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Packaging Corp of America (PKG)

Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
$203.06
Last Close (24-hour delay)
Profit since last BUY5.71%
upturn advisory
Consider higher Upturn Star rating
BUY since 38 days
  • BUY Advisory
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  • SELL Advisory (Loss)​
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Upturn Stock infoUpturn Stock info Stock price based on last close
*as per simulation
(see disclosures)
Time period over
  • ALL
  • YEAR
  • MONTH
  • WEEK

Upturn Advisory Summary

07/29/2025: PKG (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.

Upturn Star Rating

rating

Below Average Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.

Number of Analysts

rating

11 Analysts rated it

Moderately tracked stock, growing coverage, gaining market and investor attention.

1 Year Target Price $211.44

1 Year Target Price $211.44

Analysts Price Target For last 52 week
$211.44 Target price
52w Low $171.6
Current$203.06
52w High $246.22

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 31.57%
Avg. Invested days 64
Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating
Upturn Star Rating Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance 3.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance 3.0
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Profits based on simulation
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Last Close 07/29/2025

Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 18.27B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 20.25
1Y Target Price 211.44
Price to earnings Ratio 20.25
1Y Target Price 211.44
Volume (30-day avg) 11
Beta 0.84
52 Weeks Range 171.60 - 246.22
Updated Date 07/29/2025
52 Weeks Range 171.60 - 246.22
Updated Date 07/29/2025
Dividends yield (FY) 2.45%
Basic EPS (TTM) 10.03

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2025-07-21
When Before Market
Estimate 2.47
Actual 2.48

Profitability

Profit Margin 10.47%
Operating Margin (TTM) 15.44%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 8.68%
Return on Equity (TTM) 20.21%

Valuation

Trailing PE 20.25
Forward PE 20
Enterprise Value 20331517216
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.11
Enterprise Value 20331517216
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.11
Enterprise Value to Revenue 2.35
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 16.32
Shares Outstanding 89980000
Shares Floating 87653031
Shares Outstanding 89980000
Shares Floating 87653031
Percent Insiders 1.46
Percent Institutions 92.55

ai summary icon Upturn AI SWOT

Packaging Corp of America

stock logo

Company Overview

overview logo History and Background

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) was founded in 1959. It has grown through acquisitions and internal expansion to become a major player in the paper and packaging industry. PCA has focused on sustainable packaging solutions and operational efficiency.

business area logo Core Business Areas

  • Packaging: Manufactures corrugated packaging products, including boxes, containers, and displays for various industries. This segment accounts for the majority of PCA's revenue.
  • Paper: Produces containerboard and pulp used in the manufacturing of corrugated products and other paper applications.

leadership logo Leadership and Structure

The CEO of Packaging Corp of America is Mark W Kowlzan. The company operates with a functional organizational structure, with various departments such as sales, marketing, operations, and finance.

Top Products and Market Share

overview logo Key Offerings

  • Corrugated Boxes: PCA's primary product. The market share can be roughly estimated to be around 10-15% nationally based on the large and fragmented nature of the market. Competitors: International Paper, WestRock, Smurfit Kappa.
  • Containerboard: Used in corrugated packaging and other applications. PCA produces its own containerboard, giving it a cost advantage. Competitors: International Paper, WestRock.

Market Dynamics

industry overview logo Industry Overview

The packaging industry is driven by e-commerce growth, demand for sustainable packaging, and the need for efficient supply chains. It's a cyclical industry affected by economic conditions.

Positioning

PCA is a leading North American producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products. They focus on operational efficiency and customer service to maintain a competitive edge.

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

The global corrugated packaging market size was valued at USD 204.09 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 266.67 billion by 2032. PCA, with its North American focus, targets a significant portion of this global TAM. The exact percentage is dynamic.

Upturn SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Vertical Integration
  • Efficient Operations
  • Strong Customer Relationships
  • Sustainable Packaging Initiatives

Weaknesses

  • Sensitivity to Economic Cycles
  • Exposure to Raw Material Price Fluctuations
  • Dependence on North American Market
  • High Capital Expenditures

Opportunities

  • E-commerce Growth
  • Sustainable Packaging Demand
  • Acquisitions and Consolidation
  • Expansion into New Geographies

Threats

  • Increased Competition
  • Raw Material Price Volatility
  • Economic Downturns
  • Changing Consumer Preferences

Competitors and Market Share

competitor logo Key Competitors

  • IP
  • WRK
  • SMFKY

Competitive Landscape

PCA competes on price, quality, and service. Its vertical integration provides a cost advantage, but it faces competition from larger, more diversified companies.

Major Acquisitions

Boise Packaging Division

  • Year: 2013
  • Acquisition Price (USD millions): 2060
  • Strategic Rationale: Expanded PCA's corrugated products manufacturing and sales operations to provide greater geographic coverage.

Growth Trajectory and Initiatives

Historical Growth: PCA has experienced moderate growth over the past few years, driven by demand for packaging in various industries.

Future Projections: Future growth depends on economic conditions and PCA's ability to capitalize on opportunities in e-commerce and sustainable packaging.

Recent Initiatives: PCA has invested in improving operational efficiency and expanding its sustainable packaging offerings.

Summary

PCA is a key player in the corrugated packaging industry, benefiting from vertical integration and efficient operations. Economic cycles and raw material prices pose risks. Focus on sustainable packaging and e-commerce offers growth opportunities. The company maintains a strong market position.

Peer Comparison

Sources and Disclaimers

Data Sources:

  • Company Filings
  • Industry Reports
  • Market Research Reports

Disclaimers:

This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market data is subject to change.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.

About Packaging Corp of America

Exchange NYSE
Headquaters Lake Forest, IL, United States
IPO Launch date 2000-01-27
Chairman of the Board & CEO Mr. Mark W. Kowlzan
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Packaging & Containers
Full time employees 15400
Full time employees 15400

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 containerboard 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. This segment sells its corrugated products through a direct sales and marketing organization. The Paper segment manufactures and sells commodity and specialty papers, as well as communication papers, including cut-size office papers, and printing and converting papers; and white papers. This segment sells papers through its sales and marketing organization. Packaging Corporation of America was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois.