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Upturn AI SWOT - About
PKG 
Packaging Corp of America (PKG)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/12/2025: PKG (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Number of Analysts
11 Analysts rated it
Moderately tracked stock, growing coverage, gaining market and investor attention.
1 Year Target Price $213.44
1 Year Target Price $213.44
| 5 | Strong Buy |
| 0 | Buy |
| 5 | Hold |
| 1 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 39.4% | Avg. Invested days 69 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | Stock Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 09/12/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 19.36B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 21.45 | 1Y Target Price 213.44 |
Price to earnings Ratio 21.45 | 1Y Target Price 213.44 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 11 | Beta 0.88 | 52 Weeks Range 171.60 - 246.22 | Updated Date 09/14/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 171.60 - 246.22 | Updated Date 09/14/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 2.30% | Basic EPS (TTM) 10.03 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 10.47% | Operating Margin (TTM) 14.81% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 8.83% | Return on Equity (TTM) 20.65% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 21.45 | Forward PE 17.86 | Enterprise Value 21289435162 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.24 |
Enterprise Value 21289435162 | Price to Sales(TTM) 2.24 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 2.46 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 11.87 | Shares Outstanding 89978800 | Shares Floating 87678468 |
Shares Outstanding 89978800 | Shares Floating 87678468 | ||
Percent Insiders 1.46 | Percent Institutions 94.26 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Packaging Corp of America
Company Overview
History and Background
Packaging Corp of America (PCA) was founded in 1959. Originally part of Tenneco, it was spun off as a public company in 1999. PCA has grown through acquisitions and organic expansion to become a major player in the paper and packaging industry.
Core Business Areas
- Packaging: Produces containerboard and corrugated packaging products used for shipping and displaying goods. It's the largest segment by revenue.
- Paper: Manufactures uncoated freesheet paper used in printing, writing, and converting applications.
Leadership and Structure
Mark W. Kowlzan is the current Chairman and CEO. PCA operates with a decentralized structure, with mills and converting plants organized under regional leadership.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Corrugated Packaging: Boxes, displays, and other packaging solutions made from containerboard. Competitors include International Paper, WestRock, and Smurfit Kappa. Market share is estimated at 8-10% of the North American market.
- Uncoated Freesheet Paper: Paper used for printing, writing, and converting applications. Competitors include Domtar, Resolute Forest Products. Market share is not consistently reported due to market fluctuations and PCA's dual focus.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The paper and packaging industry is mature and cyclical, influenced by economic growth, e-commerce trends, and sustainability initiatives.
Positioning
PCA is a vertically integrated producer with a focus on operational efficiency and customer service. Its strengths include a strong North American presence and a diversified product portfolio.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The global packaging market is expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2027. PCA is positioned to capture a portion of this market, leveraging its containerboard and corrugated packaging production and vertically integrated model.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Vertically integrated operations
- Strong customer relationships
- Efficient manufacturing processes
- Diversified product portfolio
- Solid financial performance
Weaknesses
- Exposure to cyclical economic conditions
- Dependence on raw material costs
- Environmental regulations
- Highly competitive market
Opportunities
- Growing demand for sustainable packaging
- Expansion in e-commerce packaging
- Strategic acquisitions
- Increasing international presence
Threats
- Fluctuations in raw material prices
- Intense competition
- Changing consumer preferences
- Economic downturns
- Stringent environmental regulations
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- IP
- WRK
- SMFKY
Competitive Landscape
PCA competes on price, service, and product quality. Its vertically integrated operations provide a cost advantage, while its customer focus helps it retain market share.
Major Acquisitions
Boise Packaging
- Year: 2013
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 2060
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded PCA's geographic footprint and increased its containerboard capacity.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: PCA has experienced moderate growth over the past decade, driven by acquisitions and organic expansion.
Future Projections: Analysts expect moderate revenue growth in the coming years, driven by increased demand for sustainable packaging and e-commerce. EPS growth is expected to be in the mid-single digits.
Recent Initiatives: PCA is investing in capital projects to improve efficiency and expand capacity, as well as focusing on sustainable packaging solutions.
Summary
PCA is a solid player in the paper and packaging industry, characterized by vertical integration, efficient operations, and a focus on shareholder returns. Its financial performance is stable, but it's susceptible to economic cycles and raw material cost volatility. The company's focus on sustainable packaging and e-commerce represents significant opportunity for future growth, but intense competition and regulatory burdens require vigilant attention.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company SEC Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Investor Presentations
- Analyst Reports
- Industry Publications
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market share estimates are approximate and may vary depending on the source. Financial data is based on historical performance and is not indicative of future results.
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.
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