Amcor Plc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Amcor (NYSE: AMCR) has inaugurated a new greenfield healthcare packaging facility in Tuas, Singapore, aimed at meeting the rapidly growing demand for healthcare packaging in the Asia Pacific region. The facility features cleanroom manufacturing, advanced co-extrusion blown film capabilities, and is ISO 13485 certified. With the Asia Pacific healthcare market expected to grow over 8% through 2026, Amcor is positioned to enhance its product offerings and innovation capabilities. The facility also supports Amcor's commitment to sustainability, utilizing water-based printing technology and producing recycle-ready products.

Amcor conducted a survey of 12,000 consumers across six countries, revealing that 76% wish to recycle more. Key findings include that recyclability is the top sustainability attribute desired by consumers, above reusability and material considerations. Additionally, 83% of respondents expect brands to clarify recycling processes, and 80% believe local governments should enhance recycling infrastructure. Amcor's 2021 Sustainability Report indicates substantial progress, with 74% of products designed for recycling and an 86% increase in recycled content in the last two years.

Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) announced a breakthrough technology aimed at improving the recyclability of small PET bottles, particularly 50 ml spirits bottles, which are often overlooked in recycling processes. This innovation allows the bottles to collapse in a controlled manner, maximizing their width to prevent them from slipping through sorting screens at U.S. recycling facilities. With a goal to make all packaging recyclable by 2025, ARP is committed to enhancing sustainability efforts. This design aims to increase recyclability rates and reduce material waste in the recycling system.

Amcor reported strong Q1 results for the three months ending September 30, 2021. The company achieved a GAAP net income of $202 million, up 2%, and a GAAP EPS of 13.1 cents, up 4%. Adjusted EPS rose 12% to 17.7 cents on a constant currency basis. Net sales reached $3.42 billion, a 10% increase over the previous year, driven by higher raw material costs. The company is confident in its fiscal 2022 outlook, anticipating adjusted EPS growth of 7-11% and free cash flow of $1.1-$1.2 billion. Additionally, Amcor is increasing shareholder returns through $64 million in share repurchases and a raised quarterly dividend to 12 cents.

Amcor plc (NYSE: AMCR) will announce its Q1 2022 results on November 2, 2021, after the US market closes. A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for 5:30 PM EDT the same day. Investors can join via toll-free numbers available for various countries, including the US and Canada at 866 211 4133. Access to the webcast and supporting materials will be available on the Investors section of Amcor's website, with a replay available post-call.

Amcor plc (NYSE: AMCR) has nominated Achal Agarwal as a non-executive director for election at the upcoming Annual Meeting on November 10, 2021. With over 40 years of experience in the consumer goods sector, including leadership roles at Kimberly-Clark Corporation and PepsiCo, Mr. Agarwal brings valuable insights to the Board. Concurrently, Philip Weaver will retire, having contributed significantly to the Board's finance and accounting expertise. The leadership transition aims to enhance the Board's effectiveness and strategic direction.

Amcor reported a strong fiscal year 2021, with GAAP net income rising 53% to $939 million and GAAP EPS increasing 58% to 60.2 cents. Adjusted EPS grew 16% to 74.4 cents, exceeding guidance. The company generated $1.1 billion in adjusted free cash flow and completed its Bemis integration, achieving approximately $75 million in cost synergies against a goal of $180 million. A quarterly dividend of 11.75 cents was declared, raising the annual total to 47 cents. For fiscal 2022, Amcor anticipates 7-11% adjusted EPS growth and $1.1-$1.2 billion in free cash flow.

Amcor (NYSE: AMCR) announced plans to invest $35 million in two new innovation centers in Ghent, Belgium, and Jiangyin, China. Set to open mid-2022, these facilities aim to enhance Amcor's global innovation network, allowing clients to utilize advanced material science and packaging development. Features will include immersive customer experience spaces, analytical labs, and pilot manufacturing equipment. The company maintains a commitment to sustainable packaging and invests over $100 million annually in research and development.

Amcor has launched a new proprietary healthcare lidding technology designed for combination products, encompassing devices and drugs. This patented inert film withstands heat sterilization and prevents drug uptake, enhancing product integrity and usability. The technology is the result of collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Vision and aims to improve packaging solutions for active pharmaceutical ingredients. With 47,000 employees and $12.5 billion in sales, Amcor continues to expand its innovative healthcare offerings.