HARTSVILLE, S.C. - Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, today reported financial results for its third quarter, ending September 28, 2014.

Third Quarter Highlights

• Third quarter 2014 GAAP earnings per diluted share were $.69, compared with $.59 in 2013.
• Third quarter 2014 GAAP results include $.03 per diluted share, after-tax, in asset impairments and restructuring charges from previously announced activities and acquisition costs. Third quarter 2013 GAAP results included after-tax charges of $.04per diluted share related to restructuring costs from international plant closures.
• Base net income attributable to Sonoco (base earnings) for third quarter 2014 was a record $.72 per diluted share, compared with $.63 in 2013. (See base earnings definition and reconciliation later in this release.) Base earnings in the quarter benefited from the settlement of a lawsuit which added approximately $.03 per diluted share, after tax, along with a lower effective tax rate. Sonoco previously provided third quarter base earnings guidance of $.66 to $.70 per diluted share.
• Third quarter 2014 net sales were $1.26 billion up approximately 3 percent from $1.23 billion in 2013.
• Cash flow from operations for the third quarter was $158 million, compared with $177 million in 2013. Free cash flow was $80 million, compared with $101 million in 2013. (See free cash flow definition later in this release.)

Earnings Guidance Update

• Base earnings for the fourth quarter of 2014 are estimated to be in the range of $.59 to $.64 per diluted share. Base earnings in the fourth quarter of 2013 were $.58 per diluted share.
• Full-year 2014 base earnings guidance is updated to $2.46 to $2.51 per diluted share.
• 2014 free cash flow projection is unchanged at approximately $110 million, including the impact of having funded a proposed settlement of environmental claims and litigation by a wholly-owned subsidiary.
• Having received the approval of German regulators, Sonoco expects to close on its acquisition of Weidenhammer Packaging Group by November 1, 2014.

Third Quarter Comments

Commenting on the Company's third quarter results, President and Chief Executive OfficerJack Sanders said, "Our strategy to grow and optimize our balanced portfolio of businesses continued to gain traction in the quarter as consolidated sales and base earnings reached record levels when including the benefits from a legal settlement and lower than anticipated taxes. Excluding those favorable items, our businesses performed relatively well in the quarter as they benefitted from a positive price/cost relationship, modest improvements in manufacturing productivity and lower pension expense. Volume across most of our businesses was higher in the quarter, but earnings were partially impacted by a negative mix of business along with higher labor, maintenance and other operating costs."

"Our Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment turned in another strong quarter with operating profits gaining 30 percent over the prior year as operating margins hit their highest level in 12 years. The increase was due to a positive price/cost relationship, proceeds received on the settlement of a lawsuit, productivity improvements and lower pension expense, which were partially offset by higher labor, maintenance and other operating costs. Segment volume declined slightly during the quarter due primarily to lower volume in corrugated paper and steel reels, although the impact was partially offset by a favorable mix of business. In our Protective Solutions segment, operating profits declined 7 percent due to higher manufacturing and other operating costs and a negative price/cost relationship, somewhat offset by higher volume and favorable changes in the mix of products sold."

"Operating profits in our Consumer Packaging segment showed a slight improvement over the prior year's quarter as higher volume, lower pension expense and a modestly positive price/cost relationship was nearly offset by a negative mix of business and higher labor, maintenance and other operating costs. The higher volume in the quarter reflects gains in metal ends, blowmolded plastics, and flexible packaging, partially offset by lower demand for domestic composite cans. Productivity for the segment was essentially unchanged year-over-year despite continued negative productivity in our flexible packaging operations. Operating profits in our Display and Packaging segment declined 7 percent due to a negative mix of business and higher labor, maintenance and other operating costs. Gains from manufacturing productivity partially offset these negative factors."

Weidenhammer Acquisition and Financing Update

Sonoco received approval from the German Federal Cartel Office on September 30, 2014, and the Company now expects to close its acquisition of Weidenhammer Packaging Groupfor approximately €286 million by November 1, 2014. Final consideration is subject to a normal adjustment of net working capital.

On October 2, 2014, Sonoco entered into a Credit Agreement in connection with a new$600 million bank credit facility. Included in that facility is a new $350 million, five-year revolving credit facility which replaces the previously existing $350 million revolving credit facility under substantially the same terms. Also included in the October 2, 2014 Credit Agreement is a commitment for a new $250 million three-year term loan.

Consistent with the replaced facility, the $350 million revolving credit facility is expected to be used to support an identically sized commercial paper program. The $250 million term loan is available to be drawn at any time over the next three months, contingent on the consummation of the Weidenhammer acquisition, and is expected to be used to fund that acquisition.

As previously reported, the acquisition of Weidenhammer is expected to have no material impact to Sonoco's fourth quarter 2014 base earnings and should be accretive to the Company's 2015 base earnings in the range of $.09 to $.14 per share, including adjustments for purchase accounting.

Third Quarter Summary

GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco in the third quarter was $70.9 million, or $.69 per diluted share, compared with $61.2 million, or $.59 per diluted share, in 2013. Base earnings in the third quarter were a record $74.6 million, or $.72 per diluted share, compared with$65.1 million, or $.63 per diluted share, in 2013. Base earnings and base earnings per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures adjusted to remove restructuring charges, asset impairment charges, acquisition expenses and other items, if any, the exclusion of which the Company believes improves comparability and analysis of the underlying financial performance of the business.

Third quarter base earnings exclude $3.7 million in after-tax charges, or $.03 per diluted share, related to previously announced restructurings and asset impairment and acquisition costs, partially offset by property insurance settlement gains. Base earnings in the third quarter of 2013 excluded after-tax charges of $.04 per diluted share, stemming from asset impairment and restructuring costs associated with the closure of the Company's former thermoforming plant in Ireland and blowmolding plastics facility in Canada. Additional information about base earnings and base earnings per diluted share, along with reconciliation to the most closely applicable GAAP financial measures, is provided later in this release.

Net sales for the third quarter were $1.26 billion, up approximately 3 percent, compared with $1.23 billion in last year's quarter. The increase was driven by volume improvement in most businesses and $14.0 million in sales from businesses acquired during the past twelve months, along with higher selling prices.

Gross profit was $228 million in the third quarter, up 2 percent, compared with $224 millionin the same period in 2013. Despite the increase in gross profit, gross profit as a percent of sales declined to 18.0 percent, compared with 18.2 percent in the same period in 2013, due primarily to changes in mix. The Company's third quarter selling, general and administrative expenses were $111 million, or 8.8 percent of sales, compared to $118 million, or 9.6 percent of sales, in the prior year quarter. This decline is largely attributable to legal settlement proceeds and lower management incentive costs, which were partially offset by higher labor and other expenses.

Cash generated from operations in the third quarter was $158 million, compared with $177 million in the same period in 2013. Operating cash flow was lower this quarter primarily due to higher cash taxes and the timing of cash payments for payroll and certain other expenses partially offset by higher GAAP net income. Net capital expenditures and cash dividends were $47 million and $32 million, respectively, during the quarter, compared with$44 million and $31 million, respectively, during the same period in 2013. (Net capital expenditures is defined as capital expenditures minus proceeds from the disposal of capital assets). Free cash flow for the third quarter of 2014 was $80 million, compared with $101 million for the same period last year. (Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operations minus net capital expenditures and cash dividends).

Year-to-date Results

For the first nine months of 2014, net sales were $3.7 billion, up 2 percent, compared with$3.6 billion in the same period in 2013. The increase was due to higher selling prices, increased volumes, and acquisitions, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign exchange.

Net income attributable to Sonoco for the first nine months of 2014 was $184.7 million, or$1.79 per diluted share, up 12 percent, from $164.4 million, or $1.59 per diluted share, in the same period in 2013. Earnings in the first nine months of 2014 were negatively impacted by after-tax charges of $9.2 million, or $.08 per diluted share, stemming from restructuring costs, asset impairment charges, acquisition expenses and non-base income tax charges. During the same period in 2013, earnings were negatively impacted by $13.2 million, or $.13per diluted share, of restructuring and other related charges.

Base earnings for the first nine months were $193.9 million, or $1.87 per diluted share, compared with $177.6 million, or $1.72 per diluted share for the same period in 2013. The 9 percent increase in base earnings stemmed from a positive price/cost relationship, productivity improvements, proceeds from a legal settlement, volume growth, acquisitions and lower pension expense. These favorable factors were partially offset by higher labor, maintenance and other operating costs and unfavorable changes in the mix of products sold.

Current year-to-date gross profit was $672 million, up 3 percent, compared with $652 million in the same period of 2013. Gross profit as a percent of sales was 18.2 percent, compared with 18.0 percent for the same period in 2013.

For the first nine months of 2014, cash generated from operations was $267 million, compared with $421 million in the same period in 2013. As expected, both operating cash flow and free cash flow were lower in the nine months of 2014 as higher GAAP net income was more than offset by working capital changes and higher income tax payments and pension contributions. In addition, cash flow was impacted by the funding of a proposed settlement of environmental claims and litigation associated with Fox River. Year-to-date pension and post-retirement plan contributions were $58 million in 2014, compared with$31 million in the same period last year. Net capital expenditures and cash dividends were$129 million and $96 million, respectively, during the first nine months of 2014, compared with $141 million and $93 million, respectively, in 2013. Free cash flow for the first nine months of 2014 was $42 million, compared with $187 million for the same period last year. (Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operations minus net capital expenditures and cash dividends). In the current year, the Company also repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares of common stock for approximately $45 million and expended approximately$11 million for the acquisition of a small tubes and cores business.

At September 28, 2014, total debt was approximately $1.0 billion, compared with $981 millionat December 31, 2013, including outstanding commercial paper of $36 million and none, respectively. The Company's debt-to-capital ratio was 37.0 percent at the end of the third quarter, compared with 36.3 at the end of 2013. Cash and cash equivalents were $232 million at September 28, 2014, compared with $218 million at year end 2013.

Corporate

Net interest expense for the third quarter of 2014 decreased to $12.9 million, compared with $14.3 million during the same period in 2013. The decrease was due to lower year-over-year debt levels. The 2014 third quarter effective tax rate on GAAP and base earnings was 29.4 percent and 29.7 percent, respectively, compared with 31.5 percent and 31.3 percent on GAAP and base earnings, respectively, for the prior year's third quarter. The favorable change in the effective tax rate on both GAAP and base earnings is largely the result of a fluctuation in earnings between jurisdictions with differing tax rates.

Third Quarter and Full-Year 2014 Outlook

Sonoco expects fourth quarter 2014 base earnings to be in the range of $.59 to $.64 per diluted share. The Company's fourth quarter 2013 base earnings were $.58 per diluted share. Management does not expect there to be any significant impact to fourth quarter base earnings from the planned Weidenhammer acquisition. Annual 2014 base earnings guidance has been updated to $2.46 to $2.51. Previous base earnings guidance was $2.43 to $2.53 per share. The Company's 2014 guidance reflects an expectation of a 31.5 percent effective tax rate on base earnings for the year. Free cash flow is expected to be approximately $110 million in 2014, compared with $246 million in 2013. The year-over-year reduction reflects expectations for higher income tax payments, an increase in pension and post retirement plan contributions, funding of the proposed Fox River settlement and a greater, but more normal, use of cash for working capital.

The Company believes the assumptions reflected in the range of guidance are reasonable. However, given uncertainty regarding the future performance of the overall economy, potential changes in raw material prices and other costs, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described below, actual results could vary substantially.

Commenting on the Company's outlook, Sonoco CEO Sanders said, "We are extremely excited about the expected completion of the Weidenhammer acquisition in the fourth quarter. We look forward to working with Weidenhammer's leadership team and its 1,100 associates to generate positive earnings accretion in 2015, while continuing to grow our global composite can business to our combined customers' needs going forward."

"While we remain optimistic that the U.S. economy will continue its positive improvement trend through the fourth quarter, we do not expect any notable improvement in consumer demand for packaged food. In addition, we remain cautious about the near-term state of economic conditions in Europe and some emerging markets. That said, we are working closely with our customers on new growth projects, several of which should add to sales and earnings in 2015. We are also developing new strategies to optimize our supply chain, improve productivity and reduce organizational costs in an effort to continue to improve margins and returns."

Segment Review

Sonoco reports its financial results in four operating segments: Consumer Packaging, Display and Packaging, Paper and Industrial Converted Products, and Protective Solutions. Effective January 1, 2014, Sonoco Alloyd, the Company's retail packaging business and previously part of the Protective Solutions segment, began reporting as part of the Display and Packaging segment. This change reflects the evolving integration occurring between these businesses, enabling them to better leverage the Company's capabilities, products and services to provide complete solutions to our retail merchandising customers. Prior period results for the affected segments have been recast to reflect this change.

Segment operating results do not include restructuring and asset impairment charges, acquisition expenses, interest income and expense, income taxes or certain other items, if any, the exclusion of which the Company believes improves comparability and analysis.

Consumer Packaging

Sonoco's Consumer Packaging segment includes the following products and services: round and shaped rigid containers and trays (both composite and thermoformed plastic); blow-molded plastic bottles and jars; extruded and injection-molded plastic products; printed flexible packaging; global brand artwork management; and metal and peelable membrane ends and closures.

Third quarter 2014 sales for the segment were $480 million, compared with $473 million in 2013. Segment operating profit was $49.8 million in the third quarter, compared with $49.0 million in the same quarter of 2013.

Segment sales during the quarter were up slightly as volume growth, particularly in metal closures, blow molded plastic containers and flexible packaging, was partially offset by volume declines in North American composite cans and a negative mix of business. Sales also gained from higher selling prices and sales added from the prior-year acquisition of a small graphics management business in the U.K.Segment operating profit also improved slightly in the quarter as price/cost improvements and lower pension expense were partially offset by a negative mix of business and higher labor, maintenance and other operating costs. Despite the impact of continuing production issues at one of the Company's flexible packaging plants, gains elsewhere kept manufacturing productivity for the segment as a whole essentially unchanged.

Display and Packaging

The Display and Packaging segment includes the following products and services: designing, manufacturing, assembling, packing and distributing temporary, semi-permanent and permanent point-of-purchase displays; supply chain management services, including contract packing, fulfillment and scalable service centers; retail packaging, including printed backer cards, thermoformed blisters and heat sealing equipment; and paper amenities, such as coasters and glass covers.

Third quarter 2014 sales for this segment were $178 million, compared with $168 million in 2013. Segment operating profit was $7.2 million in the quarter, compared with $7.8 million in 2013.

Sales for the quarter were up over 6 percent year over year on volume growth in U.S. display and packaging fulfillment activity and international packaging services. Quarterly operating profit for the segment declined 7 percent as higher operating costs and a negative mix of business were only partially offset by the higher level of activity and productivity improvements.

Paper and Industrial Converted Products

The Paper and Industrial Converted Products segment includes the following products: paperboard tubes and cores; fiber-based construction tubes and forms; wooden, metal and composite wire and cable reels and spools; and recycled paperboard, linerboard, corrugating medium, recovered paper and material recycling services.

Third quarter 2014 sales for the segment were $481 million, up from $468 million in 2013. Segment operating profit was a record $49.0 million in the third quarter of 2014, compared with $37.7 million in 2013.

Segment sales were up nearly 3 percent during the quarter due to sales added from business acquired during the past twelve months, along with higher selling prices. Volume in the segment was down slightly during the quarter due primarily to lower sales of corrugated paper and steel reels. Operating profit grew 30 percent year over year as a positive price/cost relationship, legal settlement proceeds, modest productivity improvements, positive volume/mix and lower pension expense were only partially offset by a higher labor, maintenance and other operating costs.

Protective Solutions

The Protective Solutions segment includes the following products: custom-engineered, paperboard-based and expanded foam protective packaging and components; and temperature-assured packaging.

Third quarter 2014 sales were $125 million, compared with $119 million in the same period in 2013. Operating profit was $10.3 million, compared with $11.0 million in the same quarter of 2013.

Sales grew 5 percent during the third quarter due to higher volume in consumer protective packaging, industrial components and temperature-assured products. Despite the sales volume gains, operating profits declined 7 percent due to higher maintenance, labor and other operating costs, negative productivity, an unfavorable price/cost relationship and plant start-up costs.