Packaging Corporation of America vs Union Pacific Corporation — how do they compare? Packaging Corporation of America trades at $227.95 (market cap $20.67B), while Union Pacific Corporation trades at $285.05 (market cap $171.36B). The key difference: Union Pacific Corporation is far larger — about 8.3× Packaging Corporation of America's market cap, and Packaging Corporation of America pays the higher dividend (2.59%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| PKG | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $20.67B | $171.36B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $257.43 | $310.62 |
52-Week Low | $191.68 | $214.91 |
Enterprise Value | $24.48B | $200.42B |
Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 1.97% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $231.99, down 2.22% with bearish technical signals despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows mixed fundamentals with a P/E of 30.13 above industry averages, while profitability metrics indicate solid ROE of 14.79% amid margin pressures. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and CEO participation in industry conferences, though cash flow trends show negative net flows driven by significant capital investments.
PKG presents a cautious outlook with analyst consensus leaning hold (57.69%) despite a $272.83 price target suggesting 17.6% upside. Investment appeal hinges on execution amid cost headwinds, while risks include margin compression and competitive pressures. The technical setup near support at $230 requires monitoring for potential breakdown or reversal signals.
Union Pacific (UNP) trades at $288.45, down 0.4% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals including a 28.85% net income margin and robust cash flow. Recent earnings beats in Q1 and Q2 2026, coupled with a pending Norfolk Southern merger expected to close by late 2027, highlight growth potential. The stock is supported by a consensus analyst price target of $334.33, indicating 16% upside.
The outlook is positive due to solid profitability and merger prospects, but risks include regulatory hurdles for the merger and economic sensitivity. Analysts are predominantly bullish (58.7% buy ratings), though technical indicators suggest near-term caution with support at $287.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in North America. The company also produces white papers, which include printing and writing papers. PKG operates as an integrated manufacturer, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce, food and beverage, and other industrial and consumer markets.
Read more on PKG →Omaha, Nebraska-based Union Pacific is the largest public railroad in North America. Operating on more than 30,000 miles of track in the western two thirds of the U.S., UP generated roughly $22 billion of revenue in 2021 by hauling coal, industrial products, intermodal containers, agriculture goods, chemicals, and automotive goods. UP owns about one fourth of Mexican railroad Ferromex and derives about 10% of its revenue hauling freight to and from Mexico.
Read more on UNP →