Graphic Packaging Holding Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results
- Solid financial results for 2023 with flat Net Sales of $9,428 million.
- Net Income increased by 39% to $723 million compared to the prior year.
- Adjusted EBITDA rose by 17% to $1,876 million.
- Earnings per Diluted Share increased by 38% to $2.34.
- Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share increased by 25% to $2.91.
- Year-end net leverage improved to 2.8x from 3.2x in the prior year.
- Company's President and CEO highlighted outstanding execution and profitability despite negative organic sales growth in 2023.
- Graphic Packaging expects to achieve positive organic sales growth in 2024 with a strong innovation pipeline.
- Net Sales decreased by 6% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the prior year.
- Full year 2023 saw a slight decrease in Net Sales compared to 2022.
- Total Debt decreased during the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Net Interest Expense increased in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to higher interest rates.
- Capital expenditures were higher in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the prior year.
Insights
The reported increase in Net Income by 39% and a 17% rise in Adjusted EBITDA for Graphic Packaging Holding Company are significant indicators of improved profitability, despite flat net sales year-over-year. The earnings per diluted share also saw substantial growth. These figures suggest a successful cost management strategy and operational efficiency, which is critical for investor confidence and the company's valuation. The reduction of net leverage from 3.2x to 2.8x further indicates a stronger balance sheet, potentially reducing financial risk and possibly leading to a more favorable credit rating.
However, the 4% negative organic sales growth could be a point of concern, as it reflects a potential decrease in market demand or competitive challenges. Investors should monitor whether the company's innovation sales, which exceeded $200 million, can offset this trend and lead to positive organic growth as projected for 2024. The capital expenditures, particularly the investment in the Waco, Texas facility, show a commitment to long-term growth but will need to be weighed against the returns these investments generate over time.
Graphic Packaging's focus on sustainable packaging solutions is aligned with increasing consumer and regulatory demands for environmentally friendly products. This strategic positioning not only caters to current market trends but also potentially opens up new customer segments and markets. The company's strong innovation pipeline is a competitive advantage that could drive future growth, especially considering the global shift towards sustainability.
The mention of inventory normalization issues faced by retailers and consumer packaged goods companies suggests that there may have been external pressures affecting the industry as a whole. This context is important for stakeholders to understand the company's performance relative to broader market conditions. The anticipated return to positive organic sales growth in 2024 could signal a recovery from these pressures and may impact the company's stock positively if realized.
The increase in net interest expense due to higher interest rates reflects the changing macroeconomic environment, with potential implications for the company's future borrowing costs and profitability. Investors should consider the impact of monetary policy changes on the company's financials, especially in a rising interest rate environment.
The company's performance, including the ability to raise prices in response to inflationary pressures, demonstrates pricing power, which is crucial in maintaining margins during periods of cost inflation. The detailed breakdown of EBITDA adjustments provides transparency into the company's core operations and the effects of external factors such as foreign exchange rates and commodity prices.
The provided full-year 2024 guidance offers a projection that stakeholders can use to benchmark the company's performance throughout the upcoming year. The range of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share will be key figures for the market to assess against industry performance and economic conditions.
2023 Highlights
- Net Sales were
, flat versus the prior year.$9,428 million - Net Income was
, an increase of$723 million 39% versus the prior year. - Adjusted EBITDA was
, an increase of$1,876 million 17% versus the prior year. - Earnings per Diluted Share were
, an increase of$2.34 38% versus the prior year. - Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share were
, an increase of$2.91 25% versus the prior year. - Year-end net leverage was 2.8x versus 3.2x at prior year end.
Net Income for fourth quarter 2023 was
The fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022 were impacted by a net
For the full year 2023, Net Income was
Full year 2023 and 2022 were impacted by a net
Michael Doss, the Company's President and CEO said, "While 2023 was a year of transition for consumer packaging, it was one of outstanding execution for Graphic Packaging. We significantly expanded profitability, achieved strong earnings growth and delivered innovative sustainable packaging solutions that consumers prefer. Our disciplined approach and commitment to delivering results for customers was on full display during a year of well-chronicled inventory normalization for both retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. While we did experience
"Our innovation pipeline has never been stronger, and we expect to partner with both existing and new customers to bring more sustainable packaging solutions to the market in 2024 and beyond. We look forward to sharing details of our growth outlook and transformation to the global leader in sustainable consumer packaging at our investor meeting tomorrow, February 21st."
Operating Results
Net Sales
Net Sales decreased
Net Sales decreased slightly to
EBITDA
EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2023 was
EBITDA for the full year 2023 was
Other Results
Total Debt (Long-Term, Short-Term and Current Portion) decreased
At December 31, 2023, the Company had available liquidity of approximately
Net Interest Expense was
Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter of 2023 were
Fourth quarter 2023 Income Tax Expense was
Full Year 2024 Guidance
The Company's fiscal 2024 guidance, excluding the potential impact of announced Augusta paperboard manufacturing facility sale, is as follows:
- Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be
to$1.75 0 billion .$1.95 0 billion - Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share is expected to be
to$2.50 .$3.00
Non-GAAP Reconciliation
Please note that a tabular reconciliation of Net Organic Sales Growth, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EPS (Excluding Amortization of Purchased Intangibles), Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, Adjusted Cash Flow and Total Net Debt is attached to this release.
Earnings and Investor Meeting Webcast
The Company will host a video webcast tomorrow beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET (February 21, 2024) to discuss the results of fourth quarter and full year 2023 as part of its Investor Day 2024. The webcast can be accessed from the Investors section of the Graphic Packaging website at www.graphicpkg.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Any statements of the Company's expectations in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's present expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, inflation of and volatility in raw material and energy costs, continuing pressure for lower cost products, the Company's ability to implement its business strategies, including productivity initiatives, cost reduction plans, and integration activities, as well as the Company's debt level, currency movements and other risks of conducting business internationally and the impact of regulatory and litigation matters, including the continued availability of the Company's
About Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in
GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) | ||||||
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
In millions, except per share amounts | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||
Net Sales | $ 2,249 | $ 2,386 | $ 9,428 | $ 9,440 | ||
Cost of Sales | 1,748 | 1,895 | 7,311 | 7,610 | ||
Selling, General and Administrative | 183 | 205 | 805 | 774 | ||
Other Expense, Net | 16 | 13 | 64 | 19 | ||
Business Combinations, Exit Activities and Other Special Charges, Net | 12 | 5 | 74 | 131 | ||
Income from Operations | 290 | 268 | 1,174 | 906 | ||
Nonoperating Pension and Postretirement Benefit (Expense) Income | (1) | 2 | (3) | 7 | ||
Interest Expense, Net | (59) | (54) | (239) | (197) | ||
Income before Income Taxes and Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entity | 230 | 216 | 932 | 716 | ||
Income Tax Expense | (35) | (60) | (210) | (194) | ||
Income before Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entity | 195 | 156 | 722 | 522 | ||
Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entity | 1 | — | 1 | — | ||
Net Income | $ 196 | $ 156 | $ 723 | $ 522 | ||
Net Income Per Share — Basic | $ 0.64 | $ 0.51 | $ 2.35 | $ 1.69 | ||
Net Income Per Share — Diluted | $ 0.64 | $ 0.50 | $ 2.34 | $ 1.69 | ||
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Basic | 307.6 | 308.5 | 308.2 | 308.8 | ||
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Diluted | 308.5 | 309.4 | 309.1 | 309.5 |
GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
| |||
In millions, except share and per share amounts | December 31, | December 31, | |
ASSETS | |||
Current Assets: | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ 162 | $ 150 | |
Receivables, Net | 835 | 879 | |
Inventories, Net | 1,754 | 1,606 | |
Other Current Assets | 94 | 71 | |
Total Current Assets | 2,845 | 2,706 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 4,992 | 4,579 | |
Goodwill | 2,103 | 1,979 | |
Intangible Assets, Net | 820 | 717 | |
Other Assets | 415 | 347 | |
Total Assets | $ 11,175 | $ 10,328 | |
LIABILITIES | |||
Current Liabilities: | |||
Short-Term Debt and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | $ 764 | $ 53 | |
Accounts Payable | 1,094 | 1,123 | |
Other Accrued Liabilities | 731 | 757 | |
Total Current Liabilities | 2,589 | 1,933 | |
Long-Term Debt | 4,609 | 5,200 | |
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities | 731 | 668 | |
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | 464 | 377 | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||
Preferred Stock, par value | — | — | |
Common Stock, par value | 3 | 3 | |
Capital in Excess of Par Value | 2,062 | 2,054 | |
Retained Earnings | 1,029 | 469 | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (313) | (377) | |
Total Graphic Packaging Holding Company Shareholders' Equity | 2,781 | 2,149 | |
Noncontrolling Interest | 1 | 1 | |
Total Equity | 2,782 | 2,150 | |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | $ 11,175 | $ 10,328 |
GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) | |||
Twelve Months Ended | |||
December 31, | |||
In millions | 2023 | 2022 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||
Net Income | $ 723 | $ 522 | |
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: | |||
Depreciation and Amortization | 619 | 553 | |
Amortization of Deferred Debt Issuance Costs | 6 | 9 | |
Deferred Income Taxes | 22 | 131 | |
Amount of Postretirement Expense Less Than Funding | (5) | (18) | |
Asset Impairment Charges | 29 | 96 | |
Other, Net | 58 | 15 | |
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Acquisitions | (308) | (218) | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 1,144 | 1,090 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||
Capital Spending | (781) | (522) | |
Packaging Machinery Spending | (23) | (27) | |
Acquisition of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired | (361) | — | |
Beneficial Interest on Sold Receivables | 184 | 125 | |
Beneficial Interest Obtained in Exchange for Proceeds | (45) | (6) | |
Other, Net | 1 | (5) | |
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (1,025) | (435) | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||
Repurchase of Common Stock | (54) | (28) | |
Payments on Debt | (26) | (14) | |
Retirement of Long-Term Debt | — | (250) | |
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facilities | 4,449 | 3,929 | |
Payments on Revolving Credit Facilities | (4,314) | (4,195) | |
Repurchase of Common Stock related to Share-Based Payments | (22) | (18) | |
Dividends Paid | (123) | (92) | |
Other, Net | (16) | 2 | |
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | (106) | (666) | |
Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, including cash classified within assets held for sale | 13 | (11) | |
Less Cash reclassified to Assets Held for Sale | — | 5 | |
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash | (1) | (6) | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 12 | (22) | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year | 150 | 172 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year | $ 162 | $ 150 |
GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The tables below set forth the calculation of the Company's earnings before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, including pension amortization ("EBITDA"), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, Adjusted Cash Flow, Net Leverage Ratio, Total Net Debt and Net Organic Sales Growth. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income exclude charges associated with: the Company's business combinations, facility shutdowns, and other special charges. The Company's management believes that the presentation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, Adjusted Cash Flow, Net Leverage Ratio and Net Organic Sales Growth provides useful information to investors because these measures are regularly used by management in assessing the Company's performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, Adjusted Cash Flow, Net Leverage Ratio, and Net Organic Sales Growth are financial measures not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, Adjusted Cash Flow, Net Leverage Ratio and Net Organic Sales Growth should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered substitutes for or superior to GAAP results. In addition, our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings Per Share, Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, Adjusted Cash Flow, Net Leverage Ratio and Net Organic Sales Growth may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA or similarly titled measures utilized by other companies since such other companies may not calculate such measures in the same manner as we do.
Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | ||||||
December 31, | December 31, | ||||||
In millions, except per share amounts | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||
Net Income | $ 196 | $ 156 | $ 723 | $ 522 | |||
Add (Subtract): | |||||||
Income Tax Expense | 35 | 60 | 210 | 194 | |||
Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entity | (1) | — | (1) | — | |||
Interest Expense, Net | 59 | 54 | 239 | 197 | |||
Depreciation and Amortization | 155 | 138 | 624 | 556 | |||
EBITDA | 444 | 408 | 1,795 | 1,469 | |||
Charges Associated with Business Combinations, Exit Activities and Other | 13 | 5 | 81 | 131 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 457 | $ 413 | $ 1,876 | $ 1,600 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (Adjusted EBITDA/Net Sales) | 20.3 % | 17.3 % | 19.9 % | 16.9 % | |||
Net Income | $ 196 | $ 156 | $ 723 | $ 522 | |||
Charges Associated with Business Combinations, Exit Activities and Other | 13 | 5 | 81 | 131 | |||
Accelerated Depreciation Related to Exit Activities | 3 | — | 56 | 7 | |||
Tax Impact of Business Combinations, Exit Activities and Other Special | — | 5 | (28) | (4) | |||
Amortization Related to Purchased Intangible Assets, Net of Tax | 18 | 15 | 67 | 66 | |||
Adjusted Net Income (b) | $ 230 | $ 181 | $ 899 | $ 722 | |||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Basic (b) | $ 0.75 | $ 0.59 | $ 2.92 | $ 2.34 | |||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Diluted (b) | $ 0.75 | $ 0.59 | $ 2.91 | $ 2.33 |
(a) | For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, |
(b) | Excludes amortization related to purchased intangibles. |
GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Continued) | |||||
Twelve Months Ended | |||||
December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||
In millions | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||
Net Income | $ 723 | $ 522 | $ 204 | ||
Add (Subtract): | |||||
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | — | — | 12 | ||
Income Tax Expense | 210 | 194 | 74 | ||
Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entity | (1) | — | (1) | ||
Interest Expense, Net | 239 | 197 | 123 | ||
Depreciation and Amortization | 624 | 556 | 494 | ||
EBITDA | 1,795 | 1,469 | 906 | ||
Charges Associated with Business Combinations, Exit Activities and | 81 | 131 | 150 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 1,876 | 1,600 | 1,056 | ||
December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||
Calculation of Net Debt: | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||
Short-Term Debt and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | $ 764 | $ 53 | $ 279 | ||
Long-Term Debt(a) | 4,632 | 5,230 | 5,552 | ||
Less: | |||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | (162) | (150) | (172) | ||
Total Net Debt | $ 5,234 | $ 5,133 | $ 5,659 | ||
Net Leverage Ratio (Total Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA) | 2.79 | 3.21 | 5.36 |
(a) | Excludes unamortized deferred debt issue costs. |
Twelve Months Ended | |||
December 31, | |||
In millions | 2023 | 2022 | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ 1,144 | $ 1,090 | |
Net Cash Receipts from Receivables Sold included in Investing Activities | 139 | 119 | |
Cash Payments Associated with Business Combinations, Exit Activities and Other Special Charges, Net | 14 | 40 | |
Adjusted Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | $ 1,297 | $ 1,249 | |
Capital Spending | (804) | (549) | |
Adjusted Cash Flow | $ 493 | $ 700 |
GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY Unaudited Supplemental Data
| ||||||
Calculation of Net Organic Sales Growth: | Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | ||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||
In millions | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||
Net Sales | $ 2,249 | $ 2,386 | $ 9,428 | $ 9,440 | ||
Open Market Paperboard Sales (Paperboard Mills Segment) | (218) | (357) | (1,022) | (1,290) | ||
Impact of Purchased Sales from Acquisitions (a) | (44) | — | (53) | — | ||
Impact of Divestitures | — | (10) | — | (10) | ||
Impact of Pricing (b) | (60) | — | (514) | — | ||
Impact of Foreign Exchange (c) | (21) | — | (13) | — | ||
Net Organic Sales | $ 1,906 | $ 2,019 | $ 7,826 | $ 8,140 | ||
Net Organic Sales Growth | (5.6) % | (3.9) % |
(a) | Purchased Sales from Acquisitions represents the prior year sales from acquired companies adjusted for current year currency impact. |
(b) | Represents pricing from converting sales, including price recovery from acquisitions. |
(c ) | Impact of Foreign Exchange is measured as the increase or decrease in sales for the current period by applying prior period foreign currency exchange rates to present a constant currency comparison to prior periods. |
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graphic-packaging-holding-company-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-results-302066629.html
SOURCE Graphic Packaging Holding Company
FAQ
What were Graphic Packaging Holding Company's (NYSE: GPK) Net Sales for 2023?
How much did the Net Income increase by in 2023 for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK)?
What was the Adjusted EBITDA for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK) in 2023?
What was the Earnings per Diluted Share for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK) in 2023?
What did the President and CEO of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK) mention about the company's performance in 2023?