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U.S. Paper Packaging Industry Analysis

UpdatedJan 21, 2026
DataAggregated Company Financials
Companies13
  • 7D-3.0%
  • 3M-2.8%
  • 1Y-19.1%
  • YTDn/a

Over the last 7 days, the Paper Packaging industry has dropped 3.0%, driven by Amcor declining 5.9%. However, the industry is down 19% over the past year. As for the next few years, earnings are expected to grow by 22% per annum.

Industry Valuation and Performance

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

DateMarket CapRevenueEarningsPEAbsolute PEPS
Wed, 21 Jan 2026US$114.8bUS$112.3bUS$3.3b21.8x34.6x1x
Fri, 19 Dec 2025US$107.8bUS$112.3bUS$3.3b20.5x32.5x1x
Sun, 16 Nov 2025US$104.3bUS$112.3bUS$3.4b19.8x31.1x0.9x
Tue, 14 Oct 2025US$111.4bUS$106.3bUS$3.3b20.7x34.1x1x
Thu, 11 Sep 2025US$115.6bUS$106.3bUS$3.3b21.2x35.4x1.1x
Sat, 09 Aug 2025US$117.2bUS$104.7bUS$3.6b19.5x32.6x1.1x
Mon, 07 Jul 2025US$122.5bUS$97.0bUS$4.2b24.2x29.1x1.3x
Wed, 04 Jun 2025US$114.8bUS$97.1bUS$4.2b23.1x27.2x1.2x
Fri, 02 May 2025US$105.4bUS$92.5bUS$4.0b19x26x1.1x
Sun, 30 Mar 2025US$116.9bUS$95.9bUS$4.0b20.5x29.3x1.2x
Tue, 25 Feb 2025US$126.3bUS$96.0bUS$4.1b23.4x30.8x1.3x
Thu, 23 Jan 2025US$122.4bUS$92.5bUS$4.1b20.5x30.2x1.3x
Sat, 21 Dec 2024US$116.0bUS$92.5bUS$4.1b20.1x28.6x1.3x
Mon, 18 Nov 2024US$119.8bUS$92.0bUS$4.0b19.2x29.6x1.3x
Wed, 16 Oct 2024US$115.5bUS$87.2bUS$4.6b27.8x24.9x1.3x
Fri, 13 Sep 2024US$111.9bUS$87.2bUS$4.6b26.4x24.1x1.3x
Sun, 11 Aug 2024US$105.4bUS$87.3bUS$4.6b24x23.1x1.2x
Tue, 09 Jul 2024US$95.1bUS$95.1bUS$3.7b21.4x25.5x1x
Thu, 06 Jun 2024US$101.6bUS$95.1bUS$3.7b22.7x27.2x1.1x
Sat, 04 May 2024US$95.3bUS$95.1bUS$3.7b22.1x25.5x1x
Mon, 01 Apr 2024US$98.1bUS$96.7bUS$1.8b21.4x55.4x1x
Wed, 28 Feb 2024US$90.8bUS$96.9bUS$1.8b20.2x51.1x0.9x
Fri, 26 Jan 2024US$83.5bUS$92.7bUS$2.2b15.7x37.2x0.9x
Sun, 24 Dec 2023US$84.1bUS$92.8bUS$2.3b15.6x37.2x0.9x
Tue, 21 Nov 2023US$78.5bUS$92.8bUS$2.3b14.7x34.7x0.8x
Thu, 19 Oct 2023US$75.7bUS$95.2bUS$3.5b10.8x21.7x0.8x
Sat, 16 Sep 2023US$75.9bUS$95.2bUS$3.5b11.4x21.7x0.8x
Mon, 14 Aug 2023US$77.7bUS$95.5bUS$3.4b11.5x22.7x0.8x
Wed, 12 Jul 2023US$73.6bUS$97.5bUS$4.1b12x17.8x0.8x
Fri, 09 Jun 2023US$74.3bUS$97.5bUS$4.1b12.4x17.9x0.8x
Sun, 07 May 2023US$74.9bUS$97.6bUS$4.4b12.6x17.1x0.8x
Tue, 04 Apr 2023US$79.4bUS$98.2bUS$6.6b12.5x12x0.8x
Thu, 02 Mar 2023US$80.1bUS$98.2bUS$6.6b12.6x12.1x0.8x
Sat, 28 Jan 2023US$84.4bUS$97.6bUS$6.6b13.5x12.7x0.9x
Price to Earnings Ratio

12.7x


Total Market Cap: US$84.4bTotal Earnings: US$6.6bTotal Revenue: US$97.6bTotal Market Cap vs Earnings and Revenue0%0%0%
U.S. Paper Packaging Industry Price to Earnings3Y Average 28.7x202420252026
Current Industry PE
  • Investors are optimistic on the American Paper Packaging industry, and appear confident in long term growth rates.
  • The industry is trading at a PE ratio of 34.6x which is higher than its 3-year average PE of 28.7x.
  • The industry is trading close to its 3-year average PS ratio of 1.0x.
Past Earnings Growth
  • The earnings for companies in the Paper Packaging industry have declined 21% per year over the last three years.
  • Meanwhile revenues for these companies have grown 4.8% per year.
  • This means that although more sales are being generated, either the cost of doing business or the level of investment back into businesses has increased, which has decreased profits.

Industry Comparison

How does U.S. Paper Packaging compare with similar industries?

US Market-2.00%
Materials0.62%
Packaging-2.45%
Paper Packaging-2.97%
Metal and Glass Containers-1.18%
Industry PEThere are no additional sub-industries under this industry.
Forecasted GrowthThere are no additional sub-industries under this industry.

Top Stock Gainers and Losers

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

CompanyLast Price7D1YValuation
PKG Packaging Corporation of AmericaUS$220.000.02%
+US$3.6m		-8.3%PE22.1x
MGIH Millennium Group International HoldingsUS$1.457.8%
+US$1.2m		-11.9%PS0.6x

Latest News

SON
US$47.70
Sonoco Products
7D
0.1%
1Y
-3.1%
AMCR
US$41.17
Amcor
7D
-5.9%
1Y
-15.9%
GPK
US$14.79
Graphic Packaging Holding
7D
-4.9%
1Y
-47.7%

GPK: Packaging Pricing And Governance Reset Will Support Medium Term Upside

The analyst price target for Graphic Packaging Holding has been reset to US$17.17 from US$19.89 as analysts factor in updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, discount rate and future P/E in light of recent rating changes and cautious commentary on 2026 packaging volumes and pricing. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Graphic Packaging Holding reflects a mixed view, with price targets generally being reset in a tighter US$16 to US$18 range and ratings clustering around Neutral or Hold.
PKG
US$217.11
Packaging Corporation of America
7D
-0.7%
1Y
-10.3%

PKG: Containerboard Pricing Execution Is Expected To Drive Future Upside

Narrative Update on Packaging Corporation of America The analyst fair value estimate for Packaging Corporation of America has been lifted by $10 to $273, reflecting updated views from recent Street research that highlight mixed volume expectations into 2026, along with support from disciplined containerboard supply management, ongoing beverage can growth in North America and Europe, and containerboard price increases that analysts expect producers to implement successfully. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research shows a mix of caution on packaging volumes and consumer health, but also a cluster of supportive price targets and at least one upgrade that collectively frame Packaging Corporation of America as a name where execution on pricing and integration could matter as much as end demand.
IP
US$41.66
International Paper
7D
-2.1%
1Y
-28.8%

IP: Supply Discipline And 80/20 Turnaround Will Support Future Margin Upside

Narrative Update on International Paper Analysts have modestly reset their expectations for International Paper, with a blended Street price target moving into the mid US$40s to low US$50s range as they factor in mixed views on near term packaging volumes, disciplined supply management supporting containerboard pricing, and execution risks around the company’s 80/20 turnaround and ongoing transformation. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on International Paper show a cluster of price targets in the low to mid US$40s up to just above US$50.
PACK
US$5.40
Ranpak Holdings
7D
-7.8%
1Y
-16.4%

PACK: Compact Paper Solutions And Stable Assumptions Will Support Balanced Outlook

Analysts have nudged their price target on Ranpak Holdings slightly higher to about $6.00, reflecting small adjustments to inputs such as discount rate, expected revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. What's in the News Ranpak reported that from July 1, 2025 to October 30, 2025, it repurchased 0 shares for $0m under its existing buyback program, with the total completed repurchase under the program also at 0 shares for $0m (Key Developments).
AVY
US$182.21
Avery Dennison
7D
-2.9%
1Y
-5.3%

AVY: Intelligent Labels And Buybacks Will Support A More Constructive Outlook

Avery Dennison's fair value estimate has been lifted by about $4 to $206.80 as analysts factor in higher Street price targets and an outlook that acknowledges a challenging 2026 volume setup in packaging while also pointing to ongoing strength in beverage cans, disciplined containerboard pricing and improving sentiment around intelligent labels. Analyst Commentary Street research around Avery Dennison centers on how the company can execute through a tougher 2026 volume setup while still justifying higher valuation targets.
SW
US$40.95
Smurfit Westrock
7D
-4.1%
1Y
-25.5%

SW: Fair Value View Will Balance Impairment Risk And Earnings Potential

Analysts have nudged their price target for Smurfit Westrock to €44.50. The update reflects adjusted assumptions around revenue growth at 3.18%, profit margin at 6.18% and a forward P/E of 14.01x, while keeping fair value steady at €44.50.
MGIH
US$1.41
Millennium Group International Holdings
7D
6.8%
1Y
-19.4%
ORBS
US$1.54
Eightco Holdings
7D
-11.5%
1Y
-9.4%