Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) vs Packaging Corporation of America (PKG)

DRI leads on 11 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Packaging Corporation of America across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 24, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — DRI vs PKG

growth of $100 · last 26y
DRI +2140.3%PKG +1840.3%DRI compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $10020052010201520202025$2,240$1,940
DRI PKG

DRI vs PKG: by the numbers

  • DRI is the larger company ($24.12B vs $20.74B market cap).
  • DRI trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.28 vs 28.32 P/E).
  • DRI converts more revenue to profit (8.66% vs 8.03% net margin).
  • DRI grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.79% vs 6.41% CAGR).
  • DRI pays the higher dividend yield (2.85% vs 2.25%).

Which is better, DRI or PKG?

Metric tally: DRI 11 · PKG 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueDRI(lower P/E)
GrowthDRI(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeDRI(higher dividend yield)
QualityDRI(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDRIPKG
P/E ratio22.2828.32
Forward P/E18.4822.50
P/S ratio1.932.25
P/B ratio11.684.52
PEG ratio5.442.34
EV / EBITDA15.6513.31
FCF yield6.37%3.39%

Profitability

MetricDRIPKG
Gross margin44.03%20.48%
Operating margin11.62%13.16%
Net margin8.66%8.03%
ROE52.55%16.14%
ROIC11.40%9.44%

Dividends

MetricDRIPKG
Dividend yield2.85%2.25%
Payout ratio67.19%60.98%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDRIPKG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.79%6.41%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.54%12.12%
FCF CAGR (5Y)31.89%4.94%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.89%14.92%

Frequently asked

Which is better, DRI or PKG?
It depends on your goal. value: DRI (lower P/E); growth: DRI (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: DRI (higher dividend yield); quality: DRI (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, DRI leads 11 to 6.
Is DRI or PKG cheaper?
On trailing earnings, DRI is cheaper: DRI trades at a 22.28 P/E and PKG at 28.32.
Which has grown faster, DRI or PKG?
Over the past five years, DRI grew revenue faster — DRI at a 12.79% CAGR versus PKG at 6.41%.
Does DRI or PKG pay a bigger dividend?
DRI yields 2.85% and PKG yields 2.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is DRI or PKG more profitable?
DRI runs the higher net margin — DRI at 8.66% versus PKG at 8.03%.
Which has been the better investment, DRI or PKG?
Over the past 10-year, PKG delivered the higher annualized total return — DRI at 15.24% versus PKG at 16.26%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 24, 2026.