Amcor Plc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Amcor, a leader in global packaging, has launched Eco-Tite® R in Europe, a recyclable, PVDC-free shrink bag for meat, poultry, and cheese. This innovation aims to extend shelf-life, ensure food safety, and reduce waste. The bag can be recycled in existing polyethylene recycling streams in several European countries, including Germany, France, and Italy. This launch supports Amcor's commitment to making all its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025. The new product is designed to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional PVDC packaging, reinforcing the industry’s shift towards eco-friendly solutions.

Amcor reported strong financial results for Q1 of fiscal 2021, with GAAP EPS at 12.6 cents, a 207% increase year-over-year. Adjusted EPS rose 20% in constant currency to 15.8 cents. Adjusted EBIT reached $358 million, up 9% in constant currency, with $20 million in synergies from the Bemis acquisition. The company increased its fiscal 2021 adjusted EPS growth outlook to 7-12%. A quarterly dividend of 11.75 cents per share was declared, alongside a $150 million share buy-back funded by divestment proceeds.

Amcor has introduced the world's first recyclable flexible retort pouch, a major innovation following years of research. This product utilizes AmLite HeatFlex technology, suitable for high-barrier applications requiring long shelf life. The pouch has been tested and confirmed recyclable, fitting collection systems in Germany, Austria, Italy, Norway, and the Netherlands. This development supports Amcor's sustainability pledge to make all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, potentially reducing carbon footprints by up to 60% compared to standard packaging.

Amcor plc (NYSE: AMCR) has finalized an agreement to sell its 47.6% stake in AMVIG Holdings Limited for US$124 million. The sale is anticipated to close shortly and will impact Amcor's financials positively with a US$12 million contribution to Adjusted EBIT and US$10 million in operational cash flow from AMVIG's dividends for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. This strategic divestment positions Amcor for improved focus on its core packaging business and the potential for reinvestment in growth opportunities.

Amcor has joined the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative, aiming to enhance recycling through digital watermarking technologies. This collaborative project, led by AIM, includes over 85 organizations and focuses on improving the accuracy of sorting and recycling quality. Amcor, committed to making all packaging recyclable by 2025, invests over $100M annually in R&D to innovate sustainable packaging solutions. The company emphasizes that partnerships like HolyGrail 2.0 are crucial for achieving a circular economy and protecting the environment.

Amcor reported a strong fiscal 2020, with net income of $612 million and EPS of 38.2 cents. Adjusted EBIT rose to $1,497 million, a 7% increase in constant currency, with adjusted EPS at 64.2 cents, up 13%. Synergy benefits from the Bemis acquisition exceeded expectations, yielding $80 million. The company generated $1.2 billion in adjusted free cash flow, reflecting a 26% increase. For fiscal 2021, Amcor anticipates EPS growth of 5-10% and free cash flow of $1.0-$1.1 billion.