Packaging Corporation of America (PKG)

Over the past six months, PKG's stock price has been impacted by several events. In Q1 2025, shares fell due to a cautious outlook regarding tariffs, despite exceeding earnings estimates. The acquisition of Greif's containerboard business was announced in July 2025 and completed in September 2025, expanding PCA's network. Q2 2025 results showed solid corrugated demand. Q3 2025 earnings missed expectations due to integration costs and soft demand in specific markets, leading to a cautious Q4 earnings guidance. Analyst ratings varied following the Q3 earnings report.

Demand for Packaging Corporation of America's products exhibits some seasonality, with anticipated lower volumes in the Packaging segment during the fourth quarter. Soft demand in specific corrugated packaging end markets, such as beef and building materials, negatively impacted sales volumes in Q3 2025. Customer ordering patterns have been described as somewhat cautious.

Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) is a leading North American manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products, headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois. The company operates in the Packaging and Containers industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector. PKG's core business segments include Packaging, focusing on containerboard and corrugated packaging, and Paper, producing printing, writing, and specialty papers. The company emphasizes vertical integration, operational efficiency, and customer-centric innovation.

Packaging Corporation of America's operations are primarily concentrated in North America, with mills and corrugated products plants across the United States and Canada. As of late 2025, PKG operates ten mills and 93 corrugated products plants and related facilities across North America. The company also established a design center and project-management facility in Hong Kong in 2009, operating as Packaging Corporation of Asia Limited.

Packaging Corporation of America maintains a strong market position and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and operational efficiency. The company focuses on packaging sustainability, relying on renewable resources and high recyclability rates. Recent management changes, the acquisition of Greif's containerboard business, and the closure of offices in East Point, Georgia, have occurred.

Packaging Corporation of America is primarily owned by institutional shareholders, who hold approximately 89.78% to 94% of the company's stock. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Individual insider ownership is also significant, with Madison Dearborn Partners LLC being the largest individual shareholder.