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U.S. Packaging Industry Analysis

UpdatedAug 31, 2026
DataAggregated Company Financials
Companies25
  • 7D-2.1%
  • 3M15.5%
  • 1Y1.0%
  • YTD9.3%

Over the last 7 days, the Packaging industry has dropped 2.1%, driven by declines in International Paper and Packaging Corporation of America of 5.3% and 4.9%, respectively. Over the last year, the industry has been flat overall. As for the next few years, earnings are expected to grow by 24% per annum.

Industry Valuation and Performance

Has the U.S. Packaging Industry valuation changed over the past few years?

DateMarket CapRevenueEarningsPEAbsolute PEPS
Mon, 31 Aug 2026US$162.7bUS$165.1bUS$2.6b19.1x62.8x1x
Wed, 29 Jul 2026US$165.8bUS$162.7bUS$3.1b21.3x54.3x1x
Fri, 26 Jun 2026US$155.5bUS$161.9bUS$3.0b19x51.7x1x
Sun, 24 May 2026US$138.2bUS$161.9bUS$3.0b17.7x46x0.9x
Tue, 21 Apr 2026US$152.0bUS$156.8bUS$3.1b19.9x48.5x1x
Thu, 19 Mar 2026US$154.9bUS$162.6bUS$3.8b18.1x41.3x1x
Sat, 14 Feb 2026US$181.2bUS$162.5bUS$3.3b23.4x55.4x1.1x
Mon, 12 Jan 2026US$163.5bUS$159.8bUS$5.7b21.5x28.9x1x
Wed, 10 Dec 2025US$146.7bUS$159.8bUS$5.7b19.3x26x0.9x
Fri, 07 Nov 2025US$146.6bUS$159.8bUS$5.7b19.5x25.8x0.9x
Sun, 05 Oct 2025US$160.9bUS$154.2bUS$5.0b21.9x32x1x
Tue, 02 Sep 2025US$167.6bUS$154.2bUS$5.0b22.7x33.3x1.1x
Thu, 31 Jul 2025US$175.8bUS$145.1bUS$5.9b27.3x29.6x1.2x
Sat, 28 Jun 2025US$165.4bUS$144.3bUS$6.0b26.1x27.5x1.1x
Mon, 26 May 2025US$163.6bUS$144.3bUS$6.0b25.5x27.2x1.1x
Wed, 23 Apr 2025US$154.8bUS$149.9bUS$6.3b20.8x24.6x1x
Fri, 21 Mar 2025US$173.0bUS$155.1bUS$6.2b22.2x28x1.1x
Sun, 16 Feb 2025US$181.9bUS$156.3bUS$6.6b22.1x27.7x1.2x
Tue, 14 Jan 2025US$169.2bUS$153.4bUS$5.9b21.8x28.5x1.1x
Thu, 12 Dec 2024US$181.4bUS$153.4bUS$5.9b23.2x30.6x1.2x
Sat, 09 Nov 2024US$183.1bUS$153.3bUS$6.2b24.5x29.5x1.2x
Mon, 07 Oct 2024US$177.2bUS$148.6bUS$7.0b26.3x25.3x1.2x
Wed, 04 Sep 2024US$177.8bUS$148.6bUS$7.0b25.5x25.4x1.2x
Fri, 02 Aug 2024US$172.6bUS$148.7bUS$6.8b24.3x25.3x1.2x
Sun, 30 Jun 2024US$151.1bUS$156.8bUS$6.1b21.6x25x1x
Tue, 28 May 2024US$161.5bUS$156.7bUS$6.1b23.5x26.4x1x
Thu, 25 Apr 2024US$149.2bUS$159.2bUS$4.4b18.5x33.6x0.9x
Sat, 23 Mar 2024US$154.4bUS$159.1bUS$4.4b19x34.8x1x
Mon, 19 Feb 2024US$140.6bUS$154.0bUS$4.1b19.2x34.3x0.9x
Wed, 17 Jan 2024US$141.3bUS$155.9bUS$5.4b15.2x26.1x0.9x
Fri, 15 Dec 2023US$141.6bUS$155.9bUS$5.4b15.6x26.2x0.9x
Sun, 12 Nov 2023US$128.2bUS$156.5bUS$5.4b14.4x23.8x0.8x
Tue, 10 Oct 2023US$128.2bUS$159.5bUS$7.0b12.8x18.2x0.8x
Thu, 07 Sep 2023US$131.1bUS$159.5bUS$7.0b13.3x18.6x0.8x
Price to Earnings Ratio

18.6x


Total Market Cap: US$131.1bTotal Earnings: US$7.0bTotal Revenue: US$159.5bTotal Market Cap vs Earnings and Revenue0%0%0%
U.S. Packaging Industry Price to Earnings3Y Average 32x202420252026
Current Industry PE
  • Investors are optimistic on the American Packaging industry, and appear confident in long term growth rates.
  • The industry is trading at a PE ratio of 62.8x which is higher than its 3-year average PE of 32.0x.
  • The industry is trading close to its 3-year average PS ratio of 1.0x.
Past Earnings Growth
  • The earnings for companies in the Packaging industry have declined 28% per year over the last three years.
  • Meanwhile revenues have remained mostly flat.
  • This means that although sales have remained flat, either the cost of doing business or the level of investment back into businesses has increased, which has decreased profits.

Industry Trends

Which industries have driven the changes within the U.S. Materials industry?

US Market0.67%
Materials-1.22%
Packaging-2.14%
Metal and Glass Containers-1.11%
Paper Packaging-2.59%
Industry PE
  • Investors are most optimistic about the Paper Packaging industry which is trading above its 3-year average PE ratio of 52.6x.
    • Analysts are expecting annual earnings growth of 30.0%, which is higher than its past year's earnings growth of 20.2% per year.
  • Investors are most pessimistic about the Metal and Glass Containers industry, although it looks like investor sentiment has improved given that it's trading above its 3-year average of 23.2x.
Forecasted Growth
  • Analysts are most optimistic on the Paper Packaging industry, expecting annual earnings growth of 30% over the next 5 years.
  • This is better than its past earnings growth rate of 20% per year.
  • In contrast, the Metal and Glass Containers industry is expected to see its earnings grow by 11% per year over the next few years.

Top Stock Gainers and Losers

Which companies have driven the market over the last 7 days?

CompanyLast Price7D1YValuation
GPK Graphic Packaging HoldingUS$11.561.0%
+US$32.6m		-48.1%PE17.6x
OI O-I GlassUS$7.391.9%
+US$21.5m		-43.1%PS0.2x

Latest News

AMCR
US$46.67
Amcor
7D
-2.6%
1Y
8.2%
ATR
US$132.99
AptarGroup
7D
-1.3%
1Y
-4.5%
GPK
US$11.56
Graphic Packaging Holding
7D
1.0%
1Y
-48.1%
Narrative Update • Aug 27

GPK: Negative Catalyst Watch And Legal Overhang Will Pressure Earnings

Analysts have raised their fair value estimate for Graphic Packaging Holding by $1.00 to $10.00, citing a higher $14 Street price target supported by ongoing positive pricing momentum in corrugated packaging and steady near term growth expectations. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Graphic Packaging Holding points to a mixed backdrop, with price targets generally clustered in the low to mid teens and ratings concentrated around Neutral or Hold.
PKG
US$240.39
Packaging Corporation of America
7D
-3.4%
1Y
10.3%
AVY
US$177.75
Avery Dennison
7D
-3.2%
1Y
3.6%
IP
US$39.31
International Paper
7D
-4.2%
1Y
-20.9%
Narrative Update • Aug 26

IP: Pricing Power And Mill Footprint Actions Will Drive Turnaround Potential

The analyst price target for International Paper moves from about $43.64 to $48.00 as analysts highlight ongoing pricing momentum in containerboard, expectations for further margin expansion, and company specific cost and investment initiatives. Analyst Commentary Recent research on International Paper shows a clear tilt toward more optimistic views, with many firms lifting price targets and a few keeping a more cautious stance on execution and industry conditions.
BALL
US$63.77
Ball
7D
-1.0%
1Y
21.1%
OI
US$7.39
O-I Glass
7D
1.9%
1Y
-43.1%
Narrative Update • Aug 14

OI: Revised 2026 Outlook And Investigation Will Create Future Upside Opportunity

Analysts have lowered their price target on O-I Glass from $15.00 to $13.00 as updated assumptions reflect a different balance of projected revenue growth, profit margins, discount rate, and future P/E expectations. What’s in the News for O-I Glass Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC has launched an investigation into O-I Glass, Inc.
SW
US$48.29
Smurfit Westrock
7D
-0.8%
1Y
2.0%
Narrative Update • Aug 13

SW: Containerboard Price Increases And Efficiency Actions Will Drive Future Upside

Analysts have adjusted their price target for Smurfit Westrock to $56.43 from $53.46, citing updates to fair value estimates, discount rate assumptions, revenue growth expectations, profit margin outlook, and future P/E inputs. What's in the News for Smurfit Westrock Containerboard producers, including Smurfit Westrock, announced price increases following Packaging Corporation of America's planned US$140 per ton hike.
CCK
US$118.44
Crown Holdings
7D
-1.1%
1Y
19.2%
Narrative Update • Jul 30

CCK: Raised EPS Guidance And Buybacks Will Support Future Returns

Analysts now place Crown Holdings' fair value price target at about $136.57, compared with the prior $128, based on slightly adjusted assumptions for the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E. What’s in the News for Crown Holdings Crown Holdings reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, with results above expectations and support from demand across North America, Europe, and the Americas.