Market Overview - The global food packaging market is projected to grow from USD 421.38 billion in 2025 to USD 548.51 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 5.4% driven by changing consumer habits, sustainability demands, and packaging innovations [1] Industry Drivers - The demand for convenience and processed foods is a major factor driving the food packaging industry, as urban lifestyles evolve and consumers seek quick and safe meal solutions [3] - E-commerce and food delivery platforms are reshaping packaging priorities, emphasizing durability, hygiene, shock resistance, and spill-proof designs [3] Packaging Segments - Rigid packaging remains essential due to its strength and reliability, with innovations like lightweighting and recyclable rigid polymers helping brands meet sustainability goals [4] - Bottles continue to dominate the food packaging sector, offering flexibility and resealability, with advancements in barrier coatings enhancing their performance [5] Regional Insights - Europe is a leader in the food packaging industry, known for its advanced manufacturing ecosystem and strict regulatory frameworks that set high standards for safety and sustainability [9] - The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing market, with China as the largest market and India as the fastest-growing, driven by changing lifestyles and increasing disposable income [10] Key Players - Major companies in the food packaging industry include Amcor Plc, Sealed Air, Mondi, Tetra Pak, and others, which are heavily investing in innovation and sustainable practices [11] Future Trends - The next five years will favor companies that embrace innovation, design for circularity, and align packaging with evolving lifestyle and environmental trends [12] - There is a growing focus on sustainable biobased polymers, tamper-evident closures, and lightweight designs to meet consumer expectations [13][14]

Core Insights - Amcor's Q1 performance indicates strong earnings and free cash flow growth for fiscal year 2026, with adjusted EPS projected between 80 to 83 cents, reflecting a 12-17% growth in constant currency [2][21] - The integration of Amcor and Berry Global is progressing well, with significant synergies expected to enhance operational efficiency and profitability [3][11] Financial Performance - For the three months ended September 30, 2025, Amcor reported net sales of $5,745 million, a 68% increase compared to the previous year, driven by the acquisition of Berry Global [8][13] - Adjusted EPS for the same period was 19.3 cents, an 18% increase year-over-year, supported by disciplined cost management and synergy realization [3][8] - Free cash flow for the quarter was a cash outflow of $343 million, aligning with expectations after accounting for acquisition-related costs [21] Segment Analysis - The Global Flexible Packaging Solutions segment achieved net sales of $3,257 million, a 25% increase on a constant currency basis, with adjusted EBIT of $426 million, reflecting a 28% increase [17][18] - The Global Rigid Packaging Solutions segment saw net sales of $2,488 million, a 205% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EBIT of $295 million, up 365% [19][20] Synergy and Integration - Amcor anticipates realizing at least $260 million in pre-tax synergy benefits in fiscal 2026, contributing to an expected EPS accretion of 12% [11][21] - The company is on track to achieve total identified synergies of $650 million by the end of fiscal 2028, which is expected to drive over 30% EPS growth over three years [4][9] Shareholder Returns - The Board has declared an increased quarterly cash dividend of 13.0 cents per share, reflecting confidence in Amcor's growth prospects and cash flow generation capabilities [12][21]

Leadership Transition - Michael Casamento will leave Amcor to return to Australia, remaining in an advisory role until June 30, 2026, to support the transition [1][3] - Stephen R. Scherger has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective November 10, 2025 [1][3] Executive Background - Stephen R. Scherger has over 30 years of experience in finance, operations, and strategy within the packaging industry, previously serving as CFO of Graphic Packaging [2][5] - Under Scherger's leadership, Graphic Packaging's net sales more than doubled to nearly $9 billion, and net income nearly tripled during his tenure [2] Company Outlook - Amcor reaffirmed its fiscal year 2026 outlook, expecting Adjusted EPS of 80-83 cents per share, representing 12-17% constant currency growth, and Free Cash Flow of $1.8-1.9 billion [4] - For the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Amcor anticipates Adjusted EPS to be within the previously announced range of 18-20 cents per share [4] CEO Comments - Amcor CEO Peter Konieczny expressed confidence in Scherger's ability to enhance growth and profitability, highlighting his industry experience and leadership style [3] - Konieczny thanked Casamento for his decade of service, noting that Amcor is well-positioned following the successful combination with Berry Global [3] Company Profile - Amcor is a global leader in responsible consumer packaging and dispensing solutions, generating $23 billion in annualized sales from operations across over 400 locations in more than 40 countries [6]

Core Insights - Amcor reported $5.08 billion in revenue for the quarter ended June 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 43.8% [1] - The EPS for the same period was $0.20, slightly down from $0.21 a year ago [1] - Revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.17 billion, resulting in a surprise of -1.76% [1] - The company experienced an EPS surprise of -4.76%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.21 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net Sales for Flexible Packaging reached $3.21 billion, exceeding the two-analyst average estimate of $2.71 billion, representing a year-over-year change of +19.3% [4] - Net Sales for Rigid Packaging amounted to $1.88 billion, significantly surpassing the $765.86 million average estimate, with a year-over-year change of +121.1% [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Flexibles was reported at $450 million, compared to the average estimate of $410.01 million [4] - Adjusted EBIT for Rigid Packaging was $204 million, exceeding the average estimate of $68.86 million [4] - Corporate expenses showed an adjusted EBIT of -$43 million, compared to the average estimate of -$29.78 million [4] Stock Performance - Amcor's shares have returned +5.1% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.5% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Group 1 - The upcoming earnings report from Amcor (AMCR) is expected to show quarterly earnings of $0.21 per share, indicating no change from the previous year, with revenues forecasted at $5.17 billion, representing a 46.3% year-over-year increase [1] - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted upward by 0.4%, reflecting analysts' reassessment of their initial projections [1] - Analysts predict 'Net Sales- Flexible' at $2.71 billion, a change of +0.9% from the prior-year quarter, while 'Net Sales- Rigid Packaging' is expected to be $765.86 million, indicating a -9.8% year-over-year change [4] Group 2 - The consensus estimate for 'Adjusted EBIT- Flexibles' is $410.01 million, compared to $403.00 million reported in the same quarter last year [4] - 'Adjusted EBIT- Rigid Packaging' is forecasted to reach $68.86 million, down from $75.00 million in the same quarter of the previous year [5] - Over the past month, Amcor shares have returned +0.1%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by +2.7%, with AMCR currently holding a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) [5]

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]

Core Viewpoint - Amcor Plc (AMCR) is set to report its third-quarter fiscal 2025 results on April 30, with revenue expectations of $3.51 billion, reflecting a 2.9% increase year-over-year, and earnings per share estimated at 18 cents, indicating no change from the previous year [1] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMCR's fiscal third-quarter revenues is $3.51 billion, indicating a 2.9% growth from the year-ago figure [1] - The consensus estimate for earnings is 18 cents per share, which has decreased by 5.3% over the past 60 days [1][2] - The Earnings ESP for AMCR is -2.17%, suggesting a lower likelihood of an earnings beat this quarter [3] Volume and Segment Performance - Amcor's total volume growth was negative for seven consecutive quarters until Q4 of fiscal 2024, where it saw a 1% increase, followed by 2% growth in both Q1 and Q2 of fiscal 2025 [4] - The Flexible segment is projected to achieve a volume growth of 4.9% in Q3, with sales expected to reach $2.68 billion, representing a 3% year-over-year increase [7] - The Rigid Packaging segment is estimated to have a 4.1% rise in volumes, with sales projected at $0.85 billion, indicating a 4% year-over-year growth [8] Market Dynamics - Amcor has been facing supply shortages and price volatility in certain resins and raw materials due to market dynamics and inflation, which are expected to impact Q3 earnings [6] - Overall price/mix benefits are anticipated to be a negative 1.9% for the quarter [5] Recent Developments - The European Commission has approved the merger between Amcor and Berry Global Group, which is set to close on April 30, 2025, pending certain conditions [9] - Over the past year, Amcor's shares have increased by 10.6%, outperforming the industry, which saw a 2.3% decline [10]