Overview
Raymond James released an analyst note identifying its top picks in the packaging sector, highlighting beverage‑can manufacturers and specialty dispensing companies as the leading opportunities. The firm observes that the packaging sector has risen an average of 6% since the first‑quarter 2026 earnings season, with volume trends broadly aligning with prior guidance.
Cost Environment
The note states that oil and resin prices have retreated, easing cost pressures for many packaging firms. Conversely, paper‑based packaging faces headwinds as the price of old corrugated containers has increased by roughly $15‑20 per ton since the guidance issuance. Raymond James believes beverage‑can manufacturers remain largely insulated from these cost fluctuations.
Crown Holdings Inc.
Crown Holdings is highlighted as the most favorably positioned company heading into the second‑quarter 2026 results. The analysts cite higher North‑American growth in 2026, the prospect of a repeat strong performance in Asia following a first‑quarter surprise, and favorable exposure to Southern Europe. They note limited downside from the company’s Gulf operation and a modest upside potential from slight deflation, although the second‑half 2026 guidance already incorporates a $0.05 per share inflationary headwind. Crown reported first‑quarter adjusted earnings that beat analyst estimates, prompting JPMorgan to upgrade the stock to Overweight from Neutral, citing a tightening supply‑and‑demand balance in the beverage‑can market.
Silgan Holdings Inc.
Silgan Holdings is described as having volumes broadly tracking expectations with no major concerns. The firm expects the second half of 2026 to accelerate dispensing and specialty‑closures volumes, driven by continued strength in high‑margin beauty and fragrance categories. Silgan’s guidance is said to embed ample conservatism on costs, and recent declines in resin prices could provide upside. The company announced first‑quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded expectations, leading it to raise its fiscal‑2026 guidance. In response, RBC Capital increased its price target for Silgan.
AptarGroup Inc.
AptarGroup is projected to see slightly positive pharmaceutical core sales in the second quarter of 2026, with acceleration anticipated in the second half of the year. Raymond James believes pharmaceutical core sales found a bottom in the first quarter of 2026, suggesting valuation floor support and sequential improvement. For 2027, the analysts forecast pharmaceutical core sales to return to the long‑term growth range of 7‑11%. AptarGroup posted first‑quarter earnings and revenue ahead of forecasts, and BofA Securities upgraded the stock to Buy from Neutral, noting that difficult destocking comparisons are nearing completion.
Publication Details
The article, authored by Louis Juricic and published on 17‑07‑2026 at 11:56 pm, was generated with AI support and reviewed by an editor. It appears on Investing.com under the “Stock Market” category.