Here are 1-2 brief analogies to describe Sonoco Products:

• The 3M of packaging, providing a vast array of essential products and services across numerous industries.

• The Sysco for product packaging, supplying manufacturers across various sectors with a wide range of essential containers and packaging solutions.

• Consumer Packaging: Provides composite cans, flexible packaging, and plastic containers for food, beverage, and other consumer goods.
• Industrial Packaging: Manufactures recycled paperboard, tubes, cores, and protective packaging for diverse industrial applications.
• Display and Packaging Services: Offers supply chain management, retail merchandising, and contract packaging services to optimize product presentation and delivery.

Howard Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer

Howard Coker joined Sonoco in 1985 and has held various sales, manufacturing, and management positions across different businesses. He assumed the role of President and CEO in 2020. Prior to his current position, he served as Senior Vice President of Paper and Industrial Converted Products, and Senior Vice President of Global Rigid Papers and Closures and Paper and Industrial Converted Products.

Paul Joachimczyk, Chief Financial Officer

Paul Joachimczyk was named Chief Financial Officer, effective June 30, 2025. He brings nearly 25 years of progressive experience in financial leadership with multinational publicly traded corporations. Before joining Sonoco, he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Corporate Secretary of American Woodmark Corporation. His previous experience also includes serving as Vice President of Finance for TopBuild Corporation and holding finance leadership positions at Stanley Black & Decker and General Electric's Healthcare and Capital Markets divisions. He began his career as a financial auditor with Ernst and Young LLP.

Rodger Fuller, Chief Operating Officer

Rodger Fuller serves as Chief Operating Officer for Sonoco. He recently stepped back from a temporary role as Interim CEO of Metal Packaging EMEA in November 2025.

Ernest Haynes, President, Consumer Packaging Americas

Ernest Haynes is the President of Consumer Packaging Americas at Sonoco, overseeing rigid paper containers and metal packaging operations in North and South America. He became President of Sonoco Metal Packaging NA in 2022 following the acquisition of Ball Metalpack, and under his leadership, Sonoco also acquired Eviosys. Haynes joined Sonoco in 1997 and has held numerous leadership roles across the Company’s consumer and industrial segments.

Seán Cairns, President, Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC

Seán Cairns was named President, Consumer Packaging, EMEA/APAC, responsible for all Metal Packaging and Rigid Paper Containers operations for EMEA and APAC regions. He joined Sonoco in 2008 and previously served as President of Global Rigid Paper Containers since April 2022. Prior to Sonoco, he worked for Crown's Metal Packaging EMEA business for 13 years, holding various roles from Factory Manager to Business Unit Director.

The key risks to Sonoco Products (SON) are:

1. Dependence on Raw Material Costs and Global Economic Conditions: Sonoco's financial performance is significantly impacted by the availability and price volatility of raw materials, which are often influenced by global economic conditions. This reliance can directly affect profit margins and necessitates robust supply chain management strategies to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, broader global economic factors, including inflation and economic downturns, could adversely affect the company's business, financial condition, and operational results.
2. Heightened Financial Leverage: The company carries a notable level of debt, which poses a risk of permanent capital loss. This substantial financial leverage is a concern for investors.
3. Legal Challenges and Regulatory Penalties: Sonoco has recently disclosed risks related to ongoing legal proceedings within the regulatory category. These legal challenges could potentially lead to significant financial liabilities or regulatory penalties, impacting the company's overall financial health and operational stability.

The accelerating global shift towards genuinely sustainable, circular, and reusable packaging solutions. This trend, driven by increasing regulatory pressure, corporate sustainability mandates, and evolving consumer preferences, directly challenges Sonoco's existing product lines, particularly multi-material composite containers and certain conventional plastic packaging that face significant recyclability challenges. New entrants and specialized competitors focusing on mono-material designs, advanced molded fiber, and reusable packaging models pose a clear disruptive threat to Sonoco's traditional market share.

Expected Drivers of Future Revenue Growth for Sonoco Products (SON)

Over the next 2-3 years, Sonoco Products (SON) is expected to drive revenue growth through several key initiatives and market trends:

1. Strategic Acquisitions and Integration: The acquisition and ongoing integration of Eviosys (Metal Packaging EMEA) is a significant driver of revenue growth, contributing substantially to net sales in 2025. The company anticipates realizing annual run-rate synergies from this acquisition by the end of 2026.
2. Strategic Pricing Initiatives: Sonoco has implemented and continues to utilize price increases to offset the effects of inflation and tariffs, which has been a contributing factor to its revenue growth, particularly within its Consumer Packaging segment.
3. Volume Growth in Key Consumer Packaging Segments: Despite some broader market volume softness, specific areas within Sonoco's consumer packaging portfolio are projected for growth. For instance, the company anticipates continued volume growth in metal aerosol cans and food cans.
4. Expansion of Sustainable Packaging Solutions: Sonoco is positioned as a global leader in high-value, sustainable packaging, aligning with increasing consumer demand and regulatory mandates. This strategic focus on sustainable packaging is expected to be a significant driver in a market projected to grow at a 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
5. Operational Efficiencies and Productivity Improvements: Ongoing productivity gains, procurement savings, and fixed cost reductions are enhancing profitability and supporting the company's ability to reinvest in growth initiatives and maintain competitive pricing strategies. These efficiencies contribute to financial stability and capacity for growth.

Share Repurchases

• Sonoco authorized a $350 million share repurchase program on April 20, 2021.
• The company repurchased $150 million of shares through an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) transaction in May 2021.
• As of December 31, 2024, $138 million remained available under the April 2021 share repurchase authorization.

Outbound Investments

• Sonoco acquired Ball Metalpack for $1.35 billion in cash in January 2022.
• In December 2024, the company completed the acquisition of Eviosys, a leading European metal packaging manufacturer, for approximately $3.8 billion to $3.9 billion.
• Sonoco announced the divestiture of its Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging (TFP) business for approximately $1.8 billion (expected to close in the first half of 2025) and agreed to sell its ThermoSafe business unit for up to $725 million (expected to close before year-end 2025), with proceeds intended for debt reduction.

Capital Expenditures

• Capital expenditures averaged approximately $279.9 million annually from 2020 to 2024, peaking at $379.6 million in 2024.
• Expected capital expenditures for 2025 are approximately $360 million, with a focus on driving growth and margin expansion, including new facilities in Thailand, Mexico, and the U.S.
• Recent significant investments have been directed towards productivity projects, expansion of manufacturing capabilities within the Consumer Packaging segment, and the conversion of a corrugated medium machine to an uncoated recycled paperboard machine (Project Horizon), which was largely completed in 2022.