Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q4 2024 were $1.4 billion, up 1% on a constant currency basis, while full-year sales were $5.4 billion, down 1% at constant currency [36] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $271 million, down 1% year-over-year, with a full-year adjusted EBITDA of $1.11 billion, relatively flat compared to the prior year [36][39] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 was $0.75, down 15% year-over-year, while full-year adjusted EPS was $3.14, down 1% primarily due to higher tax expenses [37][38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food sales for Q4 were $923 million, up 5% on an organic basis, driven by volume growth in all regions [40] - Protective business net sales for Q4 were $450 million, down 7% from the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA of $67 million, down 26% [42] - Food adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $208 million, up 7% with a margin of 22.5%, while protective adjusted EBITDA margin was significantly lower due to volume declines [41][42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region saw a constant dollar growth of 1%, driven by food strength, while EMEA and APAC also reported similar growth rates [43] - The protective segment is expected to face challenges in the first half of 2025, with a projected full-year decline of approximately 2% [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to further unlock potential in each business segment, targeting mid-single-digit earnings growth and high cash flow conversion over the long term [14][15] - A focus on deleveraging the balance sheet to three times is planned, with a return to balanced capital allocation including disciplined M&A and shareholder returns [15] - The company is shifting its culture to become high-performing and accountable, with an emphasis on customer focus and operational excellence [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged increased volatility in the macro environment due to global trade uncertainties, input costs, and foreign exchange movements [17][33] - The food business is expected to continue its growth trajectory, while the protective segment is anticipated to stabilize and inflect in volumes in the second half of 2025 [29][30] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges and drive returns for stakeholders [33][54] Other Important Information - The company plans to close two plants by the end of the year to optimize its footprint [31] - Free cash flow for the year totaled $454 million, with a net leverage ratio of 3.6 times, down from a peak of 4.1 times [44][45] - Full-year 2025 free cash flow is expected to be approximately $400 million, reflecting strong cash generation despite higher restructuring payments [51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there parts of the protective business that will significantly drag on volumes? - Management indicated that the industrial portfolio is expected to continue underperforming, with some bright spots in shrink films and fulfillment [58][60] Question: Can you discuss the potential impacts of tariffs? - Management noted that most of the business is domestic production, minimizing potential tariff impacts, but adjustments in the supply chain may be necessary [65][66] Question: What are the initial priorities for the new CEO? - The focus will be on accelerating customer focus, stabilizing the protective business, and enhancing cost takeout initiatives [71][75] Question: What is the outlook for the protective segment in 2024? - The protective segment is expected to face challenges in the first half, with a potential inflection in volumes in the second half [80][84] Question: How is the company addressing pricing pressures? - Management acknowledged slight inflation in resin prices and competitive pressures, but they expect to take modest price increases [87][102] Question: What is the expected growth for automation revenue? - Automation remains a critical part of the business, with expectations for growth driven by new placements and innovations in equipment [111][112]