Smurfit Westrock Posts Q2 Profit, Backs Full-Year EBITDA Forecast
Paper Recycling | 2026-07-30 06:06:58
Smurfit Westrock reported continued operational progress across its business. North America recorded improvements in efficiency and pricing, while the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions delivered strong performance.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Smurfit Westrock plc reported improved second-quarter 2026 financial results, supported by higher sales, despite rising freight and other input costs.
The global packaging company posted net sales of $8.03 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared with $7.94 billion in the same period last year. Net income reached $88 million, compared to a $26 million net loss reported a year earlier. Also, the net income margin improved to 1.1% from a negative 0.3%.
Adjusted EBITDA totaled $1.14 billion, down from $1.21 billion in the prior-year quarter, with the adjusted EBITDA margin falling from 15.3% to 14.2% year-on-year. Net cash generated from operating activities declined to $765 million, compared with $829 million a year ago.
Smurfit Westrock reported continued operational progress across its business. North America recorded improvements in efficiency and pricing, while the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions delivered strong performance. Also, Latin America maintained solid momentum.
The company foresees a third-quarter adjusted EBITDA of about $1.3 billion. It reaffirmed its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $4.9 billion to $5.1 billion. Also, the board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.4523 per ordinary share, which will be payable on September 10, 2026.
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What was the biggest takeaway from Smurfit Westrock's Q2 2026 results?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did Smurfit Westrock perform in Q2 2026?
The company reported higher sales and returned to profitability, with net income of $88 million versus a $26 million net loss a year earlier.
- Why did adjusted EBITDA decline despite higher sales?
Rising freight and other input costs reduced adjusted EBITDA and compressed the EBITDA margin.
- What is Smurfit Westrock's outlook for 2026?
The company expects Q3 adjusted EBITDA of about $1.3 billion and reaffirmed its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $4.9 billion to $5.1 billion.
