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Sep 30, 2021

PCA Q3 2021 Earnings Report

Reported third quarter earnings with strong packaging segment demand and implemented price increases.

Key Takeaways

Packaging Corporation of America reported strong third quarter results, driven by robust demand in the packaging segment and successful implementation of price increases. The containerboard mills achieved an all-time quarterly sales volume record, and the box plants set new third quarter records for total corrugated products shipments and shipments per day.

Net income was $251 million, or $2.63 per share.

Net income excluding special items was $257 million, or $2.69 per share.

Net sales reached $2.0 billion compared to $1.7 billion in the previous year.

Packaging segment demand remained strong.

Total Revenue
$2B
Previous year: $1.69B
+18.1%
EPS
$2.69
Previous year: $1.57
+71.3%
Containerboard Production
1.26M
Previous year: 1.05M
+19.8%
Gross Profit
$511M
Previous year: $345M
+47.9%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.85B
Previous year: $949M
+94.8%
Free Cash Flow
$134M
Previous year: $196M
-31.6%
Total Assets
$8.63B
Previous year: $7.37B
+17.1%

PCA

PCA

PCA Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

The company expects fourth quarter earnings of $2.04 per share.

Positive Outlook

  • Continue to implement previously announced price increases for domestic containerboard, corrugated packaging, and paper.
  • Average export containerboard prices to move higher.

Challenges Ahead

  • Packaging segment volume will be lower due to three less shipping days as well as the scheduled outage at the DeRidder Mill.
  • Paper segment volume will be lower as the Jackson Mill is not expected to produce any paper grades.
  • Energy costs will increase due to higher gas prices and anticipated colder weather.
  • Wood costs, especially in our southern mills, will be higher due to the previous wet weather, low inventory and high demand.
  • Inflation to continue with most of our other operating and converting costs, along with higher freight and logistics expenses.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income