Quick verdict: GEF vs SON in 2026

Sonoco Products Company (SON) holds the overall edge, primarily driven by its exceptional revenue growth and significantly higher projected DCF upside. Greif, Inc. (GEF) presents a more attractive value proposition with a lower P/E ratio and superior net margins, appealing to value-focused investors. Analysts show a clear preference for SON, assigning it a ‘Buy’ consensus and greater target upside, making it the favorite for strong future performance. Not investment advice.

GEF vs SON: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of GEF and SON across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-04-23.

GEF vs SON valuation comparison

Comparing the GEF vs SON valuation metrics, Greif, Inc. (GEF) appears to be the more attractively valued stock based on traditional multiples. GEF currently trades at a P/E ratio of 3.85x, which is notably lower than Sonoco Products Company’s (SON) P/E of 4.74x. Similarly, GEF’s price-to-book (P/B) ratio stands at 1.32x, marginally below SON’s 1.37x. These figures suggest that GEF offers a slightly cheaper entry point for investors focusing on current earnings and asset value.

However, the discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis presents a different picture regarding long-term potential. While GEF has a DCF upside of +21.4% from its current price of $67.1, SON shows a massive DCF upside of +159.6% from its $49.25 price. This indicates that while GEF might be “cheaper” today on earnings, financial models project significantly higher inherent value for SON, suggesting a substantial undervaluation or strong future growth expectations embedded in its DCF. Investors weighing the gef vs son valuation must consider whether they prioritize current multiples or future growth potential.

GEF vs SON growth comparison

In terms of growth, Sonoco Products Company (SON) exhibits substantially stronger momentum when comparing GEF vs SON growth. SON reported an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of +41.7%, reflecting robust market penetration or strategic expansions. In stark contrast, Greif, Inc. (GEF) experienced a revenue decline of -1.0% over the same period, indicating potential headwinds or a more mature business model with limited expansion. This significant divergence in revenue performance makes SON the clear leader for investors prioritizing top-line expansion and market dynamism.

While SON leads in revenue growth, GEF demonstrates a higher net margin of 27.47% compared to SON’s 13.83%, indicating superior efficiency in converting revenue into profit. However, SON compensates with a higher EBITDA margin of 20.62% versus GEF’s 15.9%, suggesting better operational profitability before accounting for depreciation and amortization. For investors focused on growth and market expansion, SON’s aggressive revenue growth rate outweighs GEF’s marginal contraction, positioning SON as the stock with stronger forward momentum.

GEF vs SON profitability

When evaluating GEF vs SON profitability, Greif, Inc. (GEF) stands out with a significantly higher net margin of 27.47%, almost double that of Sonoco Products Company’s (SON) 13.83%. This indicates that GEF is far more efficient at turning its revenue into actual profit for shareholders, showcasing stronger cost management or higher-margin product lines. However, both companies report N/A% for Return on Equity (ROE), which means we cannot directly compare how effectively they are using shareholder investments to generate profits.

Despite GEF’s superior net margin, SON leads in EBITDA margin at 20.62% compared to GEF’s 15.9%, suggesting better operational efficiency before considering non-operating expenses. More critically for cash generation, SON boasts a healthy Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 5.47%, whereas GEF records a negative FCF yield of -2.34%. This difference is substantial: SON is effectively generating cash from its operations, while GEF is consuming it. Therefore, while GEF excels in net profit conversion, SON generates significantly more free cash, making it potentially more appealing for investors prioritizing robust cash flow.

Analyst ratings: GEF vs SON

Analysts show a clear preference for Sonoco Products Company (SON) in the GEF vs SON comparison. Of the 21 analysts covering SON, a strong 42.9% recommend a ‘Buy’, with a consensus target price of $59.17, representing an attractive +20.1% upside from its current trading price. This collective ‘Buy’ consensus points to considerable confidence in SON’s future performance and growth prospects among financial experts.

In contrast, Greif, Inc. (GEF) receives a more cautious outlook from analysts. Out of 13 analysts, only 23.1% recommend a ‘Buy’ rating, resulting in a ‘Hold’ consensus. The average target price for GEF is $75.33, which suggests a more modest +12.3% upside. The disparity in ‘Buy’ ratings and target price upside highlights that analysts perceive SON as having a more compelling investment case and greater potential for stock price appreciation in the near to medium term.

Should I buy GEF or SON stock in 2026?

Deciding whether should I buy GEF or SON stock in 2026 depends heavily on an investor’s individual strategy and risk appetite. For growth-oriented investors, Sonoco Products Company (SON) presents a compelling case. Its remarkable +41.7% year-over-year revenue growth, significantly outperforming GEF’s -1.0% decline, indicates strong market momentum. Furthermore, SON’s impressive +159.6% DCF upside and higher analyst target upside of +20.1% suggest substantial future potential and a favorable outlook from experts.

Conversely, value investors might find Greif, Inc. (GEF) more appealing. GEF trades at a lower P/E ratio of 3.85x compared to SON’s 4.74x and a slightly better P/B ratio of 1.32x versus 1.37x, indicating it could be undervalued relative to its current earnings and assets. Additionally, GEF’s superior net profit margin of 27.47% (vs. SON’s 13.83%) demonstrates excellent efficiency in converting sales into profit, making GEF attractive for those focusing on gef vs son fundamentals and valuation.

For income-focused investors, neither GEF nor SON currently offers a significant dividend yield, with GEF at 0.03% and SON at a marginally higher 0.04%. While SON has a slight edge in dividend yield and a robust FCF yield of 5.47% (compared to GEF’s negative -2.34%), investors primarily seeking substantial dividend income may need to look elsewhere. Overall, if growth and analyst sentiment are priorities, SON is the stronger contender, but for those seeking deeper value and higher current profitability, GEF holds an advantage. This is not investment advice.

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FAQ: GEF vs SON