
Cancel anytime
- Chart
- Upturn Summary
- Highlights
- Revenue
- Valuation
Upturn AI SWOT
- About


Packaging Corp of America (PKG)



- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- Pass (Skip investing)


(see disclosures)
- ALL
- YEAR
- MONTH
- WEEK
Upturn Advisory Summary
07/29/2025: PKG (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
1 Year Target Price $211.44
1 Year Target Price $211.44
5 | Strong Buy |
0 | Buy |
5 | Hold |
1 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
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 Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
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 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Packaging Corp of America

Company Overview
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.
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 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
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
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
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.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
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 | Website https://www.packagingcorp.com |
Full time employees 15400 | Website https://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 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.

Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.