The earnings call highlighted significant achievements in revenue growth and operational excellence, particularly in the Packaging segment. However, the company faces challenges with inflation, cost management, and external pricing indices. Weather-related disruptions also added to operational costs.

Company Guidance

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Packaging Corporation of America reported a net income of $221 million, or $2.45 per share, with net sales hitting a record $1 billion. Excluding special items, the net income was $222 million, or $2.47 per share, compared to $192 million, or $2.13 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2023. Total company EBITDA, excluding special items, was $439 million, an increase from $394 million in the prior year. For the full year 2024, PCA's earnings were $814 million, or $9.04 per share, with net sales of $8.4 billion. The company maintained a total company EBITDA of $1.6 billion, matching the previous year. The fourth quarter earnings increase of $0.34 per share from 2023 was attributed to higher prices and mix in both the Packaging and Paper segments and lower freight and logistics expenses, though these gains were partially offset by higher operating costs due to inflation. PCA met its guidance for the quarter, reflecting strong demand and operational excellence, particularly in its Packaging business, which achieved record sales and shipments.

Record Quarterly and Annual Sales

Fourth quarter sales reached a record $1 billion, with annual sales totaling $8.4 billion, compared to $7.8 billion in 2023. The packaging segment achieved record-breaking shipment volumes and daily shipment records.

Earnings Growth

Fourth quarter net income, excluding special items, increased to $222 million or $2.47 per share from $192 million or $2.13 per share in 2023. Full-year earnings rose to $814 million or $9.04 per share from $784 million or $8.70 per share in 2023.

Robust Packaging Segment Performance

The Packaging segment achieved a fourth-quarter EBITDA of $426 million with sales nearing $2 billion, maintaining a 22% margin. Full-year EBITDA was $6 billion with a 21% margin.

Strong Cash Flow and Liquidity

Cash provided by operations was $325 million for the quarter and $1.2 billion for the year, with a year-end cash balance of $852 million and liquidity of $1.2 billion.

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Packaging (PKG) Earnings, Revenues Date & History

The upcoming earnings date is based on a company’s previous reporting, and may be updated when the actual date is announced

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PKG Earnings History

Report Date	Fiscal Quarter	Forecast / EPS	Last Year's EPS	EPS YoY Change	Slides	Play Transcript
Apr 28, 2025	2025 (Q1)	2.22 / -	1.72	―	―	―
Jan 28, 2025	2024 (Q4)	2.53 / 2.47	2.13	15.96% (+0.34)	―
Oct 22, 2024	2024 (Q3)	2.50 / 2.65	2.05	29.27% (+0.60)	―
Jul 23, 2024	2024 (Q2)	2.13 / 2.20	2.31	-4.76% (-0.11)	―
Apr 22, 2024	2024 (Q1)	1.68 / 1.72	2.2	-21.82% (-0.48)	―
Jan 24, 2024	2023 (Q4)	1.83 / 2.13	2.35	-9.36% (-0.22)	―
Oct 23, 2023	2023 (Q3)	1.93 / 2.05	2.83	-27.56% (-0.78)	―
Jul 24, 2023	2023 (Q2)	1.93 / 2.31	3.23	-28.48% (-0.92)	―
Apr 24, 2023	2023 (Q1)	2.27 / 2.20	2.72	-19.12% (-0.52)	―
Jan 25, 2023	2022 (Q4)	2.23 / 2.35	2.76	-14.86% (-0.41)	―

The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.

Beat

Missed

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PKG Earnings-Related Price Changes

Report Date	Price 1 Day Before	Price 1 Day After	Percentage Change
Jan 28, 2025	$238.41	$215.12	-9.77%
Oct 22, 2024	$215.47	$227.39	+5.53%
Jul 23, 2024	$190.62	$191.08	+0.24%
Apr 22, 2024	$176.05	$167.79	-4.69%

Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.

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