Amcor reaffirms fiscal 2024 outlook
Amcor CEO Ron Delia said: "Solid fiscal 2024 second quarter and first half execution led to adjusted free cash flow ahead of last year and adjusted earnings per share modestly above our expectations set out in October, despite challenging market conditions. This leaves us on track to achieve our full year earnings and cash flow guidance for the 2024 fiscal year, which we are reaffirming today.
Second quarter volumes were slightly lower than we anticipated at the beginning of the quarter, as destocking accelerated, particularly in the month of December, and demand remained soft. Against this backdrop, our teams responded by proactively taking actions to further reduce cost. We have seen volumes improve in January relative to the first half and we expect the business to build momentum in the second half, including delivering mid-single digit adjusted earnings growth in the fiscal fourth quarter. Confidence in our earnings outlook is based on known second half benefits related to the elimination of earnings headwinds from the sale of our Russia business, a lower interest expense headwind, and our structural cost reduction and productivity initiatives.
Our underlying businesses are strong and we believe we are well-positioned in our markets. We are confident in our strategy for long term value creation and will continue to invest in the business for organic growth, including in faster growing, higher margin markets, pursue acquisitions or repurchase shares, and return cash to shareholders through a compelling and growing dividend."