Sealed Air(SEE) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sealed Air reported Q3 2025 sales of $1.35 billion, up 0.5% as reported, or down 1% on a constant currency basis [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $287 million, up 4% as reported, or 3% on a constant currency basis [17] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.87, up 10% as reported, or 9% on a constant currency basis [17] - Free cash flow for the first nine months was $201 million, compared to $323 million for the same period last year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food segment net sales were $910 million, consistent with last year on a constant currency basis, with volume and pricing relatively flat [20] - Protective sales were $442 million, down $12 million, or 3% on a constant currency basis, with volumes down less than 2% [21] - Food adjusted EBITDA was $215 million, up 3% in constant currency, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.6% [21] - Protective adjusted EBITDA was $78 million, up approximately 3% as reported, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17.7% [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American consumer sentiment is decreasing, impacting purchasing power, particularly among lower to middle-income households [5] - U.S. beef harvest rates were down approximately 10.5% compared to the prior year, affecting industrial exposed volumes [12] - International food service markets remained resilient, with volume growth in EMEA, Latin America, and APAC [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on controlling costs and driving productivity while navigating macroeconomic challenges [5] - A transformation strategy is being implemented across both food and protective segments to enhance operational efficiency and market engagement [8] - Network optimization efforts are underway to improve cost positions and better serve customers [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the consumer environment and macroeconomic trends, anticipating further market pressures in Q4 [15] - The company expects to see stabilization in material volumes in the fourth quarter, despite a weaker outlook for equipment [6] - Future performance will depend on consumer behavior and the impact of transformation initiatives [15] Other Important Information - The company has closed on refinancing its five-year revolving credit facility, enhancing its liquidity position [22] - The full-year sales range is targeted at a midpoint of $5.3 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $1.12 billion and $1.14 billion [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on beef production and its impact on the food business - Management discussed the interplay between consumer demand and supply-side dynamics affecting beef production, with expectations for a gradual recovery in 2026 and 2027 [29][31][33] Question: Operating environment in the EMEA segment - The EMEA region has been the strongest performer within the food segment, with share gains driven by a focus on retail and less exposure to industrial markets [36][37] Question: Demand correction and pricing pressures - Management acknowledged seeing early signs of demand correction and pricing degradation, particularly in North American food and industrial processing [41][44] Question: Capital allocation and margin preservation - The company is focused on investments that enhance return on invested capital, with ongoing efforts to drive productivity and maintain margins despite headwinds [46][50] Question: SG&A costs and restructuring - SG&A costs have decreased due to ongoing restructuring initiatives, with expectations for continued efforts into the next year [59][62] Question: Network optimization details - Network optimization efforts are being applied to both segments, focusing on logistics and asset optimization to enhance operational efficiency [71][73] Question: Portfolio assessment timing - Management is currently focused on transformation efforts but remains open to opportunities that maximize shareholder value [76]