Packaging of America (PKG) vs Smurfit WestRock (SW)
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 Smurfit WestRock (SW) over the past year, gaining 7.9% versus a gain of 0.3%. Over five years, PKG leads with a +70.0% price change compared with -24.8% for SW. Smurfit WestRock is the larger company by market cap ($21.66 billion vs $20.25 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Smurfit WestRock trades at a lower forward P/E (12.0x vs 17.1x for Packaging of America). Smurfit WestRock offers the higher dividend yield (4.28% vs 2.31%). Packaging of America converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.6% versus 2.2%.
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 | PKG | SW |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $227.25 | $41.29 |
| Market cap | $20.25B | $21.66B |
| 1-day change | -1.08% | -2.59% |
| YTD return | +10.19% | +6.78% |
| 1-year return | +7.93% | +0.27% |
| 5-year return | +69.96% | -24.82% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 29.55 | 43.46 |
| Forward P/E | 17.15 | 12.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $7.69 | $0.95 |
| Dividend yield | 2.31% | 4.28% |
| Annual dividend | $5.25 | $1.77 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $8.99B | $31.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +7.23% | +47.70% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $774.10M | $699.00M |
| Gross margin | 21.02% | 19.38% |
| Operating margin | 12.31% | 5.51% |
| Net margin | 8.61% | 2.24% |
| 52-week high | $259.98 | $52.65 |
| 52-week low | $191.50 | $32.73 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.59% | -21.58% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +13.93% | +37.37% |
| Average volume | 613.68K | 4.64M |
| Shares outstanding | 89.10M | 524.52M |
| Employees | 16,800 | 96,000 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Containers/Packaging | Containers/Packaging |
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
- Smurfit WestRock trades at a higher earnings multiple (43.5x vs 29.6x trailing P/E).
- Smurfit WestRock offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.28% vs 2.31%).
- Packaging of America is more profitable, keeping 8.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 2.2 cents for Smurfit WestRock.
- Smurfit WestRock grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+47.70% vs +7.23%).
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 Discretionary · Containers/Packaging · 16,800 employees
About Smurfit WestRock
SW stock →Smurfit Westrock Plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and internationally. The company produces containerboard and paperboard; packaging of corrugated containers; consumer packaging; and offers solid board, kraft paper, and graphic board, as well as other packaging products, such as solidboard packaging, paper sacks and bag-in-box.
Consumer Discretionary · Containers/Packaging · 96,000 employees
PKG vs SW FAQ
Which is bigger, Packaging of America or Smurfit WestRock?
Smurfit WestRock (SW) is larger, with a market capitalization of $21.66B compared with $20.25B for Packaging of America (PKG).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, PKG or SW?
PKG returned +7.93% over the past 12 months, compared with +0.27% for SW (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, PKG or SW?
PKG has the lower trailing P/E at 29.6, versus 43.5 for SW. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Packaging of America or Smurfit WestRock?
Smurfit WestRock has the higher yield at 4.28%, compared with 2.31% for Packaging of America.
Are Packaging of America and Smurfit WestRock in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Containers/Packaging industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.