15 Feb 25 S & FA: Mergers Bring Consolidation Announcements

Jim Thompson's analysis predicts further consolidation in

the containerboard industry, citing International Paper's (IP) recent mill

closures as a key example. He suggests that IP and Smurfit Kappa are currently

hesitant to make additional cuts, possibly due to market conditions. Other

major players, including Packaging Corporation of America (PCA),

Georgia-Pacific (GP), and Pratt Industries, are also considered. Thompson notes

the presence of several smaller companies that could significantly impact the

market. Ultimately, he expresses uncertainty about the long-term stability of

the largest companies in this competitive landscape.