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Oct 01, 2023

Sonoco Q3 2023 Earnings Report

Sonoco's Q3 2023 results benefited from better than expected productivity and cost management, achieving sequential growth in sales, net income, and Adjusted EBITDA.

Key Takeaways

Sonoco reported Q3 2023 results with a net sales of $1.7 billion. GAAP earnings per share was $1.32 and adjusted earnings per share was $1.46. The company generated $617 million of operating cash flow in the first nine months of 2023. They raised full-year Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA guidance based on improved productivity and cost controls.

Achieved fully diluted earnings per share of $1.32 and Adjusted earnings per share (diluted) of $1.46.

Generated sequential growth in Sales, Net Income, and Adjusted EBITDA and improved Net Income Margin and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to 7.6% and 16.4%, respectively.

Continued near record results in the flexible packaging and the rigid paper container businesses in the Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging segments.

Generated $617 million of operating cash flow in the first nine months of 2023 due to strong GAAP Net Income and disciplined working capital management.

Total Revenue
$1.71B
Previous year: $1.89B
-9.5%
EPS
$1.46
Previous year: $1.6
-8.8%
Gross Profit
$364M
Previous year: $367M
-0.8%
Cash and Equivalents
$258M
Previous year: $182M
+41.6%
Free Cash Flow
$257M
Previous year: $91.3M
+181.2%
Total Assets
$7.27B
Previous year: $6.98B
+4.2%

Sonoco

Sonoco

Sonoco Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

For the fourth quarter, Sonoco expects seasonally lower demand volumes and unfavorable index-based pricing impacts. They are raising full year Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Earnings guidance based on year-to-date results and their fourth quarter guidance. Additionally, they are expecting full year operating cash flow to be $850 - $900 million and free cash flow to be $600 - $690 million based on lower operating cash flow and lower capital expenses.

Positive Outlook

  • Raising full year Adjusted EPS guidance based on year-to-date results and fourth quarter guidance.
  • Expecting full year operating cash flow to be $850 - $900 million.
  • Expecting free cash flow to be $600 - $690 million.
  • Focused on supporting customers.
  • Focused on continuous improvement programs.

Challenges Ahead

  • Expect seasonally lower demand volumes in the fourth quarter.
  • Expect unfavorable index-based pricing impacts in the fourth quarter.
  • Weak macroeconomic backdrop.
  • Inflationary pricing pressures impact year-over-year demand in the Consumer segment.
  • Metal aerosol cans were below forecasts on persistent end market demand softness.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income