Packaging Corp. sees Q4 EPS $2.47, consensus $2.46

The company states: “Looking ahead as we move from the third and into the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, we expect demand in our Packaging segment to remain strong with corrugated shipments-per-day continuing to strengthen and slightly higher containerboard volume. However, total shipments for the corrugated business will be impacted by two less shipping days and recent hurricane damage to the strawberry crops in Florida. With current containerboard inventory below our target levels, we will also attempt to build some inventory prior to year-end. We expect continued realization from the previously announced price increases and higher export prices, although with a seasonally less rich mix compared to the third quarter. In our Paper segment, shipments will be lower versus the seasonally stronger third quarter while prices and mix should be fairly flat. Operating and converting costs are expected to increase driven by higher seasonal energy costs and chemical costs. Scheduled outage costs are estimated to be $(.12) per share higher than the third quarter, and depreciation expense should be slightly higher. Considering these items, we expect fourth quarter earnings of $2.47 per share.”