PKG
PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICAData updated: 2026-07-21 (ET) · Current price: $228.21
Business Quality
ROE · Gross Margin · Revenue Growth
ROE
17.8%
Quality threshold: > 15%
Gross Margin
20.8%
Quality threshold: > 40%
Rev. Growth (5yr)
43.1%
Quality threshold: > 5%
Financial Strength
Debt Ratio · Free Cash Flow · Current Ratio
Debt / Equity
999.00
Quality threshold: < 0.5
FCF (5yr avg)
0.1B $
Quality threshold: > 0
Current Ratio
2.39x
Quality threshold: > 1.5
FCF Trend (B USD)
Valuation
Intrinsic Value · Margin of Safety
Owner Earnings
$0.0B
Net Income + D&A - CapEx
Current Price
$228.21
Source: Alpha Vantage
💡 Valuation Note: Intrinsic value based on DCF model, adjustable above. Visit the DCF Calculator for full three-stage valuation.
Buffett-Style Analysis
Reading PKG's numbers through Buffett's four principles
PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA (PKG) earns a ValueOS Score of 55/100 — a HOLD signal. The score blends Business Quality (31/40), Financial Strength (20/30) and Valuation (4/30), each measured against the framework Warren Buffett laid out across six decades of shareholder letters.
Business Quality. Buffett looks for “wonderful businesses” — high returns on equity, pricing power, and durable growth. PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA shows a return on equity near 17.8% and a gross margin around 20.8%, with five-year revenue growth of 43.1%. Strong, consistent margins are the footprint of a business that can raise prices without losing customers.
Financial Strength. “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA's debt-to-equity sits at 999.00 and its current ratio is 2.39x. A low debt load and healthy free cash flow give the company the financial fortitude Buffett demands before he ever considers the price.
Valuation & Moat. Our DCF model estimates an intrinsic value of roughly $3B for PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA. Its competitive moat is rated “Narrow Moat” — the durable advantage that lets a great business keep compounding. Price is what you pay; value is what you get, so always weigh this score against the current $228.21 quote.
This analysis is generated from public SEC filings and current market data for educational purposes only. It is not investment advice. Verify all figures and do your own research before making any decision.
Related Concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ValueOS Score for PKG (PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA)?
The ValueOS Score for PKG is 55/100 with a verdict of "HOLD". It blends Business Quality (31/40), Financial Strength (20/30) and Valuation (4/30), each scored against Buffett's investing principles.
Is PKG a good investment according to Buffett's criteria?
PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA shows a return on equity of 17.8% and a gross margin of 20.8%. Its debt-to-equity ratio is 999.00 and current ratio is 2.39x. A higher ValueOS Score signals stronger alignment with Buffett's preference for durable, low-debt, high-moat businesses — but this is analysis, not investment advice.
Does PKG have an economic moat?
Our Moat Analyzer rates PKG's competitive advantage as "Narrow Moat". A wide moat — pricing power, switching costs, network effects, or cost leadership — is central to Buffett's long-term thesis. Open the Moat Analyzer for the full breakdown.
How is the ValueOS Score calculated?
The score is computed from SEC EDGAR XBRL filings and current market prices: Business Quality (ROE, gross margin, revenue growth), Financial Strength (debt, free cash flow, liquidity) and Valuation (intrinsic value vs. price via DCF). All figures come from public filings, never estimates.
Complete Your Analysis
"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
— Warren Buffett