Core Insights - Beverage packaging manufacturers are facing challenges due to changing consumer preferences, spending power, and policy impacts across different regions [1] Company Performance - Crown Holdings reported a 5% decline in Americas Beverage volumes in Q3, following a 10% growth in the same quarter last year, primarily due to a 15% volume drop in Brazil and Mexico [3] - Ardagh Metal Packaging experienced a 1% year-over-year dip in global beverage can shipments in Q3, with a 3% decline in the Americas and a 2% growth in Europe [4] - Despite challenges, Ardagh's North American shipments grew by 1%, while Brazilian volumes fell by 17% [4] Market Trends - There is strong customer demand for nonalcoholic beverages in cans in North America, with Ardagh maintaining a full-year shipment growth guidance of mid-single-digit percentage [5] - Market research indicates that nearly half of Americans plan to drink less alcohol in 2025, prompting major beer distributors to adapt [7] Future Outlook - Crown Holdings' CEO expressed optimism about the resilience of beverage cans, predicting volume growth by 2026 [4] - Ardagh is planning projects to retrofit production lines for better adaptability to different can sizes [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 grew by 6% year-over-year, reaching $208 million, which is at the upper end of guidance [3][12] - Year-to-date global volumes are up over 3% compared to the previous year, despite Q3 volumes being below expectations [3][4] - The company expects full-year adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $720 to $735 million based on current FX rates [12] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, Q3 revenue increased by 9% to $625 million, with a 2% growth in shipments driven by energy drinks and other fast-growing categories [4][6] - Adjusted EBITDA in Europe for Q3 increased by 4% to $82 million, but decreased by 4% on a constant currency basis due to input cost recovery challenges [5][6] - In the Americas, Q3 revenue rose by 8% to $803 million, with adjusted EBITDA also increasing by 8% to $126 million, supported by lower operational costs [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America shipments increased by 1% in Q3, with year-to-date shipments up by 5% [7][8] - In Brazil, Q3 beverage can shipments decreased by 17% due to a weak industry backdrop, but year-to-date shipments are down only 1% [8][9] - The company anticipates a modest impact on Q4 performance in North America if supply chain conditions remain stable [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is progressing its sustainability agenda, targeting a 10% annual reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 14% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2024 [4] - The company expects to see a transition year in 2026, with growth anticipated in 2027 due to contracted additional filling locations and ongoing market growth [8][24] - The company is focusing on flexibility in production to better target growth categories and minimize reliance on the beer segment [62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while demand elasticity is not currently significant, there are risks for 2026 due to potential increases in aluminum costs [16][17] - The outlook for 2026 is cautious, with expectations of low single-digit growth in North America and Brazil, while Europe is expected to grow at 3% to 4% [17][51] - Management expressed optimism about the beverage can's growth potential in Europe, citing underpenetration relative to other geographies [33] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with over $600 million in liquidity and a net leverage ratio of 5.2 times adjusted EBITDA [10] - The company announced a quarterly ordinary dividend of $0.10 per share [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the effects of demand elasticity and aluminum pricing? - Management indicated that there is not a significant impact from demand elasticity at this point, but risks exist for 2026 due to potential aluminum cost increases [16] Question: What is the outlook for North America growth in 2026? - Management expects North America to grow at 1% to 2%, reflecting caution regarding inflation in can pricing [17] Question: How is the company addressing the transition to smaller formats in Europe? - The company is undertaking projects to convert lines for greater flexibility and agility in production to capture growth in faster-growing categories [62] Question: What are the expectations for beer consumption trends in Europe? - Management believes it is too early to call a secular shift in beer consumption but acknowledges a poor year and expects strategies to reverse this trend in 2026 [70] Question: How will aluminum conversion costs impact operations next year? - Management does not expect major savings but anticipates a moderation of headwinds from aluminum costs compared to the previous year [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 grew by 6% year-over-year, reaching $208 million, which is at the upper end of guidance [3][12] - Year-to-date global volumes are up over 3% compared to the previous year, despite Q3 volumes being below expectations [3][4] - The net leverage ratio improved to 5.2x, a decline of 0.4x from Q2 2024, reflecting adjusted EBITDA growth [10] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, Q3 revenue increased by 9% to $625 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 4% to $82 million [4][5] - In the Americas, Q3 revenue increased by 8% to $803 million, with adjusted EBITDA also increasing by 8% to $126 million [6][7] - Brazil's beverage can shipments decreased by 17% in Q3 due to a weak industry backdrop, but year-to-date shipments are down only 1% [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - European shipments grew by 2% in Q3, driven by energy drinks and other fast-growing categories, despite weakness in the beer category [4][5] - North American shipments increased by 1% in Q3, with year-to-date shipments up by 5% [7][8] - The Brazilian market is expected to return to growth in 2026, with full-year shipments anticipated to be broadly in line with the prior year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustainability, aiming for a 10% annual reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 14% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2024 [4] - The company anticipates a transition year in 2026 for North America, with expected industry growth of low single-digit percentages [8][24] - The company is investing in flexibility for production lines to better adapt to market dynamics and changing consumer preferences [63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while Q3 was weaker than expected, they remain optimistic about Q4 performance, particularly in North America [8][12] - The company expects to see earnings growth in 2026 over 2025, driven by operational cost savings and improved market conditions [51][52] - Management highlighted that the beer category in Europe had a poor year but does not expect this to be a long-term trend [70][72] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly ordinary dividend of $0.10 per share [11] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance has been upgraded to a range of $720 million to $735 million [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the effects of demand elasticity and aluminum pricing? - Management indicated that there is currently not a significant impact from demand elasticity, but there may be risks in 2026 as hedges roll off [16][17] Question: What is the outlook for North America in 2026? - Management expects North America to grow at a market level of 1%-2% in 2026, with some softness anticipated due to contract resets [17][24] Question: How is the company addressing growth in Europe? - Management stated that Europe remains a tight market, and they are planning projects to improve capacity and flexibility [27][28] Question: What are the expectations for aluminum costs and their impact? - Management noted that while there are no major savings expected, the step-up in costs from this year will moderate significantly [72] Question: How is the company managing supply chain issues? - Management expressed optimism about resolving supply chain issues and does not foresee risks to industry volumes from metal supply in 2026 [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 6% year-over-year, reaching $208 million, which was at the upper end of guidance [4][14] - Year-to-date global volumes increased by over 3% compared to the previous year, despite being below expectations for the quarter [4][5] - The company expects full-year adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $720 million to $735 million based on current FX rates [14] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, Q3 revenue increased by 9% to $625 million, or 3% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to volume growth [5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA in Europe rose by 4% to $82 million, although it decreased by 4% on a constant currency basis due to input cost recovery headwinds [6] - In the Americas, revenue increased by 8% to $803 million, with adjusted EBITDA also rising by 8% to $126 million, supported by lower operational costs [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Brazil, beverage can shipments decreased by 17% due to a weak industry backdrop, with beer can volumes falling by around 14% [10][11] - North America shipments increased by 1% for the quarter, with year-to-date shipments up by 5% [7][10] - The company anticipates a modest impact on Q4 performance due to supply chain issues but maintains guidance for mid-single-digit growth in North America shipments for the full year [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The beverage can segment continues to benefit from innovation and share gains, with a focus on sustainability and reducing emissions [5][14] - The company expects a transition year in 2026, with growth anticipated in 2027 due to contracted additional filling locations and ongoing market growth [10][14] - The company is upgrading its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance, reflecting resilient performance across segments [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while demand elasticity is not significantly impacting sales currently, there are risks for 2026 due to potential higher aluminum costs [20][21] - The outlook for the beer category in Europe is cautious, with expectations for stabilization in 2026 [85][86] - Management expressed optimism about the North American market, citing strong customer demand for non-alcoholic beverages [9][10] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a robust liquidity position of over $600 million and a net leverage ratio of 5.2 [12][13] - The quarterly ordinary dividend announced was $0.10 per share [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Effects of demand elasticity and alumina pricing - Management indicated that there is currently no significant impact from demand elasticity, but risks may arise in 2026 as hedges roll off [20][21] Question: Growth expectations in North America and Brazil - Management expects North America to grow at a market level of 1% to 2% in 2026, with Brazil anticipated to return to growth [10][21] Question: Capacity and footprint in Europe - Management confirmed that the European market remains tight, with no changes to the timing of needing new capacity [39][40] Question: Input cost recovery in Europe - Management noted that input cost recovery challenges are primarily related to European aluminum prices, which have been impacted by energy costs [57][58] Question: Aluminum pricing and promotional activity - Management acknowledged that rising aluminum prices could lead to inflation on the shelf, impacting volumes, but remains cautiously optimistic about growth [101][102] Question: Transition to new product categories - Management is implementing projects to increase flexibility in production lines to better capture growth in faster-growing categories [75][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, global shipments grew by 6% and adjusted EBITDA increased by 16% compared to the prior year, exceeding initial guidance [6][25]. - The company ended the quarter with a liquidity position of $570 million, reflecting a seasonal working capital outflow [20]. - Net leverage improved to 5.5 times net debt over the last twelve months adjusted EBITDA, down from 6.2 times reported in Q1 2024 [21][22]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Europe, Q1 revenue increased by 10% to $528 million, with shipments growing by 5% [13][14]. - In the Americas, revenue rose by 12% to $740 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 16% to $106 million [15][16]. - North America shipments increased by 8%, driven by strong demand for nonalcoholic beverages, particularly energy drinks [16]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The beverage can continues to gain market share in customers' packaging mix, with strong trends in customer innovation favoring beverage cans [9][26]. - In Brazil, beverage can shipments increased by 4%, outperforming the industry, which grew modestly [17]. - The company anticipates a low to mid-single-digit percentage growth in shipments for Brazil for 2025, maintaining a cautious outlook [18][19]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is upgrading its full-year guidance for shipments growth to 3% to 4%, up from the initial 2% to 3% [27]. - Full-year adjusted EBITDA is now expected to be in the range of $695 million to $720 million, reflecting improved underlying business performance and favorable currency outlook [27]. - The company is focusing on high-return projects to increase capacity and flexibility in Europe, indicating a proactive approach to meet future demand [70][120]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business despite a dynamic macro environment, with minimal anticipated impact from tariff measures [8][10]. - The company remains cautious about the back half of the year due to potential volatility in the macro environment [101][114]. - Management highlighted strong customer performance in North America, particularly in innovative beverage categories, as a key driver for the positive outlook [58][61]. Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly ordinary dividend of $0.10 per share, with no changes to its capital allocation policy [24]. - The company expects adjusted free cash flow for 2025 to be at least $150 million, with maintenance CapEx around $135 million [22]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in April and impact of tariffs - Management noted no change in order behavior in April and attributed the guidance upgrade to continued sales momentum, particularly in North America [32][34]. Question: Confidence in North American energy market - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of the energy category, noting broad-based growth across customer segments [37][39]. Question: Customer mix issues in Brazil - Management acknowledged volatility in Brazil but maintained a cautious outlook despite a positive start to the year [50][52]. Question: Competitive landscape and contract renewals - Management indicated no material risk to volumes or margins from the competitive environment, with discussions on contract renewals progressing well [86][88]. Question: Utilization rates and new capacity in Brazil - Management stated that North America is operating in the nineties for utilization rates, while Brazil remains complex with lower utilization [94][96]. Question: Free cash flow and leverage outlook - Management is optimistic about free cash flow generation and expects leverage to decrease by year-end, primarily through EBITDA growth [135].