Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) vs Smurfit Westrock plc (SW)

A side-by-side comparison of Packaging Corporation of America and Smurfit Westrock plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 23, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPKG vs SW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
PKG +335.4% (+15.8%/yr)SW +58.5% (+4.7%/yr)PKG compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$435$158
PKG SW

PKG vs SW: by the numbers

  • SW is the larger company ($25.91B vs $22.52B market cap).
  • PKG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (32.83 vs 52.54 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • PKG converts more revenue to profit (7.25% vs 1.61% net margin).
  • SW grew revenue faster over the past five years (23.17% vs 6.09% CAGR).
  • SW pays the higher dividend yield (3.62% vs 2.08%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPKGSW
P/E ratio32.8352.54
Forward P/E24.0821.65
P/S ratio2.360.85
P/B ratio4.831.43
EV / EBITDA13.319.17
FCF yield3.30%3.93%

Profitability

MetricPKGSW
Gross margin20.11%17.98%
Operating margin12.72%5.42%
Net margin7.25%1.61%
ROE14.82%2.70%
ROIC9.27%2.90%

Dividends

MetricPKGSW
Dividend yield2.08%3.62%
Payout ratio61.19%133.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricPKGSW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.09%23.17%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.04%-16.43%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.12%1.73%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.57%3.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, PKG or SW?
PKG has the lower trailing P/E: PKG trades at 32.83 and SW at 52.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, PKG or SW?
Over the past five years, SW grew revenue faster — PKG at a 6.09% CAGR versus SW at 23.17%.
Does PKG or SW pay a bigger dividend?
PKG yields 2.08% and SW yields 3.62% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is PKG or SW more profitable?
PKG runs the higher net margin — PKG at 7.25% versus SW at 1.61%.
How have PKG and SW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, PKG delivered 15.82% and SW delivered 4.46% annualized total return. 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 August 23, 2026.