UBS Downgrades Crown Holdings to Neutral Amid Slowing Earnings Growth
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2h ago
0mins
Should l Buy CCK?
Source: seekingalpha
- Earnings Growth Slowdown: UBS downgraded Crown Holdings (CCK) from Buy to Neutral, citing a slowdown in earnings growth as the beverage can maker ramps up investment to meet demand while operating near full capacity, with adjusted EPS growth expected to decline to about 6% over the next two years.
- High Capacity Utilization: While global beverage can demand remains strong, Crown (CCK) is operating close to full capacity, leading to pressures from startup costs and lower initial margins on new facilities, resulting in a 2% and 4% reduction in EPS forecasts for 2026 and 2027, respectively.
- Solid Cash Flow: Despite the weakening earnings momentum, UBS highlighted that Crown (CCK)'s cash generation remains a key support for the stock, estimating free cash flow of approximately $750 million annually, implying a free cash flow yield of about 5% that is expected to grow over time.
- Limited Valuation Upside: UBS maintained its $126 price target, applying a 9.5 times enterprise value to EBITDA multiple, with the stock trading near the upper end of Crown (CCK)'s recent valuation range, necessitating attention to risks from declining earnings or cost pressures.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy CCK?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on CCK
Wall Street analysts forecast CCK stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for CCK is 123.20 USD with a low forecast of 106.00 USD and a high forecast of 140.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
10 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 112.880
Low
106.00
Averages
123.20
High
140.00
Current: 112.880
Low
106.00
Averages
123.20
High
140.00
About CCK
Crown Holdings, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells packaging products for consumer goods and industrial products. The Company's segments include Americas Beverage, European Beverage, Asia Pacific, Transit Packaging and Other. The Americas Beverage segment manufactures infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage cans and ends, glass bottles, steel crowns and aluminum caps. The European Beverage segment manufactures infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage cans and ends in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Asia Pacific segment consists of beverage can and non-beverage can operations, primarily food cans and specialty packaging. The Transit Packaging segment includes its worldwide automation and equipment technologies, protective packaging solutions and steel and plastic consumables. The Company's Other segments include its food can, aerosol can and closures businesses in North America, and beverage tooling and equipment operations in the United States and the United Kingdom.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
UBS Downgrades Crown Holdings to Neutral Amid Slowing Earnings Growth
- Earnings Growth Slowdown: UBS downgraded Crown Holdings (CCK) from Buy to Neutral, citing a slowdown in earnings growth as the beverage can maker ramps up investment to meet demand while operating near full capacity, with adjusted EPS growth expected to decline to about 6% over the next two years.
- High Capacity Utilization: While global beverage can demand remains strong, Crown (CCK) is operating close to full capacity, leading to pressures from startup costs and lower initial margins on new facilities, resulting in a 2% and 4% reduction in EPS forecasts for 2026 and 2027, respectively.
- Solid Cash Flow: Despite the weakening earnings momentum, UBS highlighted that Crown (CCK)'s cash generation remains a key support for the stock, estimating free cash flow of approximately $750 million annually, implying a free cash flow yield of about 5% that is expected to grow over time.
- Limited Valuation Upside: UBS maintained its $126 price target, applying a 9.5 times enterprise value to EBITDA multiple, with the stock trading near the upper end of Crown (CCK)'s recent valuation range, necessitating attention to risks from declining earnings or cost pressures.
See More
Crown Holdings Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings with Strategic Outlook
- Significant Earnings Growth: Crown Holdings reported Q4 2025 earnings per share of $1.31, down from $3.02 in the prior year, yet adjusted EPS rose 9% to $1.74, showcasing the company's resilience and profitability in challenging conditions.
- Record Cash Flow: The company achieved a record free cash flow of $1.146 billion in 2025, up from $814 million in 2024, reflecting strong operational efficiency and capital management, providing a solid foundation for future investments and shareholder returns.
- Commitment to Strategic Investments: Management reiterated its focus on responsibly investing to support partners' growth while committing to gradually increasing dividends and returning $625 million to shareholders through disciplined share repurchases, highlighting its dedication to shareholder value.
- Optimistic Outlook: Crown Holdings projects adjusted EPS for 2026 to be between $1.70 and $1.80, with full-year free cash flow estimated at approximately $900 million, and despite challenges from inflation and start-up costs, management maintains a cautiously optimistic view on growth in North America and Europe.
See More
Crown Holdings Q4 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Strong Performance: Crown Holdings reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $1.74, beating expectations by $0.04, which reflects the company's robust profitability and enhances investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q4 revenue of $3.13 billion, a 7.9% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $140 million, indicating sustained demand in the packaging sector that drives overall performance.
- 2026 Outlook: Crown Holdings anticipates adjusted diluted EPS for 2026 to be in the range of $7.90 to $8.30, reflecting an optimistic outlook on future profitability, alongside an expected free cash flow of approximately $900 million, showcasing strong cash generation capabilities.
- Rising Aluminum Demand: The increasing usage of aluminum cans further supports Crown's results, as credit reports indicate that this trend will continue to drive growth, solidifying the company's competitive position in the packaging market.
See More
Crown Holdings Set to Release Q4 Earnings on February 4th
- Earnings Announcement: Crown Holdings (CCK) is set to announce its Q4 earnings on February 4th after market close, with a consensus EPS estimate of $1.70, reflecting a 6.9% year-over-year growth, indicating stable profitability trends for the company.
- Revenue Expectations: The revenue estimate for Q4 stands at $2.99 billion, representing a 3.1% year-over-year increase, which highlights the ongoing demand in the packaging sector, particularly with rising aluminum can usage.
- Performance Beat Record: Over the past two years, Crown Holdings has exceeded EPS estimates 88% of the time and revenue estimates 63% of the time, showcasing the company's strong capability in managing market expectations effectively.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen no upward revisions but four downward adjustments, while revenue estimates experienced two upward and two downward revisions, potentially reflecting a cautious market outlook on the company's future performance.
See More
Crown Holdings Announces 2025 Sustainability Award Winners, Enhancing Energy Efficiency
- Sustainable Manufacturing Award: The Ponta Grossa aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Brazil won for implementing energy-efficient methods, including a heat exchange system that aims to reuse residual heat, significantly enhancing resource efficiency and reinforcing the company's leadership in sustainable manufacturing.
- Safety and Employee Engagement Award: The Izmit aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Turkey was recognized for its investment in modernizing the air system, resulting in improved working conditions and reduced temperatures, demonstrating the company's commitment to employee safety and health.
- Innovation in Sustainability Award: Signode Virton in Belgium won for launching plastic stretch film with 30% post-consumer recycled content, reducing fossil fuel dependency and aligning with Crown's Twentyby30 climate action goals, showcasing innovation in the packaging industry.
- Global Sustainability Commitment: CEO Timothy Donahue emphasized the global team's efforts in reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption, reflecting the company's strong commitment to sustainability and driving future business growth and environmental responsibility.
See More
Crown Holdings Announces 2025 Sustainability Awards Winners, Brazil Plant Recognized
- Sustainable Manufacturing Award: The Ponta Grossa aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Brazil won for implementing energy-efficient methods, including a heat exchange system that aims to reuse residual heat, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs, thereby reinforcing the company's leadership in sustainability.
- Safety/Employee Engagement Award: The Izmit aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Turkey was recognized for its investment in modernizing its air system, which improved working conditions and reduced summer temperatures, thereby enhancing employee satisfaction and demonstrating the company's commitment to safety and health.
- Innovation in Sustainability Award: Signode Virton in Belgium was awarded for launching plastic stretch film with 30% post-consumer recycled content, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and aligning with Crown's Climate Action goals under the Twentyby30 program, showcasing innovation in the packaging industry.
- Other Winners: SS Metals in Singapore was honored for transitioning to an LED ink curing system, significantly reducing carbon emissions and creating substantial annual energy cost savings, reflecting Crown's commitment to driving sustainability globally.
See More
UBS Downgrades Crown Holdings to Neutral Amid Slowing Earnings Growth
- Earnings Growth Slowdown: UBS downgraded Crown Holdings (CCK) from Buy to Neutral, citing a slowdown in earnings growth as the beverage can maker ramps up investment to meet demand while operating near full capacity, with adjusted EPS growth expected to decline to about 6% over the next two years.
- High Capacity Utilization: While global beverage can demand remains strong, Crown (CCK) is operating close to full capacity, leading to pressures from startup costs and lower initial margins on new facilities, resulting in a 2% and 4% reduction in EPS forecasts for 2026 and 2027, respectively.
- Solid Cash Flow: Despite the weakening earnings momentum, UBS highlighted that Crown (CCK)'s cash generation remains a key support for the stock, estimating free cash flow of approximately $750 million annually, implying a free cash flow yield of about 5% that is expected to grow over time.
- Limited Valuation Upside: UBS maintained its $126 price target, applying a 9.5 times enterprise value to EBITDA multiple, with the stock trading near the upper end of Crown (CCK)'s recent valuation range, necessitating attention to risks from declining earnings or cost pressures.
See More
Crown Holdings Reports Strong Q4 2025 Earnings with Strategic Outlook
- Significant Earnings Growth: Crown Holdings reported Q4 2025 earnings per share of $1.31, down from $3.02 in the prior year, yet adjusted EPS rose 9% to $1.74, showcasing the company's resilience and profitability in challenging conditions.
- Record Cash Flow: The company achieved a record free cash flow of $1.146 billion in 2025, up from $814 million in 2024, reflecting strong operational efficiency and capital management, providing a solid foundation for future investments and shareholder returns.
- Commitment to Strategic Investments: Management reiterated its focus on responsibly investing to support partners' growth while committing to gradually increasing dividends and returning $625 million to shareholders through disciplined share repurchases, highlighting its dedication to shareholder value.
- Optimistic Outlook: Crown Holdings projects adjusted EPS for 2026 to be between $1.70 and $1.80, with full-year free cash flow estimated at approximately $900 million, and despite challenges from inflation and start-up costs, management maintains a cautiously optimistic view on growth in North America and Europe.
See More
Crown Holdings Q4 Earnings Exceed Expectations
- Strong Performance: Crown Holdings reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $1.74, beating expectations by $0.04, which reflects the company's robust profitability and enhances investor confidence.
- Revenue Growth: The company achieved Q4 revenue of $3.13 billion, a 7.9% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $140 million, indicating sustained demand in the packaging sector that drives overall performance.
- 2026 Outlook: Crown Holdings anticipates adjusted diluted EPS for 2026 to be in the range of $7.90 to $8.30, reflecting an optimistic outlook on future profitability, alongside an expected free cash flow of approximately $900 million, showcasing strong cash generation capabilities.
- Rising Aluminum Demand: The increasing usage of aluminum cans further supports Crown's results, as credit reports indicate that this trend will continue to drive growth, solidifying the company's competitive position in the packaging market.
See More
Crown Holdings Set to Release Q4 Earnings on February 4th
- Earnings Announcement: Crown Holdings (CCK) is set to announce its Q4 earnings on February 4th after market close, with a consensus EPS estimate of $1.70, reflecting a 6.9% year-over-year growth, indicating stable profitability trends for the company.
- Revenue Expectations: The revenue estimate for Q4 stands at $2.99 billion, representing a 3.1% year-over-year increase, which highlights the ongoing demand in the packaging sector, particularly with rising aluminum can usage.
- Performance Beat Record: Over the past two years, Crown Holdings has exceeded EPS estimates 88% of the time and revenue estimates 63% of the time, showcasing the company's strong capability in managing market expectations effectively.
- Estimate Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen no upward revisions but four downward adjustments, while revenue estimates experienced two upward and two downward revisions, potentially reflecting a cautious market outlook on the company's future performance.
See More
Crown Holdings Announces 2025 Sustainability Award Winners, Enhancing Energy Efficiency
- Sustainable Manufacturing Award: The Ponta Grossa aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Brazil won for implementing energy-efficient methods, including a heat exchange system that aims to reuse residual heat, significantly enhancing resource efficiency and reinforcing the company's leadership in sustainable manufacturing.
- Safety and Employee Engagement Award: The Izmit aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Turkey was recognized for its investment in modernizing the air system, resulting in improved working conditions and reduced temperatures, demonstrating the company's commitment to employee safety and health.
- Innovation in Sustainability Award: Signode Virton in Belgium won for launching plastic stretch film with 30% post-consumer recycled content, reducing fossil fuel dependency and aligning with Crown's Twentyby30 climate action goals, showcasing innovation in the packaging industry.
- Global Sustainability Commitment: CEO Timothy Donahue emphasized the global team's efforts in reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption, reflecting the company's strong commitment to sustainability and driving future business growth and environmental responsibility.
See More
Crown Holdings Announces 2025 Sustainability Awards Winners, Brazil Plant Recognized
- Sustainable Manufacturing Award: The Ponta Grossa aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Brazil won for implementing energy-efficient methods, including a heat exchange system that aims to reuse residual heat, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs, thereby reinforcing the company's leadership in sustainability.
- Safety/Employee Engagement Award: The Izmit aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Turkey was recognized for its investment in modernizing its air system, which improved working conditions and reduced summer temperatures, thereby enhancing employee satisfaction and demonstrating the company's commitment to safety and health.
- Innovation in Sustainability Award: Signode Virton in Belgium was awarded for launching plastic stretch film with 30% post-consumer recycled content, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and aligning with Crown's Climate Action goals under the Twentyby30 program, showcasing innovation in the packaging industry.
- Other Winners: SS Metals in Singapore was honored for transitioning to an LED ink curing system, significantly reducing carbon emissions and creating substantial annual energy cost savings, reflecting Crown's commitment to driving sustainability globally.
See More
