Core Insights - Amcor has launched a new machine direction orientation (MDO) line in Peru to enhance production of AmPrima Plus films and support sustainable packaging initiatives in Latin America [1] - AmPrima Plus is designed for recyclability while maintaining the performance of conventional flexible packaging, allowing customers to transition to recycle-ready solutions without compromising quality [2] - The new MDO line aims to improve production efficiency and meet the increasing demand for sustainable packaging in the region [1] Sustainability Benefits - AmPrima Plus offers significant sustainability advantages over multilayer pouch structures, including a 26% lower carbon footprint, a 22% reduction in non-renewable primary energy demand, and a 19% decrease in water consumption [4] - The technology has already been implemented in various products across Latin America, including packaging for liquid baby shampoo, dulce de leche, and household products [3] Company Developments - Amcor's Latin America marketing director emphasized the alignment of the new MDO line with the company's commitment to sustainability and the benefits it brings to customers [5] - In October 2025, Amcor introduced AmSecure, a next-generation packaging solution for the healthcare industry, and appointed a new CFO, Stephen R Scherger, effective November 10, 2025 [6]

Core Insights - RIT Capital Partners holds $19,839,800 worth of Smurfit Westrock Plc shares, representing 2.49% of its portfolio, indicating confidence in the company's potential [1] - Seaport Global Securities upgraded Smurfit Westrock Plc from "Neutral" to "Buy," setting a price target of $52, reflecting optimism about the stock's future performance [2] - The investment firm believes the recent share price decline is due to investor concerns regarding European containerboard capacity expansion, but anticipates improvements in pricing for recycled containerboard medium [3] Company Overview - Smurfit Westrock Plc is engaged in the development and supply of packaging solutions globally, including corrugated boards, solid boards, and hexacomb packaging for various applications [5] - The company is expected to present a five-year strategy plan in February 2026, which may include $400 million in initial synergies, asset repositioning, cost reductions, and growth opportunities in its North American box business [4]

Market Overview - Mid-cap stocks advanced in Q3, with the Russell Midcap Index returning 5.3%, driven by monetary policy shifts and stabilizing earnings [2] - Value stocks outperformed growth stocks, with the Russell Midcap Value Index returning 6.2% compared to 2.8% for the Russell Midcap Growth Index [2] Policy and Sentiment - Investor sentiment improved due to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and progress on trade agreements, reducing policy uncertainty [3] - Earnings estimates stabilized, particularly in technology and AI sectors, despite some economic segments remaining weak [3] Portfolio Performance - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy outperformed its benchmark, with strong stock selection in consumer staples and health care [4] - Performance Food Group and Casey's General Stores were key contributors, benefiting from strategic initiatives and strong execution [4] Sector Contributions - Health care was a significant driver of outperformance, with companies like argenx and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals showing strong results [5] - AppLovin's stock rallied due to excitement around its new e-commerce business, indicating potential for cash flow growth [6] Challenges - Stock selection in consumer discretionary and materials sectors posed challenges, with Chewy and Crown Holdings underperforming [7][8] New Positions - A new position was initiated in QXO, a building materials distribution platform, expected to consolidate the industry and improve efficiency [9] - Bio-Techne was also added to the portfolio, capitalizing on recent weakness and offering durable revenue streams [10] Exits - The position in ATS Corporation was exited due to leadership changes raising concerns about future performance [11] Outlook - The outlook for mid-cap equities remains constructive, with expectations for selective stock picking amid potential volatility [13] - The focus will be on businesses with competitive advantages and resilient cash flows [14] Portfolio Highlights - The ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy saw contributions from 10 of 11 sectors, with IT and industrials being the largest contributors [16] - Stock selection in consumer staples, IT, and health care sectors positively impacted performance, while consumer discretionary and materials sectors detracted [17]

Core Insights - DS Smith has partnered with Carlsberg Britvic to upgrade its packaging to a new OTOR8 'Bag-in-Box' design, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the supply chain [1][4] - The new design features an 8-sided shape that allows for an average of 25% more boxes to be loaded onto each pallet, optimizing logistics and reducing the number of pallets and lorries needed [2][3] - Carlsberg Britvic has invested over £9 million in carbon-cutting technology in the past three years and sources 75% of its grid electricity from solar panels, demonstrating a strong commitment to carbon reduction [4] Company Initiatives - The OTOR8 design is part of a broader initiative by DS Smith to improve supply chain efficiency and sustainability, aligning with its Circular Design Metrics to evaluate packaging circularity [5][6] - The partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve warehouse storage efficiency, while also minimizing the risk of leakage and enhancing packaging stability [3][5] - Carlsberg Britvic produces over 25 million litres of soft drinks annually for the hospitality sector, emphasizing the importance of high-quality packaging in its operations [5]

Core Viewpoint - Sonoco Products Company has agreed to divest its ThermoSafe business unit to Arsenal Capital Partners for up to $725 million, marking a significant step in its portfolio transformation towards becoming a leader in global metal and fiber packaging [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The deal consists of a base purchase price of $650 million, with an additional $75 million contingent on ThermoSafe's performance in 2025 [1]. - The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 [1]. - Morgan Stanley & Co provided financial counsel to Sonoco for the transaction, while Freshfields served as the legal advisor [4]. Group 2: Business Performance - In 2024, ThermoSafe reported sales exceeding $240 million and proforma adjusted EBITDA of $50 million [3]. - The ThermoSafe portfolio includes advanced technology with bio-based insulation and reusable options, catering to a wide range of temperature requirements [3]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The divestment is part of Sonoco's strategy to streamline operations from a diversified portfolio into two core global business segments, enhancing operational efficiency and focus [2]. - The sale is anticipated to reduce Sonoco's net leverage ratio to approximately 3.5, excluding any additional consideration from the deal [3]. - Sonoco's president emphasized that the transformation allows for sustainable growth and value creation for customers [5].

Core Insights - International Paper reported second quarter 2025 net earnings of $75 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, with adjusted operating earnings of $105 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, and net sales of $6.8 billion [1][4][20] Financial Performance - The company experienced a significant increase in net sales, rising from $4.7 billion in the second quarter of 2024 to $6.8 billion in the second quarter of 2025 [4][20] - Adjusted operating earnings per share decreased from $0.55 in the second quarter of 2024 to $0.20 in the second quarter of 2025 [3][30] - Cash provided by operations was $476 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared to $365 million in the same quarter of 2024 [4][38] Segment Performance - Packaging Solutions North America reported net sales of $3.86 billion in the second quarter of 2025, up from $3.63 billion in the second quarter of 2024, with an operating profit of $277 million [7][9] - Packaging Solutions EMEA generated net sales of $2.29 billion in the second quarter of 2025, significantly higher than $328 million in the same quarter of 2024, but reported an operating loss of $1 million [7][9] - Global Cellulose Fibers segment saw net sales of $628 million in the second quarter of 2025, down from $717 million in the same quarter of 2024, with an operating loss of $4 million [7][10] Strategic Initiatives - The CEO highlighted the company's ongoing transformation and the successful integration of the DS Smith acquisition, which is expected to enhance revenue and earnings in the upcoming quarters [2][5] - The company is focused on achieving cost-out initiatives and maintaining a strong customer experience while securing a competitive cost position [2][5] Special Items - Net special items in the second quarter of 2025 amounted to a net after-tax charge of $34 million, compared to a charge of $204 million in the first quarter of 2025 [11][30] - The company incurred costs related to the DS Smith combination and severance, which are not reflective of ongoing operations [11][12]

Greif Inc. Containerboard Divestment Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Greif Inc. (GEF) - **Event**: Containerboard Divestment Conference Call - **Date**: July 01, 2025 Key Points Industry and Company Focus - **Divestment Announcement**: Greif announced the divestment of its containerboard business for **$1.8 billion** [4] - **Strategic Rationale**: The divestment aligns with Greif's "build to last" strategy, aimed at enhancing capital efficiency and focusing on high-margin packaging solutions [4][6] - **Remaining Portfolio**: Post-divestment, Greif will concentrate on its URB (Unbleached Recycled Board) business and polymer-based solutions, which are expected to grow faster than GDP [8][9] Financial Implications - **EBITDA and Cash Flow Goals**: Greif aims to achieve **$1 billion** in EBITDA and **$500 million** in free cash flow by 2027 [5] - **Debt Reduction**: 100% of the proceeds from the divestment will be used to pay down debt, positioning Greif with a leverage ratio below **2.0 times** [5][10] - **Cost Savings**: The divestment is expected to lower annual interest expenses by **$85 million** and recurring maintenance capital expenditures by **$25 million** [11] Market Position and Strategy - **Focus on Leadership**: Greif aims to maintain a number one or two position in its chosen markets, emphasizing that it was not a leader in the containerboard market [22][23] - **Growth Areas**: The company is targeting growth in high-margin sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals [9][12] - **Capital Allocation**: Greif will continue to prioritize safety and maintenance CapEx while also increasing shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases [11][12] Future Outlook - **Growth Opportunities**: Greif is committed to pursuing high-return organic capital expenditures and strategic M&A opportunities within its targeted growth areas [12][41] - **EBITDA Growth Drivers**: The company has identified several drivers to achieve its EBITDA target, including volume growth and business optimization [13][14] - **Market Trends**: North America remains sluggish, particularly in metal markets, but acquired companies in the agricultural space are performing well [90][91] Additional Considerations - **Regulatory Approvals**: The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, which may affect the closing timeline [6] - **Synergies and Cost Structure**: Greif will work on optimizing support functions and addressing overhead costs post-divestment [37][65] - **Market Dynamics**: The company expects to be a net seller in the open market for OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) after the divestment, which may impact its business dynamics [61] Conclusion - Greif's divestment of its containerboard business marks a significant strategic shift aimed at enhancing shareholder value and focusing on high-growth, high-margin opportunities. The company is committed to maintaining financial discipline while pursuing growth in its remaining business segments.

Group 1: American Express - American Express is down 15.1% year-to-date, presenting a potential buying opportunity with a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.1 [4] - The company has a diversified customer base, with U.S. consumer services accounting for 38% of worldwide network volumes [6] - American Express has consistently raised its dividend and has never cut it since 1977, returning $7.9 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2024 [10][11] - The company has outperformed Visa, Mastercard, and the S&P 500 over the last five years, indicating strong growth potential [8][12] Group 2: International Paper - International Paper offers a nearly 4% dividend yield and operates in a mature industry with growth prospects from e-commerce packaging [13] - The acquisition of DS Smith positions the company as a global player in the packaging market, aiming for earnings growth through synergies [14][15] - Management projects a long-term growth rate of 3% to 4% in North America and Europe, with potential free cash flow of $2 billion to $2.5 billion by 2027 [16] Group 3: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy stock is down 7.3% year-to-date, but offers a 3.4% forward-yielding dividend, making it an attractive investment opportunity [17] - The company is the largest electric utility by market cap and has a significant focus on renewable energy, with 40 GW of solar, wind, and energy storage [18] - Despite concerns over tariffs affecting renewable energy projects, NextEra Energy is a regulated utility, ensuring stable returns [20] - The company has maintained an average payout ratio of 81% over the past five years, reflecting a conservative approach to dividends [21] - Shares are currently trading at 10.6 times operating cash flow, below their five-year average multiple of 15, indicating a favorable buying opportunity [23]