Packaging Corporation of America
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 ship…
What to know about PKG
Packaging Corporation of America is a large Consumer Cyclical company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on health and risk, but size is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider PKG?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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Packaging Corporation of America is a large-cap Consumer Cyclical company with a mixed overall financial profile — it is in the lower half of its Consumer Cyclical peers (32 of 54).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.03%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Volatility is close to the S&P 500 average — typical market swings, nothing unusual.
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This is a mixed picture — real strengths in some areas, but areas that need watching too. Do your homework on the sector before deciding.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how PKG compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 27.79 | Average |
| Forward P/E | 18.69 | Average |
| PEG Ratio | 1.75 | Average |
| Price to Sales | 2.21 | Above avg |
| Price to Book | 4.42 | Average |
| EV/EBITDA | 12.30 | Above avg |
| Earnings Yield | 3.60% | Average |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 21.75% | Below avg |
| Operating Margin | 13.45% | Average |
| Net Profit Margin | 8.04% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 16.31% | Above avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 8.37% | Above avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 10.60% | Above avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 1.97% | Average |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | -15.50% | Below avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 39.71% | Top 25% |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 3.07 | Top 25% |
| Debt to Equity | 0.95 | Average |
| Interest Coverage | 13.99 | Above avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 3.94 | Above avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 2.61% | Above avg |
| Payout Ratio | 60.75% | Below avg |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -7.22% | Above avg |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 3.44% | Average |
| OCF to Sales | 16.79% | Average |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.83 | Above avg |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 32.18% | Average |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 5.07% | Average |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 1.73 | Above avg |
| Target Upside % | 3.00% | Below avg |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 20.41B | Below avg |
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