Smurfit WestRock plc(SW)

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Smurfit WestRock plc(SW) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-02-12 19:21
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong fourth quarter performance with adjusted EBITDA of USD 1.166 billion and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.5% [9][29] - For the full year 2024, the combined adjusted EBITDA outcome was USD 4.706 billion, consistent with prior guidance [9][52] - Net sales for the fourth quarter exceeded USD 7.5 billion, with adjusted free cash flow of almost USD 260 million [29][71] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America operations delivered sales of USD 4.6 billion with adjusted EBITDA of USD 710 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.4% [30][72] - EMEA and APAC division reported sales of USD 2.5 billion, adjusted EBITDA of USD 371 million, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.7% [33][75] - Latin America segment achieved sales of USD 0.5 billion, adjusted EBITDA of USD 121 million, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of over 23% [35][77] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, corrugated box pricing increased year-on-year, while box volumes remained stable [31][73] - EMEA and APAC saw box volumes increase by 1% on an absolute basis, with prices broadly unchanged [34][76] - Latin America experienced a 3% decline in box volumes on a same-day basis, primarily due to market conditions in Argentina [36][78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the go-to sustainable packaging partner with a focus on innovation and efficiency [11][44] - A synergy program is expected to exceed USD 400 million, with benefits realized in the current and next year [17][60] - The company is committed to a decentralized operational model, empowering local managers with P&L responsibility [15][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong positioning and ability to capitalize on market opportunities [26][68] - The company anticipates delivering an adjusted EBITDA of approximately USD 1.25 billion for the first quarter of 2025 [42][83] - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in the market but emphasized the long-term growth potential of the sustainable packaging industry [47][88] Other Important Information - The company has over 100,000 employees operating in 40 countries, generating net sales of over USD 31 billion last year [12][54] - The board approved a quarterly dividend increase from USD 0.3025 to USD 0.4308 per share, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns [39][81] - Capital expenditure for 2025 is projected to be between USD 2.2 billion and USD 2.4 billion, well ahead of depreciation [19][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on box volumes in North America and contract discussions - Management noted that the value over volume strategy has been implemented without significant negative effects on volumes, but some volume degradation is expected as core issues are addressed [92][94] Question: Feedback on price increases in the European containerboard market - Management indicated that margins in Europe have outperformed competitors despite falling paper prices, with price increases expected to be implemented [100][102] Question: Details on operational and commercial improvement opportunities - Management highlighted that many businesses were previously underselling, and by focusing on better operational practices, significant improvements are anticipated [110][112]
Smurfit WestRock plc(SW) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-02-12 17:56
2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results February 12, 2025 Definitions Smurfit Westrock uses the non-GAAP financial measures "Adjusted EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" to evaluate its overall performance. The composition of Adjusted EBITDA is not addressed or prescribed by GAAP. Smurfit Westrock defines Adjusted EBITDA as income before income taxes, unallocated corporate costs, depreciation, depletion and amortization, interest expense, net, pension and other postretirement non-service (benefit) expens ...
Smurfit Westrock Q4 Earnings Miss Estimates, Sales Skyrockets Y/Y
ZACKS· 2025-02-12 16:41
Core Insights - Smurfit Westrock Plc reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings of 28 cents per share, an increase from 19 cents in the same quarter last year, but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents [1][10] - The company was formed by the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock on July 5, 2024, and results are reported as a unified entity starting from the third quarter of 2024 [2] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q4 surged 163.4% year over year to $7.54 billion, although it fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.80 billion [3] - Cost of sales increased by 182.1% to $6.1 billion, while gross profit rose 105.7% to $1.44 billion [4] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $1.17 billion, a 161% increase from the previous year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.5%, slightly down from 15.6% [4] Segment Performance - Europe, MEA & APAC segment sales were $2.52 billion, up 17.4% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $371 million, a 4.8% increase [5] - North America segment sales skyrocketed to $4.59 billion from $0.38 billion in the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $710 million from $72 million [6] - LATAM segment sales increased by 52.8% to $524 million, with adjusted EBITDA soaring 112.8% to $121 million [7] Cash Position and Balance Sheet - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2024 were $0.86 million, down from $1 billion at the end of 2023 [8] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $781 million, compared to $611 million in the same quarter last year [8] - Adjusted free cash flow at the end of 2024 was $257 million, down from $391 million in the previous year [8] Annual Performance - For 2024, adjusted earnings were reported at 74 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.66, down from $3.30 in the previous year [10] - Net sales for the year increased by 74.6% to $21.11 billion, but also fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $30.90 billion [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $4.7 billion, aligning with company guidance [10] Stock Performance - Smurfit Westrock's shares have increased by 34.7% over the past six months, compared to the industry's growth of 34.2% [11]
Smurfit Westrock (SW) Q4 Earnings and Revenues Miss Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-02-12 13:51
Company Performance - Smurfit Westrock reported quarterly earnings of $0.34 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.68 per share, representing an earnings surprise of -50% [1] - The company posted revenues of $7.54 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.32%, compared to year-ago revenues of $4.62 billion [2] - Over the last four quarters, Smurfit Westrock has surpassed consensus EPS estimates just once and has not beaten consensus revenue estimates during the same period [2] Stock Outlook - The stock has lost about 0.4% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 3.2% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.89 on $8 billion in revenues, and for the current fiscal year, it is $3.28 on $31.98 billion in revenues [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Smurfit Westrock is currently unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) for the stock, indicating expected underperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Paper and Related Products industry, to which Smurfit Westrock belongs, is currently in the bottom 44% of the Zacks industry rankings [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, suggesting that industry outlook can significantly impact stock performance [5][8]
Smurfit WestRock plc(SW) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Results
2025-02-12 11:37
Financial Performance - Fourth quarter Net Sales reached approximately $7.5 billion, a significant increase from $2.86 billion in the same period last year[2] - Fourth quarter Net Income was $146 million, with a Net Income Margin of 1.9%, compared to $50 million and a margin of 1.8% in the prior year[2] - Full year Net Income totaled $319 million, down from $826 million in the previous year[9] - The company reported a net income of $146 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $50 million for the same period in 2023, representing a 192% increase[30] - For the three months ended December 31, 2024, Smurfit Westrock reported a net income of $146 million, compared to $50 million for the same period in 2023, reflecting a significant increase[37] - The company reported a net income margin of 1.0% for the combined entity, indicating a need for improved profitability measures[39] EBITDA and Margins - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter was $1,166 million, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 15.5%, slightly down from 15.6% in the previous year[2] - For the full year, the company reported a Combined Adjusted EBITDA of $4.7 billion, aligning with previously stated guidance[3] - The total Adjusted EBITDA for the company was $1,202 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $483 million in the same period of 2023, reflecting an increase of about 148%[28] - Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $3,386 million, up from $2,128 million in 2023, indicating a strong year-over-year growth[37] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, reached $4,706 million, with Combined Net Sales of $30,904 million, resulting in a Combined Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 15.2%[39] - The Adjusted EBITDA margin for the North America segment was 15.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 18.7% for the same period in 2023[28] - The Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was 15.5%, slightly down from 15.6% in the same period of 2023[37] Sales Growth - Total net sales for the company were $7,638 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, up from $2,874 million in the same period of 2023, representing a growth of approximately 165%[28] - North America segment net sales reached $4,593 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $384 million for the same period in 2023, marking a significant increase[28] - The LATAM segment net sales increased to $524 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from $343 million in the same period of 2023, reflecting a growth of approximately 53%[28] Operational Efficiency and Cost Management - The synergy program is on track to deliver $400 million in savings by the end of 2025, with additional operational and commercial opportunities identified[4] - The company incurred transaction and integration-related expenses of $531 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, as part of its Combination strategy[39] - Restructuring costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, totaled $118 million, reflecting ongoing operational adjustments[39] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Adjusted Free Cash Flow for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $257 million, compared to $391 million for the same period in 2023[41] - Net cash provided by operating activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $1,483 million, down from $1,559 million in 2023[41] Company Overview - The company has approximately 100,000 employees across 40 countries, emphasizing its global reach and scale in the paper-based packaging market[14] - The company is focused on creating a performance-led culture and is optimistic about future opportunities, subject to macroeconomic and climate risks[6] Assets and Liabilities - The company's total assets increased to $43,759 million as of December 31, 2024, from $14,051 million as of December 31, 2023, showing a growth of approximately 211%[29] - The company’s total liabilities rose to $26,372 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $7,877 million as of December 31, 2023, indicating an increase of about 234%[29] Management Perspective - Smurfit Westrock's management emphasizes the importance of non-GAAP measures like Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow for evaluating ongoing performance and liquidity[34]
Smurfit Westrock is Set to Report Q4 Earnings: What's in Store?
ZACKS· 2025-02-06 18:46
Core Viewpoint - Smurfit Westrock PLC is set to report its fourth-quarter 2024 results on February 12, 2024, with expectations of significant revenue growth driven by increased demand for corrugated packaging [1][4]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Smurfit Westrock's revenues is $7.80 billion, reflecting a 68.8% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3]. - The earnings per share estimate stands at 67 cents, up from 20 cents year-over-year [3]. - The consensus earnings estimate has decreased by 6% over the past 30 days [3]. Market Trends - The company has benefited from a resurgence in corrugated demand in North America and Europe, which is anticipated to positively influence fourth-quarter performance [4]. - Stable demand for corrugated packaging and containerboard, particularly for essential items like food and medicines, has supported the industry [5]. - Growth in e-commerce and the rising preference for paper as a sustainable packaging solution are also favorable trends for Smurfit Westrock [5]. Cost Factors - Increased costs related to recovered fiber, labor, and distribution, especially in Europe, are expected to negatively impact margins [6]. - Merger-related costs may disrupt free cash flow margins and affect overall performance in the fourth quarter [6]. - Pricing actions and cost-saving initiatives are anticipated to mitigate some of these challenges [6]. Earnings Prediction - The current Earnings ESP for Smurfit Westrock is -13.00%, indicating a lower likelihood of an earnings beat this quarter [7]. - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting a cautious outlook [8]. Stock Performance - Smurfit Westrock's shares have increased by 2.6% over the past three months, contrasting with a 1.8% decline in the broader industry [9].
Smurfit Westrock (SW) Reports Next Week: Wall Street Expects Earnings Growth
ZACKS· 2025-02-05 16:05
Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates Smurfit Westrock (SW) will report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected on February 12, 2025, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.67, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 235% [3]. - Revenues are projected to reach $7.8 billion, marking a 68.8% increase from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 9.18%, indicating a bearish sentiment among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [4][10]. - The Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -13% [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model suggests that a positive or negative reading indicates the likelihood of actual earnings deviating from consensus estimates, with positive readings being more predictive of earnings beats [6][7]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 have historically shown a nearly 70% chance of delivering a positive surprise [8]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Smurfit Westrock was expected to post earnings of $0.71 per share but only achieved $0.48, resulting in a surprise of -32.39% [12]. - The company has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once in the last four quarters [13]. Conclusion - Smurfit Westrock does not currently appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, and investors should consider other factors when making decisions regarding the stock ahead of the earnings release [16].
Sodexo - Monthly disclosure on share capital and voting rights on January 31, 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-02-04 17:00
Regulated information Issy-les-Moulineaux, February 4, 2025 Monthly disclosure on share capital and voting rights Pursuant to Article L.233-8-II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers Registered name of the issuer: SODEXO255, quai de la Bataille de Stalingrad – 92130 ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX DateTotal number of sharesActual voting rights *Theoretical voting rights **January 31, 2025147,454,887217,413,249218,512,432 * Actual voting rights: ...
Sodexo - Interim report on liquidity contract as of December 31, 2024
Globenewswire· 2025-01-20 17:00
Regulated information Issy-les-Moulineaux, January 20, 2025 Interim report on liquidity contract as of December 31, 2024 Under the liquidity contract entrusted by Sodexo to BNP Paribas Arbitrage, the following assets were booked to the liquidity account as of December 31, 2024: 25,392 shares€14,423,130 During the 2nd semester, the following were traded: Bought: 359,601 shares for €28,862,832 (4,110 transactions)Sold: 363,244 shares for €29,334,581 (4,498 transactions) As a reminder, 1 - The liquidity contra ...
Sodexo Q1 Fiscal 2025 Revenues: a soft start to the year, as expected
Globenewswire· 2025-01-07 06:00
Revenue Performance - Q1 Fiscal 2025 consolidated revenues reached 6 4 billion euros, up +1 9% year-on-year, with organic growth of +4 6% [5][16] - Organic growth was driven by Food services, which grew +5 7%, while FM services grew +2 4% or +3 5% excluding last year's Rugby World Cup ticketing activity [18] - Underlying organic growth, adjusted for the Rugby World Cup and Paralympics, was +4 9% [17] Geographic Performance - North America achieved organic growth of +5 9%, driven by strong performance in Sodexo Live! and Corporate services, though Education was impacted by lower university volumes [6][20] - Europe grew +2 0% organically, or +2 7% excluding sporting events, with Healthcare & Seniors showing positive momentum [8][25] - Rest of the World grew +6 4% organically, led by robust growth in India, Brazil, and Australia, while China showed gradual recovery [6][30] Segment Performance - Sodexo Live! in North America grew +24 8%, driven by increased attendance at conference centers, stadiums, and airline lounges [22] - Healthcare & Seniors in Europe grew +7 4%, supported by volume growth and price revisions [28] - Business & Administrations in Rest of the World grew +6 0%, with strong performance in India and Australia [31] Strategic Initiatives - The company completed the acquisition of CRH Catering, strengthening its InReach offering on the U S East Coast [8] - Sodexo continues to advance its sustainability goals, including the Sustainable Food Barometer and the Cook For Change challenge [8] - The company is assessing the carbon impact of its recipes through a partnership with Eaternity, with implementation underway in the U S and UK & Ireland [8] Financial Outlook - Full-year guidance for Fiscal 2025 is maintained, with organic revenue growth expected between +5 5% and +6 5% [9] - Underlying operating profit margin is anticipated to grow by +30 to +40 bps at constant exchange rates [9] Leadership Changes - Anna Notarianni, Group Chief Impact Officer, left the company after 26 years, with her responsibilities integrated into Marc Rolland's role [8] - Dominique Guilhem was appointed Group Chief Strategy Officer, joining the Sodexo Leadership Team [8]