International Paper (IP) vs Packaging of America (PKG)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Packaging of America (PKG) has outperformed International Paper (IP) over the past year, gaining 8.0% versus a loss of 30.7%. Over five years, PKG leads with a +70.0% price change compared with -40.2% for IP. Packaging of America is the larger company by market cap ($20.25 billion vs $16.85 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while International Paper is growing revenue faster (+49.3% vs +7.2%).
On valuation, International Paper trades at a lower forward P/E (10.5x vs 17.3x for Packaging of America). International Paper offers the higher dividend yield (5.81% vs 2.31%). Packaging of America converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.6% versus -14.9%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | IP | PKG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.82 | $227.25 |
| Market cap | $16.85B | $20.25B |
| 1-day change | -1.00% | -1.08% |
| YTD return | -19.14% | +10.22% |
| 1-year return | -30.67% | +7.96% |
| 5-year return | -40.22% | +70.00% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 29.55 |
| Forward P/E | 10.53 | 17.29 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-5.17 | $7.69 |
| Dividend yield | 5.81% | 2.31% |
| Annual dividend | $1.85 | $5.25 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $23.63B | $8.99B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +49.25% | +7.23% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-3.52B | $774.10M |
| Gross margin | 29.61% | 21.02% |
| Operating margin | — | 12.31% |
| Net margin | -14.88% | 8.61% |
| 52-week high | $50.25 | $259.98 |
| 52-week low | $29.26 | $191.50 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -36.68% | -12.59% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +46.86% | +13.93% |
| Average volume | 5.06M | 613.68K |
| Shares outstanding | 529.57M | 89.10M |
| Employees | 62,602 | 16,800 |
| Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Cyclical |
| Industry | Packaging & Containers | Packaging & Containers |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- PKG has outperformed IP by 38.6 percentage points over the past year.
- International Paper offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (5.81% vs 2.31%).
- Packaging of America is more profitable, keeping 8.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -14.9 cents for International Paper.
- International Paper grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+49.25% vs +7.23%).
About International Paper
IP stock →International Paper Company produces and sells renewable fiber-based packaging in North America, Latin America, Europe, South America, and North Africa. It operates through two segments, Packaging Solutions North America and Packaging Solutions EMEA.
Consumer Cyclical · Packaging & Containers · 62,602 employees
About Packaging of America
PKG stock →Packaging Corporation of America manufactures and sells containerboard and uncoated freesheet (UFS) paper products in North America. The company operates through Packaging and Paper segments.
Consumer Cyclical · Packaging & Containers · 16,800 employees
IP vs PKG FAQ
Which is bigger, International Paper or Packaging of America?
Packaging of America (PKG) is larger, with a market capitalization of $20.25B compared with $16.85B for International Paper (IP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, IP or PKG?
PKG returned +7.96% over the past 12 months, compared with -30.67% for IP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, International Paper or Packaging of America?
International Paper has the higher yield at 5.81%, compared with 2.31% for Packaging of America.
Are International Paper and Packaging of America in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Packaging & Containers industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector.