Is PKG a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 47.2/100. It is ranked #1,984 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 59/100, Momentum 46/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for PKG?

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 47.2 ranks it #1,984 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is PKG in?

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA operates in the Industrials sector (Shipping Containers industry) with a market cap of $18.81 billion. It is classified as a large-cap stock.

Does PKG pay a dividend?

Yes, PKG pays a dividend with a current yield of 2.29%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $22.90 in annual dividend income.

What is PKG's P/E ratio?

PKG has a trailing P/E ratio of 19.90x. The Industrials sector average is 28.3x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is PKG?

PKG's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 22.1%. ROE: 19.8% vs sector average 8.9%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is PKG valued compared to peers?

PKG's value factor score is 59/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 19.9x, EV/EBITDA 17.5x. Valuation is roughly in line with peers.

What is PKG's debt level?

PKG's debt-to-equity ratio is 87%. Sector average: 70%. Moderate leverage is normal for established companies.

PKG has a beta of 0.76, meaning it is less volatile than the market. Stability score: 80/100.

Does PKG have high short interest?

PKG's short interest factor score is 10/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

PKG Stock Analysis: Reduce (Score 47.2/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
PKG	-0.84%	+0.94%	-6.75%	+0.07%	+11.29%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLB	+0.56%	+3.07%	+4.17%	+14.58%	-33.54%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	-0.07%	+3.60%	+0.34%	-0.36%	+29.52%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-0.77%	-2.66%	-7.09%	+0.43%	-18.24%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-1.40%	-2.14%	-10.92%	-14.50%	+44.82%	-	-	-

Metric	PKG	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	19.9x	-30%
EV/EBITDA	17.5x	+207%
Price / Book	3.9x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
STNG Scorpio Tankers Inc.	64	43	96	73	-	93.3%	63.1%	53.8%	-	30.0x	$3.8B	VS
TNK TEEKAY TANKERS LTD.	62	50	97	71	6.4x	91.9%	67.0%	32.8%	-	0.0x	$2.5B	VS
TEN TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD	61	50	86	75	7.6x	42.1%	97.8%	22.6%	-	103.0x	$1.2B	VS
HAFN Hafnia Ltd	60	42	79	77	-	439.1%	48.5%	27.0%	-	0.0x	$3.8B	VS
TPH Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.	57	50	67	66	13.6x	8.8%	47.5%	7.9%	-26.0%	50.0x	$4.0B	VS
GLDD Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP	57	50	69	70	16.3x	13.5%	22.2%	8.1%	14.8%	73.0x	$1.1B	VS
SOBO South Bow Corp	57	39	79	66	22.0x	48.4%	82.3%	14.9%	-	219.0x	$6.8B	VS
IMPP Imperial Petroleum Inc./Marshall Islands	54	44	98	58	2.8x	47.7%	100.0%	34.0%	-19.7%	0.0x	$156M	VS
CCO Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.	52	48	58	69	59.3x	-	53.4%	-0.3%	7.7%	-	$1.2B	VS
IMXI International Money Express, Inc.	52	50	73	52	11.6x	25.5%	0.0%	6.4%	-9.7%	221.0x	$476M	VS
PKG PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA	47	50	59	46	19.9x	19.8%	22.1%	10.3%	11.5%	87.0x	$18.8B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Operating Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%
EBITDA Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
Net Margin %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
FCF Margin %	-20.2%	-	-	-	-	-	9.1%	11.5%	8.9%	7.8%	8.9%
ROE %	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.3%	0.2%	0.1%	0.2%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
ROA %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROIC %	0.1%	10.2%	12.6%	12.3%	18.2%	16.1%	12.0%	17.0%	17.5%	16.0%	14.7%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.2%

Operating Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

EBITDA Margin %

0.1%

0.2%

Net Margin %

0.1%

FCF Margin %

-20.2%

9.1%

11.5%

8.9%

7.8%

8.9%

ROE %

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.1%

0.2%

0.3%

ROA %

0.1%

ROIC %

0.1%

10.2%

12.6%

12.3%

18.2%

16.1%

12.0%

17.0%

17.5%

16.0%

14.7%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$8.8B	$9.0B	$8.4B	$7.8B	$8.5B	$7.7B	$6.7B	$7.0B	$7.0B	$6.4B	$5.8B	$5.7B
	—	$7.1B	$6.6B	$6.1B	$6.4B	$5.9B	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.9B	$1.9B	$1.8B	$1.7B	$2.1B	$1.9B	$1.4B	$1.6B	$1.6B	$1.5B	$1.3B	$1.2B
Gross Margin	22.1%	21.0%	21.3%	21.8%	24.7%	24.2%	20.6%	23.6%	23.5%	22.8%	22.1%	21.0%
	—	$634M	$610M	$581M	$609M	$577M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Research & Development	—	—	—	—	—	$15M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Depreciation	—	—	—	—	—	—	$413M	$411M	$420M	$401M	$366M	$364M
Total Operating Expenses	—	$783M	$682M	$624M	$670M	$632M	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.1B	$1.1B	$1.4B	$1.2B	$724M	$1.1B	$1.1B	$933M	$780M	$750M
EBIT	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.1B	$1.1B	$1.4B	$1.2B	$724M	$1.1B	$1.1B	$933M	$780M	$750M
EBITDA	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.1B	$1.1B	$1.4B	$1.2B	$1.1B	$1.5B	$1.5B	$1.3B	$1.1B	$1.1B
Operating Margin	14.4%	12.3%	13.1%	13.8%	16.8%	16.1%	10.9%	15.1%	15.2%	14.5%	13.6%	13.1%
EBITDA Margin	14.4%	12.3%	13.1%	13.8%	16.8%	16.1%	17.1%	20.9%	21.2%	20.7%	19.9%	19.4%
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$94M	$129M	$97M	$104M	—	—
	—	$1.0B	$1.1B	$1.0B	$1.4B	$1.1B	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$254M	$259M	$249M	$335M	$268M	$172M	$221M	$233M	$160M	$239M	$228M
	$910M	$774M	$805M	$765M	$1.0B	$841M	$461M	$696M	$738M	$669M	$450M	$437M
Net Margin	10.3%	8.6%	9.6%	9.8%	12.2%	10.9%	6.9%	10.0%	10.5%	10.4%	7.8%	7.6%
	$8.61	$8.61	$8.97	$8.52	$11.08	$8.87	$4.86	$7.36	$7.82	$7.09	$4.76	$4.47
Diluted EPS	$8.61	$8.58	$8.93	$8.48	$11.03	$8.83	$4.86	$7.36	$7.82	$7.09	$4.76	$4.47
Weighted Avg Basic	—	89M	89M	89M	92M	94M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	90M	90M	90M	93M	95M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$8.8B

$9.0B

$8.4B

$7.8B

$8.5B

$7.7B

$6.7B

$7.0B

$6.4B

$5.8B

$5.7B

—

$7.1B

$6.6B

$6.1B

$6.4B

$5.9B

—

$1.9B

$1.8B

$1.7B

$2.1B

$1.9B

$1.4B

$1.6B

$1.5B

$1.3B

$1.2B

Gross Margin

22.1%

21.0%

21.3%

21.8%

24.7%

24.2%

20.6%

23.6%

23.5%

22.8%

22.1%

21.0%

—

$634M

$610M

$581M

$609M

$577M

—

Research & Development

—

$15M

—

Depreciation

—

$413M

$411M

$420M

$401M

$366M

$364M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$783M

$682M

$624M

$670M

$632M

—

$1.3B

$1.1B

$1.4B

$1.2B

$724M

$1.1B

$933M

$780M

$750M

EBIT

$1.3B

$1.1B

$1.4B

$1.2B

$724M

$1.1B

$933M

$780M

$750M

EBITDA

$1.3B

$1.1B

$1.4B

$1.2B

$1.1B

$1.5B

$1.3B

$1.1B

Operating Margin

14.4%

12.3%

13.1%

13.8%

16.8%

16.1%

10.9%

15.1%

15.2%

14.5%

13.6%

13.1%

EBITDA Margin

14.4%

12.3%

13.1%

13.8%

16.8%

16.1%

17.1%

20.9%

21.2%

20.7%

19.9%

19.4%

—

$94M

$129M

$97M

$104M

—

$1.0B

$1.1B

$1.0B

$1.4B

$1.1B

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$254M

$259M

$249M

$335M

$268M

$172M

$221M

$233M

$160M

$239M

$228M

$910M

$774M

$805M

$765M

$1.0B

$841M

$461M

$696M

$738M

$669M

$450M

$437M

Net Margin

10.3%

8.6%

9.6%

9.8%

12.2%

10.9%

6.9%

10.0%

10.5%

10.4%

7.8%

7.6%

$8.61

$8.97

$8.52

$11.08

$8.87

$4.86

$7.36

$7.82

$7.09

$4.76

$4.47

Diluted EPS

$8.61

$8.58

$8.93

$8.48

$11.03

$8.83

$4.86

$7.36

$7.82

$7.09

$4.76

$4.47

Weighted Avg Basic

—

89M

92M

94M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

90M

93M

95M

—

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA Do?

Packaging Corporation of America manufactures and sells containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the United States. 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, independent brokers, and distribution partners. 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. This segment sells white papers through its sales and marketing organization. Packaging Corporation of America was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois. PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Industrials sector, specifically within the Shipping Containers industry. The company is led by CEO Mark W. Kowlzan and employs approximately 15,100 people, headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois. With a market capitalization of $18.8B, PKG is one of the prominent companies in the Industrials sector.

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 47.2/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.PKG ranks #1,984 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Industrials sector, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA ranks #307 of 752 stocks, placing it in the upper half of its Industrials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

PKG Stock Price and 52-Week Range

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) currently trades at $206.38. The stock lost $1.74 (0.8%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for PKG is $249.51, which means the stock is currently trading -17.3% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $172.72, putting the stock 19.5% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 584K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is PKG Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) carries a value factor score of 59/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 19.90x, compared to the Industrials sector average of 28.33x — a discount of 30%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 3.94x, versus the sector average of 2.23x. The price-to-sales ratio is 2.06x, compared to 0.50x for the average Industrials stock. On an enterprise value basis, PKG trades at 17.47x EV/EBITDA, versus 5.70x for the sector.

Overall, PKG's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 19.8%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 8.9%, which is within a healthy range. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 8.5% versus the sector average of 3.3%.

On a margin basis, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA reports gross margins of 22.1%, compared to 35.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 14.4% (sector: 6.2%). Net profit margin stands at 10.3%, versus 3.9% for the average Industrials stock. Revenue growth is running at 11.5% on a trailing basis, compared to 6.4% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

PKG Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA has a debt-to-equity ratio of 87.0%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 70.0%. Leverage is within a manageable range for the industry, though investors should monitor debt trends over time. The current ratio is 3.17x, indicating strong short-term liquidity. Total debt on the balance sheet is $3.99B. Cash and equivalents stand at $634M.

PKG has a beta of 0.76, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA is 80/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA reported revenue of $8.81B and earnings per share (EPS) of $8.61. Net income for the quarter was $910M. Gross margin was 22.1%. Operating income came in at $1.27B.

In FY 2025, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA reported revenue of $8.99B and earnings per share (EPS) of $8.61. Net income for the quarter was $774M. Gross margin was 21.0%. Revenue grew 7.2% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $1.11B.

In Q3 2025, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA reported revenue of $2.31B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.52. Net income for the quarter was $227M. Gross margin was 21.8%. Revenue grew 6.0% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $325M.

In Q2 2025, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA reported revenue of $2.17B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.68. Net income for the quarter was $242M. Gross margin was 22.2%. Revenue grew 4.6% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $334M.

Over the past 8 quarters, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $2.08B to $8.81B. Investors analyzing PKG stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

PKG Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) currently pays a dividend yield of 2.3%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in PKG stock would generate approximately $$229.00 in annual dividend income. The net margin of 10.3% provides reasonable coverage for the dividend, though investors should monitor payout sustainability.

PKG Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) has a momentum factor score of 46/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 28/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 10/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

PKG vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Industrials sector, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) ranks #307 out of 752 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places PKG in the upper half of all Industrials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include South Bow Corp (SOBO) with a score of 56.5/100, TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD (TEN) with a score of 61.4/100, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP (GLDD) with a score of 56.7/100, Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (TPH) with a score of 57.3/100, and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (CCO) with a score of 52.2/100.

Comparing PKG against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full PKG vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

PKG Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy PKG? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA suggests caution. Low volatility (stability score 80/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 47.2/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on PKG stock.

Related Resources for PKG Investors

Explore more research and tools: PKG vs S&P 500 comparison, top Industrials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare PKG head-to-head with peers: PKG vs SOBO, PKG vs TEN, PKG vs GLDD.

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PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA Do?

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

PKG Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is PKG Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

PKG Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

PKG Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

PKG Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

PKG vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

PKG Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy PKG? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for PKG Investors

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Intelligence Feed

Will Richmond Plant Closure and Job Cuts Change Packaging Corporation of America's (PKG) Efficiency-Driven Narrative?

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Packaging Corp of America, Lowers Price Target to $226

A Look At Packaging Corp Of America (PKG) Valuation As Shares Show Mixed Recent Returns

Packaging Stocks Face Middle East Risks but Fundamentals Support Upside, BofA Says

Is It Too Late To Consider Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) After The Recent Pullback