Packaging Corporation of AmericNYSE: PKG
Materials · Paper & Plastic Packaging Products & Materials
$217.86
+2.07%
Vol: 528K
Research Digest
Friday, May 1, 2026
Packaging Corp beats Q1 earnings with strong EBITDA margins amid integration challenges
Q1 2026 EPS of $2.40 (non-GAAP) beat estimate of $2.14 with net sales of $2.4B up 14% YoY. Company achieving 20%+ EBITDA margins while integrating Greif acquisition. UBS raised price target to $232 with Neutral rating, noting continued share gains from competitors. Quarterly dividend approved at $1.25/share.
Previous Market Intelligence
13 daysApr 30Packaging Corp reported Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $2.40, beating estimates despite missing revenue, with Wells Fargo raising price target to $245.Positive▶
Packaging Corporation of America reported Q1 2026 first quarter net income of $171 million, or $1.91 per share, with adjusted net income of $215 million, or $2.40 per share. Net sales were $2.4 billion in 2026 versus $2.1 billion in 2025. The company raised its quarterly dividend to $1.25 per share. Wells Fargo raised price target to $245 from $226 and JPMorgan raised target to $246 from $225. The stock rose 5.7% on mixed Q1 results. The company is navigating cost pressures while expecting pricing benefits in Q3.
Apr 29Packaging Corporation Q1 2026 adjusted EPS at $2.40 beats estimates; Q2 guidance $2.33 despite cost pressures and geopolitical headwindsMixed▶
Packaging Corporation of America reported Q1 2026 net sales of $2.367 billion, up from $2.1B YoY, with adjusted EPS of $2.40 exceeding estimates. Corrugated shipments per day were up 2.8% YoY. Management navigating cost pressures from tariffs and geopolitical issues including Iran conflict. Company expects pricing benefits to materialize in Q3 and Q2 2026 guidance issued at $2.33 EPS. Board approved $1.25 quarterly dividend. Strong demand partially offset by input cost pressures.
Apr 16Truist cuts price target to $267 from $270; Neutral ratings prevail as geopolitical headwinds cloud earnings outlookNeutral▶
Packaging Corp received modest price target cut from Truist to $267 from $270 on April 16, 2026. UBS also downgraded PT to $225 from $235 with Neutral rating on April 10. Q1 earnings release April 22 with conference call April 23. Consensus EPS estimate $2.17 versus Q4 miss of -3.73%.
Apr 15Packaging Corp of America misses Q4 earnings expectations but schedules earnings call for April 23 as short interest drops 36%.Mixed▶
PKG reported fourth quarter net income of $102 million ($1.13/share) and adjusted net income of $209 million ($2.32/share) excluding special items, missing analysts' expectations. The company faces headwinds from geopolitical risks and a recent plant closure. However, short interest declined 36.1% in March, suggesting improving investor sentiment. A $1.25 quarterly dividend was approved, payable April 15. Management is expected to discuss Q1 2026 results and margin recovery strategies on April 23.
Apr 14PKG Q1 2026 earnings due April 22; $70/ton price increase implemented March 1; analyst targets cut.Mixed▶
Packaging Corporation Q1 2026 results after market close April 22 with call April 23 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Implemented $70/ton containerboard price increase effective March 1 expected to flow through Q2-Q3. BofA cut target to $241 from $270, UBS to $225 from $235. Stock at $212.41, up 6.37% month-to-date.
Apr 13Packaging Corporation of America Q1 earnings release April 22 with analyst downgrades on valuation concerns.Negative▶
Packaging Corporation of America will release Q1 2026 results on April 22 after market close. Wells Fargo lowered price target to $226 from $234, UBS reduced to $225 from $235, and Deutsche Bank initiated with Hold at $225. The company declared $1.25 quarterly dividend payable April 15.
Apr 10Wells Fargo and Bank of America lower PKG price targets amid mixed analyst activity; Q1 2026 earnings April 22.Mixed▶
Wells Fargo lowered its price target for Packaging Corp of America to $226 from $234 on April 7, while Bank of America reduced its target to $241 from $270, maintaining Buy rating. PKG trading down, with Q1 2026 earnings scheduled for release April 22 after market close. Stock trading near $208 with elevated volatility.
Apr 9PKG Q4 delivers $1.13 EPS; closes Richmond plant and announces 2% dividend growth to $1.25Mixed▶
Packaging Corporation reported Q4 net income of $102M ($1.13/share) and FY 2025 diluted EPS of $9.84 (excluding special items) on $9.0B sales. Company announced permanent closure of No. 2 paper machine at Wallula WA mill and Richmond VA converting plant (110 jobs affected June 2026). Board approved $1.25 quarterly dividend (+0.8% increase). Analysts maintain Moderate Buy with earnings growth expected. Q1 2026 results conference call April 23.
Apr 8Packaging Corp of America Q1 2026 earnings call April 23; Deutsche Bank initiates Hold with $225 PT.Neutral▶
PKG Q1 earnings call April 23 (results April 22). Deutsche Bank initiated Hold $225 PT. Board approved $1.25 quarterly dividend payable April 15. Heavy April 2 trading volume.
Apr 7Packaging Corp announces management changes and plant closures amid strategic restructuring.Negative▶
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) reported Q4 2025 net income of $102M ($1.13/share) and full-year net income of $209M ($2.32/share ex-special items). Company announced CFO transition and operational changes: permanent closure of Richmond, VA facility (110 layoffs). Board approved $1.25/share quarterly dividend. Analysts rate 'Buy' with 12-month target of $238 (+13.65% upside).
Apr 6Packaging Corp closing Richmond facility with 110 layoffs effective June 2026; Q1 earnings April 23.Mixed▶
Packaging Corporation announced closure of Richmond Highway facility with 110 employee layoffs effective first week of June 2026. Company reported strong Q4 2025 with net income of $102M and raised annual profit guidance. Q1 2026 earnings release scheduled for April 22 after market close. Bank of America raised price target to $255 from $238 in late January.
Apr 3Packaging Corp announces management changes with Hassfurther named President; Q4 2025 net income $102M but facility closures planned.Mixed▶
Packaging Corp reported Q4 2025 net income of $102 million. Announced management changes: Kent Pflederer as EVP/CFO, Thomas Hassfurther as President. Plans to close Richmond facility resulting in 110 layoffs. Bank of America raised target to $255, Truist reaffirmed Buy. Q1 2026 earnings April 22.
Apr 2Packaging Corp implements $70/ton containerboard price increase; closing Richmond plant in JunePositive▶
Packaging Corporation of America posted Q4 2025 net income of $102 million ($1.13 per share) and full-year diluted EPS of $9.84 excluding special items. The company announced permanent closure of its Richmond, Virginia converting plant in June, affecting 110 employees, as part of optimization efforts. PKG was first major containerboard company to announce a 2026 price increase of $70 per ton effective March 1, signaling industry recovery. Stock gained 2.37% in 1-day return and 6.37% in 1-month return. Analyst consensus is 'Moderate Buy' with potential upside.
Sector Peers
| Company | Price | Day | 1M | Fwd P/E | Beta | Mkt Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWSMURFIT | $39.70 | +3.40% | -4.3% | 12.3x | 1.05 | $20.1B |
| PKGPACKAGING | $217.86 | +2.07% | +3.9% | 17.6x | 0.92 | $19.0B |
| AMCRAMCOR | $37.81 | -0.62% | -4.5% | 8.7x | 0.71 | $17.6B |
| IPINTERNATIONAL | $31.94 | +4.98% | -12.9% | 11.0x | 1.10 | $16.1B |
| AVYAVERY | $163.33 | -0.37% | -3.2% | 14.7x | 1.00 | $12.6B |
| LINLINDE | $508.66 | +1.50% | +0.3% | 25.7x | 0.79 | $232.2B |
Key Fundamentals
RSI (14-Day)
52-Week Range
Moving Averages
Price above both MAs — bullish structure.