Ardagh Metal Packaging(US:AMBP)2025-10-23 15:02Financial 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]