PKG

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Packaging Corp. (PKG). Shares have added about 6.7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500. Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Packaging Corp. due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Packaging Corporation of America before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late. Packaging Corp reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, down 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. The bottom line also came above the company’s guidance of $2.33, driven by higher production and sales volumes, including contributions from the acquired Greif business. This was partially offset by lower price and mix in the packaging segment, and higher operating, freight and labor costs. Including special items related to facility closures, the Wallula mill restructuring and acquisition and integration costs, earnings in the quarter were $2.15 per share compared with the prior-year quarter’s $2.67. Sales increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. Gross profit increased 6.1% year over year to $512.5 million. However, the gross margin contracted to 20.6% from 22.2% as the cost of sales rose 17.1% to $1.98 billion. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 17% to $179 million. Adjusted operating income improved 1.4% year over year to $315 million. Adjusted EBITDA advanced 7.7% to $486 million, reflecting higher production and sales volumes in packaging and stronger paper segment results. Packaging: Sales in this segment increased 15.2% year over year to $2.31 billion, aided by higher production and sales volume, including contributions from the acquired Greif business. These gains were partly offset by unfavorable price and mix, along with higher labor, freight and operating costs. Shipments per day at legacy corrugated products plants increased 4.1%. Containerboard production was 1,415,000 tons, while containerboard inventory increased 40,000 tons from the year-ago quarter due to the acquisition. Adjusted operating profit was $328 million compared with $322 million in the prior-year quarter. Paper: The segment’s revenues were $157 million in the April-June quarter, up 7.9% year over year. Sales volume increased 6.3% from the second quarter of 2025. The segment reported an operating profit of $34.3 million compared with the year-ago quarter’s $25.8 million. The improvement was supported by higher sales volume and favorable price and mix. PKG ended the quarter with $666.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable debt securities, down from $955.9 million a year earlier. Capital spending increased to $205.9 million from $169.7 million. For the first six months of 2026, capital expenditure totaled $370.6 million compared with $317.8 million in the prior-year period. The company expects third-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.91 per share. The outlook assumes continued strong packaging demand, another sequential increase in corrugated products volume, and benefits from previously announced containerboard and corrugated product price increases.PKG expects better operating performance across its containerboard mill system, although scheduled maintenance expenses will shift toward the paper segment. Freight costs and recycled fiber prices are expected to remain elevated, while higher mill production should increase chemical and electricity usage. PKG also anticipates lower paper volume but improved pricing and mix. In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision. At this time, Packaging Corp. has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with a D. Following the exact same course, the stock has a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for value investors. Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in. Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Packaging Corp. has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Amcor Plc AMCR has reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.23, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.20. The bottom line grew 23% from the year-ago quarter. The results benefited from the Berry Global acquisition, strong synergy realization, organic volume growth and productivity gains, which helped offset a challenging macro environment and significant input-cost inflation.Including special items, the company reported diluted earnings per share of 83 cents against a loss of 10 cents in the prior-year quarter. Amcor PLC price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Amcor PLC Quote Total revenues increased 26% year over year to $6.40 billion in the reported quarter. The top line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.03 billion.The sales increase was largely driven by the Berry Global acquisition and the pass-through of higher raw-material costs. Organic volume increased around 0.5% from the year-ago period. The cost of sales rose 20.9% year over year to $5 billion. Gross profit rose 49.4% year over year to $1.34 billion. The gross margin was 20.9% compared with the year-ago quarter’s 17.6%.SG&A expenses were $568 million, up 39.2% year over year.Adjusted EBITDA was $1.05 billion, a 32% increase from $789 million in the prior-year quarter. The adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 16.3% from 15.5% a year earlier.The improvement reflected benefits from the Berry Global acquisition, synergy realization, organic volume growth and productivity. Amcor delivered around $115 million in synergies in the fourth quarter, ahead of expectations. Global Flexible Packaging Solutions: Net revenues increased 18% year over year to $3.53 billion in the reported quarter. Acquisitions contributed 10% to growth, while the pass-through of higher raw-material costs primarily drove the balance of the increase. Volumes increased 1% from the year-ago period. Our model projected net sales of $3.32 billion based on an expectation of year-over-year volume growth of 1% and a favorable acquisition benefit of 7%.The segment’s adjusted operating income came in at $533 million, growing 23% from $435 million in the prior-year quarter. Global Rigid Packaging Solutions: The segment reported revenues of $2.87 billion in the quarter, marking a 38% increase from $2.09 billion in the year-ago period. Acquisitions contributed 32% to growth, while the pass-through of higher raw-material costs primarily accounted for the remaining increase. Volumes rose 0.5%. We projected revenues of $2.69 billion for the segment with positive impacts of the Berry Global acquisition of 32% and volume growth of 1%.The segment’s adjusted EBIT surged 61% to $352 million from $219 million in the prior-year quarter. As of the end of fiscal 2026, Amcor had $1.12 billion in cash and cash equivalents compared with $0.83 billion at the end of fiscal 2025. The company generated $2.15 billion in cash from operating activities in fiscal 2025 compared with $1.34 billion in the prior fiscal year.AMCR generated a free cash flow of $1.30 billion in fiscal 2026 compared with $926 million in fiscal 2025. The company noted that free cash flow was below expectations due to higher-than-expected working-capital impacts related to the Middle East conflict and the timing of integration costs.As of June 30, 2026, Amcor’s net debt totaled $12.90 billion. The company’s leverage stood at 3.5 times, in line with expectations. AMCR expects to recover more than $500 million in cash-flow impacts related to the Middle East conflict and the timing of integration costs over the next 12 months. Amcor reported an adjusted EPS of $4.02 in fiscal 2026, up 13% from $3.56 in fiscal 2025. However, the figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.97.Including special items, AMCR reported EPS of $2.38 compared with $1.60 in fiscal 2025.Total revenues rose 57% year over year to $23.51 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $23.20 billion, largely driven by the Berry Global acquisition. Adjusted EBITDA increased 68% to $3.67 billion from $2.19 billion. AMCR expects adjusted earnings of $1.80-$1.90 per share for the six-month transition period ending Dec. 31, 2026, as it changes its year-end from June to December.For the three months ending Sept. 30, 2026, adjusted earnings are expected between 92 cents and 98 cents per share. Looking toward calendar 2027, the company expects double-digit adjusted earnings growth and is targeting leverage of 3.0 times by the year-end. Amcor also reaffirmed its three-year synergy target of $650 million, after delivering $285 million in fiscal 2026. In the past year, the company’s shares have gained 1.3% compared with the industry’s 6.4% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research AMCR currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Packaging Corporation of America PKG reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, falling 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. The bottom line also came above Packaging Corp’s guidance of $2.33.Packaging Corp’s revenues increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. Crown Holdings, Inc. CCK posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.49 per share, up 15.8% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.15 by 15.81%.Crown Holdings revenues increased 16.5% to $3.67 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion by 9.88%. Global beverage can volumes rose 5%, led by 6% growth in Europe and 5% growth in the Americas. This was partially offset by softer demand in Latin America.Sonoco Products Company SON reported adjusted earnings of $1.51 per share in the second quarter of 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 by 2.72%. The figure rose 10.2% from $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. Pricing actions, favorable foreign-exchange movements and productivity gains helped offset the softer volume/mix during the quarter. Sonoco’s revenues of $1.885 billion declined 1.3% year over year and missed the consensus mark of $1.886 billion by 0.05%. Sonoco’s top line declined from the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of sales from the ThermoSafe business, which was divested in November 2025. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amcor PLC (AMCR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sonoco Products Company (SON) : Free Stock Analysis Report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

This story was originally published on Packaging Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Packaging Dive newsletter. Pricing proved to be a central topic during major fiber companies’ second-quarter earnings calls. Executives frequently cited higher transportation and raw material costs as reasons for significant price hikes from companies including Packaging Corporation of America, Smurfit Westrock and others, which have since prompted some blowback. Containerboard producers also noted signs of improving supply and demand dynamics. Pricing also was a theme for some slightly smaller or international paper and packaging companies. Here’s a roundup of key points from four of their earnings reports. Clearwater Paper’s Q2 shipment volumes were up 8% year over year. The company reduced net debt by $59 million in the quarter. “We are currently sold out across our network,” said CEO Arsen Kitch during a July 28 earnings call. The company posted a loss of $21.5 million for the quarter. The Spokane, Washington-based company recently announced its second $60 per ton price increase of 2026 for all products. Executives expect it will take a couple quarters for that to be recognized in Fastmarkets RISI’s index. However, the prior increase should result in a $50 million to $60 million annual improvement in EBITDA, Kitch explained. About half of the company’s volumes are tied to that pricing index. Regarding the ongoing industry oversupply of solid bleached sulfate, the company is “seeing some meaningful green shoots” in conditions, Kitch said. SBS shipment volumes year-to-date are up 6%. Manufacturers across the industry have reduced SBS production by a collective 300,000 tons since the beginning of the year, and “we're seeing evidence of substitution into SBS from other substrates,” Kitch said. Higher-than-expected transportation costs, mostly driven by the war with Iran, have had an impact. Clearwater intends to continue actions to reduce costs and improve margins. That includes restructuring its mill in Cypress Bend, Arkansas, and reducing the number of employees there by approximately 20%. “This action limits our network production to approximately 1.2 million tons per year, balancing supply with our current demand,” Kitch said. The restructuring is projected to reduce costs by $8 million to $12 million on an annualized basis. In July, Clearwater introduced a new coated recycled paperboard product, Circa, intended for folding carton and beverage carrier applications in the U.S. It complements the SBS portfolio and will enhance the company’s ability to serve customers across more end-use applications, Kitch said. For Finland-based Huhtamaki, which has 18 locations across North America, overall net sales in Q2 were relatively flat year over year at 1 billion euros. But North American net sales decreased by nearly 10% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA was down 2% year over year to 151.7 million euros. The flexible packaging segment was a leader for the company, with a nearly 11% year-over-year increase in net sales. Fiber packaging net sales increased 6.7% year over year. Foodservice dipped 1.3%, reflecting “a still very challenging market” that’s feeling effects from the war with Iran, including through reduced consumer confidence, said CEO Ralf Wunderlich during a July 23 earnings call. Wunderlich noted that the war presented numerous challenges, but Huhtamaki was able to secure raw materials to continue supplying customers. The company also ensured employee safety at its six sites in the Middle East, and all sites have continued to operate. He noted steep increases in energy and logistics costs. Huhtamaki continues work to address “operational issues” in North America, Wunderlich said, mainly coming from starting up expansions in Hammond, Indiana, and Paris, Texas. The company also has cut 140 North American employees in the last year. “Overall, the market in North America isn’t growing a lot,” he said. U.K.-based Mondi, which has 13 locations across North America, offered a look at its first half of the year, showing a 1.7% increase in revenue compared with the first half of 2025. Revenue for the corrugated packaging segment came in at 1.98 billion euros, a 4.4% year-over-year increase, while the flexible packaging segment charted a 1.1% year-over-year decrease to just over 2 billion euros. Underlying EBITDA dropped nearly 33% to 379 million euros, mainly due to margin pressure from lower average selling prices and higher input costs, said CEO Andrew King during a July 30 earnings call. Containerboard volumes were up about 12% and box volumes grew 2%. Executives cited a volatile market environment and higher input costs, including for energy, due to the war. As such, they implemented a series of price increases across all key fiber grades. “Although not sufficient to fully offset the impact of the cost increases in Q2, we do see further benefits from these price increases into the second half,” King said. In light of the prolonged industry downturn, Mondi is implementing optimization measures. This includes closing six converting sites and cutting 580 employees by year’s end. “2026 is a transition year,” said Sylvamo CEO John Sims during an Aug. 7 earnings call. The Memphis, Tennessee-based company launched its “lean transformation” intended to improve operations and results. Sylvamo’s net loss grew to $11 million during Q2 compared with a net loss of $3 million in Q1. Net sales increased 1.3% year over year. Total adjusted EBITDA was $60 million, down almost 27% year over year. When Sylvamo spun off from International Paper in 2021, it agreed to purchase certain products from IP’s Riverdale mill in Selma, Alabama. Last year, the companies altered the agreement to end this May as IP started to convert a machine there to produce containerboard instead of uncoated freesheet. IP confirmed in its Q2 earnings release that the mill conversion is complete. Sylvamo executives discussed impacts from the contract termination, projecting a sales hit in the second half of the year. They estimate that the conversion removed 7% of the North American industry’s annual UCFS supply from the market. Sylvamo continues to implement UCFS price increases across regions and expects to see realization continue through year’s end. Executives anticipate a price and mix benefit of $75 million to $85 million in the second half of the year compared with the first. They also expect improvements in operations and other costs in the back half of the year, despite volume offsets from lost Riverdale supply and from a longer-than-expected outage at its Eastover, South Carolina, mill to complete paper machine investments. The upgrades there will add 60,000 tons of annual UCFS capacity — which won’t completely cover the 90,000 tons lost from the IP contract. Recommended Reading Packaging suppliers share mid-year results and reflections

Let’s dig into the relative performance of Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q2 industrial packaging earnings season. Industrial packaging companies have built competitive advantages from economies of scale that lead to advantaged purchasing and capital investments that are difficult and expensive to replicate. Recently, eco-friendly packaging and conservation are driving customers preferences and innovation. For example, plastic is not as desirable a material as it once was. Despite being integral to consumer goods ranging from beer to toothpaste to laundry detergent, these companies are still at the whim of the macro, especially consumer health and consumer willingness to spend. The 7 industrial packaging stocks we track reported a strong Q2. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 3.6%. In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady. On average, they are relatively unchanged since the latest earnings results. Founded in 1959, Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) produces containerboard and corrugated packaging products as well as displays and package protection. Packaging Corporation of America reported revenues of $2.49 billion, up 14.7% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations, but overall, it was a softer quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates and EPS guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations. Commenting on reported results, Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, said, “We achieved an all-time quarterly record in total corrugated shipments in our legacy corrugated operations. Demand remained strong throughout the entire quarter, and we began to meaningfully realize the first of our previously announced price increases in the corrugated products business. The acquired Greif business contributed to earnings, driven by strong volumes at the corrugated plants and improved operational performance at the mills, with production consistently exceeding capabilities at the time of the acquisition. We continued to operate our mill system at full capacity and reduced export sales by approximately 30,000 tons from first quarter levels to support our corrugated products demand. Our volumes and outstanding operating performance across our businesses helped us mitigate significantly higher freight and recycled fiber costs.” Interestingly, the stock is up 10.8% since reporting and currently trades at $252.75. Read our full report on Packaging Corporation of America here, it’s free. Founded as Kum Kleen Products, Avery Dennison (NYSE:AVY) is a manufacturer of adhesive materials, display graphics, and packaging products, serving various industries. Avery Dennison reported revenues of $2.46 billion, up 10.9% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 7.3%. The business had a stunning quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates. The market seems content with the results as the stock is up 4.1% since reporting. It currently trades at $173.96. Is now the time to buy Avery Dennison? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Established in 1898, International Paper (NYSE:IP) produces containerboard, pulp, paper, and materials used in packaging and printing applications. International Paper reported revenues of $6.00 billion, down 11.3% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 3.3%. It was a mixed quarter as it posted a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates. International Paper delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth among its peers. As expected, the stock is down 4.8% since the results and currently trades at $40.60. Read our full analysis of International Paper’s results here. Founded in 1991, Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK) is a provider of paper-based packaging solutions for a wide range of products. Graphic Packaging Holding reported revenues of $2.19 billion, flat year on year. This print topped analysts’ expectations by 0.8%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and full-year EBITDA guidance exceeding analysts’ expectations. The stock is up 4.1% since reporting and currently trades at $11.81. Read our full, actionable report on Graphic Packaging Holding here, it’s free. Started with a $200 loan in 1880, Ball (NYSE:BALL) manufactures aluminum packaging for beverages, personal care, and household products as well as aerospace systems and other technologies. Ball reported revenues of $4.00 billion, up 19.7% year on year. This result surpassed analysts’ expectations by 9.8%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter as it also put up a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates. Ball pulled off the biggest analyst estimate beat and fastest revenue growth of the whole group. The stock is down 3.2% since reporting and currently trades at $63.09. Read our full, actionable report on Ball here, it’s free. Over the past year, investors have been forced to repeatedly answer the same question: what is the market’s biggest risk? The answer has changed several times, and each shift has reshaped market leadership. Late in 2025 and early 2026, artificial intelligence became the market’s primary uncertainty. Investors questioned whether AI would erode software pricing power and weaken competitive moats as AI made it easier to replicate once-differentiated products. By the spring, technology took a back seat to geopolitics. The U.S. conflict with Iran briefly became the market’s dominant narrative, raising concerns about oil prices, inflation, and global growth. But as energy markets remained orderly and fears of a prolonged supply disruption faded, investors quickly turned their focus back to fundamentals. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Strong Momentum Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

Amcor Plc AMCR is scheduled to report fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 12, before the opening bell.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMCR’s fiscal fourth-quarter revenues is pegged at $6.06 billion, indicating a 19.3% rise from the year-ago reported figure.The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.20 per share. The consensus estimate indicates growth of 20% from the year-ago quarter's actual. The estimate has been unchanged in the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Amcor’s earnings met the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, beat in one and missed in one, the average negative surprise being 0.29%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Amcor this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. But that is not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.AMCR’s Earnings ESP: The Earnings ESP for Amcor is -0.64%.Amcor’s Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank of 4.You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Amcor’s total volume had been bearing the brunt of weak consumer demand across its key markets due to the inflationary environment. Customers have also been lowering their inventory, which has impacted demand. Nonetheless, Amcor is expected to have gained from the rise in e-commerce activities worldwide.We expect 1% growth in volumes in the fiscal fourth quarter. Overall price/mix benefits are expected to be a positive 0.6% for the quarter and currency impacts are likely to have added another 1%.Amcor has been facing intermittent supply shortages and price volatility of certain resins and raw materials because of market dynamics and higher rates of inflation impacting other costs. The impacts of this are expected to be reflected in the company’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings results. We expect volume for the Global Flexible Packaging Solutions segment’s fiscal fourth quarter to be 1%. The price/mix and currency impacts are expected to be 1% each. Our sales projection for the Global Flexible Packaging Solutions segment is pegged at $3.32 billion, indicating 11% year-over-year growth. The effect of the merger is expected to have a positive impact of 7%. Our model estimates a 1% jump in volumes for the Global Rigid Packaging Solutions segment, a favorable currency impact of 1%. Price/mix is expected to be flat year over year. The sales projection for the segment is $2.69 billion, indicating a 29% year-over-year jump, including the positive impacts of the Berry Global acquisition, estimated at 32%. Over the past year, shares of Amcor have gained 5.4% compared with the industry’s 9.5% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Packaging Corporation of America PKG reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, down 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. The bottom line also came above Packaging Corp’s guidance of $2.33.Packaging Corp’s revenues increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. Crown Holdings, Inc. CCK posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.49 per share, up 15.8% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.15 by 15.81%.Crown Holdings revenues increased 16.5% to $3.67 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion by 9.88%. Global beverage can volumes rose 5%, led by 6% growth in Europe and 5% growth in the Americas. This was partially offset by softer demand in Latin America.Sonoco Products Company SON reported adjusted earnings of $1.51 per share in the second quarter of 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 by 2.72%. The figure rose 10.2% from $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. Pricing actions, favorable foreign-exchange movements and productivity gains helped offset softer volume/mix during the quarter. Sonoco’s revenues of $1.885 billion declined 1.3% year over year and missed the consensus mark of $1.886 billion by 0.05%. Sonoco’s top line declined from the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of sales from the ThermoSafe business, which was divested in November 2025. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amcor PLC (AMCR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sonoco Products Company (SON) : Free Stock Analysis Report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

AptarGroup, Inc. ATR reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.42 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.34 by 5.97%. The bottom line fell 15.5% from $1.68 a year ago (including comparable exchange rates), reflecting weaker margins and a higher tax rate.On a reported basis, earnings per share were $1.36 compared with the year-ago quarter’s $1.67. AptarGroup, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | AptarGroup, Inc. Quote Revenues rose 6.3% year over year to $1.03 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $1 billion by 2.32%. The quarter marked the first time reporting revenues of more than $1 billion. Core sales increased 1%, aided by growth across all three segments and strength in consumer healthcare and beverage dispensing. We predicted core sales growth of 0.5% in the quarter. Cost of sales increased 10.3% year over year to $661 million. Gross profit decreased 0.4% year over year to $366 million. The gross margin was 35.6% in the reported quarter compared with the prior-year quarter’s 38%.Selling, research, development and administrative expenses rose 4.4% year over year to $158 million. Adjusted operating income declined 10.5% year over year to $133 million. The adjusted operating margin was 13% in the reported quarter, down from the year-ago quarter’s 15.4%. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2.7% year over year to $213 million in the second quarter. Total revenues in the Pharma segment increased 3.5% year over year to $458 million. The reported figure beat our estimate of $446 million. Adjusted EBITDA declined 1.9% year over year to $153.9 million. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA margin contracted to 33.6% from 35.4% in the year-ago quarter. We predicted a quarterly adjusted operating income of $159 million. Demand remained healthy across the central nervous system, asthma and COPD therapies, eye care, biologics, GLP-1 therapies, and vaccines.Total revenues in the Beauty segment rose 9.7% year over year to $367.5 million. The upside was supported by prestige fragrance dispensing, color cosmetics and hair care applications. We estimated revenues of $357 million for the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA fell 5% year over year to $44.7 million. The reported figure beat our operating income prediction of $41.5 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.2% compared with the prior-year quarter’s 14.1%.Total revenues in the Closures segment increased 6.5% year over year to $201 million. We estimated revenues of $192 million for the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 6.4% year over year to $29.8 million. The reported figure beat our operating income prediction of $29.2 million. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA margin declined to 14.9% from 16.9% a year ago. AptarGroup reported cash and cash equivalents of $190 million as of June 30, 2026, down from $402 million as of Dec. 31, 2025. The company generated $222 million in cash flow from operations in the first six months of 2026 compared with $209 million in the year-ago period.The company returned $212 million to shareholders during the first half through dividends and buybacks, including $81 million in the second quarter. During the quarter, ATR repurchased 403,000 shares for $50 million. Its board also approved a quarterly dividend of 48 cents per share. ATR expects third-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.45-$1.53 per share. The company expects solid growth across all three segments. Pharma should benefit from injectables and consumer healthcare, with emergency medicine destocking expected to abate by the fourth quarter. Beauty growth is anticipated in fragrance and facial skincare, while Closures demand and operational performance are expected to improve. The company’s shares have lost 1.5% in the past year against the industry’s 8.4% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Packaging Corporation of America PKG reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, down 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. The bottom line also came above Packaging Corp’s guidance of $2.33.Packaging Corp’s revenues increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. Crown Holdings, Inc. CCK posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.49 per share, up 15.8% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.15 by 15.81%.Crown Holdings revenues increased 16.5% to $3.67 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion by 9.88%. Global beverage can volumes rose 5%, led by 6% growth in Europe and 5% growth in the Americas. This was partially offset by softer demand in Latin America.Sonoco Products Company SON reported adjusted earnings of $1.51 per share in the second quarter of 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 by 2.72%. The figure rose 10.2% from $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. Pricing actions, favorable foreign-exchange movements and productivity gains helped offset softer volume/mix during the quarter. Sonoco’s revenues of $1.885 billion declined 1.3% year over year and missed the consensus mark of $1.886 billion by 0.05%. Sonoco’s top line declined from the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of sales from the ThermoSafe business, which was divested in November 2025. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AptarGroup, Inc. (ATR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sonoco Products Company (SON) : Free Stock Analysis Report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Silgan Holdings Inc. SLGN reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 98 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 96 cents by 2.08%. The bottom line declined 3% from $1.01 in the year-ago quarter.Including one-time items, earnings were 72 cents per share compared with earnings of 83 cents in the prior-year quarter. Silgan Holdings Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Silgan Holdings Inc. Quote Net revenues increased 6.8% year over year to $1.64 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.62 billion by 1.54%. Higher raw-material cost pass-throughs supported revenues, while high-single-digit growth in fragrance dispensing products and pet food metal containers stood out operationally. In second-quarter 2026, the cost of goods sold increased 8.7% year over year to $1.35 billion. Gross profit declined 1.4% to $295 million. The gross margin was 17.9% compared with the prior-year quarter’s 19.4%.Selling, general and administrative expenses were $127 million, up 4.1% year over year. The company reported an adjusted operating income of $185.3 million compared with $193 million in the prior-year quarter. The adjusted operating margin was 11.3% compared with the prior-year quarter’s 12.5%. Revenues in the Dispensing and Specialty Closures segment rose 1.7% year over year to $714 million. Results benefited from the pass-through of higher raw-material and other costs and favorable foreign currency translation but were partially offset by lower volumes and an unfavorable product mix. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA was $146.9 million compared with $145.5 million in second-quarter 2025.The Metal Containers segment’s revenues improved 13% year over year to $764 million due to the contractual pass-through of higher raw-material and manufacturing costs. Volumes were comparable with the prior-year quarter, as growth in pet food markets was offset by weaker fruit, vegetable and soup volumes. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA was $86.2 million compared with $84.4 million in the prior-year quarter.In the Custom Containers segment, revenues increased 2.9% year over year to $165.5 million. Favorable price and product mix aided revenues, partially offset by a 4% decline in volumes. The segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $35.2 million, up from the previous-year quarter’s $33.6 million. Silgan had cash and cash equivalents of $0.35 billion at June 30, 2026, compared with $1.08 billion at the end of 2025. Total debt was $4.83 billion, up from $4.35 billion at year-end.The company used $993.9 million of cash in operating activities during the first six months of 2026 compared with $904.9 million in the prior-year period. Capital expenditure was $146.7 million versus $155.7 million a year earlier.SLGN used $993.9 million in cash in operating activities compared with an outflow of $904.9 million in the first six months of 2025. SLGN reaffirmed its 2026 adjusted earnings guidance of $3.73-$3.93 per share. The midpoint implies growth of 3% from the adjusted earnings of $3.72 per share reported in 2025.The company also maintained its free cash flow forecast of $450 million and capital expenditure estimate of $310 million. For the third quarter, SLGN expects adjusted earnings of $1.21-$1.31 per share compared with $1.22 in the year-ago period. The company’s shares have lost 11% in the past year against the industry’s growth of 12.1%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research SLGN currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Packaging Corporation of America PKG reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, falling 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. The bottom line also came above Packaging Corp’s guidance of $2.33.Packaging Corp’s revenues increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. Crown Holdings, Inc. CCK posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.49 per share, up 15.8% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.15 by 15.81%. Crown Holdings revenues increased 16.5% to $3.67 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion by 9.88%. Global beverage can volumes rose 5%, led by 6% growth in Europe and 5% growth in the Americas. This was partially offset by softer demand in Latin America. Sonoco Products Company SON reported adjusted earnings of $1.51 per share in the second quarter of 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 by 2.72%. The figure rose 10.2% from $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. Pricing actions, favorable foreign-exchange movements and productivity gains helped offset the softer volume/mix during the quarter. Sonoco’s revenues of $1.885 billion declined 1.3% year over year and missed the consensus mark of $1.886 billion by 0.05%. Sonoco’s top line declined from the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of sales from the ThermoSafe business, which was divested in November 2025. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Silgan Holdings Inc. (SLGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sonoco Products Company (SON) : Free Stock Analysis Report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

International Paper Company IP reported adjusted operating earnings of four cents per share for the second quarter of 2026, down 77.8% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of four cents by 200%. Elevated planned maintenance outages pressured profitability in the quarter. Including one-time items, the company reported a loss of two cents per share against earnings of 14 cents in the year-ago quarter. Net sales declined 2.2% year over year to $6.00 billion and missed the consensus mark of $6.17 billion by 2.7%. North American box volumes rose 1.7% in the quarter. International Paper Company price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | International Paper Company Quote Cost of products sold decreased 1.8% year over year to $4.34 billion. Gross profit was down 3.5% year over year to $1.66 billion. The gross margin came in at 27.6% compared with the year-ago quarter’s 28%. Selling and administrative expenses increased 7.4% to $564 million, while distribution expenses rose 1.4% to $523 million. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations fell 12.4% year over year to $587 million on expected higher maintenance outage costs. The adjusted EBITDA margin contracted to 9.8% from 10.9%. Adjusted operating income declined 58.6% to $99 million from $239 million in the prior-year quarter. The Packaging Solutions North America segment’s sales were $3.69 billion, down 4.5% year over year but up 1.7% sequentially. Our projection for the segment’s sales was $3.77 billion. The segment’s operating profit declined 26.4% year over year to $204 million. Adjusted EBITDA fell to $425 million from $515 million, while the margin contracted to 12.2% from 13.9%. Higher planned outage costs and lower export volumes outweighed favorable pricing, mix and improved mill performance. Our projection for the segment’s operating income and adjusted EBITDA was $169.7 million and $385.7 million, respectively. Packaging Solutions EMEA sales were $2.29 billion, nearly flat with the prior-year quarter. Our expectation for the segment’s sales was $2.36 billion. The segment reported an operating loss of $80 million compared with a loss of $1 million a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 6.2% to $182 million, and the adjusted EBITDA margin narrowed to 8% from 8.5%. Higher paper costs within packaging, distribution expenses and weaker volumes offset energy-cost benefits and cost-reduction actions. Our projection for the segment’s operating income and adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $90.1 million and $158.9 million, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities increased to $526 million from $476 million in the year-ago quarter. However, capital expenditures rose to $533 million from $422 million. This led to a free cash flow of a negative $7 million against positive $54 million a year earlier. International Paper expects third-quarter adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations between $780 million and $830 million. The outlook includes an estimated $85 million negative impact from the temporary suspension of operations at the Pine Hill mill for roof repairs.Packaging Solutions North America adjusted EBITDA is projected between $555 million and $585 million, including the Pine Hill impact. Packaging Solutions EMEA adjusted EBITDA is expected between $230 million and $250 million. For 2026, management targets adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $3.20-$3.40 billion. The company expects Packaging Solutions North America adjusted EBITDA of $2.35-$2.45 billion and Packaging Solutions EMEA adjusted EBITDA of $900 million-$1 billion. International Paper projects full-year net sales of $24.5-$25.1 billion and free cash flow of $300-$500 million. Capital expenditures are targeted between $2 billion and $2.1 billion, while maintenance outage expenses are forecast at $431 million. The company completed the NORPAC acquisition in June and the acquisition of a converting facility from Delmarva Corrugated Packaging in Dover, DE, in May. It also finished the Riverdale machine conversion, with the ramp-up progressing as expected. Operations at the Waterloo greenfield packaging plant are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter. In EMEA, International Paper has announced more than $210 million of run-rate savings tied to footprint and headcount actions. The planned separation of the North American and EMEA packaging operations remains on track with the previously announced timeline. The company’s shares have lost 19.4% in the past year compared with the industry’s 8.3% decline. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research IP currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Packaging Corporation of America PKG reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, falling 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. Packaging Corp’s sales increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. Smurfit Westrock Plc SW reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 35 cents per share, down 20% year over year. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents by 16.7%. Higher input costs, particularly freight, pressured profitability. Smurfit Westrock's net sales increased 1.1% year over year to $8.03 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $7.99 billion by 0.5%. Rayonier Advanced Materials RYAM is expected to release second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 4. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the bottom line is pegged at a loss of 17 cents per share. The company incurred a loss of 43 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. The consensus estimate for Rayonier Advanced Materials’ top line is pegged at $357.5 million, indicating 5.5% growth from the prior-year reported figure. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report International Paper Company (IP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (RYAM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Smurfit Westrock PLC (SW) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Avery Dennison Corporation’s AVY adjusted earnings of $2.89 per share for the second quarter of 2026 grew 19.4% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.47.Including one-time items, the company has reported earnings per share of $2.67 compared with the year-ago quarter’s $2.41. Avery Dennison Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Avery Dennison Corporation Quote Revenues increased 10.9% year over year to $2.46 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $2.29 billion. Strong volume growth, productivity gains, and favorable pricing and raw-material dynamics supported the results. Organic sales rose 7.6%. The cost of sales in the quarter increased 9.6% year over year to $1.73 billion. Gross profit rose 14.1% to $729.4 million. The gross margin came in at 29.6%, up from the prior-year quarter’s 28.8%.Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $352.4 million compared with $394.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted operating profit increased to $334.6 million from $286.7 million. The adjusted operating margin was 13.6% compared with 12.9% in the prior-year quarter.Adjusted EBITDA advanced 14.6% to $421 million. The corresponding margin improved 50 basis points to 17.1%. Volume, productivity and the net benefit of pricing and raw-material costs supported profitability, though higher employee-related expenses remained a headwind. Revenues in the Materials Group segment increased 15.9% year over year to $1.80 billion in the reported quarter. Our estimate was $1.61 billion. On an organic basis, sales improved 9.7%, driven by high-single-digit volume and mix growth, and a low-single-digit increase in pricing. The segment’s adjusted operating profit increased 17.1% year over year to $284 million. Our estimate was $258 million. The adjusted operating margin was 15.8% compared with 15.6% in the prior-year quarter.Revenues in the Solutions Group declined 0.5% year over year to $667 million. Our estimate was $672 million. On an organic basis, sales improved 2.6%, with overall apparel categories registering high-single-digit growth.The segment’s adjusted operating income increased 14.2% year over year to $76.5 million. Our estimate was $67 million. The adjusted operating margin expanded to 11.5% from 10% in the year-ago quarter. The company returned $347 million in cash to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend payments in the first half of 2026. AVY repurchased 1.2 million shares, with payments totaling $198 million.Avery Dennison ended the second quarter of 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of $227 million compared with $216 million at the end of the year-ago period.The company’s long-term debt and finance leases were $3.18 billion at the end of the second quarter, up from $2.63 billion in the year-ago period. Its net-debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio was 2.3X.AVY realized approximately $34 million in pre-tax savings from restructuring actions in the first half of 2026. The company also incurred around $34 million in pre-tax restructuring charges. Avery Dennison expects reported earnings of $9.40-$9.70 per share for 2026. Adjusted earnings are projected between $10 and $10.30 per share. The outlook assumes reported sales growth of 5-6% and organic growth of 3-4%.AVY expects much of the customer inventory stocking recorded in the first half to unwind during the second half, with most destocking anticipated in the third quarter. The company consequently expects a greater-than-historical sequential earnings decline in that period. It is also targeting adjusted free cash flow conversion of approximately 100% and more than $60 million in incremental restructuring savings. AVY shares have gained 1.5% in the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 5.2%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Avery Dennison currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Packaging Corporation of America PKG reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, down 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. The bottom line also came above Packaging Corp’s guidance of $2.33.Packaging Corp’s revenues increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. Crown Holdings, Inc. CCK posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.49 per share, up 15.8% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.15 by 15.81%. Crown Holdings revenues increased 16.5% to $3.67 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion by 9.88%. Global beverage can volumes rose 5%, led by 6% growth in Europe and 5% growth in the Americas. This was partially offset by softer demand in Latin America. Sonoco Products Company SON reported adjusted earnings of $1.51 per share in the second quarter of 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 by 2.72%. The figure rose 10.2% from $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. Pricing actions, favorable foreign-exchange movements and productivity gains helped offset softer volume/mix during the quarter. Sonoco’s revenues of $1.885 billion declined 1.3% year over year and missed the consensus mark of $1.886 billion by 0.05%. Sonoco’s top line declined from the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of sales from the ThermoSafe business, which was divested in November 2025. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Avery Dennison Corporation (AVY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sonoco Products Company (SON) : Free Stock Analysis Report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Greif, Inc. GEF reported adjusted earnings of $1.61 per share for third-quarter fiscal 2026,  beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04. The 54.81% earnings surprise reflected stronger price performance, structural cost optimization and lower interest expenses. The company posted adjusted earnings of 86 cents in the year-ago quarter, excluding the impacts of adjustments.Including one-time items, earnings per share were $1.37 in the quarter compared with 53 cents in the prior-year quarter. Greif, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Greif, Inc. Quote GEF’s sales increased 3.5% year over year to $1.17 billion. The top line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12 billion.The cost of sales rose 2.7% year over year to $893 million. Gross profit amounted to $273 million, up 6.5% from the prior-year quarter. The gross margin came in at 23.4%, up from the prior-year quarter’s 22.7%.Selling, general and administrative expenses were $149.5 million compared with the prior-year quarter’s $168 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose 24.7% year over year to $183.4 million in the fiscal third quarter. The adjusted EBITDA margin came in at 15.7% compared with the prior-year quarter’s 13.1%. Revenues in the Customized Polymer Solutions segment increased 13.6% year over year to $384 million, primarily driven by higher average selling prices, favorable foreign currency translation and higher volumes. Our model projected revenues of $331 million for the quarter. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA rose to $64.3 million from $37.1 million in the year-ago quarter. The reported figure beat our estimate of $33 million.The Durable Metal Solutions segment’s revenues increased 3.4% year over year to $406 million in the fiscal third quarter, aided by positive foreign currency translation and higher average selling prices, partly offset by lower volumes. The figure beat our estimated revenues of $387 million. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA improved to $64 million from $53.6 million in the prior-year quarter. We projected the segment’s adjusted EBITDA to be $52 million.The Sustainable Fiber Solutions segment’s revenues declined 6.5% year over year to $346.5 million, reflecting lower average selling prices, impacts from the Soterra divestiture and lower volumes. The figure beat our estimated revenues of 260 million. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA was $42.5 million, down from $48.8 million in the year-ago quarter. We projected the segment’s adjusted EBITDA to be $71 million.The Innovative Closure Solutions segment’s revenues rose 18.8% year over year to $30 million, supported by higher average selling prices, higher volumes and favorable foreign currency translation. We projected the segment's revenues to be $148 million in the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $12.6 million from $7.6 million a year earlier. Our forecast for the quarter’s adjusted EBITDA was $7 million. Greif reported cash and cash equivalents of $288.5 million as of June 30, 2026, compared with $256.7 million at the end of fiscal 2025. The cash flow from operating activities totaled $77.8 million in the quarter under review, down from $147.1 million in the prior-year quarter.Long-term debt amounted to $687.4 million as of June 30, 2026, compared with $914.8 million as of Sept. 30, 2025. Total debt was $1.03 billion, while net debt declined to $741.9 million from $2.43 billion as of July 31, 2025.On June 2, Greif’s board declared a quarterly cash dividend of 62 cents per share of Class A Common Stock and 93 cents per share of Class B Common Stock. The dividend represented a 10.7% increase and was paid out on July 1, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 17, 2026.The company also announced plans to execute share repurchases under existing authorizations. It achieved $90 million in cumulative run-rate cost savings and maintained its target of at least $120 million by the end of fiscal 2027. Greif also completed the $57-million Envaplast acquisition, adding an agrochemical-focused small-container producer in Spain. GEF expects fiscal 2026 adjusted EBITDA of $615-$635 million, implying year-over-year growth of 9.8-13.4%. The outlook reflects improved fiscal third-quarter demand and continued execution, even as industrial conditions remain subdued and the company has not seen evidence of a broad recovery.The adjusted free cash flow is projected between $305 million and $325 million, with conversion of about 50%. Current assumptions call for flat Customized Polymer Solutions volumes, mid-single-digit declines in Durable Metal Solutions, and low-single-digit declines in both Sustainable Fiber Solutions and Innovative Closure Solutions. The company’s shares have gained 32.4% in a year compared with the industry’s 2.2% growth. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Greif currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Packaging Corporation of America PKG reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, down 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. The bottom line also came above Packaging Corp’s guidance of $2.33, driven by higher production and sales volumes, including contributions from the acquired Greif business. This was partially offset by lower price and mix in the packaging segment, and higher operating, freight and labor costs. Packaging Corp’s sales increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. Crown Holdings, Inc. CCK posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.49 per share, up 15.8% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.15 by 15.81%. Crown Holdings sales increased 16.5% to $3.67 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion by 9.88%. Global beverage can volumes rose 5%, led by 6% growth in Europe and 5% growth in the Americas. This was partially offset by softer demand in Latin America. Sonoco Products Company SON reported adjusted earnings of $1.51 per share in the second quarter of 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 by 2.72%. The figure rose 10.2% from $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. Pricing actions, favorable foreign-exchange movements and productivity gains helped offset softer volume/mix during the quarter. Sonoco’s sales of $1.885 billion declined 1.3% year over year and missed the consensus mark of $1.886 billion by 0.05%. Sonoco’s top line declined from the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of sales from the ThermoSafe business, which was divested in November 2025. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Greif, Inc. (GEF) : Free Stock Analysis Report Sonoco Products Company (SON) : Free Stock Analysis Report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Smurfit Westrock Plc SW has reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 35 cents per share, down 20% year over year. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents by 16.7%. Higher input costs, particularly freight, pressured profitability.Net sales increased 1.1% year over year to $8.03 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $7.99 billion by 0.5%. Smurfit Westrock PLC price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Smurfit Westrock PLC Quote Smurfit Westrock has reported an operating profit of $309 million, up 23.1% year over year. The company’s cost of sales increased 3.2% to $6.63 billion from the year-ago period. Gross profit fell 7.7% year over year to $1.40 billion.Adjusted EBITDA declined to $1.14 billion from $1.21 billion a year ago, while the adjusted EBITDA margin contracted to 14.2% from 15.3%. In North America, net sales totaled $4.74 billion, moving down marginally from $4.76 billion in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA declined 6.4% year over year to $704 million. Corrugated volumes fell 4.8% on a days-adjusted basis, reflecting continued pressure in the region. However, SW noted improving commercial momentum, a supportive pricing backdrop and progress in cost-reduction initiatives.The Europe, MEA & APAC segment delivered net sales of $2.83 billion, up 1.7% from $2.78 billion in the prior-year quarter. The segment’s adjusted EBITDA increased 2.2% year over year to $380 million. Corrugated volumes rose 1.5% on a days-adjusted basis, supported by strengthening containerboard markets, improving corrugated pricing and disciplined cost management.Net sales of the LATAM segment were $559 million, up 7.9% year over year from $518 million. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $124 million compared with $123 million in the second quarter of 2025. Corrugated volumes increased 1% on a days-adjusted basis, aided by healthy demand across the key markets and pricing actions that helped offset inflationary pressures. SW had cash and cash equivalents of $677 million as of June 30, 2026, compared with $892 million at the end of 2025. Net cash provided by operating activities was $765 million compared with $829 million in the year-ago quarter. Capital expenditure totaled $465 million, down from $522 million in the prior-year period.The company announced a quarterly dividend of 45.23 cents per ordinary share, payable Sept. 10, 2026, to shareholders of record as of Aug. 14. For the third quarter of 2026, the company expects adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion. Full-year adjusted EBITDA is projected between $4.9 billion and $5.1 billion, with momentum through the second half of 2026.The company expects 2026 freight and energy cost increases of $300 million and $220 million, respectively. Third-quarter year-over-year increases are projected at $80 million for freight and $70 million for energy. Shares of the company have gained 10.1% in the past year against the industry’s 2.5% decline. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The company currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Packaging Corporation of America PKG reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, falling 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. Packaging Corp’s sales increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter. International Paper Company IP is expected to release second-quarter 2026 results on July 30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the bottom line is pegged at a loss of 4 cents per share. The company posted earnings of 20 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.The consensus estimate for International Paper’s top line is pegged at $6.17 billion, indicating an 8.8% decline from the prior-year reported figure.Rayonier Advanced Materials RYAM is expected to release second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 4. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the bottom line is pegged at a loss of 17 cents per share. The company incurred a loss of 43 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.The consensus estimate for Rayonier Advanced Materials’ top line is pegged at $357.5 million, indicating 5.5% growth from the prior-year reported figure. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Smurfit Westrock PLC (SW) : Free Stock Analysis Report International Paper Company (IP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (RYAM) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research