Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) reported Q1 2025 net income of $204 million, or $2.26 per share, and net income of $208 million, or $2.31 per share, excluding special items. Q1 net sales were $2.1 billion in 2025 and $2.0 billion in 2024.
In the Packaging segment, total corrugated products shipments and shipments per day were up 2.5% compared to the Q1 2024. Containerboard production was 1,250,000 tons, and containerboard inventory was up 75,000 tons from the Q1 2024 and down 3,000 tons compared to the Q4 2024. In the Paper segment, sales volume was down 7% from the Q1 2024 and up 2% compared to the Q4 2024.
Commenting on reported results, Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, said, “A new Q1 revenue record was achieved to begin the new year. In the Packaging segment we had excellent implementation of our previously announced price increases and, although we began to see some pullback in the middle of the quarter related to the uncertainty created by global trade tensions, box demand was solid and exceeded a very strong comparative period in last year’s Q1. Outstanding operational performance and scheduled outage execution at our mills delivered record Q1 containerboard production to meet this demand, and we ended the quarter at targeted inventory levels. Our Paper segment continued to achieve impressive margins with both volume and prices slightly above original estimates. Across the Company, continued emphasis on operational efficiency, cost reduction initiatives, and capital project execution helped minimize the persistent inflation we see throughout most of our cost structure.”
PCA is the third largest producer of containerboard products and a leading producer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America. PCA operates eight mills and 85 corrugated products plants and related facilities.
