Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) vs Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA)

A side-by-side comparison of Packaging Corporation of America and Ulta Beauty, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPKG vs ULTA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
PKG +275.9% (+14.2%/yr)ULTA +123.5% (+8.4%/yr)PKG compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$376$224
PKG ULTA

PKG vs ULTA: by the numbers

  • ULTA is the larger company ($23.81B vs $21.23B market cap).
  • ULTA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.16 vs 30.94 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ULTA converts more revenue to profit (9.34% vs 7.25% net margin).
  • ULTA grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.09% vs 6.09% CAGR).
  • PKG pays a dividend (2.24% yield), while ULTA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPKGULTA
P/E ratio30.9420.16
Forward P/E22.6819.11
P/S ratio2.231.84
P/B ratio4.559.01
EV / EBITDA12.6713.44
FCF yieldN/A4.48%

Profitability

MetricPKGULTA
Gross margin20.11%39.32%
Operating margin12.72%12.56%
Net margin7.25%9.34%
ROE14.82%45.77%
ROIC9.27%23.11%

Dividends

MetricPKGULTA
Dividend yield2.24%N/A
Payout ratio68.18%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricPKGULTA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.09%11.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.04%52.46%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.56%0.06%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.32%7.24%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, PKG or ULTA?
ULTA has the lower trailing P/E: PKG trades at 30.94 and ULTA at 20.16. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, PKG or ULTA?
Over the past five years, ULTA grew revenue faster — PKG at a 6.09% CAGR versus ULTA at 11.09%.
Does PKG or ULTA pay a bigger dividend?
PKG pays a dividend (2.24% yield), while ULTA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is PKG or ULTA more profitable?
ULTA runs the higher net margin — PKG at 7.25% versus ULTA at 9.34%.
How have PKG and ULTA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, PKG delivered 14.78% and ULTA delivered 8.54% 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 September 13, 2026.