Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) Stock Overview
Manufactures and sells containerboard and uncoated freesheet (UFS) paper products in North America. More details
| Snowflake Score | |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 2/6 |
| Future Growth | 4/6 |
| Past Performance | 1/6 |
| Financial Health | 3/6 |
| Dividends | 5/6 |
PKG Community Fair Values
Create NarrativeSee what 18 others think this stock is worth. Follow their fair value or set your own to get alerts.
Analyst Price Targets
Packaging Corporation of America Competitors
Price History & Performance
| Historical stock prices | |
|---|---|
| Current Share Price | US$233.90 |
| 52 Week High | US$249.51 |
| 52 Week Low | US$189.03 |
| Beta | 0.82 |
| 1 Month Change | 0.46% |
| 3 Month Change | 9.88% |
| 1 Year Change | 13.58% |
| 3 Year Change | 53.45% |
| 5 Year Change | 66.81% |
| Change since IPO | 1,849.17% |
Recent News & Updates
Seeking Alpha • 11h
Cost Pressures Make Packaging Corporation of America Unattractive
Summary Packaging Corporation of America remains a strong operator, but shares are overvalued at 20x earnings amid persistent cost headwinds. PKG's Q2 saw record shipment volumes and pricing actions, yet margin gains are offset by rising freight, electricity, and input costs. Despite a robust balance sheet and stable 2.6% dividend, PKG's premium valuation is unjustified given limited profit acceleration prospects. I recommend selling PKG as risk/reward is unattractive; fair value is $205–$210, below current levels even assuming optimistic EPS. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Jul 15
PKG: Dividend Hike And June Pricing Actions Are Expected To Support Returns
Packaging Corporation of America’s analyst price target is updated from $235.90 to $245.00, as analysts factor in higher Street targets, including recent raises from UBS, BofA, Citi and Wells Fargo that reference pricing power, expected benefits from the June price hike, and a more balanced risk and reward profile. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Packaging Corporation of America highlights a mix of optimism around pricing power and caution around demand trends and valuation, giving you a balanced set of signals to weigh.
Narrative Update • Jul 01
PKG: Sticky Price Hikes And Capital Returns Will Support Future Upside
Packaging Corporation of America’s analyst price target has been revised to $258 from $270 as analysts balance slightly lower modeled revenue growth and a higher discount rate with expectations for sticky price hikes, firm demand, and stable to improving margins. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Packaging Corporation of America point to a cluster of bullish analysts focusing on pricing power, execution on capacity, and the potential earnings impact of recent price actions.Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • 11h
Cost Pressures Make Packaging Corporation of America Unattractive
Summary Packaging Corporation of America remains a strong operator, but shares are overvalued at 20x earnings amid persistent cost headwinds. PKG's Q2 saw record shipment volumes and pricing actions, yet margin gains are offset by rising freight, electricity, and input costs. Despite a robust balance sheet and stable 2.6% dividend, PKG's premium valuation is unjustified given limited profit acceleration prospects. I recommend selling PKG as risk/reward is unattractive; fair value is $205–$210, below current levels even assuming optimistic EPS. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Jul 15
PKG: Dividend Hike And June Pricing Actions Are Expected To Support Returns
Packaging Corporation of America’s analyst price target is updated from $235.90 to $245.00, as analysts factor in higher Street targets, including recent raises from UBS, BofA, Citi and Wells Fargo that reference pricing power, expected benefits from the June price hike, and a more balanced risk and reward profile. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Packaging Corporation of America highlights a mix of optimism around pricing power and caution around demand trends and valuation, giving you a balanced set of signals to weigh.Narrative Update • Jul 01
PKG: Sticky Price Hikes And Capital Returns Will Support Future Upside
Packaging Corporation of America’s analyst price target has been revised to $258 from $270 as analysts balance slightly lower modeled revenue growth and a higher discount rate with expectations for sticky price hikes, firm demand, and stable to improving margins. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Packaging Corporation of America point to a cluster of bullish analysts focusing on pricing power, execution on capacity, and the potential earnings impact of recent price actions.Analysis Article • Jun 18
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) Stock Could Be 2.8% Undervalued Despite Margin Pressure
Recent commentary around Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) has focused on ongoing pressure from weak unit sales, rising costs, and declining operating margins, raising fresh questions about how its current profitability profile lines up with the stock’s valuation. See our latest analysis for Packaging Corporation of America. Despite concerns about shrinking margins and weaker unit sales, Packaging Corporation of America’s share price has climbed, with a 12.17% 3 month share price return...
Narrative Update • Jun 17
PKG: Cost Pressures And Execution Risks Will Weigh On Stock Price
For Packaging Corporation of America, the updated analyst price target framework reflects a modest fair value move from about $182.47 to $184.62, with analysts pointing to sticky price hikes, tighter supply conditions, and improving demand as key supports for revenue growth, margin assumptions, and pricing power. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Packaging Corporation of America highlights a mix of optimism around pricing and demand, alongside a series of more cautious adjustments that keep risk firmly on the table for investors watching the stock.Narrative Update • Jun 03
PKG: 2026 Dividend Hike And Pricing Power Are Expected To Support Margins
Analysts have nudged their implied fair value for Packaging Corporation of America to $235.9 per share. This move is supported by recent price target increases toward $248 and expectations that June’s $50 per ton price hike, tighter capacity and the company’s lack of European exposure could support slightly stronger revenue growth and margins under current assumptions.Narrative Update • May 19
PKG: 2026 Dividend And Margin Upside Are Expected To Support Rebound
Analysts have raised the Packaging Corporation of America fair value estimate from $226.40 to $234.30, citing a combination of higher expected profit margins, a lower assumed discount rate, and updated P/E assumptions following a series of recent price target moves and an upgrade that noted a potential positive inflection. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Packaging Corporation of America has been active and mixed, with several firms adjusting price targets and one upgrade highlighting what it called a potential positive inflection in the story.Narrative Update • Apr 29
PKG: Weaker Containerboard Pricing Will Pressure Margins And 2026 Earnings
Analysts have lifted the implied fair value estimate for Packaging Corporation of America from about $168 to roughly $182, reflecting recent mixed but active revisions to price targets as they reassess revenue growth expectations, profit margins, and the appropriate forward P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Packaging Corporation of America spans a wide range of price target moves and rating updates, giving you a mixed picture of how professionals are framing the risk and reward tradeoff.Narrative Update • Apr 14
PKG: 2026 Pricing And Buybacks Are Expected To Support Balanced Outlook
Analysts have trimmed the Packaging Corporation of America price target by about $4 to $226.40, reflecting updated views on softer revenue growth, margin pressure, a slightly higher discount rate, and a higher future P/E assumption following recent sector research and price target revisions from major firms. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Packaging Corporation of America shows a mix of optimism and caution, with multiple firms adjusting price targets in both directions and one major bank highlighting sector headwinds tied to containerboard pricing.Narrative Update • Mar 31
PKG: Discipline In Supply Management Is Expected To Support Future Upside
Analyst price targets on Packaging Corporation of America have shifted within a relatively tight range, with some firms nudging targets higher toward $273 and others trimming them toward about $226 as analysts balance mixed views on containerboard pricing, volume headwinds into 2026, and updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E multiples. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Packaging Corporation of America reflects a mix of cautious and constructive views on the containerboard cycle, pricing trends, and volume expectations into 2026.Narrative Update • Mar 17
PKG: Future Pricing Power And Margin Discipline Expected To Support Upside
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for Packaging Corporation of America slightly lower from $273.00 to $270.00, reflecting softer containerboard pricing and a more cautious revenue growth outlook, partly offset by firmer profit margin assumptions and slightly lower discount and future P/E inputs. Analyst Commentary Street research on Packaging Corporation of America has tilted more cautious on near term pricing, but several bullish analysts still see support for the shares based on execution, relative valuation and potential for future containerboard pricing power.Narrative Update • Mar 03
PKG: Containerboard Price Weakness Will Challenge 2026 Returns
Analysts have nudged their price targets for Packaging Corporation of America higher overall, with moves such as BofA's increase to $255 and Truist's to $273, while smaller trims from other firms partly offset these changes. The revisions reflect mixed views on containerboard pricing, demand softness, and the potential for disciplined supply management to support margins and valuation multiples.Narrative Update • Feb 17
PKG: 2026 Volume Headwinds And Mill Restructuring May Pressure Returns
Analysts have lifted their average price target for Packaging Corporation of America by about $8 to reflect updated views on containerboard pricing power, changes in projected 2026 volumes, and a slightly higher assumed future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Packaging Corporation of America points to a mixed backdrop, with some firms lifting price targets and others trimming estimates as they reassess containerboard volumes and valuation assumptions heading into 2026.Narrative Update • Feb 03
PKG: 2026 Pricing And Mill Restructuring Are Expected To Support Balanced Outlook
Analysts have adjusted their fair value estimate for Packaging Corporation of America to $230.40, up from $225.40. The revision reflects updated assumptions on revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E multiples, informed by recent mixed price target moves and rating changes across the Street.Narrative Update • Jan 20
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.Narrative Update • Jan 05
PKG: Greif Acquisition And Containerboard Pricing Are Expected To Drive Upside
Narrative Update on Packaging Corporation of America Our analyst price target for Packaging Corporation of America moves to $263 from $244 as analysts factor in updated earnings forecasts, a higher discount rate, revised revenue growth and margin assumptions, and a lower future P/E, along with their views on potential effects from the Greif acquisition and containerboard pricing. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts are updating their views on Packaging Corporation of America to reflect revised earnings estimates, ongoing industry pricing actions, and expected contributions from the pending Greif acquisition.Narrative Update • Dec 15
PKG: Greif Deal And 2026 Pricing Are Expected To Drive Balanced Outlook
Analysts nudged their fair value estimate for Packaging Corporation of America slightly higher to about $225 from roughly $225, citing modestly improved long term earnings power driven by containerboard pricing tailwinds, the benefits of recent containerboard asset acquisitions, and the company’s strong balance sheet and cash flow profile despite some trimmed Street price targets. Analyst Commentary Street research on Packaging Corporation of America reflects a generally constructive outlook on earnings power and valuation, tempered by some caution around near term risk and the current premium multiple.Narrative Update • Dec 01
PKG: Greif Acquisition Will Strengthen Scale While Market Awaits 2026 Pricing Trends
Narrative Update on Packaging Corporation of America Analysts have slightly lowered their average price target for Packaging Corporation of America by $0.20 to $224.70, citing revised earnings estimates and a balanced industry outlook following recent acquisition activity and evolving sector fundamentals. Analyst Commentary Recent research and updates from major brokerages present a nuanced outlook on Packaging Corporation of America, reflecting both optimism for future performance and some ongoing caution regarding sector dynamics and company-specific factors.Narrative Update • Nov 17
PKG: Greif Acquisition Will Boost Scale And Drive Dividend Upside Ahead
Analysts have recently adjusted their price targets for Packaging Corporation of America, with the average target changing by less than $1 as they consider the impact of industry supply shifts, stable margins, and benefits from the Greif acquisition. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research reveals a mix of optimism and caution regarding Packaging Corporation of America's outlook, with price targets moving both up and down as analysts assess the company's strategic initiatives and industry dynamics.Narrative Update • Nov 01
PKG: Recent Acquisition And Anticipated Price Increases Will Drive Upside
Analysts have slightly raised their average price target for Packaging Corporation of America. Updated forecasts reflect improved revenue growth projections and anticipated benefits from recent acquisitions, resulting in an increase of approximately $0.70 to $224.90 per share.Analysis Article • Oct 28
Packaging Corporation of America Just Missed EPS By 12%: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
Packaging Corporation of America ( NYSE:PKG ) came out with its quarterly results last week, and we wanted to see how...Narrative Update • Oct 18
Glendale Box Plant And Pricing Adjustments Will Strengthen Operations
The analyst price target for Packaging Corporation of America has increased by $5.50 to $224.20. This change reflects improved profit margin expectations, stronger revenue growth projections, and positive impacts from recent acquisitions, as highlighted by analysts.Narrative Update • Oct 03
Glendale Box Plant And Pricing Adjustments Will Strengthen Operations
Packaging Corporation of America's analyst price target has been raised from $216.11 to $218.70. Analysts cite improved industry dynamics, recent strategic acquisitions, and positive supply-side shifts as supporting factors for a stronger growth outlook.Narrative Update • Sep 18
Glendale Box Plant And Pricing Adjustments Will Strengthen Operations
Analysts have raised their price target for Packaging Corporation of America to $216.11, citing increased growth potential and cash flow from the Greif containerboard asset acquisition, improving demand and industry supply/demand dynamics, and the potential for higher dividends. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight increased scale and capacity from the acquisition of Greif’s containerboard assets, providing greater growth optionality over several years.Analysis Article • Aug 24
Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG) Has Announced A Dividend Of $1.25
Packaging Corporation of America ( NYSE:PKG ) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $1.25 per share on the 15th...Analysis Article • Aug 22
Does Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...Seeking Alpha • Apr 23
Packaging Corporation of America: Guidance Points To Significant Weakness Ahead
Summary Packaging Corporation of America shares dropped due to disappointing Q2 guidance, despite solid Q1 performance. Management's downbeat Q2 guidance, driven by rising trade tensions and potential tariffs, signals significant cyclical headwinds and reduced demand. PKG's strong balance sheet and prudent production cuts are positives, but the stock remains overvalued given the macroeconomic uncertainties and expected earnings decline. I maintain a "sell" rating on PKG, with a revised fair value of $160-$165, reflecting limited upside and continued downside risks. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 02
Packaging Corporation of America: Turning Bullish As Momentum Builds (Rating Upgrade)
Summary Packaging Corporation of America delivered strong consolidated revenue growth last quarter, supported by a resilient demand environment, particularly in its packaging segment. Robust shipment growth and recent price increase are expected to fuel top line growth in the quarters ahead. Despite inflationary pressures, PKG's focus on cost efficiencies and pricing benefits should support margin expansion in FY25 and beyond. The stock trades slightly above peers and historical averages but is positioned for continued growth, making it a decent long-term buy. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 24
Packaging Corporation of America: Overvaluation Makes It A 'Hold' Rather Than A 'Buy'
Summary PKG is a well-managed, fundamentally strong company, but its current valuation at $227/share is overvalued, making it a "Hold" rather than a "Buy." The company's impressive performance, including a near-doubling of share price and strong fundamentals, is overshadowed by its current 26x P/E ratio. I recommend reallocating capital to UPM Kymmene, which offers better valuation, higher yield, and significant upside potential compared to PKG. A fair investment price for PKG would be around $145/share, where it could offer a 15% annualized return with a 3%+ yield. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaShareholder Returns
| PKG | US Packaging | US Market | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7D | -0.06% | 1.7% | -1.4% |
| 1Y | 13.6% | -9.3% | 16.4% |
Return vs Industry: PKG exceeded the US Packaging industry which returned -9.3% over the past year.
Return vs Market: PKG underperformed the US Market which returned 16.4% over the past year.
Price Volatility
| PKG volatility | |
|---|---|
| PKG Average Weekly Movement | 4.2% |
| Packaging Industry Average Movement | 4.9% |
| Market Average Movement | 7.1% |
| 10% most volatile stocks in US Market | 16.3% |
| 10% least volatile stocks in US Market | 3.2% |
Stable Share Price: PKG has not had significant price volatility in the past 3 months compared to the US market.
Volatility Over Time: PKG's weekly volatility (4%) has been stable over the past year.
About the Company
| Founded | Employees | CEO | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1867 | 16,800 | Mark Kowlzan | www.packagingcorp.com |
Packaging Corporation of America manufactures and sells containerboard and uncoated freesheet (UFS) paper products in North America. The company operates through Packaging and Paper segments. The Packaging segment offers various linerboard and corrugated packaging products, such as conventional shipping containers used to protect and transport manufactured goods; multi-color boxes and displays that help to merchandise the packaged product in retail locations; and honeycomb protective packaging products, as well as packaging for meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products.
Packaging Corporation of America Fundamentals Summary
| PKG fundamental statistics | |
|---|---|
| Market cap | US$20.21b |
| Earnings (TTM) | US$687.40m |
| Revenue (TTM) | US$9.53b |
30.1x
P/E Ratio2.2x
P/S RatioIs PKG overvalued?
See Fair Value and valuation analysisEarnings & Revenue
| PKG income statement (TTM) | |
|---|---|
| Revenue | US$9.53b |
| Cost of Revenue | US$7.55b |
| Gross Profit | US$1.99b |
| Other Expenses | US$1.30b |
| Earnings | US$687.40m |
Last Reported Earnings
Jun 30, 2026
Next Earnings Date
n/a
| Earnings per share (EPS) | 7.76 |
| Gross Margin | 20.84% |
| Net Profit Margin | 7.21% |
| Debt/Equity Ratio | 86.5% |
How did PKG perform over the long term?
See historical performance and comparisonDividends
2.1%
Current Dividend Yield32%
Payout RatioCompany Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/07/23 21:45 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/07/23 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/06/30 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Packaging Corporation of America is covered by 25 analysts. 10 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| David Coleman | Argus Research Company |
| Scott Gaffner | Barclays |
| Stephen Atkinson | BMO Capital Markets Equity Research |