PCA Q4 2022 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Packaging Corporation of America reported a net income of $212 million, or $2.31 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2022. Net sales for the quarter were $1.98 billion. The company's performance was influenced by lower packaging demand, which was offset by effective cost management and price increases in the paper segment.
Q4 2022 net income was $212 million, or $2.31 per share.
Net sales for Q4 2022 reached $1.98 billion.
Packaging segment experienced lower demand, but was offset by cost management.
Paper segment benefited from price increases announced in the third quarter.
PCA
PCA
PCA Revenue by Segment
Forward Guidance
PCA anticipates first quarter earnings of $2.23 per share, considering factors such as box demand, pricing adjustments, labor costs, chemical prices, and benefits from share repurchases.
Positive Outlook
- Box demand expected to be similar to fourth quarter levels.
- Higher total volume with corrugated plants having four additional shipping days.
- Paper prices should move slightly higher with sales volume fairly flat.
- Expect lower wood and recycled fiber prices.
- Expect lower energy prices and lower scheduled maintenance outage expenses.
Challenges Ahead
- Prices will move lower as a result of the recent decreases in the published domestic containerboard prices, and we are assuming lower export prices as well.
- Labor costs and certain indirect costs will increase as some containerboard mill operations were temporarily idled during the fourth quarter.
- Anticipate higher labor and benefits costs and other timing-related expenses that occur at the beginning of a new year.
- Expect higher prices for many chemicals, particularly starch and caustic soda.
- Expect higher interest and non-operating pension expenses and a higher tax rate.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income