Core Viewpoint - Sonoco Products Company reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with significant increases in net sales and net income, primarily driven by acquisitions and operational efficiencies [5][10][19]. Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales reached $1.91 billion, a 49% increase from the prior year, largely due to acquisitions [4][5]. - GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco was $493 million, up 443% from $91 million in the same period in 2024 [4][5]. - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased to $4.96, a 439% rise compared to $0.92 in the previous year [4][5]. - Adjusted operating profit for the quarter was $247 million, a 74% increase year-over-year [4][5]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $328 million, reflecting a 25% increase from the prior year [4][5]. Segment Performance - Consumer Packaging segment net sales grew by 110% to $1.23 billion, driven by the acquisition of Metal Packaging EMEA and strong performance in the U.S. [9][11]. - Industrial Paper Packaging segment net sales decreased by 2% to $588 million, impacted by volume declines [12][16]. - The Consumer Packaging segment achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17%, while the Industrial segment's adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 19% [9][12]. Cash Flow and Debt Management - Operating cash flow for the second quarter was $193 million, with a year-to-date outflow of $15 million [5][18]. - Total debt was reduced by approximately $1.7 billion during the quarter, primarily through divestiture proceeds [5][18]. - The company maintained available liquidity of $1.225 billion, consisting of cash and borrowing capacity [18]. Guidance and Outlook - Sonoco expects continued strong performance in the Consumer Packaging segment for the second half of 2025, with adjusted EBITDA guidance set between $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion [5][19]. - The company anticipates adjusted diluted EPS to target approximately $6.00 for the full year [5][19].

Core Viewpoint - International Paper has completed the divestiture of five European plants to PALM Group to meet regulatory commitments from its acquisition of DS Smith Plc [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - International Paper is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with operations in over 30 countries and more than 65,000 employees [3]. - The company reported net sales of $18.6 billion for 2024 and acquired DS Smith in 2025, enhancing its position in the North American and EMEA regions [3]. Group 2: Details of the Divestiture - The divestiture includes three plants in Normandy, France, one box plant in Ovar, Portugal, and one box plant in Bilbao, Spain [1]. - This sale was part of the agreement with the European Commission to satisfy obligations related to the acquisition of DS Smith Plc [2]. Group 3: About PALM Group - PALM is a family-owned company based in Aalen, Germany, and is a leading European producer of containerboard, graphic paper, and corrugated packaging [4]. - In 2024, PALM operated five paper mills and 33 corrugated box plants in Europe, employing 4,200 people and achieving a turnover of €2 billion [4].

Core Viewpoint - International Paper is strategically exploring the development of a new sustainable packaging facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the U.S. market [1][3]. Group 1: Strategic Growth Plans - The exploration of the new facility is part of International Paper's strategic growth initiative aimed at expanding its manufacturing footprint in the United States [1][3]. - The company recently celebrated the groundbreaking of another sustainable packaging facility in Waterloo, Iowa, indicating a broader commitment to growth in this sector [2]. Group 2: Market Opportunities - Salt Lake City represents a new market for International Paper, providing an opportunity to better serve existing customers and attract new ones in the region [3]. - The proposed facility will utilize cutting-edge technology and equipment to deliver innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to a growing customer base in the western U.S. [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - International Paper is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and operations in over 30 countries [5]. - The company reported net sales of $18.6 billion for 2024 and acquired DS Smith in 2025, strengthening its position in the North American and EMEA regions [5].