International Paper Company (IP) vs Packaging Corporation of America (PKG)

PKG leads on 10 of 14 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of International Paper Company 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 — IP vs PKG

growth of $100 · last 26y
IP -18.2%PKG +1840.3%PKG compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
1101001k10kStart $10020052010201520202025$82$1,940
IP PKG

IP vs PKG: by the numbers

  • PKG is the larger company ($20.74B vs $19.36B market cap).
  • PKG is profitable (8.03% net margin) while IP runs a net loss (-13.42%).
  • PKG grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.41% vs 4.72% CAGR).
  • IP pays the higher dividend yield (5.06% vs 2.25%).

Which is better, IP or PKG?

Metric tally: IP 4 · PKG 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthPKG(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeIP(higher dividend yield)
QualityPKG(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIPPKG
P/E ratio28.32
Forward P/E26.4522.50
P/S ratio0.782.25
P/B ratio1.314.52
PEG ratio2.34
EV / EBITDA13.31
FCF yield2.84%3.39%

Profitability

MetricIPPKG
Gross margin27.83%20.48%
Operating margin-10.46%13.16%
Net margin-13.42%8.03%
ROE-22.63%16.14%
ROIC-7.64%9.44%

Dividends

MetricIPPKG
Dividend yield5.06%2.25%
Payout ratio60.98%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIPPKG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.72%6.41%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-12.39%12.12%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-25.27%4.94%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-4.55%14.92%

Frequently asked

Which is better, IP or PKG?
It depends on your goal. growth: PKG (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: IP (higher dividend yield); quality: PKG (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PKG leads 10 to 4.
Which has grown faster, IP or PKG?
Over the past five years, PKG grew revenue faster — IP at a 4.72% CAGR versus PKG at 6.41%.
Does IP or PKG pay a bigger dividend?
IP yields 5.06% and PKG yields 2.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IP or PKG more profitable?
PKG runs the higher net margin — IP at -13.42% versus PKG at 8.03%.
Which has been the better investment, IP or PKG?
Over the past 10-year, PKG delivered the higher annualized total return — IP at 3.19% 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.