Sonoco Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

HARTSVILLE, S.C., Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoco Products Company ("Sonoco” or the "Company”) (NYSE: SON), one of the largest sustainable global packaging companies, today reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 29, 2024.

Summary:

• Achieved GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco of $51 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $281 million, diluted earnings per share of $0.51 and Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.49
• Generated productivity improvements of $39 million during the third quarter of 2024 and $141 million during the first nine months of 2024
• Generated $438 million of operating cash flow and $171 million of Free Cash Flow during the first nine months of 2024
• Entered into an agreement on June 24, 2024, to acquire Eviosys for approximately €3.6 billion (approximately $3.9 billion); on track to complete the acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2024
• Secured financing for the Eviosys acquisition by entering into new term loan agreements and completing a public offering of senior unsecured notes
• Announced strategic review of the Thermoformed and Flexible Packaging ("TFP”) business to accelerate portfolio simplification; review expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024
• Reaffirms full year 2024 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and operating cash flow (excluding effects of the pending Eviosys acquisition and potential divestitures)

• Net sales of $1.7 billion reflect the Protective Solutions ("Protexic”) divestiture, the closure of a thermoformed food packaging plant, the treatment of recycling operations as a procurement function beginning January 1, 2024 and lower selling prices; overall volumes were positive and up low single digits including the impact of acquisitions
• GAAP operating profit was $128 million from higher acquisition-related costs and net loss on divestitures; unfavorable price/cost was offset by higher productivity from procurement savings, production efficiencies and fixed cost reduction initiatives
• Effective tax rates on GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco and Adjusted net income attributable to Sonoco were 30.4% and 21.3%, respectively, in Q3 2024, compared to 23.6% and 22.7%, respectively, in Q3 2023
• GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco was $51 million, resulting in GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.51
• Adjusted operating profit and Adjusted EBITDA were $211 million and $281 million, respectively
• Adjusted net income attributable to Sonoco increased to $148 million, resulting in Adjusted diluted EPS of $1.49

Third Quarter 2024 Segment Results

(Dollars in millions except per share data)

Sonoco reports its financial results in two reportable segments: Consumer Packaging ("Consumer”) and Industrial Paper Packaging ("Industrial”), with all remaining businesses reported as All Other.

• Consumer segment net sales were consistent with prior year results; higher sales from year-over-year volume growth in metal aerosol cans and flexible packaging were offset by the closure of a thermoformed food packaging plant and lower selling prices.
• Segment operating profit margin increased to 13% and Adjusted EBITDA margin to 16% as a result of higher productivity from procurement savings, production efficiencies, and fixed cost reduction initiatives, and higher volumes.

• Industrial segment net sales were $585 million from acquisitions and higher selling prices, and reflect lower sales related to the treatment of recycling as a procurement function effective January 1, 2024.
• Segment operating profit margin was 12% and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 17% as productivity from procurement savings, production efficiencies and fixed cost reduction initiatives was offset by continued pressure from price/cost impacts.

• Net sales were $107 million reflecting the sale of the Protexic business.
• Operating profit and Adjusted EBITDA margins were 16% and 19%, respectively, reflecting higher productivity from procurement savings, production efficiencies, and fixed cost reduction initiatives, and the sale of the Protexic business.

²Net sales for the three months ended October 1, 2023 include $21 million from recycling operations.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights

• Cash and cash equivalents were $1,931 million as of September 29, 2024, compared to $152 million as of December 31, 2023, primarily related to the financing for the pending Eviosys acquisition
• Total debt was $4.8 billion as of September 29, 2024, an increase of $1.7 billion compared to December 31, 2023, primarily related to the financing for the pending Eviosys acquisition
• On September 29, 2024, the Company had available liquidity of $3.1 billion, including available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility and cash on hand; $1.8 billion of this liquidity is intended to fund a portion of the pending Eviosys acquisition
• Cash flow from operating activities for the first nine months of 2024 was $438 million, compared to $617 million in the same period of 2023
• Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales of fixed assets, for the first nine months of 2024 were $267 million, compared to $182 million for the same period last year
• Free Cash Flow for the first nine months of 2024 was $171 million compared to $435 million for the same period of 2023. Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the Company's definition of Free Cash Flow, the explanation as to why it is used, and the reconciliation to net cash provided by operating activities later in this release
• Dividends paid during the nine months ended September 29, 2024 increased to $152 million compared to $147 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year
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On June 24, 2024, Sonoco announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Titan Holdings I B.V. ("Eviosys”), a leading European manufacturer of food cans, ends and closures from an affiliate of KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS”) (the "Transaction”) to expand Sonoco's global leadership in metal food can and aerosol packaging. Sonoco believes that both Sonoco's metal packaging business and Eviosys have demonstrated meaningful commercial momentum, and the Transaction is expected to facilitate Sonoco's ability to partner with customers and lead with innovation and sustainability.

The Transaction advances Sonoco's strategy of disciplined and high return capital allocation. Under the terms of the agreement, Sonoco agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in Eviosys for approximately €3.6 billion (approximately $3.9 billion) on a cash-free and debt-free basis and subject to customary adjustments. The Transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Adjusted EPS.

Sonoco secured financing for the Transaction through a $700 million delayed draw term loan facility on July 12, 2024, a $1.5 billion 364-day delayed draw term loan facility on September 16, 2024, and a registered public offering of senior unsecured notes of $1.8 billion on September 19, 2024, and has maintained its investment grade credit rating. With increased debt reduction from divestitures and cash from operations, Sonoco expects to further reduce net leverage from previous estimates within 24 months of the closing of the Transaction.

The Transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including expiration, termination, or receipt of the applicable waiting period or clearances, as applicable under certain specified antitrust laws.

Eviosys' current CEO, Tomas Lopez, is expected to remain with Sonoco and lead Sonoco's EMEA metal packaging business and Rodger Fuller, Chief Operating Officer, is expected to lead the integration effort.

Strategic Reviews of TFP and ThermoSafe Businesses as Part of Further Portfolio Simplification Efforts

On September 4, 2024, Sonoco announced a review of strategic alternatives for the TFP business, included in the Consumer segment. Sonoco's TFP business is a market leader in thermoformed and flexible packaging serving a wide range of customers in food, retail and medical markets. The TFP business provides a variety of complex packaging to value-added categories including snacks, condiments, healthcare, prepared meals, fresh products and coffee and pet. On a standalone basis, the TFP business generated revenue of $1.3 billion in 2023. The strategic review process of the TFP business is underway and Sonoco expects to complete the review processes in the fourth quarter of 2024.

As previously announced, Sonoco also intends to divest the,ThermoSafe business, included in the All Other group of businesses. The ThermoSafe business is Sonoco's leading temperature-assured packaging business and generated revenue of $283 million in 2023. The strategic review process of the ThermoSafe business is underway and Sonoco expects to complete the review processes in the third quarter of 2025.

Guidance⁽¹⁾         

Fourth Quarter 2024

• Adjusted EPS⁽²⁾: $1.15 to $1.35
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• Adjusted EPS⁽²⁾: $5.05 to $5.25
• Cash flow from operating activities: $650 million to $750 million
• Adjusted EBITDA: $1,050 to $1,090

⁽¹⁾Guidance provided excludes any impact of the pending Eviosys acquisition or potential divestitures. Although the Company believes the assumptions reflected in the range of guidance are reasonable, given the uncertainty regarding the future performance of the overall economy, the effects of inflation, the challenges in global supply chains, potential changes in raw material prices, other costs, and the Company's effective tax rate, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described below, actual results could vary substantially. Further information can be found in the section entitled "Forward-looking Statements” in this release.

⁽²⁾ Fourth quarter and full year 2024 GAAP guidance are not provided in this release due to the likely occurrence of one or more of the following, the timing and magnitude of which we are unable to reliably forecast without unreasonable efforts: restructuring costs and restructuring-related impairment charges, acquisition/divestiture-related costs, gains or losses from the sale of businesses or other assets, and the income tax effects of these items and/or other income tax-related events. These items could have a significant impact on the Company's future GAAP financial results. Accordingly, a quantitative reconciliation of Adjusted EPS guidance has been omitted in reliance on the exception provided by Item 10 of Regulation S-K.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Company integrated its flexible packaging and thermoformed packaging businesses within the Consumer segment in order to streamline operations, enhance customer service, and better position the business for accelerated growth. As a result, the Company changed its operating and reporting structure to reflect the way it now manages its operations, evaluates performance, and allocates resources. Beginning the first quarter of 2024, the Company's consumer thermoformed businesses moved from the All Other group of businesses to the Consumer segment. The Company's Industrial segment was not affected by these changes.

Investor Conference Call Webcast

The Company will host a conference call to discuss the third quarter 2024 results. A live audio webcast of the call along with supporting materials will be available on the Sonoco Investor Relations website at https://investor.sonoco.com/. A webcast replay will be available on the Company's website for at least 30 days following the call.

Lisa Weeks

Vice President of Investor Relations & Global Communications

[email protected]

843-383-7524

About Sonoco

With net sales of approximately $6.8 billion in 2023, Sonoco has approximately 21,000 employees working in more than 300 operations around the world, serving some of the world's best-known brands. With our corporate purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life., Sonoco is committed to creating sustainable products and a better world for our customers, employees and communities. Sonoco was named one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements included herein that are not historical in nature, are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition, the Company and its representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements that are also "forward-looking statements.” Words such as "anticipate,” "assume,” "believe,” "can,” "consider,” "committed,” "continue,” "could,” "develop,” "estimate,” "expect,” "forecast,” "focused,” "future,” "goal,” "guidance,” "intend,” "is designed to,” "likely,” "maintain,” "may,” "might,” "objective,” "ongoing,” "opportunity,” "outlook,” "plan,” "possible,” "potential,” "predict,” "project,” "seek,” "strategy,” "will,” "would,” or the negative thereof, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this communication include statements regarding, but not limited to: the Company's future operating and financial performance, including fourth quarter and full year 2024 outlook and the anticipated drivers thereof; the Company's ability to support its customers and manage costs; opportunities for productivity and other operational improvements; price/cost, customer demand and volume outlook; anticipated benefits of the proposed Transaction, including the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions and the anticipated timing and benefits of the Transaction, including with respect to market leadership, strategic alignment, customer relationships, sustainability, innovation and cost synergies; expected benefits from divestitures, including the sale of Protexic, the potential divestitures of the ThermoSafe and TFP businesses and other potential divestitures, and the timing thereof; the effectiveness of the Company's strategy and strategic initiatives, including with respect to capital expenditures, portfolio simplification, leverage reduction and capital allocation priorities; the effects of the macroeconomic environment and inflation on the Company and its customers; and the Company's ability to generate continued value and return capital to shareholders.

Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such information includes, without limitation, discussions as to guidance and other estimates, perceived opportunities, expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, goals and objectives concerning our future financial and operating performance. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.

Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, without limitation, those related to: the Company's ability to execute on its strategy, including with respect to the proposed Transaction and other acquisitions (and integrations thereof), divestitures, cost management, productivity improvements, restructuring and capital expenditures, and achieve the benefits it expects therefrom; the ability to receive regulatory approvals for the proposed Transaction in a timely manner, on acceptable terms or at all, or to satisfy the other closing conditions to the proposed Transaction; conditions in the credit markets; the ability to retain key employees and successfully integrate Eviosys; the ability to realize estimated cost savings, synergies or other anticipated benefits of the proposed Transaction, or that such benefits may take longer to realize than expected; diversion of management's attention; the potential impact of the consummation of the proposed Transaction on relationships with clients and other third parties; the operation of new manufacturing capabilities; the Company's ability to achieve anticipated cost and energy savings; the availability, transportation and pricing of raw materials, energy and transportation, including the impact of potential changes in tariffs or sanctions and escalating trade wars, and the impact of war, general regional instability and other geopolitical tensions (such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine as well as the economic sanctions related thereto, and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza), and the Company's ability to pass raw material, energy and transportation price increases and surcharges through to customers or otherwise manage these commodity pricing risks; the costs of labor; the effects of inflation, fluctuations in consumer demand, volume softness, and other macroeconomic factors on the Company and the industries in which it operates and that it serves; the Company's ability to meet its environmental and sustainability goals, including with respect to greenhouse gas emissions; and to meet other social and governance goals, including challenges in implementation thereof; and the other risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors.” The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed herein might not occur.

References to our Website Address

References to our website address and domain names throughout this release are for informational purposes only, or to fulfill specific disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules or the New York Stock Exchange Listing Standards. These references are not intended to, and do not, incorporate the contents of our website by reference into this release.