Amcor shares have surged 30% since May. Buy, hold or sell?

Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) global packaging giant closed yesterday trading for $67.48. In morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $66.79 apiece, down 1.0%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.2% at this same time.

Taking a step back, Amcor shares are down 10.3% over the past 12 months, trailing the 4.6% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

Though that doesn't include the passive income Amcor offers investors.

With Amcor's acquisition of United States based Berry Global now complete, Amcor – which pays quarterly dividends – has declared its first two unfranked interim dividends in 2026, totalling $1.84 a share.

Based on those dividends, Amcor stock trades on an estimated annualised dividend yield of 5.5%.

And shareholders in the ASX 200 stock will have enjoyed a strong comeback over the last three months, with the share price up 29.9% since Amcor notched a multi-year closing low of $51.43 a share on 20 May.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

Should I buy Amcor shares today?

Shaw and Partners' James Bills and Bell Potter Securities' Christopher Watt both recently analysed the outlook for the ASX 200 company (courtesy of The Bull).

"Amcor remains a global leader in packaging, supported by a diversified customer base, a defensive earnings profile and cash flow generation," Bills said.

"The business benefits from steady packaging demand for products, including food, beverages, health care and consumer products," he added. "Diversity assists in reducing sensitivity to economic cycles."

Noting the defensive nature of the business and the attractive passive income it offers, Bills issued a hold recommendation on Amcor shares. He concluded:

While earnings growth is expected to remain relatively modest, the company continues to provide investors with reliable income and operational stability. Given its defensive characteristics and attractive dividend yield, maintaining a hold position remains appropriate.

Bell Potter Securities' Watt also issued a hold recommendation on the resurgent ASX 200 stock for now.

"The packaging giant holds market leading positions across consumer and health care products," he said. "Its presence extends to more than 40 countries. "

"Amcor is managing input cost inflation well, passing through raw material increases faster than expected," he added.

Summarising his hold recommendation on Amcor shares, Watt said:

However, volumes remain relatively soft and free cash flow is squeezed by elevated inventory levels held to protect customer supplies. Re-rating catalysts, including volume stabilisation and paying down debt, are visible on the horizon, but not yet confirmed in recent numbers.

The post Amcor shares have surged 30% since May. Buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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