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U.S. Packaging Industry Analysis

UpdatedJul 24, 2026
DataAggregated Company Financials
Companies23
  • 7D-2.2%
  • 3M8.7%
  • 1Y-9.8%
  • YTD3.6%

Over the last 7 days, the Packaging industry has dropped 2.2%, driven by a pullback from Amcor of 4.9%. The industry has fallen 9.8% in the last year. Looking forward, earnings are forecast to grow by 24% annually.

Industry Valuation and Performance

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

DateMarket CapRevenueEarningsPEAbsolute PEPS
Fri, 24 Jul 2026US$155.2bUS$162.7bUS$3.1b19.6x50.8x1x
Sun, 21 Jun 2026US$149.2bUS$161.9bUS$3.0b17.6x49.6x0.9x
Tue, 19 May 2026US$134.6bUS$161.9bUS$3.0b17.4x44.8x0.8x
Thu, 16 Apr 2026US$150.0bUS$156.8bUS$3.4b19.6x44.6x1x
Sat, 14 Mar 2026US$153.2bUS$162.6bUS$3.8b18.7x40.8x0.9x
Mon, 09 Feb 2026US$174.9bUS$162.5bUS$3.3b22.5x53x1.1x
Wed, 07 Jan 2026US$157.7bUS$159.8bUS$5.7b20.9x27.9x1x
Fri, 05 Dec 2025US$150.4bUS$159.8bUS$5.7b19.6x26.6x0.9x
Sun, 02 Nov 2025US$146.2bUS$158.3bUS$5.4b19.6x27x0.9x
Tue, 30 Sep 2025US$159.9bUS$154.2bUS$5.0b21.9x31.8x1x
Thu, 28 Aug 2025US$165.8bUS$154.3bUS$5.1b22.2x32.5x1.1x
Sat, 26 Jul 2025US$178.0bUS$145.2bUS$6.1b27.9x29.3x1.2x
Mon, 23 Jun 2025US$162.8bUS$144.4bUS$6.0b25.4x27.1x1.1x
Wed, 21 May 2025US$170.4bUS$144.3bUS$6.0b26.5x28.4x1.2x
Fri, 18 Apr 2025US$155.6bUS$149.9bUS$6.3b20.9x24.7x1x
Sun, 16 Mar 2025US$170.6bUS$155.1bUS$6.2b22.3x27.6x1.1x
Tue, 11 Feb 2025US$181.4bUS$151.6bUS$6.5b22x28.1x1.2x
Thu, 09 Jan 2025US$170.8bUS$153.4bUS$5.9b21.8x28.8x1.1x
Sat, 07 Dec 2024US$183.5bUS$153.4bUS$5.9b23.4x30.9x1.2x
Mon, 04 Nov 2024US$179.5bUS$153.3bUS$6.2b23.4x28.9x1.2x
Wed, 02 Oct 2024US$181.2bUS$148.6bUS$7.0b26.7x25.9x1.2x
Fri, 30 Aug 2024US$175.6bUS$148.4bUS$7.0b25x25.1x1.2x
Sun, 28 Jul 2024US$172.9bUS$149.5bUS$6.8b23.4x25.2x1.2x
Tue, 25 Jun 2024US$155.8bUS$156.8bUS$6.1b22.5x25.7x1x
Thu, 23 May 2024US$161.2bUS$156.7bUS$6.1b23.5x26.3x1x
Sat, 20 Apr 2024US$149.2bUS$159.1bUS$4.4b18.1x33.6x0.9x
Mon, 18 Mar 2024US$152.5bUS$159.1bUS$4.4b18.2x34.4x1x
Wed, 14 Feb 2024US$138.0bUS$154.1bUS$4.1b19.3x33.5x0.9x
Fri, 12 Jan 2024US$141.8bUS$155.9bUS$5.4b15.5x26.2x0.9x
Sun, 10 Dec 2023US$138.8bUS$155.9bUS$5.4b15.1x25.7x0.9x
Tue, 07 Nov 2023US$130.7bUS$156.0bUS$5.6b15.5x23.5x0.8x
Thu, 05 Oct 2023US$130.4bUS$159.5bUS$7.0b12.8x18.5x0.8x
Sat, 02 Sep 2023US$136.3bUS$159.5bUS$7.0b13.9x19.4x0.9x
Mon, 31 Jul 2023US$139.1bUS$161.8bUS$7.2b14x19.3x0.9x
Price to Earnings Ratio

19.3x


Total Market Cap: US$139.1bTotal Earnings: US$7.2bTotal Revenue: US$161.8bTotal Market Cap vs Earnings and Revenue0%0%0%
U.S. Packaging Industry Price to Earnings3Y Average 30.3x202420252026
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 50.8x which is higher than its 3-year average PE of 30.3x.
  • 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 25% 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 Market-1.98%
Materials0.066%
Packaging-2.20%
Paper Packaging-2.13%
Metal and Glass Containers-2.34%
Industry PE
  • Investors are most optimistic about the Paper Packaging industry which is trading above its 3-year average PE ratio of 48.1x.
    • Analysts are expecting annual earnings growth of 29.4%, which is higher than its past year's earnings decline of 19.7% per year.
  • Investors are most pessimistic about the Metal and Glass Containers industry, which is trading close to its 3-year average of 22.7x.
Forecasted Growth
  • Analysts are most optimistic on the Paper Packaging industry, expecting annual earnings growth of 29% over the next 5 years.
  • This is better than its past earnings decline of 20% per year.
  • In contrast, the Metal and Glass Containers industry is expected to see its earnings grow by 14% 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
GEF GreifUS$76.790.9%
+US$31.8m		14.6%PE19.6x
IP International PaperUS$37.910.1%
+US$21.2m		-30.8%PS0.8x
SON Sonoco ProductsUS$56.320.2%
+US$13.8m		15.9%PE8.6x
MGIH Millennium Group International HoldingsUS$1.625.2%
+US$900.0k		-1.8%PS0.8x

Latest News

SLGN
US$45.46
Silgan Holdings
7D
-4.1%
1Y
-17.9%
Seeking Alpha • 3h

Silgan Holdings: Cheap, But Not Not Compelling Enough To Unwrap An Upgrade

Summary Silgan Holdings remains a 'hold' as revenue growth is offset by stagnant profits and cash flows. SLGN's valuation is objectively cheap, but not compelling relative to packaging peers, limiting upgrade potential. Management expects cost reductions and higher volumes to improve profitability in 2026, with guidance for adjusted EPS of $3.73–$3.93. I await Q2 2026 results for evidence of sustained bottom-line improvement or a more attractive entry point. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
CCK
US$114.49
Crown Holdings
7D
-2.2%
1Y
9.9%
SON
US$56.32
Sonoco Products
7D
0.2%
1Y
15.9%
SW
US$43.71
Smurfit Westrock
7D
-2.4%
1Y
-9.0%
Seeking Alpha • Jul 20

Why I View Smurfit Westrock As Overvalued Above $40/Share

Summary Smurfit Westrock Plc is a BBB-rated, Ireland-based packaging company offering a well-covered 4.1% yield. SW trades at a seemingly high P/E due to multi-year earnings lows, making current valuation appear expensive. Despite sector-wide caution, I rate SW a 'Hold' with a $39/share price target, citing insufficient risk/reward upside. SW meets quality and dividend criteria but lacks compelling valuation or upside to justify a Buy at present. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
BALL
US$62.23
Ball
7D
-1.5%
1Y
5.6%
Seeking Alpha • Jul 20

Ball Q2 Preview: Not An Appealing Investment Yet

Summary Ball Corporation remains a hold as I await clear signs of profitability improvement or operational momentum post-earnings. Q2 expectations are for $0.99 adjusted EPS, $0.88 GAAP EPS, and $3.68B revenue, with double-digit y/y growth but slowing momentum. I am closely monitoring margin pressures, segment performance, and whether management updates guidance on EPS growth, free cash flow, and capital returns. There is no urgency to buy BALL before earnings; I prefer to assess sustained margin recovery and normalized top-line growth post-Benepack acquisition. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
ATR
US$129.00
AptarGroup
7D
-4.3%
1Y
-20.3%
IP
US$37.91
International Paper
7D
0.1%
1Y
-30.8%
AMCR
US$42.63
Amcor
7D
-4.9%
1Y
-12.6%
OI
US$8.94
O-I Glass
7D
-6.9%
1Y
-39.0%
MGIH
US$1.62
Millennium Group International Holdings
7D
5.2%
1Y
-1.8%
GEF
US$76.79
Greif
7D
0.9%
1Y
14.6%
Narrative Update • Jul 02

GEF: Lowered Expectations For Execution Risk Will Drive Shares Lower

Analysts have modestly raised their fair value estimate for Greif from $60.00 to $68.00, citing updated assumptions around discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins, and a higher future P/E multiple, even as recent Street research has featured small downward revisions to formal price targets. Analyst Commentary on Greif Recent Street research around Greif reflects a cautious tone, with several bearish analysts trimming their price targets despite the internal fair value adjustment to $68.00.
AVY
US$155.20
Avery Dennison
7D
-4.8%
1Y
-13.0%