Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. - First Quarter 2026 Results
Rhea-AI Summary
Ardagh Metal Packaging (NYSE: AMBP) reported Q1 2026 results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Revenue was $1,504 million, up 19% reported (13% constant currency). Adjusted EBITDA was $179 million, up 15% reported (11% cc). Liquidity was $488 million and an asset-based lending facility was upsized to $450 million, maturing January 2031.
The company reaffirmed full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $750–775 million, announced a regular quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share, and disclosed a US jury verdict awarding approximately $175 million in damages to the Group (April 6, 2026).
Positive
- Revenue $1,504 million (+19% reported, +13% constant currency)
- Adjusted EBITDA $179 million (+15% reported, +11% constant currency)
- Europe Adjusted EBITDA +53% to $75 million (+36% cc)
- Strong liquidity of $488 million and ABL upsized to $450 million (maturity Jan 2031)
- Full-year Adjusted EBITDA guidance reaffirmed at $750–775 million
Negative
- Americas Adjusted EBITDA down 2% to $104 million due to aluminum supply disruptions
- Global beverage can shipments declined 1% year-over-year; North America down 5%
- Higher operational and overhead costs partly offset input cost recovery gains
News Market Reaction – AMBP
On the day this news was published, AMBP gained 2.34%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +3.4% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 4 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $53M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $2.30B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
AMBP was down 2.28% pre-release. Key packaging peers also traded lower: OI -1.79%, GEF -2.51%, SLGN -3.57%, and SON -9.88%, while SEE was flat. No peers appeared in the momentum scanner, suggesting pressure but not a coordinated sector momentum event.
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 26 | Q4/FY 2025 earnings | Positive | +0.7% | Q4 and full‑year 2025 growth, strong cash flow, and 2026 EBITDA guidance. |
| Nov 25 | Q3 2025 interim report | Neutral | +0.8% | Publication of Q3 2025 interim financial report and details on investor webcast. |
| Oct 23 | Q3 2025 earnings | Positive | +7.8% | Q3 revenue and EBITDA growth with raised full‑year guidance and deleveraging. |
| Jul 24 | Q2 2025 earnings | Positive | -16.4% | Strong Q2 revenue and EBITDA growth plus upgraded 2025 guidance and lower leverage. |
| Apr 24 | Q1 2025 earnings | Positive | +30.4% | Q1 shipment and EBITDA growth with upgraded 2025 guidance and solid liquidity. |
Earnings releases have generally seen positive price reactions, with one notable negative outlier despite strong fundamentals.
Over the past year, AMBP’s earnings updates have highlighted steady revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth, periodic guidance upgrades, and solid liquidity. Events on Apr 24, 2025, Jul 24, 2025, Oct 23, 2025, Nov 25, 2025, and Feb 26, 2026 all focused on quarterly or annual results and outlook. Most drew positive price reactions, except Q2 2025, which saw a sharp selloff despite strong reported performance.
Historical Comparison
In the last five earnings releases, AMBP’s average move was about 4.66%, with mostly positive reactions but one sharp selloff despite strong results, underscoring occasionally inconsistent trading responses to solid fundamentals.
Earnings releases from Q1 2025 through Q4/FY 2025 show rising revenue, growing Adjusted EBITDA, and periodic upgrades to guidance, alongside improving leverage and maintained dividends, framing this Q1 2026 report as part of an ongoing earnings growth narrative.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement reports Q1 2026 revenue of $1,504 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $179 million, both up strongly year over year and above prior guidance. Management reaffirmed full‑year Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $750–775 million, highlighted $488 million in liquidity, and kept the $0.10 quarterly dividend. Investors may focus on aluminum supply disruptions, higher input costs, and how Europe’s strength offsets North American challenges in coming quarters.
Key Terms
adjusted ebitda financial
constant currency financial
ifrs 15 regulatory
asset-based lending facility financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
March 31, 2026 | March 31, 2025 | Change | Constant Currency | |||||
($'m except per share data) | ||||||||
Revenue | 1,504 | 1,268 | 19 % | 13 % | ||||
Loss for the period | (5) | (5) | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (1) | 179 | 155 | 15 % | 11 % | ||||
Loss per share | (0.01) | (0.02) | ||||||
Adjusted earnings per share (1) | 0.05 | 0.02 | ||||||
Dividend per ordinary share | 0.10 | 0.10 | ||||||
Oliver Graham, CEO of Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), said:
"We are pleased to report strong first quarter results for AMP, with Adjusted EBITDA growth of
Our Adjusted EBITDA outperformance in the quarter was driven by
We reaffirm our full year Adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026 despite macro-economic and geopolitical uncertainty - and the associated increases in certain input costs - and we continue to anticipate moderate global shipments growth. AMP's guidance is supported by our first quarter outperformance, our robust contractual cost pass-through mechanisms, energy hedging arrangements, and volume outlook, all of which help mitigate the potential impact of higher commodity prices."
- Global beverage can shipments declined by
1% in the quarter versus the prior year quarter, which was driven by a decline of2% in theAmericas – a decline inNorth America of5% offsetting growth of14% inBrazil – and a decline of1% inEurope . - Adjusted EBITDA of
for the quarter was ahead of our guidance range of$179 million $160 –170 million, driven by a strong outperformance inEurope , and represented a15% increase (+11% at constant currency) versus the prior year quarter. - In the Americas Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter decreased by
2% to due to supply chain disruptions - reflecting adverse weather and expected disruption to aluminum supply - driving higher operations and overhead costs, and lower input cost recovery, partly offset by favorable volume/mix effects.$104 million - In Europe Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter increased by
53% (+36% at constant currency) to , due to stronger input cost recovery, currency movements and favorable volume/mix, partly offset by higher operational and overhead costs.$75 million - Strong total liquidity position of
at March 31, 2026. In the quarter AMP completed the refinancing of the asset-based lending facility, which was upsized to$488 million and its maturity date extended to January 2031.$450 million - On April 6, 2026, a court in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
Illinois entered a jury verdict in connection with a lawsuit filed against Boston Beer in 2022 for breach of contract in respect of minimum volume purchase requirements, awarding damages of approximately , plus pre-judgment interest if assessed, to the Group, subject to any post-trial motions.$175 million - Regular quarterly ordinary dividend of 10c announced. No change to capital allocation priorities.
- 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance unchanged: Full year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA in the range of
$750 –775 million and modest global shipments growth. Adjusted EBITDA growth driven by favorable volume/mix, operating cost improvements and currency effects. - Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA expected to be in the range of
. This compares with Q2 2025 Adjusted EBITDA of$210 -220 million ($210 million at constant currency) and takes into account strong prior year shipments growth of$212 million 5% .
Financial Performance Review | ||||||
Bridge of 2025 to 2026 Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2026 | ||||||
Revenue | Group | |||||
$'m | $'m | $'m | ||||
Revenue 2025 | 528 | 740 | 1,268 | |||
Organic | 32 | 139 | 171 | |||
FX translation | 65 | — | 65 | |||
Revenue 2026 | 625 | 879 | 1,504 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | Group | |||||
$'m | $'m | $'m | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA 2025 | 49 | 106 | 155 | |||
Organic | 20 | (2) | 18 | |||
FX translation | 6 | — | 6 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA 2026 | 75 | 104 | 179 | |||
2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin % | 12.0 % | 11.8 % | 11.9 % | |||
2025 Adjusted EBITDA margin % | 9.3 % | 14.3 % | 12.2 % | |||
Group Performance
Group
Revenue of
Adjusted EBITDA increased by
Revenue increased by
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by
Revenue increased by
Adjusted EBITDA increased by
Earnings Webcast and Conference Call Details
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE: AMBP) will hold its first quarter 2026 earnings webcast and conference call for investors at 8.00 a.m. EDT (1.00 p.m. BST) on Thursday April 23, 2026. Please use the following webcast link to register for this call:
Webcast registration and access:
https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1756471&tp_key=9304d31a1f
Conference call dial in:
International: +44 (0)20 7769-6464
Participant pin code: 9506100
An investor earnings presentation to accompany this release is available at https://www.ardaghmetalpackaging.com/investors.
About Ardagh Metal Packaging
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is a leading global supplier of sustainable and infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans to brand owners globally. An operating business of sustainable packaging business Ardagh Group, AMP is a leading industry player across
For more information, visit https://www.ardaghmetalpackaging.com/investors.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This release may contain certain financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted operating cash flow, Adjusted free cash flow, net debt and ratios relating thereto that are not calculated in accordance with IFRS® Accounting Standards. Non-IFRS financial measures may be considered in addition to IFRS financial information, but should not be used as substitutes for the corresponding IFRS measures. The non-IFRS financial measures used by Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. may differ from, and not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Contacts:
Investors:
Email: stephen.lyons@ardaghgroup.com
Pat
Tel.: +353 1 498 0300 / +353 87 2269345
Email: pwalsh@murraygroup.ie
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Income Statement for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 | ||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2026 | Three months ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||
Before | Exceptional | Total | Before | Exceptional | Total | |||||||
$'m | $'m | $'m | $'m | $'m | $'m | |||||||
Revenue | 1,504 | — | 1,504 | 1,268 | — | 1,268 | ||||||
Cost of sales | (1,325) | (1) | (1,326) | (1,116) | (2) | (1,118) | ||||||
Gross profit | 179 | (1) | 178 | 152 | (2) | 150 | ||||||
Sales, general and administration expenses | (83) | (3) | (86) | (75) | (1) | (76) | ||||||
Intangible amortization | (36) | — | (36) | (33) | — | (33) | ||||||
Operating profit | 60 | (4) | 56 | 44 | (3) | 41 | ||||||
Net finance expense | (57) | (3) | (60) | (56) | 6 | (50) | ||||||
Loss before tax | 3 | (7) | (4) | (12) | 3 | (9) | ||||||
Income tax (charge)/credit | (1) | — | (1) | 4 | — | 4 | ||||||
Loss for the period | 2 | (7) | (5) | (8) | 3 | (5) | ||||||
Loss per share: | ||||||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share | (0.01) | (0.02) | ||||||||||
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statement of Financial Position | |||
At March 31, 2026 | At December 31, 2025 | ||
$'m | $'m | ||
Non-current assets | |||
Intangible assets | 1,137 | 1,181 | |
Property, plant and equipment | 2,469 | 2,515 | |
Other non-current assets | 152 | 143 | |
3,758 | 3,839 | ||
Current assets | |||
Inventories | 490 | 509 | |
Trade and other receivables | 626 | 467 | |
Contract assets | 304 | 267 | |
Income tax receivable | 29 | 34 | |
Derivative financial instruments | 75 | 41 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 142 | 522 | |
1,666 | 1,840 | ||
TOTAL ASSETS | 5,424 | 5,679 | |
TOTAL EQUITY | (690) | (675) | |
Non-current liabilities | |||
Borrowings including lease obligations | 4,239 | 4,301 | |
Other non-current liabilities | 296 | 324 | |
4,535 | 4,625 | ||
Current liabilities | |||
Borrowings including lease obligations | 241 | 118 | |
Payables and other current liabilities* | 1,338 | 1,611 | |
1,579 | 1,729 | ||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 6,114 | 6,354 | |
TOTAL EQUITY and LIABILITIES | 5,424 | 5,679 | |
* Payables and other current liabilities includes liabilities for earnout shares of |
Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Statement of Cash Flows | ||||
Three months ended March 31, | ||||
2026 | 2025 | |||
$'m | $'m | |||
Cash flows used in operating activities | ||||
Cash used in operations (2) | (325) | (276) | ||
Net interest paid | (11) | (17) | ||
Settlement of foreign currency derivative financial instruments | (7) | (7) | ||
Income tax paid | (3) | (10) | ||
Cash flows used in operating activities | (346) | (310) | ||
Cash flows used in investing activities | ||||
Net capital expenditure | (59) | (39) | ||
Cash flows used in investing activities | (59) | (39) | ||
Cash flows received from/(used in) financing activities | ||||
Changes in borrowings | 138 | (2) | ||
Deferred debt issue costs paid | (8) | (1) | ||
Lease payments | (45) | (25) | ||
Dividends paid | (60) | (66) | ||
Net cash received from/(used in) financing activities | 25 | (94) | ||
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (380) | (443) | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 522 | 610 | ||
Exchange gains on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | – | 10 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | 142 | 177 | ||
Financial assets and liabilities | ||||
At March 31, 2026, the Group's net debt and available liquidity was as follows: | ||||
Drawn amount | Available liquidity | |||
$'m | $'m | |||
Senior Secured Green and Senior Green Notes | 4,018 | — | ||
Global Asset Based Loan Facility | 140 | 250 | ||
Bradesco Facility | — | 96 | ||
Lease obligations | 333 | — | ||
Other borrowings | 22 | — | ||
Total borrowings / undrawn facilities | 4,513 | 346 | ||
Deferred debt issue costs | (33) | — | ||
Net borrowings / undrawn facilities | 4,480 | 346 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (142) | 142 | ||
Derivative financial instruments used to hedge foreign currency and interest rate risk | (6) | — | ||
Net debt / available liquidity | 4,332 | 488 | ||
Reconciliation of loss for the period to Adjusted profit | |||
Three months ended March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
$'m | $'m | ||
Loss for the period as presented in the income statement | (5) | (5) | |
Less: Dividend on preferred shares | — | (6) | |
Loss for the period used in calculating earnings per share | (5) | (11) | |
Exceptional items, net of tax | 7 | (3) | |
Intangible amortization, net of tax | 28 | 26 | |
Adjusted profit for the period | 30 | 12 | |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 597.7 | 597.7 | |
Loss per share | (0.01) | (0.02) | |
Adjusted earnings per share | 0.05 | 0.02 | |
Reconciliation of loss for the period to Adjusted EBITDA | |||
Three months ended March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
$'m | $'m | ||
Loss for the period | (5) | (5) | |
Income tax charge/(credit) | 1 | (4) | |
Net finance expense | 60 | 50 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 119 | 111 | |
Exceptional operating items | 4 | 3 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | 179 | 155 | |
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Adjusted operating cash flow and Adjusted free cash flow | |||
Three months ended March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
$'m | $'m | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 179 | 155 | |
Movement in working capital | (498) | (428) | |
Maintenance capital expenditure | (37) | (24) | |
Lease payments | (45) | (25) | |
Exceptional restructuring costs | (1) | (1) | |
Adjusted operating cash flow | (402) | (323) | |
Interest paid | (11) | (17) | |
Settlement of foreign currency derivative financial instruments | (7) | (7) | |
Income tax paid | (3) | (10) | |
Adjusted free cash flow - pre Growth Investment capital expenditure | (423) | (357) | |
Growth investment capital expenditure | (22) | (15) | |
Adjusted free cash flow - post Growth Investment capital expenditure | (445) | (372) | |
____________________ |
Related Footnotes |
(1) For a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS measures, see Page 8. |
(2) Cash used in operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026, is derived from the aggregate of Adjusted EBITDA as presented on Page 8, working capital outflows of |
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SOURCE Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.