Core Viewpoint - Amcor plc will announce its fiscal 2026 second quarter and half year results on February 3, 2026, after the US market closes [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The results will cover the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2025 [1] - A conference call and webcast to discuss the results will take place at 5:30 PM US Eastern Standard Time on February 3, 2026 [2] - Access to the webcast and supporting materials will be available via the Investors section of Amcor's website [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Amcor is a global leader in responsible consumer packaging and dispensing solutions across various materials for nutrition, health, beauty, and wellness categories [3] - The company generates $23 billion in annualized sales from operations across over 400 locations in more than 40 countries, supported by a workforce of over 75,000 people [3] - Amcor focuses on product innovation and sustainability to address packaging challenges globally, producing flexible packaging, rigid packaging, cartons, and closures [3]

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]

Company Overview - Teleflex Incorporated is a $3.5 billion medical device company specializing in consumables for hospitals and surgical providers, with its largest markets in vascular and urological sectors, and secondary exposure to surgical, acute care, and contract manufacturing [2] - The company produces thousands of single-use products, including catheters, stents, guidewires, pumps, and closures [2] Strategic Developments - In February 2025, Teleflex announced a spin-off of its urology, acute care, and OEM businesses into a stand-alone public company ("NewCo"), leaving the higher-growth, higher-margin vascular/interventional and surgical franchises in TFX "RemainCo" [3] - This separation is expected to unlock significant shareholder value by allowing each business to pursue independent strategies and capital allocation [3] - NewCo is focusing on cost optimization and cash generation, while RemainCo is set to accelerate innovation in vascular interventions, including the recently acquired Biotronik business [3] Financial Performance - Pro forma, Teleflex generates $3.5 billion in sales and $1 billion in EBITDA, with NewCo at $1.4 billion and RemainCo at $2.1 billion [4] - Teleflex trades at a 10% free cash flow yield, below peer SMID-cap medical device valuations, implying 30–45% upside, with the potential for over 100% upside if RemainCo or NewCo were sold at strategic multiples [4] Investment Opportunity - With the spin or sale likely within six months, Teleflex offers an attractive asymmetric risk/reward profile, combining immediate free cash flow yield with significant strategic upside for both NewCo and RemainCo [5] - This makes Teleflex a compelling investment opportunity in the med-tech space [5]

Core Insights - Amcor has launched the Amcor Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge to invite global start-ups to develop sustainable packaging solutions, emphasizing the company's commitment to open innovation and circularity [1][3][5] Group 1: Challenge Details - The challenge will focus on critical research and development priorities for flexible and paper-based packaging [2][3] - Start-ups are encouraged to submit solutions in three key areas, including home-compostable adhesives, high-performance compostable oxygen transmission rate barriers, and nature-based barrier additives for film formulation [7] Group 2: Participation and Investment - Incorporated companies with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) above five can apply, regardless of their prior funding history [4] - Selected start-ups will have the opportunity to present their technologies to Amcor's R&D team and may secure joint development opportunities and potential investments of up to $500,000 [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Amcor is a global leader in responsible consumer packaging, generating $23 billion in annualized sales from operations across over 400 locations in more than 40 countries [6]

Core Viewpoint - Amcor plc (AMCR) has experienced significant underperformance in the stock market compared to broader indices and sector ETFs, raising concerns about its growth prospects and market positioning [2][3]. Company Overview - Amcor plc, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, specializes in developing, producing, and selling packaging solutions for various sectors including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, with a market capitalization of $18.2 billion [1]. Stock Performance - Over the past year, AMCR shares have declined by 28.6%, while the S&P 500 Index has increased by 17.7% [2]. - In 2025, AMCR's stock fell 16.1%, contrasting with the S&P 500's 16.3% rise on a year-to-date basis [2]. Earnings Report - On August 14, AMCR reported Q4 results, with an adjusted EPS of $0.20, missing Wall Street expectations of $0.21. Revenue was reported at $5.1 billion, below forecasts of $5.2 billion [4]. - For fiscal 2026, analysts project a 12.7% growth in EPS to $0.80 on a diluted basis [5]. Analyst Ratings - Among 16 analysts covering AMCR, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with 10 "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," and five "Holds" [5]. - The configuration of ratings has become more bullish, with nine analysts now suggesting a "Strong Buy" [6]. Price Targets - Wells Fargo & Company has maintained an "Overweight" rating on AMCR, lowering the price target to $9, indicating a potential upside of 13.9% from current levels [6]. - The mean price target is $11.07, representing a 40.1% premium to AMCR's current price, while the highest price target of $14.50 suggests an upside potential of 83.5% [6].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Containers - Paper and Packaging industry is expected to benefit from increasing packaging requirements driven by e-commerce growth and steady demand from consumer-oriented markets like food, beverages, and healthcare [1][4] - The industry is also experiencing a rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options due to heightened environmental concerns [1][5] - Companies in this industry are implementing pricing strategies to offset rising costs from tariffs and raw materials [1][6] Demand Drivers - E-commerce is projected to surge, leading to stable demand for packaging applications, which are crucial for maintaining product integrity during delivery [4] - The industry's significant exposure (over 60%) to consumer-oriented markets ensures consistent demand across economic cycles [4] Eco-Friendly Trends - There is a growing preference for biodegradable packaging materials, driven by increased consumer awareness [5] - Industry players are adopting new technologies and incorporating recycled content into their production methods to meet this demand [5] Pricing and Cost Management - Higher raw material and labor costs, along with labor shortages and tariffs, are pressuring margins [6] - Companies are streamlining operations and implementing cost-reduction actions to mitigate these challenges [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Containers - Paper and Packaging industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 95, placing it in the top 39% of 243 Zacks industries, indicating positive prospects [7][8] - However, the industry has underperformed compared to its sector and the S&P 500 over the past year, declining 34.7% against the sector's growth of 2.4% and the S&P 500's gain of 19% [9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 15.98X, compared to the S&P 500's 13.79X and the Industrial Products sector's 23.92X [12] - Over the past five years, the industry has traded between 14.54X and 24.25X, with a median of 20.58X [17] Company Highlights - **AptarGroup**: The Pharma segment is seeing strong demand for drug delivery systems, and the company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) with a projected earnings growth of 4.3% for fiscal 2025 [18][19] - **Karat Packaging**: Positioned to benefit from eco-friendly product demand and expanding manufacturing capabilities, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a projected earnings growth of 0.6% for 2025 [21][23] - **Brambles**: Focused on digital initiatives for growth and efficiency, with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and an expected earnings growth of 8.7% [26][27] - **Packaging Corporation of America**: Strong demand in e-commerce and stable demand for food packaging, with a Zacks Rank of 3 and projected earnings growth of 13.5% for fiscal 2025 [30][31] - **Sealed Air**: Benefiting from e-commerce growth and demand for recyclable materials, with a Zacks Rank of 3 and projected earnings growth of 13.5% [32][35]

Core Viewpoint - Amcor plc is a significant player in the packaging solutions industry, with a focus on flexible and rigid packaging for various sectors, including food and healthcare [1]. Company Overview - Amcor is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and operates globally in the packaging sector [1]. - The company has a market capitalization of $11.9 billion, categorizing it as a large-cap company [2]. - Amcor primarily targets customers through a direct sales network, which has bolstered its market presence [2]. Stock Performance - Amcor's shares are currently trading approximately 28.1% below their 52-week high of $11.48 [3]. - Over the past three months, the stock has decreased nearly 8%, underperforming compared to the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB), which gained 4.6% [3]. - In the last 52 weeks, AMCR stock has declined by 24.3%, and year-to-date, it is down 12.3% [4]. - The stock has been in a prolonged downtrend, falling below its 200-day moving average since March and remaining under its 50-day moving average since mid-August [4]. Recent Financial Results - On August 14, Amcor reported its Q4 fiscal 2025 results, revealing a revenue increase of 43.8% year-over-year to $5.08 billion, although it fell short of the $5.17 billion expected by analysts [5]. - The adjusted EPS was $0.20, down 5.2% from the previous year and below the $0.21 forecasted by analysts [5]. - Despite the disappointing results, management reaffirmed confidence in achieving total pre-tax synergy benefits of $650 million by the end of fiscal 2028 from the acquisition of Berry Global [5]. - The company is on track to deliver $260 million of pre-tax synergy benefits in fiscal 2026, resulting in a 12% accretion from the integration [5]. Future Outlook - Amcor anticipates adjusted EPS of approximately $0.80 to $0.83 for fiscal 2026 [6]. - The company projects free cash flow to be between $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion, after accounting for nearly $220 million in net cash integration and transaction costs related to the Berry Global acquisition [6].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Containers - Paper and Packaging industry is experiencing weak demand due to lower consumer spending amid inflation, but pricing actions by industry players are expected to mitigate the impacts of supply-chain disruptions and elevated costs [1][4] - The industry is supported by rising e-commerce activities and increasing demand for sustainable packaging options due to environmental concerns [1][5] Market Dynamics - The industry has faced volume declines as consumers reduce spending and inventory levels, impacting top-line performance [4] - Supply-chain disruptions and higher costs for materials, labor, and transportation, along with tariffs, are adding pressure on margins [4] - Companies are implementing pricing strategies and cost-reduction actions to counter these challenges [4] E-commerce Impact - E-commerce accounted for over 19% of global retail sales in 2023, with revenues projected to reach $4.3 trillion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8% from 2025 to 2029 [5] - The U.S. online retail market is expected to exceed $1.5 trillion by 2026, while China's e-commerce market is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2027 [5] - The industry has significant exposure (over 60%) to consumer-oriented markets, ensuring stable demand for packaging solutions [5] Eco-Friendly Trends - There is a growing preference for biodegradable packaging materials driven by increased consumer awareness of environmental issues [6] - The industry is adopting new technologies and innovative products to meet this demand, including incorporating recycled content into production [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Containers - Paper and Packaging industry ranks 149 out of 246 Zacks industries, placing it in the bottom 39% [8][9] - The industry has underperformed the S&P 500, declining 13.3% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's growth of 9.1% [10] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 19.76X, higher than the S&P 500's 12.88X and the Industrial Products sector's 19.30X [13] - Over the last five years, the industry has traded between 16.28X and 24.25X, with a median of 20.60X [16] Company Highlights - **Brambles (BXBLY)**: Reported a 1% year-over-year revenue increase to $4.9 billion, with expectations of 4-5% revenue growth in fiscal 2025 and underlying profit growth of 8-11% [17][18] - **AptarGroup (ATR)**: The Pharma segment is seeing healthy demand for drug delivery systems, with a focus on acquisitions to expand technology and market presence [22][23] - **Amcor (AMCR)**: Recently merged with Berry Global, expecting $260 million in pre-tax synergies in fiscal 2026 and projected annual cash flow exceeding $3 billion by FY28 [26][27]