Smurfit WestRock PLC reported second-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $1.14 billion with a 14.2% margin, despite significant freight cost headwinds. North American corrugated volumes fell 4.8% on a same-day basis, while EMEA and APAC volumes rose 1.9% on an absolute basis. The company expects full-year adjusted EBITDA between $4.9 billion and $5.1 billion and capital expenditure of $2.4 billion to $2.5 billion. A quarterly dividend of $0.4523 per ordinary share was declared. Management noted that higher freight costs, representing a $300 million headwind, and lagging containerboard index pricing weighed on results, but pricing initiatives and new business wins are expected to improve performance in the second half of the year.
Smurfit WestRock plcQ2 adjusted EBITDA and margin reported, with full-year guidance and dividend declared, but freight cost headwinds and volume declines offset positive pricing initiatives and new business wins.