Top-Line Growth
Net sales increased 2% year-over-year to $2.2 billion in Q1 2026, with volumes up 1% (+1% YoY) and a $50 million benefit from favorable foreign exchange.
Profitability and Margins
Adjusted EBITDA was $232 million with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.8% for the quarter; management reaffirmed full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $1.05 billion to $1.25 billion.
Improving Cash Flow Trajectory
First-quarter adjusted cash flow was negative $183 million, a meaningful improvement of $259 million versus negative $442 million in Q1 2025; full-year adjusted free cash flow guidance of $700 million to $800 million was maintained.
Operational Actions and Cost Savings
Management completed a 90-day review and began decisive actions: instituted workforce reductions (over 500 roles), disciplined capital allocation, inventory rationalization targets (reduce inventory from 20.5% of sales to 17–18% in 2026), and reaffirmed delivery of $60 million of cost savings (about $10 million realized in Q1).
Capital Allocation and Balance Sheet Plan
Committed to approximately $450 million in 2026 capital spending, a target to reduce capex to ~5% of sales or less, and a plan to pay down roughly $500 million of debt in 2026 while maintaining the dividend.
Innovation and Sustainability Momentum
Innovation sales contributed $42 million in the quarter; filed 13 new patents (bringing the portfolio to ~3,100). Multiple sustainability product wins and awards highlighted (PaperSeal Shape ~80% plastic reduction per tray; Produce Pack Pet tray eliminating >17 million plastic trays annually; WorldStar and PAC Global awards).
Waco Mill Ramp and Energy Strategy
Waco recycled paperboard mill ramping ahead of plan with customer qualifications progressing; cogeneration projects nearing completion. Executed a virtual power purchase agreement for a 250 MW West Texas solar project to support renewable electricity and long-term emission targets.
Portfolio Simplification and Noncore Divestiture
Agreement reached to divest noncore assets in Croatia (expected to close in Q2) and cancellation of lower-return capital projects (automated roll warehouses), avoiding approximately $200 million of future capex.