- Most and least shorted materials stocks over $2B market cap, featuring MP Materials
May 4, 2026
[Dirty coal miner wear hardhat with a hammer drill]
cmannphoto
The State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/XLB]) has gained roughly 13% year-to-date, outperforming the broader market and highlighting solid momentum in the materials space despite ongoing market volatility, with investors continuing to closely watch steel, chemical, and metals stocks.
MP Materials (MP [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MP]), recently initiated [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4576803-mp-materials-launched-outperform-at-wedbush-as-americas-rare-earth-national-champion]as 'outperform' at Wedbush and described as “America’s rare earth national champion,” currently carries a 'hold' rating with short interest at 15.20%, while among the least shorted names, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SQM]), also a 'hold', has short interest [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4891470-sociedad-qumica-y-minera-de-chile-can-the-momentum-continue-downgrade] at just 0.51%.
MOST SHORTED STOCKS (MARKET CAP ABOVE $2B):
* MP Materials Corp. (MP [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MP]) — Quant Rating: Hold (2.91); Short Interest: 15.20%
* Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (CLF [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CLF]) — Quant Rating: Hold (2.80); Short Interest: 14.73%
* Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GPK]) — Quant Rating: Strong Sell (1.38); Short Interest: 13.75%
* Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (AMR [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMR]) — Quant Rating: Hold (2.63); Short Interest: 13.21%
* Huntsman Corporation (HUN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/HUN]) — Quant Rating: Hold (3.21); Short Interest: 12.71%
LEAST SHORTED STOCKS (MARKET CAP ABOVE $2B):
* Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SQM]) — Quant Rating: Hold (3.44); Short Interest: 0.51%
* AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AU]) — Quant Rating: Buy (4.03); Short Interest: 0.73%
* Greif, Inc. (GEF.B [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GEF.B]) — Quant Rating: Not Covered; Short Interest: 0.86%
* Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (AMBP [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMBP]) — Quant Rating: Hold (3.20); Short Interest: 0.95%
* Balchem Corporation (BCPC [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BCPC]) — Quant Rating: Hold (2.88); Short Interest: 1.07%
MORE ON RELATED STOCKS, ETC.
* XLB: Materials' Alpha Cools As The U.S.-Iran Conflict Presses On [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4895338-xlb-materials-alpha-cools-as-the-us-iran-conflict-presses-on]
* MP Materials: The Market Is Missing This Rare Earth Opportunity [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4892220-mp-materials-the-market-is-missing-this-rare-earth-opportunity]
* MP Materials: Some Reasons For Optimism Ahead Of Earnings (Upgrade) [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4892090-mp-materials-some-reasons-for-optimism-ahead-of-earnings-upgrade]
* Most and least shorted materials stocks with up to $2B market cap [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4584696-most-and-least-shorted-materials-stocks-with-up-to-2b-market-cap]
* Hedge funds ramp up materials buying at fastest pace in five months, led by longs [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4584691-hedge-funds-ramp-up-materials-buying-at-fastest-pace-in-five-months-led-by-longs]
- Is Higher Q1 Sales And A Reaffirmed Dividend Altering The Investment Case For Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMBP)?
May 1, 2026
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. recently reported first-quarter 2026 results, with sales rising to US$1,504 million from US$1,268 million a year earlier, alongside a net loss of US$5 million and a quarterly interim dividend of US$0.10 per ordinary share approved for payment on June 25, 2026. The combination of higher year-on-year sales, a stable net loss, and the continuation of a cash dividend offers fresh insight into the company’s balance between growth investment and shareholder returns. We’ll now examine how the reaffirmed US$0.10 quarterly dividend shapes Ardagh Metal Packaging’s existing investment narrative and risk-reward profile.
We've uncovered the 13 dividend fortresses yielding 5%+ that don't just survive market storms, but thrive in them.
Ardagh Metal Packaging Investment Narrative Recap
To own Ardagh Metal Packaging, you need to believe beverage cans remain a preferred, recyclable format and that the company can convert volume growth into consistent profitability despite its leverage and margin pressures. The latest results, with higher sales but another small net loss, do not materially change the near term catalyst, which is improved earnings quality, or the key risk around balance sheet strain and the sustainability of its generous dividend.
Against that backdrop, the reaffirmed US$0.10 quarterly dividend stands out as the most relevant recent announcement. It ties directly into the core catalyst of stronger cash generation, because an uncovered dividend can tighten financial flexibility if earnings do not improve. With net losses persisting, the payout highlights the trade off between rewarding shareholders today and preserving capacity to reduce debt and invest in more efficient, higher margin capacity.
Yet beneath the steady dividend, one issue investors should be aware of is the tension between high net leverage and an earnings profile that...
Read the full narrative on Ardagh Metal Packaging (it's free!)
Ardagh Metal Packaging's narrative projects $6.1 billion revenue and $113.4 million earnings by 2029. This requires 3.5% yearly revenue growth and a $124.4 million earnings increase from -$11.0 million today.
Uncover how Ardagh Metal Packaging's forecasts yield a $4.66 fair value, a 18% upside to its current price.
Exploring Other PerspectivesAMBP 1-Year Stock Price Chart
The most optimistic analysts were assuming revenue could reach about US$6.0 billion and earnings about US$105.7 million, which is far more upbeat than views that focus on risks like ongoing high leverage or slower regional growth, so this new mix of higher sales and continued losses may prompt you to rethink which storyline feels more realistic for Ardagh today.
Story Continues
Explore 2 other fair value estimates on Ardagh Metal Packaging - why the stock might be worth over 2x more than the current price!
Reach Your Own Conclusion
Disagree with existing narratives? Extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd, so go with your instincts.
A great starting point for your Ardagh Metal Packaging research is our analysis highlighting 3 key rewards and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision. Our free Ardagh Metal Packaging research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Ardagh Metal Packaging's overall financial health at a glance.
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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include AMBP.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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- Boston Beer narrows profit guidance on litigation costs
May 1, 2026
Boston Beer Co. has lowered its guidance for profits in 2026 to take account of litigation expenses incurred last month.
In April, it emerged the Samuel Adams brewer was facing damages of more than $175m in a legal dispute in the US over a packaging contract. A court in Illinois had filed a jury verdict in favour of the packaging supplier Ardagh Metal Packaging USA Corp.
Ardagh's lawsuit alleged Boston Beer had failed, or would fail, to buy contractual minimum volumes of certain aluminium drinks can containers from 2021 to 2025.
In its first-quarter statement yesterday (30 April), Boston Beer confirmed it had faced "pre-tax litigation expense of $175.5 million and related pre-judgement interest expense of $36.5 million resulting from a verdict entered on April 6, 2026, awarding damages to a supplier".
Boston Beer added its "pre-judgment interest" had not yet been decided "and potential outcomes range between zero and $36.5 million".
"In addition to the damages and interest, the company has recorded legal fees of $4 million in general and administrative expenses for a total of $216.0 million
pre-tax or $15.52 per diluted share," it said.
For its first quarter, Boston Beer booked a GAAP diluted loss per share of $13.88, taking account of the litigation expenses of of $15.52 per share.
The group has taken account for the litigation-linked expenses per share in its updated full-year guidance for GAAP earnings per share.
In 2026, the company now expects to book a GAAP EPS loss of between $7.02 and $5.02, compared to a previous guided growth of $8.50 to $11.00.
Boston Beer continued to deny that it breached its contract with Ardragh "and intends to pursue all available post-trial motions and appellate remedies".
In its first quarter, the business saw net revenue decline 4.4% to $433.9m, attributed to lower volumes.
Boston Beer has also lowered its guidance for depletions and shipments. While it had previously guided for a percentage change of "flat to down mid-single digits" it now expects to see this "down low-single digits to mid-single digits".
For the first quarter ended 28 March, the company saw shipment volumes drop 6.9% on the same period last year to 1.6 million barrels.
The dip was attributed mainly to "difficult comparisons as distributors built inventories for Sun Cruiser and Truly Unruly innovation in the first quarter" and "modestly lower overall distributor inventory levels".
The group continues to expect shipments in the first half to decline "toward the lower end of its full-year volume guidance" and expects "better shipment performance later in the year".
Story Continues
“Today we are modestly narrowing our guidance range to reflect our latest volume outlook and a more challenging cost environment,” said CFO Diego Reynoso.
“We continue to deliver strong gross margin performance and expect our savings agenda to help mitigate tariff and commodity headwinds as we move through the year.”
"Boston Beer narrows profit guidance on litigation costs" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.
The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
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- Ardagh Metal Packaging's Q1 'Beat' Signals Positive Read-Throughs for Peers, RBC Says
Apr 27, 2026
Ardagh Metal Packaging's (AMBP) Q1 earnings "beat" and reiterated 2026 outlook point to resilient de
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- Is PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) A Good Stock To Buy Now?
Apr 24, 2026
Is PEP a good stock to buy? We came across a bullish thesis on PepsiCo, Inc. on Grillo Insights’s Substack by Eric García. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on PEP. PepsiCo, Inc.'s share was trading at $154.85 as of April 15th. PEP’s trailing and forward P/E were 25.95 and 18.05 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.Ardagh Metal (AMBP) Rebounds as Firm Slashes $4.3-Billion Debt
Pixabay/Public Domain
PepsiCo, Inc. engages in the manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of various beverages and convenient foods worldwide. PEP is emerging from a period of subdued growth with clear signs of an operational and financial inflection, supported by improving fundamentals and underappreciated strategic levers. After starting fiscal 2025 with a 2% revenue decline, the company exited the year with 5.6% growth in Q4, alongside a 140 basis point expansion in core operating margin and 16% EPS growth, signaling that recovery is already underway rather than hypothetical.
Read More: 15 AI Stocks That Are Quietly Making Investors Rich
Read More: Undervalued AI Stock Poised For Massive Gains: 10000% Upside Potential
A key driver is productivity, with PepsiCo doubling gross productivity between 2021 and 2025 through factory optimization, digitalization, and data infrastructure, positioning it to exceed margin targets while reinvesting in growth initiatives such as AI-driven marketing, automated ordering, and advanced supply chain tools. North America, its largest segment at $56 billion in revenue and 18% margins, is central to the 2026 thesis, where pricing reinvestments and brand relaunches across major products aim to restore volume growth and penetration, supported by large-scale marketing catalysts like FIFA sponsorships.
Internationally, PepsiCo continues to deliver strong growth and margin expansion, benefiting from significant untapped per capita consumption across emerging markets. Additionally, the underdeveloped away-from-home channel represents a meaningful long-term upside opportunity through new consumption formats.
Financially, the company targets mid-single digit organic growth, margin expansion, and high single-digit EPS growth, alongside a 54-year dividend growth track record and improving free cash flow conversion դեպի ~90% by 2027. With multiple catalysts aligned, PepsiCo offers a compelling risk/reward as execution improves.
Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) by Kroker Equity Research in October 2024, which highlighted strong pricing power, resilient cash flows, dividend consistency, and valuation upside. PEP’s stock price has depreciated by approximately 11.41% since our coverage. Eric García shares a similar view but emphasizes on operational inflection, productivity-driven margins, and recovery catalysts.
Story Continues
PepsiCo, Inc. is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 74 hedge fund portfolios held PEP at the end of the fourth quarter which was 68 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of PEP as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than PEP and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
Disclosure: None.
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- Ardagh Metal Packaging SA (AMBP) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong European Performance ...
Apr 24, 2026
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Adjusted EBITDA Growth: 15% increase versus the prior year. Beverage Can Sales: Declined by 1% compared to the prior year quarter. Europe Revenue: Increased by 18% to $625 million, or 6% on a constant currency basis. Europe Adjusted EBITDA: Increased by 53% to $75 million, or 36% on a constant currency basis. Americas Revenue: Increased by 19% to $879 million. Americas Adjusted EBITDA: Decreased by 2% to $104 million. Brazil Shipments Growth: 14% increase in Q1. Net Leverage: 5.7x net debt over the last 12 months adjusted EBITDA. Liquidity Position: $488 million at the end of the quarter. CapEx for 2026: Expected to be $200 million. Cash Interest for 2026: Expected to be $220 million. Lease Principal Repayments for 2026: Approximately $115 million. Cash Tax for 2026: Approximately $30 million. Quarterly Dividend: $0.10 per share. Q1 Adjusted EBITDA: $179 million, exceeding guidance range of $160 million to $170 million. 2026 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance: Expected to be in the range of $750 million to $775 million. Q2 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance: Expected to be between $210 million and $220 million.
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with AMBP. Is AMBP fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator.
Release Date: April 23, 2026
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
Ardagh Metal Packaging SA (NYSE:AMBP) reported a strong Q1 with adjusted EBITDA growth of 15% year-over-year, exceeding guidance. European operations drove the EBITDA outperformance, benefiting from strong input cost recovery and favorable volume mix effects. Brazil showed strong results with above-market volume growth, despite challenges in North America. AMP's energy cost position is well-protected through hedging, covering over 85% of 2026 energy requirements. The company reaffirmed its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026, expecting growth driven by operational efficiencies, cost savings, and improved category mix.
Negative Points
Beverage can sales declined by 1% compared to the prior year, impacted by contract resets in North America. North America faced a challenging operating environment due to adverse weather and aluminum supply chain disruptions, leading to higher operational costs. AMP anticipates moderate input cost increases in H2 2026 due to the Middle East conflict affecting certain direct materials. Net leverage increased to 5.7x net debt over the last 12 months adjusted EBITDA, reflecting the impact of refinancing preferred shares. Supply chain challenges, including metal supply disruptions, resulted in a loss of one to two points of growth in Q1.
Story Continues
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you provide more details on the modest cost increases expected in H2, and which categories are most affected? A: The cost increases are primarily in the coatings area. We are well covered on the energy side, but there are pass-through provisions in coating contracts that might come into play if oil prices remain elevated. These potential increases have not altered our guidance range.
Q: What impact did the timing effect on hedge revaluation in Europe have, and will it affect the rest of the year? A: The hedge revaluation provided a mid-single-digit million benefit in the quarter. Some of this might reverse depending on commodity costs throughout the year, so we are cautious in our forward guidance.
Q: How is the World Cup expected to impact volumes, particularly in Brazil? A: The World Cup could positively impact volumes in Brazil, especially during the winter period. The Brazilian national team's sponsorship and the tournament's timing could moderate the softer start to the year. We expect the overall market to grow low to mid-single digits for the year.
Q: Can you quantify the impact of aluminum supply constraints in North America during Q1? A: The supply constraints, along with adverse weather, resulted in a loss of one to two points of growth in the quarter. We expect the situation to improve in Q2, with no significant drag anticipated.
Q: What are the plans for capacity additions in Europe, North America, and Brazil? A: We plan to add capacity in Europe, particularly in Spain and the UK, due to tight network utilization. In North America, we have space in the network following contract resets, and in Brazil, we have sufficient capacity, especially in the northeast.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
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- Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. Q1 2026 Earnings Call Summary
Apr 23, 2026
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. Q1 2026 Earnings Call Summary - Moby
Strategic Performance Drivers
Adjusted EBITDA growth of 15% significantly exceeded guidance, primarily driven by strong input cost recovery and favorable timing from freight-related hedging in Europe. Global volume declines of 1% were in line with expectations, reflecting the cycling of strong prior-year comparables and planned contract resets in North America. European performance benefited from a favorable mix shift toward specialty cans and strong underlying growth in carbonated soft drinks and energy categories. Brazil delivered 14% shipment growth, outperforming the industry due to a favorable customer mix and strong summer demand in the early part of the quarter. North American operations faced a challenging environment characterized by adverse weather and aluminum supply chain disruptions, which increased operational costs. Management attributes the overall resilience to robust pass-through mechanisms and a strategic energy hedging program that mitigates geopolitical volatility.
2026 Outlook and Strategic Transition
Full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance is reaffirmed at $750 million to $775 million, assuming moderate input cost increases in the second half. North America is viewed as being in a transition year, with a return to growth expected in 2027 supported by additional contracted filling locations. Energy cost exposure is heavily mitigated through 2026, with over 85% of requirements covered by hedges, extending to over 60% coverage for 2028. The company plans measured capacity additions in Spain and the U.K. to address tight regional supply and capture growth in high-demand specialty can sizes. Management anticipates a more favorable volume environment in the second half of 2026 as supply chain disruptions in North America moderate.
Operational Risks and Legal Developments
A jury awarded AMP approximately $175 million in damages plus interest in a breach of contract lawsuit against Boston Beer; however, the timing of realization remains uncertain due to potential appeals. Supply chain challenges in North America, including metal supply disruptions and weather, resulted in a mid-to-high single-digit million dollar drag on Q1 EBITDA. The Middle East conflict is expected to drive moderate increases in certain direct material costs, such as coatings, during the second half of the year. Net leverage increased slightly to 5.7x following the refinancing of preferred shares, though underlying metrics declined when excluding this impact.
Q&A Session Insights
Impact of Middle East conflict on second-half costs
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Story Continues
Management clarified that cost headwinds are primarily in the coatings category due to potential oil price elevation impacting pass-through provisions. The scale of these increases is considered manageable within the existing full-year guidance range.
Aluminum supply chain constraints in North America
Disruptions caused a loss of 1 to 2 points of growth in the quarter across ends and cans. The situation is improving as overseas metal arrives and new domestic mills begin to ramp up production.
Sustainability of European margin outperformance
The Q1 beat included a mid-single-digit million dollar benefit from freight hedge revaluation, which may partially reverse depending on commodity trends. Underlying strength remains supported by specialty can growth and high utilization across the European network.
Consumer demand resilience amid retail inflation
Management noted that while retail prices have risen significantly over recent years, promotional activity remains strong and the can continues to gain share from other substrates. There is no evidence yet of significant demand destruction despite broader inflationary pressures on the consumer.
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- A Look At Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMBP) Valuation After Recent Share Price Pullback
Apr 23, 2026
Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St.
With no single headline event driving attention today, Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMBP) is drawing interest as investors weigh its recent share performance against fundamentals such as revenue of US$5.5b and a reported net loss of US$11 million.
See our latest analysis for Ardagh Metal Packaging.
The recent pullback, including a 7 day share price return of negative 6.33% and a 90 day share price return of negative 11.09%, contrasts with a 1 year total shareholder return of 55.05%. This suggests that longer term momentum remains stronger than the latest moves imply.
If you are weighing Ardagh Metal Packaging against other ideas in related areas, this could be a good moment to see what is happening across 19 top founder-led companies
With the shares sitting below analyst targets and trading at a reported 48% intrinsic discount while the business posts US$5.5b in revenue, investors have to ask: is this a genuine mispricing, or is the market already baking in future growth?
Most Popular Narrative: 17.4% Undervalued
Ardagh Metal Packaging's most followed narrative anchors fair value at about $4.66, implying upside against the last close of $3.85 while tying that view to detailed long term forecasts.
The combination of resilient double digit shipment growth in the Americas and disciplined capital investments has led to deleveraging, greater financial flexibility, and a strong liquidity position positioning the company to grow free cash flow and support ongoing dividends and reinvestment, all of which should drive higher future earnings per share.
Read the complete narrative.
Curious how modest revenue growth, margin rebuild and a higher future earnings multiple all connect to that fair value number? The full narrative lays out a tight set of assumptions on volumes, profitability and valuation that underpin the 17.4% discount, and joins the dots between today’s losses and the earnings profile analysts are building in.
Result: Fair Value of $4.66 (UNDERVALUED)
Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.
However, investors should still monitor the relatively high net leverage of approximately 5.3x adjusted EBITDA, as well as the company’s exposure to aluminum price swings, which can pressure margins.
Find out about the key risks to this Ardagh Metal Packaging narrative.
Next Steps
If the mixed signals in this story leave you on the fence, this is the moment to look through the numbers yourself and move quickly to form an independent view. You can start with the 3 key rewards and 2 important warning signs.
Story Continues
Looking for more investment ideas?
If Ardagh Metal Packaging has your attention, do not stop here; broaden your watchlist now so you are not relying on a single story.
Target stability first by scanning 73 resilient stocks with low risk scores to help balance out the ups and downs of more volatile holdings. Hunt for value by reviewing 61 high quality undervalued stocks that combine quality fundamentals with pricing that could look appealing on closer inspection. Spot potential income opportunities by checking 13 dividend fortresses that currently offer higher yields alongside supporting financial data.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include AMBP.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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- Ardagh Metal Packaging rises on Q1 earnings and revenue beat
Apr 23, 2026
company report computer coffee ©Pxhere.com
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP) reported first-quarter results on Thursday that came in ahead of analyst expectations, sending its shares higher in premarket trading.
The stock gained 3.77% following the release.
Profit and revenue exceed forecasts
The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.05, surpassing the analyst estimate of $0.03.
Revenue totaled $1.5 billion, beating the consensus forecast of $1.37 billion and marking a 19% increase from $1.27 billion in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA reached $179 million, exceeding the company’s guidance range of $160 million to $170 million and rising 15% year-on-year, supported by strong performance in Europe.
Europe drives strong performance
“We are pleased to report strong first quarter results for AMP, with Adjusted EBITDA growth of 15% versus the prior year, significantly ahead of our guidance and demonstrating the resilience of our business,” said Oliver Graham.
European operations were a key contributor, with adjusted EBITDA climbing 53% to $75 million, benefiting from improved cost recovery and a favorable product mix.
Americas face headwinds
In the Americas, adjusted EBITDA declined 2% to $104 million, impacted by disruptions in the aluminum supply chain and higher operating costs, though partially offset by favorable volume mix.
Outlook maintained
For the second quarter, Ardagh Metal Packaging expects adjusted EBITDA between $210 million and $220 million. The midpoint of $215 million compares with $210 million reported in the same quarter of 2025.
The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $750 million to $775 million and anticipates modest growth in global shipments.
Shipment trends and dividend
Global beverage can shipments fell 1% year-on-year during the quarter, including a 2% decline in the Americas and a 1% drop in Europe.
The company also declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share.
Ardagh Metal Packaging stock price
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- Implied Volatility Surging for Ardagh Metal Packaging Stock Options
Apr 23, 2026
Investors in Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. AMBP need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the May 15, 2026 $2.5 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?
Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?
Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Ardagh Metal Packaging shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Ardagh Metal Packaging is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Containers - Metal and Glass industry that ranks in the Bottom 5% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 30 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimate for the current quarter, while none have revised their estimates downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 3 cents per share to 4 cents in that period.
Given the way analysts feel about Ardagh Metal Packaging right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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