Ardagh Metal Packaging saw its global beverage can shipment grow by 3% in the second quarter of 2021.

Ardagh Group’s metal beverage packaging subsidiary reported strong overall results for Q2, with earnings jumping 24%.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose to $173 million (€145.7 million) for the quarter, driven by strong sales growth in speciality cans.

AMP took a $15 million hit from a cyberattack in May that forced the wider Ardagh Group to shut down systems, but was subsequently compensated by its parent company.

The company reported:

• Revenue growth of 14% at constant exchange rates to $991 million, with Americas increasing by 21% and Europe by 7%.
• Adjusted EBITDA growth for the quarter of 18% to $173 million at constant currency, with Americas increasing by 27% and Europe by 10%. LTM Adjusted EBITDA to June 30, 2021 increased to $613 million, from $545 million at December 31, 2020.
• Global beverage can shipment growth of 3% in the quarter, after a cyber security impact of 4%, and measured against a strong comparable. Year to date beverage can shipment growth of 5%.
• Specialty can growth of 16%, with double-digit gains in all regions. Specialty cans represented 46% of total shipments during the quarter, reflecting the Group’s continued investment program.
• Demand remained strong across all segments and output is fully sold in all regions, supported by our customers’ and end consumers’ desire for sustainable packaging solutions.
• Growth investment projects to address capacity constraints are progressing well in each of our markets, with two new high-speed specialty lines ramping up in Olive Branch (MS), and large projects under way in Winston-Salem (NC) and Huron (OH). Multiple growth projects underway and fully on track in Europe and Brazil.
• New $300 million ABL facility to be executed imminently, augmenting cash on hand of $0.6 billion at June 30, 2021.