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Dec 31, 2024

PCA Q4 2024 Earnings Report

PCA reported Q4 2024 results with net sales of $2.1 billion and net income of $221 million.

Key Takeaways

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) reported strong fourth-quarter results for 2024, driven by robust demand in the Packaging segment. Record fourth-quarter total shipments and all-time record shipments per day were achieved. The company's corrugated products plants and mill containerboard system delivered exceptional performance, contributing to higher earnings.

PCA reported Q4 2024 net income of $221 million, or $2.45 per share.

Q4 net sales reached $2.1 billion, compared to $1.9 billion in 2023.

The Packaging segment experienced strong demand with record shipments.

The Paper segment saw volume and price/mix above last year’s levels.

Total Revenue
$2.15B
Previous year: $1.94B
+10.7%
EPS
$2.47
Previous year: $2.13
+16.0%
Gross Profit
$470M
Previous year: $410M
+14.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$852M
Previous year: $1.21B
-29.3%
Free Cash Flow
$124M
Previous year: $194M
-36.1%
Total Assets
$852M
Previous year: $1.21B
-29.3%

PCA

PCA

PCA Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

PCA anticipates first quarter earnings of $2.21 per share, excluding special items. The Packaging segment is expected to set new first-quarter records for total shipments and shipments-per-day, while the Paper segment forecasts slightly lower volume.

Positive Outlook

  • Packaging segment expects record shipments.
  • Higher domestic prices in the Packaging segment.
  • Stable export prices.
  • Lower scheduled outage expenses.
  • Lower corporate tax rate is assumed.

Challenges Ahead

  • Seasonally slower volume expected.
  • Price inflation across most operating costs.
  • Increased wood, energy, and chemical costs.
  • Higher labor and benefits costs.
  • Rail rate increases impacting freight expenses.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income