PCA(US:PKG)2025-10-23 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter net income for 2025 was $227 million or $2.51 per share, compared to $239 million or $2.65 per share in the third quarter of 2024. Excluding special items, net income was $247 million or $2.73 per share in 2025 [2][3] - Total company EBITDA for the third quarter was $503 million in 2025, up from $461 million in 2024 [3] - Cash provided by operations reached a record $469 million, with free cash flow also at a record $277 million after $192 million in capital expenditures [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the packaging business, EBITDA excluding special items was $492 million with sales of $2.1 billion, resulting in a margin of 23.1%, compared to last year's EBITDA of $446 million and sales of $2 billion with a margin of 22.2% [6] - The paper segment reported EBITDA of $40 million with sales of $161 million, reflecting a margin of 24.9%, down from a margin of 27.1% in the third quarter of 2024 [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic containerboard and corrugated products prices and mix were $0.72 per share above the third quarter of 2024, but down $0.02 per share compared to the second quarter of 2025 [9] - Total shipments in the third quarter were down 1.1% compared to last year, with a noted decrease in shipments per day in corrugated products plants [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize production capabilities and reduce costs, leveraging in-house technical expertise [7] - The acquisition of the Greif containerboard business is expected to enhance long-term productivity and efficiency, with plans to integrate operations into PCA's corrugated system [11][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while some end markets, such as beef and building materials, are struggling, overall business performance remains strong in other segments [24][25] - For the fourth quarter, the company expects per-day corrugated shipments to be higher than the third quarter, despite having three fewer shipping days [17] Other Important Information - The company revised its capital expenditure forecast for the year to approximately $800 million, down from a previous estimate of $840 to $870 million [15] - The annual net interest expense is expected to increase by $95 million, with $8 million recorded in the third quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are bookings and billings as the fourth quarter starts? - Bookings and billings are slightly over 1% up, but comparisons are tough [22][23] Question: Any insights on the Greif acquisition and maintenance? - The Greif business is customer-focused, and PCA personnel are actively involved in improving operations [26][28] Question: Can you discuss the EBITDA expectations for Greif? - Historical performance was around $240 million EBITDA, with synergies expected to reach about $60 million [30] Question: What is the inventory strategy post-Greif acquisition? - The company plans to manage inventory levels down over the next couple of quarters [34] Question: How are energy costs impacting the business? - Energy costs have risen significantly, and the company is investing in projects to become electricity independent [58][65] Question: What is the outlook for the box business tied to beef and building products? - These segments are significant, with beef facing long-term challenges due to low cattle herds [114]