WallStSmart

Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK)vsPackaging Corp of America (PKG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Packaging Corp of America generates 10% more annual revenue ($9.53B vs $8.64B). PKG leads profitability with a 7.3% profit margin vs 2.3%. PKG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. PKG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).

GPK

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.46

PKG

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 3.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 2.34
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GPK.

PKGSignificantly Overvalued (-89.6%)

Margin of Safety

-89.6%

Fair Value

$129.00

Current Price

$234.40

$105.40 premium

UndervaluedFair: $129.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GPK2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
14.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

PKG0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

Areas to Watch

GPK4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
2.3%3/10

2.3% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.803/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PKG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
30.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Profit MarginProfitability
7.3%3/10

7.3% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GPK

The strongest argument for GPK centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.

Bull Case : PKG

Revenue growth of 14.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : GPK

The primary concerns for GPK are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.80 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : PKG

The primary concerns for PKG are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PKG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.

PKG is growing revenue faster at 14.7% — sustainability is the question.

PKG generates stronger free cash flow (170M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor PACKAGING & CONTAINERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

PKG scores higher overall (52/100 vs 46/100) and 14.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · PACKAGING & CONTAINERS · USA

Graphic Packaging Holding Company, offers paper packaging solutions for food, beverage, food service and other consumer products companies. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Packaging Corp of America

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · PACKAGING & CONTAINERS · USA

Packaging Corporation of America is an American manufacturing company based in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?