Sonoco Products Company logo

Sonoco Products Company(SON)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$50.43
11/06/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
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Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for SON

11/06/2026: SON (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Sonoco Products Company is an established manufacturer of industrial and consumer packaging, known for its paper-based tubes, cores, and rigid containers. The company has a leading position in niche packaging markets and is valued for its operational stability and consistent history of dividend payments. Its primary growth opportunity lies in the rising demand for sustainable, recyclable packaging solutions across global food and industrial markets. However, the company faces risks from raw material cost volatility, cyclical industrial demand, and the execution of integration strategies for large acquisitions. It may best suit value and dividend-focused investors, with ongoing developments in material sustainability and acquisition performance being key factors to monitor.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitThe company is a mature, established player with steady rather than explosive growth characteristics.
Momentum investorMixed fitThis stock is generally driven by macro-industrial trends and valuation shifts rather than high-velocity momentum.
Value investorStrong fitSonoco is often traded at valuation multiples that appeal to value-oriented investors seeking reliable, cash-generating industrial businesses.
Dividend investorStrong fitWith a long, reliable history of dividend payments, it is a suitable candidate for income-focused portfolios.
Low-risk investorStrong fitThe company's stable business model and essential-goods exposure contribute to lower volatility relative to the broader market.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMediumInput costs for raw materials like paper and resins can fluctuate, impacting margins.
Valuation riskLowThe stock is typically valued based on stable earnings, reducing the risk of extreme multiple compression.
Competition risk (Packaging competition)Medium / highThe packaging market is competitive with constant pressure on pricing and innovation.
Business qualityStrongSonoco has a deep-rooted history and strong relationships with a diversified customer base.
Dividend incomeLow / noneThe dividend is considered highly secure due to the company's long-term commitment and cash flow generation.
Execution riskMediumSuccessfully integrating large acquisitions like Ball Metalpack is essential to maintaining long-term financial health.

Price Behavior

Rolling Over
PRICE PATH

Rolling Over

The price momentum is slowing down and beginning to turn downward.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -13.28%
Avg. Invested days 41
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/06/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
SON receives a 3-star rating, supported by solid company fundamentals, and solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by soft unit economics, and weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
SON has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with moderate financial health, solid growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, strong earnings growth (+141.8%) and strong revenue growth (+41.7%) are partially offset by soft cash generation (FCF margin 4.6%), soft profitability (net margin 5.3%), modest insider ownership of 1.05%.

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
SON's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (4.6% of revenue). Profitability is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Earnings growth is SON's strongest growth driver at +141.8% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, revenue growth (+41.7%, strong) is also strong, while free-cash-flow growth (-21.5%, negative) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 101.8% and approximately 98.9% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 1.05% provides only moderate management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 11.79%
Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc 5.52%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 5.37%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 4.86%
LSV Asset Management 4.70%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
SON generates approximately $209 of gross profit, $95 of operating income, and $46 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Soft margins explain the 2-star rating, with moderate cash conversion and soft capital efficiency.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 23.70%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
SON has a liquid, relatively low-volatility profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedLow VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 4.99B USD
Price to earnings Ratio -
1Y Target Price 57.12
Price to earnings Ratio -
1Y Target Price 57.12
Volume (30-day avg) 1.3M shares
Beta 0.35
52 Weeks Range 38.14 - 60.11
Updated Date 11/08/2026
52 Weeks Range 38.14 - 60.11
Updated Date 11/08/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 4.17%
Basic EPS (TTM) -2.13

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Consumer PackagingComposite cans, rigid plastics, and paper-based containers for food and consumer goods.This segment sells essential packaging that keeps food fresh, providing steady demand regardless of economic cycles.
Industrial PackagingPaper tubes, cores, and protective packaging for industrial materials.This segment powers the supply chain for various global industries, correlating with broader manufacturing activity.
GeographyGlobal operations across North America, Europe, and emerging markets.Diversification across regions helps mitigate country-specific economic risks.

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 2026-10-21
When After Market
Estimate 1.76
Actual 1.67

Profitability

Profit Margin -3.08%
Operating Margin (TTM) 10.61%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 3.94%
Return on Equity (TTM) -6.82%

Valuation

Trailing PE -
Forward PE 8.33
Enterprise Value 9.36B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.68
Enterprise Value 9.36B
Price to Sales(TTM) 0.68
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.27
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 13.23
Shares Outstanding 98.88M
Shares Floating 97.74M
Shares Outstanding 98.88M
Shares Floating 97.74M
Percent Insiders 1.05
Percent Institutions 101.82

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

Form CRS provides a relationship summary of our automated advisory services, flat subscription fees, and conflicts of interest. Form ADV Part 2A brochure contains complete details on services, billing, and disclosures. If any summary differs from our current regulatory filings, the filed Form ADV controls.