Crown Holdings Inc
NYSE:CCK
Crown Holdings Inc
Once upon a time in the bustling world of consumer goods packaging, Crown Holdings Inc. emerged as a formidable leader, known for its resilience and adaptability in serving a global audience. Originally established as Crown Cork & Seal Company, it steadily evolved beyond its origins of producing bottle caps and metal containers. Today, this Philadelphia-based company stands as a titan, boasting an extensive network of operations spanning over 40 countries. Crown Holdings' business narrative is rooted in its ability to manufacture a diverse array of packaging solutions, primarily for the food and beverage industries. The company specializes in iconic, everyday metal cans, innovating continually to enhance sustainability and functionality.
Crown Holdings generates its revenue by crafting metal packaging solutions that cater to an international demand for convenience, safety, and sustainability. The company's value proposition lies in its ability to produce lightweight, yet durable, reusable and recyclable products. These offerings have found their place in a variety of sectors beyond beverages and food, including health and beauty, and industrial products. Crown strategically capitalizes on trends such as the increasing shift towards eco-friendly packaging, leveraging advanced manufacturing practices to optimize cost efficiency and environmental impact. It's this combination of innovation in product development and strategic market positioning that enables Crown Holdings to maintain its competitive edge and solidify its role as a critical player in the packaging industry.
Once upon a time in the bustling world of consumer goods packaging, Crown Holdings Inc. emerged as a formidable leader, known for its resilience and adaptability in serving a global audience. Originally established as Crown Cork & Seal Company, it steadily evolved beyond its origins of producing bottle caps and metal containers. Today, this Philadelphia-based company stands as a titan, boasting an extensive network of operations spanning over 40 countries. Crown Holdings' business narrative is rooted in its ability to manufacture a diverse array of packaging solutions, primarily for the food and beverage industries. The company specializes in iconic, everyday metal cans, innovating continually to enhance sustainability and functionality.
Crown Holdings generates its revenue by crafting metal packaging solutions that cater to an international demand for convenience, safety, and sustainability. The company's value proposition lies in its ability to produce lightweight, yet durable, reusable and recyclable products. These offerings have found their place in a variety of sectors beyond beverages and food, including health and beauty, and industrial products. Crown strategically capitalizes on trends such as the increasing shift towards eco-friendly packaging, leveraging advanced manufacturing practices to optimize cost efficiency and environmental impact. It's this combination of innovation in product development and strategic market positioning that enables Crown Holdings to maintain its competitive edge and solidify its role as a critical player in the packaging industry.
Adjusted EPS Growth: Adjusted earnings per share for Q4 were $1.74, up 9% from $1.59 last year, despite headwinds from inflation and start-up costs.
Strong Cash Flow: Crown delivered record free cash flow of $1.146 billion in 2025, a $332 million increase over 2024, driven by higher EBITDA and lower pension contributions.
Volume Increases: Global beverage can volumes rose 3% in Q4, with particularly strong 10% growth in Europe and 1% growth in Americas Beverage.
2026 Guidance: Full-year adjusted EPS for 2026 is projected at $7.90–$8.30, with Q1 projected at $1.70–$1.80. Free cash flow is expected to be around $900 million after $550 million in capital spending.
Capital Allocation: The company returned $625 million to shareholders in 2025 and plans to buy back $650 million in stock in 2026, while maintaining a net leverage target of 2.5x.
Capacity Investments: Major capital projects underway in Brazil, Greece, and Spain are expected to drive further growth, with most volume impact from these coming in 2027.
Healthy Margins: Margins remain solid across businesses despite inflation, with double-digit or low teens margins maintained in Transit Packaging.
