Sonoco’s strong Q3 as metal packaging fuels sales surge
Sonoco’s metal packaging operations delivered a standout performance in the third quarter of 2025, helping lift the global packaging major to record sales and earnings, while the company continues to streamline its portfolio toward core consumer and industrial segments.
The Hartsville, S.C.-based group reported net sales of $2.1 billion for Q3, up 57% year-on-year, driven largely by its Metal Packaging Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business following the acquisition of Eviosys in December 2024.
GAAP net income climbed to $122.9 million, more than doubling last year’s figure, while adjusted EBITDA rose 37% to $386 million.
Sonoco’s Consumer Packaging segment, which includes metal packaging, recorded sales of $1.4 billion—up 117%, with operating profit and adjusted EBITDA each more than doubling year-over-year. The company cited strong contributions from Metal Packaging EMEA and a positive price/cost environment in its US metal packaging operations.
“Our Consumer Packaging results underscore the value of our metal packaging platform,” said Howard Coker, Sonoco’s President and CEO. “Metal Packaging EMEA continues to deliver solid growth and margin expansion, strengthening Sonoco’s position in the global food and aerosol markets.”
Coker added that the recent agreement to sell the ThermoSafe temperature-assured packaging business to Arsenal Capital Partners for up to $725 million marks a key step in Sonoco’s strategic simplification. “This divestiture will complete Sonoco’s transformation into two focused, global segments — Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging,” he said.
Industrial Paper Packaging also posted solid improvement, with operating profit up 28% and margins expanding by more than 300 basis points on better pricing and cost efficiency.
Chief Financial Officer Paul Joachimczyk highlighted cash flow generation as a priority: “We generated $292 million in operating cash flow in the quarter, up 80% from the prior year, supported by improved working capital management. We expect further strong cash generation in the fourth quarter.”
Looking ahead, Sonoco adjusted its full-year 2025 guidance, with adjusted EPS now expected between $5.65 and $5.75, and adjusted EBITDA between $1.3 billion and $1.35 billion.
Coker concluded, “While the macro environment remains challenging, our focused portfolio and operational discipline are positioning Sonoco for sustained growth and long-term value creation across our core packaging platforms.”
