Strong Cost Savings Achievement
Achieved $75 million of savings in Q2 toward a full-year target of $80M–$90M and a broader program committed to $120M by fiscal year-end 2027, with potential upside from additional opportunities.
Improved EBITDA and Margins
Adjusted EBITDA dollars improved 7.5% year-over-year; adjusted EBITDA margins increased 110 basis points YoY and 230 basis points sequentially versus Q1 2026, driven by value-based pricing and cost optimization.
Material Free Cash Flow and EPS Improvement
Adjusted free cash flow improved roughly $90–93 million year-over-year (reported as a 107% improvement vs Q2 2025); excluding ~$30M cash from the divested containerboard business, free cash flow improved by over 200%. Adjusted EPS improved by over 60% YoY.
Very Strong Balance Sheet and Capital Actions
Ended the quarter with a leverage ratio of 1.1x after completing a $150M share repurchase program; retained an additional $300M repurchase authorization. Debt facilities refinanced with term loans extended to 2031 at a current weighted average interest rate of 3.14%.
Resilient Segment Profitability
Metal Solutions: gross profit dollars and margins improved YoY due to cost actions. Fiber Solutions: despite lower volumes (and 2025 mill closures), gross profit margins improved ~50 basis points YoY. Closures: total volumes flat YoY and gross profit dollars and margins increased on price/mix and operational improvements.
Pricing Actions and Contract Protections
Announced $60–$70 URB price increase (recognized at $60/ton in April by RISI) with contract pass-through mechanisms; company noted a corrected net P&L benefit of approximately $9M (previously misstated) after OCC offsets, and expects further pricing to help offset inflation.
Operational & Workforce Strength
Reported a Gallup engagement score in the 91st percentile; structural workforce reductions (e.g., ~12% reduction in professional workforce) and other footprint improvements are positioned to be permanent and to drive long-term margin benefits.
Maintained Free Cash Flow Guidance
Maintained low-end adjusted free cash flow guidance of $315M for the year despite revising EBITDA guidance, citing confidence in cash generation and assumed working-capital and tax effects that offset EBITDA headwinds.