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    Amcor PLC (AMCR)

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    Amcor plc is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions for various end markets, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other consumer goods . The company operates through two main segments: Flexibles and Rigid Packaging, offering a wide range of packaging materials and solutions . Amcor's extensive operations span 212 locations across 40 countries, generating significant annual sales .

    1. Flexibles - Manufactures flexible and film packaging, supplying polymer resin, aluminum, and fiber-based flexible packaging. Employs about 35,000 people across 160 facilities in 36 countries .
    2. Rigid Packaging - Produces rigid containers for a broad range of predominantly beverage and food products. Employs around 5,000 people at 52 facilities in 11 countries .
    Initial Price$9.64December 31, 2023
    Final Price$9.51March 31, 2024
    Price Change$-0.13
    % Change-1.35%

    What went well

    • Amcor has seen significant improvement in volumes in its Flexibles segment between Q2 and Q3, particularly in priority categories like pet care, meat, and cheese, indicating a positive growth trend.
    • Approximately 90% of Amcor's packaging portfolio is in recycle-ready structures, demonstrating its strong commitment to sustainability and positioning it favorably as industry targets shift.
    • Amcor's Rigid Packaging business has returned to profit growth due to strategic strengthening and restructuring efforts, including footprint optimization and leveraging strong customer relationships, setting the stage for improved performance as volumes recover.

    What went wrong

    • The company is still experiencing negative volume performance in developed markets, with volumes down in North America and Europe compared to the prior year.
    • Despite recent cost reductions, there is concern about the durability of variable cost efficiencies as volumes normalize, which could impact future margins.
    • The Rigid Packaging segment, particularly in North America, continues to face challenges with lower volumes and soft consumer demand, and other substrates are recovering faster than plastics in the beverage market.

    Q&A Summary

    1. Cost Savings and Operating Leverage
      Q: How sustainable are the recent cost savings and operational efficiencies?
      A: Management is pleased with the $130 million in cost reductions achieved in Q3, which included a $15 million benefit from the restructuring program. They are focusing on both operational cost flexing and structural cost reductions. Operational measures include eliminating shifts, reducing overtime, extended shutdowns, driving procurement savings, and tightly controlling discretionary spending. Structurally, they've announced seven plant closures and expect the restructuring program to deliver $50 million in EBIT benefit, with $35 million in FY '24 and $15 million into FY '25. While some costs may return as volumes normalize, they expect ongoing margin improvement due to these initiatives.

    2. Volume Improvements and Outlook
      Q: Are the volume improvements in Q3 sustainable going forward?
      A: Volumes improved significantly from Q2 to Q3, with Q2 down 10% and Q3 down 4% year-over-year. The improvement was due to destocking abating, better customer performance, and some unwind of unusually low December volumes. Management expects the positive momentum to carry into Q4, anticipating low single-digit volume declines mainly due to continued destocking in health care. They believe volumes will exit Q4 flat and see components of the improvement as sustainable.

    3. EPS Guidance and Q4 Expectations
      Q: Given the strong Q3 performance, why isn't Q4 EPS guidance being upgraded?
      A: Despite delivering EPS growth in Q3, management maintained their Q4 EPS growth expectation at mid-single digits. They increased full-year guidance to $0.685–$0.71, reflecting the improved Q3 performance. Q4 is expected to see sequential improvement in volumes and profit, but continued destocking in health care will hold back volume growth. Management feels confident in delivering within the guidance range but doesn't want to get ahead of themselves at this point.

    4. Strategic Positioning of Rigid Packaging
      Q: How does management view the strategic position of the Rigid Packaging business?
      A: Management believes Rigid Packaging is a strategically important and scalable business for Amcor. The portfolio includes North American beverage, Specialty Containers, Latin American operations, and closures. They have good industry positions and strong customer relationships, along with a strong sustainability profile in this segment. Recent restructuring and footprint optimization have strengthened the business, enabling it to return to profit growth despite a soft market.

    5. Interest Expense and Hedging Profile
      Q: What's driving the lower net interest expense guidance, and what's the hedging profile?
      A: Net interest expense guidance was reduced slightly to $310–$320 million due to better timing of cash flows and working capital improvements. The debt profile is about 70% fixed and 30% floating, with no maturities until mid-2025. Management does not expect a material change in interest expense going into FY '25 based on the current debt profile and forward interest rate curves.

    6. Sustainability Targets and Regulation Impact
      Q: How are changes in sustainability targets and regulations affecting Amcor?
      A: While some industry participants are adjusting their sustainability targets, Amcor remains committed to its goal of making 100% of packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025. They have made significant progress, with roughly 90% of their packaging portfolio now in recycle-ready structures. Management welcomes regulatory developments like the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), as they believe it creates an environment that drives the industry toward a circular economy for plastics.

    7. Below-the-Line Restructuring Charges
      Q: When will the restructuring charges come to an end?
      A: The restructuring program is about two-thirds complete, with $110 million spent out of the committed $170 million. Approximately $50–$60 million remains to be invested, and management expects to be most of the way through the program by the end of the calendar year. They are starting to see benefits from the restructuring, contributing $15 million in the quarter.

    NamePositionStart DateShort Bio
    Peter KoniecznyChief Executive OfficerSeptember 4, 2024Peter Konieczny is the CEO of Amcor plc, appointed on September 4, 2024. He was the Interim CEO from April 2024 and has been with Amcor since 2010, holding various leadership roles .
    Michael CasamentoExecutive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer2015Michael Casamento has been serving as the EVP, Finance and CFO at Amcor since 2015. He was previously the Vice President of Corporate Finance from 2014 to 2015 .
    Susana Suarez GonzalezExecutive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer2022Susana Suarez Gonzalez has been the EVP and Chief HR Officer at Amcor since 2022. She was previously EVP, Chief HR and Diversity & Inclusion Officer at International Flavors and Fragrances .
    Deborah RasinExecutive Vice President and General Counsel2022Deborah Rasin has been the EVP and General Counsel at Amcor since 2022. She was previously the Senior VP, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary at Hill-Rom Holdings from 2016 to 2022 .
    Eric RoegnerPresident, Amcor Rigid Packaging2018Eric Roegner has been the President of Amcor Rigid Packaging since 2018. He held executive roles at Arconic, Inc. (formerly Alcoa Inc.) from 2006 to 2018 .
    Fred StephanChief Operating OfficerSeptember 5, 2024Fred Stephan is the COO of Amcor plc, appointed on September 5, 2024. He was President of Amcor Flexibles North America since June 2019 and has overseen the Amcor Flexibles Latin America business .
    Michael ZackaPresident, Amcor Flexibles Europe, Middle East & Africa2021Michael Zacka has been the President of Amcor Flexibles EMEA since 2021. He was previously President of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific and Chief Commercial Officer from 2017 to 2021 .
    David ClarkChief Sustainability OfficerSeptember 5, 2024David Clark joined Amcor in 2004 and became the Chief Sustainability Officer on September 5, 2024. He previously served as Vice President of Sustainability .
    1. With destocking in the healthcare sector still ongoing and continued weak consumer demand in North American beverage, what specific strategies are you implementing to mitigate these challenges and drive volume improvements in these key segments?
    2. Given the recent leadership transition, how will your strategic priorities evolve, particularly concerning the Rigid Packaging business, and what measures are you taking to ensure stability and continuity amid these changes?
    3. The European Union's upcoming Plastic Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) could pose significant challenges for plastic packaging companies; how do you anticipate this will impact your Flexibles business, and what are your plans to adapt to potential regulatory headwinds?
    4. Despite better-than-expected earnings in the third quarter, you maintained your fourth-quarter EPS growth guidance at mid-single digits; can you explain why you didn't upgrade your outlook and what risks or uncertainties you foresee that might impact future performance?
    5. You mentioned that the destocking is largely behind you outside of healthcare; when do you expect destocking in the healthcare sector to conclude, and how might prolonged destocking affect your earnings trajectory and market position in this segment?
    Program DetailsProgram 1
    Approval DateFebruary 7, 2023
    End Date/DurationExtended to June 30, 2024
    Total Additional Amount$100 million
    Remaining Authorization$39 million
    DetailsExtended for an additional twelve months on February 6, 2024

    Competitors mentioned in the company's latest 10K filing.

    • AptarGroup, Inc.
    • Ball Corporation
    • Berry Global Group, Inc.
    • CCL Industries Inc.
    • Crown Holdings, Inc.
    • Graphic Packaging Holding Company
    • Huhtamaki Oyj
    • International Paper Company
    • Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG
    • O-I Glass, Inc.
    • Sealed Air Corporation
    • Silgan Holdings Inc.
    • Sonoco Products Company

    These companies are mentioned as competitors in the highly competitive markets where Amcor operates, which include areas of competition such as service, sustainability, innovation, quality, and price .

    Recent developments and announcements about AMCR.

    Corporate Leadership

      Leadership Change

      ·
      Jan 6, 2025, 9:22 PM

      Who's leaving?

      • Eric Roegner, previously President of Amcor Rigid Packaging, has transitioned to the role of Executive Vice President, Integration and Special Projects, effective January 1, 2025. He no longer serves as an executive officer of the company.

      Why?

      • This change is part of a strategic initiative to leverage Mr. Roegner's expertise in closures and containers for the integration with Berry Global.

      Who's stepping up?

      • Rodrigo Lecot has been appointed as Interim President, Amcor Rigid Packaging, effective January 1, 2025.

    Legal & Compliance

      Legal Proceedings

      ·
      Nov 19, 2024, 8:05 PM

      Summary of the Legal Matter Involving Amcor and Berry Global Group

      Key Parties Involved:

      • Amcor plc: A Jersey public company and a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions.
      • Berry Global Group, Inc.: A Delaware corporation and a global leader in innovative packaging solutions.
      • Aurora Spirit, Inc.: A Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Amcor.

      Nature of the Proceedings:

      • Merger Agreement: On November 19, 2024, Amcor, Aurora Spirit, and Berry entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger. This agreement outlines the merger of Aurora Spirit with and into Berry, with Berry surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amcor .
      • Governance Changes: Post-merger, the Amcor Board will consist of 11 directors, including four from the Berry Board. The current chair of the Amcor Board will remain, and Stephen E. Sterrett, the current chair of the Berry Board, will be named the deputy chair .
      • Equity Awards and Stock Options: The merger agreement details the treatment of Berry's restricted stock units, performance stock units, and stock options, converting them into Amcor's equivalents .
      • Debt Commitment: Amcor has secured a $3 billion bridge loan facility to refinance Berry's existing debt if necessary .

      Potential Financial or Operational Consequences:

      • Stock Conversion: Each share of Berry common stock will be converted into 7.25 Amcor ordinary shares .
      • Synergies and Value Creation: The merger is expected to create $650 million in annual earnings synergies by the end of the third year, with significant cost savings and growth synergies .
      • Financial Impact: The combined company will have revenues of $24 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $4.3 billion, with strong annual cash flow and a commitment to maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet .
      • Operational Integration: The merger aims to enhance innovation capabilities, expand product offerings, and improve supply chain resilience, benefiting both companies' customers and shareholders .
      • Regulatory and Shareholder Approvals: The completion of the merger is subject to regulatory approvals, shareholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions, with the closing targeted for mid-2025 .
      • Termination Fees: Both parties have agreed to pay a termination fee of $260 million under specified circumstances, such as entering into a superior proposal .

      Conclusion: The merger between Amcor and Berry is a significant strategic move aimed at creating a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions. The transaction is expected to bring substantial financial and operational benefits, although it is subject to various approvals and conditions .