AptarGroup, GualapackGroup To Launch No-Spill Pouch Solution

AptarGroup, Inc.’s (NYSE:ATR) Food + Beverage unit and GualapackGroup have agreed to jointly launch their first premade no-spill spouted pouch solution for the European beverage market. Aptar Food + Beverage is a global leader in innovative dispensing solutions in the beverage market while GualapackGroup is a leader in premade spouted pouches.

The no-spill pouch, which was introduced in Germany, offers safety and convenience of Aptar’s SimpliSqueeze valve in GualapackGroup’s squeezable and easy-to-use spouted pouch called Cheer Pack. Aptar’s SimpliSqueeze valve is a globally top-selling valve system. The Cheer Pack premade pouch is also a top-selling solution.

This new product offers a unique packaging solution that provides an innovative beverage delivery package fosr juices, flavored water or drinkable yogurts, among others. These can be efficiently filled and closed using GualapackGroup’s system of premade pouches, caps and filling lines.

AptarGroup has outperformed the Zacks categorized Containers - Paper and Packaging industry over the past six months. The stock has gained 9.1%, while the industry recorded 4.4% growth during the same time frame.

AptarGroup reported first-quarter 2017 earnings per share of 77 cents, up 4% year over year. Earnings also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 75 cents. Total revenue in the Food and Beverage segment dipped 3% year over year to $81.9 million and operating income declined 23% year over year to $7.14 million.

For second-quarter 2017, AptarGroup expects earnings in the range of $0.92–$0.97. Comparable earnings per share for the prior-year quarter were approximately 87 cents.

AptarGroup will benefit from its commitment to cost containment across business segments, while focusing on key areas such as innovation, sales, marketing and new business development.

However, the company’s Food + Beverage segment continues to be impacted by lower beverage sales volumes in China. Geopolitical and economic uncertainty is causing some customers to reduce inventory levels, decrease promotional spending and delay projects. The company’s stretched valuation is another concern.

AptarGroup, Inc. Price and Consensus

AptarGroup, Inc. Price and Consensus | AptarGroup, Inc. Quote

AptarGroup currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Other Stocks to Consider

Other top-ranked companies in the industrial product space include Caterpillar, Inc. (NYSE:CAT) , Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) and Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) . You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Caterpillar has expected long-term growth of 9.5%.

Deere & Company has expected long-term growth of 7.6%.

Parker-Hannifin has expected long-term growth of 9.4%.

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