue of $3.15 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.6% and a surprise of +0.39% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.14 billion [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $2.15, up from $1.81 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of +15.59% compared to the consensus estimate of $1.86 [1] Revenue Performance - External Sales in the Americas Beverage segment reached $1.41 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $1.38 billion, with a year-over-year change of +6% [4] - European Beverage segment sales were reported at $635 million, surpassing the average estimate of $621.2 million, marking a year-over-year increase of +13.4% [4] - Transit Packaging segment sales were $526 million, slightly below the average estimate of $529.17 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -4.4% [4] - Other segments reported sales of $327 million, in line with the average estimate of $327.53 million, showing a year-over-year increase of +3.8% [4] - Asia Pacific sales were $256 million, falling short of the average estimate of $298.86 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of -11.7% [4] Segment Income Analysis - Segment Income for the Americas Beverage was $268 million, exceeding the average estimate of $241.66 million [4] - European Beverage segment income was reported at $97 million, slightly below the average estimate of $98.9 million [4] - Corporate and other segments reported a loss of $46 million, worse than the average estimate of $-41 million [4] - Transit Packaging segment income was $72 million, above the average estimate of $65.57 million [4] - Other segments reported income of $35 million, significantly higher than the average estimate of $20.42 million [4] - Asia Pacific segment income was $50 million, below the average estimate of $55.65 million [4] Stock Performance - Crown Holdings' shares returned +2.5% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.4% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 23, with projected revenues of $2.16 billion, reflecting a 4.1% year-over-year growth [1] - The consensus estimate for earnings per share (EPS) is $2.44, indicating a 10.9% increase from the previous year [2] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PKG's second-quarter revenues is $2.16 billion, showing a 4.1% growth compared to the same quarter last year [1] - The earnings estimate has increased by 0.4% over the past 60 days, with the current EPS estimate at $2.44 [2] - The Packaging segment is expected to generate revenues of $1.99 billion, representing a 4.2% increase year-over-year [7] Performance Metrics - PKG's earnings surprise history shows that the company has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimates in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 3.4% [3][4] - The company is projected to see a 2.7% increase in packaging volume, while the Paper segment is expected to experience a 6.9% decline in revenues [6][8] Segment Analysis - The Paper segment is anticipated to report revenues of $140 million, down 6.9% year-over-year, but with a significant 75% increase in operating income to $46 million due to better pricing and mix [8] - The Packaging segment's operating income is estimated to be $291 million, reflecting a 4% growth from the prior year [7] Stock Performance - Over the past year, PKG shares have increased by 7.7%, outperforming the industry average decline of 7.1% [9]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year increase in earnings for Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (AMBP) due to higher revenues, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates impacting stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected on July 24, with a consensus estimate of $0.08 per share, reflecting a +33.3% year-over-year change, and revenues projected at $1.35 billion, up 7.3% from the previous year [3][2]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analyst assessments [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model shows a positive Earnings ESP of +6.67% for Ardagh Metal Packaging, suggesting analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Ardagh Metal Packaging exceeded expectations with earnings of $0.02 per share against an estimate of $0.01, resulting in a +100.00% surprise [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [14]. Investment Considerations - While a potential earnings beat is a positive indicator, other factors may also influence stock movement, making it essential to consider the broader context [15][17].

Core Insights - Pacific Sun Packaging Inc., a subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc., is participating in the 2025 ITAD Summit in Las Vegas, marking its first appearance at the event [1] - The company specializes in high-precision, component-specific packaging solutions for IT and electronics hardware, catering to OEMs, data centers, and ITAD firms [1][4] - The CEO emphasized the importance of technical and critical packaging needs in the evolving ITAD and data center industries [2] Company Overview - Founded in 2011, Pacific Sun Packaging focuses on custom-engineered solutions to protect delicate IT components such as CPUs, DIMMs, SSDs, HDDs, and fiber-optic modules [1][4] - The company's packaging solutions are designed to meet rigorous standards for ESD safety, dimensional precision, and supply chain durability [1] - Pacific Sun Packaging is headquartered in San Clemente, California, and is known for its fast design cycles and scalable production capabilities [2][4] Industry Context - The ITAD and data center industries are experiencing evolving packaging needs that are becoming more technical and critical [2] - The summit provides an opportunity for the company to reconnect with existing customers and build relationships with new partners in IT lifecycle management [2] - The company's tailored packaging strategies aim to enhance resale value, reduce returns, and streamline integration [2]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are seeking growth stocks that can deliver above-average growth and exceptional returns, but identifying such stocks is challenging due to their inherent risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Packaging Corp. (PKG) is identified as a cutting-edge growth stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company is a maker of containerboard and corrugated packaging products [3] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Historical EPS growth rate for Packaging Corp. is 8%, but projected EPS growth for this year is 13.2%, significantly higher than the industry average of 2.9% [5] Group 3: Asset Utilization - Packaging Corp. has an asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets ratio) of 0.96, indicating it generates $0.96 in sales for every dollar in assets, outperforming the industry average of 0.81 [7] - The company's sales are expected to grow by 5.1% this year, compared to the industry average of 3.1% [7] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for Packaging Corp., with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 0.2% over the past month [8] Group 5: Investment Potential - Packaging Corp. has earned a Growth Score of A and carries a Zacks Rank 2 due to positive earnings estimate revisions, indicating it is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [10]

The market expects Sonoco (SON) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 23, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than exp ...