Packaging Corp of America saw a price increase of 5.02% as it reached a 5-day high. This movement follows the company's announcement regarding the permanent shutdown of its No. 2 paper machine, which will reduce annual production capacity by 250,000 tons.
The decision aims to enhance operational efficiency and lower costs, with projections indicating a reduction in production costs by approximately $125 per ton. This strategic move is expected to strengthen the company's competitive position in the market, despite the challenging cost environment.
As the company shifts some production to lower-cost facilities and plans to increase lightweight linerboard capacity, this restructuring could support future growth and meet customer demand effectively.
Wall Street analysts forecast PKG stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for PKG is 242.86 USD with a low forecast of 226.00 USD and a high forecast of 273.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
8 Analyst Rating
Wall Street analysts forecast PKG stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for PKG is 242.86 USD with a low forecast of 226.00 USD and a high forecast of 273.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
6 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 217.610
Low
226.00
Averages
242.86
High
273.00
Current: 217.610
Low
226.00
Averages
242.86
High
273.00
Citi
Neutral
maintain
$226 -> $227
2026-01-29
New
Reason
Citi
Price Target
$226 -> $227
AI Analysis
2026-01-29
New
maintain
Neutral
Reason
Citi raised the firm's price target on Packaging Corp. to $227 from $226 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. The company reported a Q4 miss and issued light Q1 guidance, the analyst tells investors in a research note. However, Citi sees some positive signs ahead of the March price increase.
BofA
BofA analysts
initiated
2026-01-29
New
Reason
BofA
BofA analysts
Price Target
2026-01-29
New
initiated
Reason
BofA analysts are adding Packaging Corp. of America (PKG) to the firm's "US 1 List," which represents a collection of the best investment ideas drawn from the universe of Buy-rated, U.S.-listed stocks covered by the firm's fundamental equity research analysts.
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Truist
Buy
maintain
$263 -> $273
2026-01-06
Reason
Truist
Price Target
$263 -> $273
2026-01-06
maintain
Buy
Reason
Truist raised the firm's price target on Packaging Corp. to $273 from $263 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. Early 2026 is expected to see modestly challenged packaging volumes due to limited promotions, though some CPGs are successfully driving volume while retaining price gains, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Beverage cans should continue growing in North America and Europe, and containerboard producers are likely to implement price increases successfully thanks to disciplined supply management, the firm says.
Citi
Anthony Pettinari
Neutral
downgrade
$229 -> $226
2026-01-06
Reason
Citi
Anthony Pettinari
Price Target
$229 -> $226
2026-01-06
downgrade
Neutral
Reason
Citi analyst Anthony Pettinari lowered the firm's price target on Packaging Corp. to $226 from $229 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm updated estimates targets in the packing group as part of its 2026 outlook. The volume setup for the group remains challenging in 2026, the analyst tells investors in a research note.
About PKG
Packaging Corporation of America is a producer of containerboard products and a producer of uncoated freesheet (UFS) paper in North America. The Company operates eight mills and 86 corrugated products plants and related facilities. Its segments include Packaging, Paper and Corporate and Other. Its containerboard mills produce linerboard and corrugating medium, which are papers primarily used in the production of corrugated products. Its corrugated products manufacturing plants produce a variety of corrugated packaging products. In addition, it also produces packaging for meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products. It manufactures and sells papers, including both commodity and specialty papers, which may have custom or specialized features, such as colors, coatings, high brightness, and recycled content. Its papers consist of communication papers, including cut-size office papers, and printing and converting papers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
