Packaging Corp. (PKG) Tops Q4 EPS by 5c, Comments on Q1

Packaging Corp. (NYSE: PKG) reported Q4 EPS of $1.56, $0.05 better than the analyst estimate of $1.51. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.7 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.61 billion.

“Looking ahead as we move from the fourth and into the first quarter,” Mr. Kowlzan added, “we expect continued strong demand in our Packaging segment, although our containerboard volumes will be lower due to scheduled outages at three of our mills during the quarter. We will continue to implement our recently announced price increases in our Paper segment and expect volume to be slightly lower. We expect inflation in almost all areas across our entire cost base. We anticipate continued higher freight costs as well as higher labor and benefits costs with annual wage increases and other timing-related expenses. Although we anticipate price inflation on recycled fiber to be fairly flat, we do expect some inflation in our energy costs and with most of our chemical, and repair and materials costs, and seasonally colder weather will increase energy usage and wood costs. Our depreciation and interest expense will be slightly higher as well. Considering these items, we expect first quarter earnings of $1.52 per share”.

(Street sees Q1 EPS of $1.63)

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Packaging Corp. (PKG) click here.

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