15 Feb 25 S & FA: Mergers Bring Consolidation Announcements

Jim Thompson's analysis predicts further consolidation inthe containerboard industry, citing International Paper's (IP) recent millclosures as a key example. He suggests that IP and Smurfit Kappa are currentlyhesitant to make additional cuts, possibly due to market conditions. Othermajor players, including Packaging Corporation of America (PCA),Georgia-Pacific (GP), and Pratt Industries, are also considered. Thompson notesthe presence of several smaller companies that could significantly impact themarket. Ultimately, he expresses uncertainty about the long-term stability ofthe largest companies in this competitive landscape.