Quick verdict: GPK vs SON in 2026

Overall, Sonoco Products Company (SON) holds a notable edge over Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) based on the comprehensive metric comparison, securing 7 wins compared to GPK’s 5. SON emerges as the clear leader in growth, value (P/E), and profitability margins, demonstrating robust financial health. However, GPK attracts a slightly higher percentage of ‘Buy’ ratings from analysts and offers greater potential upside according to both consensus price targets and DCF analysis. Not investment advice.

GPK vs SON: key metrics side by side

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

GPK vs SON valuation comparison

When evaluating the GPK vs SON valuation, both companies present interesting perspectives for investors. Sonoco Products Company (SON) appears more attractively valued on a price-to-earnings (P/E) basis, trading at 4.74x compared to Graphic Packaging Holding Company’s (GPK) P/E of 6.26x. This lower P/E suggests SON’s earnings are cheaper relative to its stock price, making it potentially more appealing to traditional value investors. Conversely, GPK trades at a lower price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 0.83x, significantly below SON’s 1.37x, indicating that GPK’s assets are valued more modestly by the market.

However, when considering discounted cash flow (DCF) estimates, GPK shows a higher implied upside of +179.0% compared to SON’s +159.6%. This suggests that GPK could be substantially more undervalued based on its intrinsic value derived from future cash flows, despite its higher P/E multiple. Investors prioritizing asset-backed value or high DCF upside might find GPK more appealing, while those focusing on a lower P/E multiple might favor SON as the cheaper option. The gpk vs son fundamentals and valuation picture is complex, requiring investors to weigh these different metrics against their investment strategy.

GPK vs SON growth comparison

In a direct GPK vs SON growth comparison, Sonoco Products Company (SON) clearly demonstrates significantly stronger momentum. SON reported an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of 41.7%, far outstripping Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK), which experienced a revenue decline of -2.2% over the same period. This stark contrast highlights SON’s superior ability to expand its top-line revenue in the current market environment, potentially indicating robust market demand or successful strategic initiatives.

Beyond revenue growth, SON also exhibits stronger operational efficiency, which contributes to its growth trajectory. SON boasts an EBITDA margin of 20.62% and a net margin of 13.83%, considerably higher than GPK’s EBITDA margin of 15.57% and net margin of 5.15%. These higher margins suggest that SON not only grows revenue more rapidly but also converts a larger portion of that revenue into profits. For investors focused on identifying which company has stronger momentum and efficient growth, SON appears to be the more dynamic choice.

GPK vs SON profitability

Examining GPK vs SON profitability metrics reveals that Sonoco Products Company (SON) stands out with superior performance. SON reported a net margin of 13.83%, which is significantly higher than Graphic Packaging Holding Company’s (GPK) net margin of 5.15%. This indicates that for every dollar of revenue, SON retains substantially more as profit after all expenses, showcasing better cost management and pricing power. Similarly, SON’s EBITDA margin of 20.62% comfortably exceeds GPK’s 15.57%, demonstrating better operational efficiency before accounting for depreciation, amortization, interest, and taxes.

Regarding return on equity (ROE), data for both GPK and SON is currently N/A%, preventing a direct comparison on this specific metric. However, the Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield provides further insight into cash generation. SON delivered a healthy FCF yield of 5.47%, indicating strong cash generation relative to its market capitalization. In contrast, GPK reported a negative FCF yield of -2.92%, suggesting that it is currently consuming more cash than it generates. Based on these figures, SON clearly generates more cash and demonstrates higher overall profitability.

Analyst ratings: GPK vs SON

When considering analyst ratings for GPK vs SON, both companies currently hold a “Buy” consensus, signaling positive sentiment across the board. However, there are nuances in their individual analyst profiles. Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) has a slightly higher percentage of “Buy” recommendations, with 48.1% of 27 analysts rating it a “Buy.” Sonoco Products Company (SON) follows closely with 42.9% “Buy” ratings from a smaller pool of 21 analysts. This suggests that while both are viewed favorably, GPK might have a marginally broader analyst endorsement in terms of buy-side conviction.

In terms of price targets and potential upside, analysts anticipate greater appreciation for GPK. The consensus price target for GPK is $12.6, representing an impressive +34.5% upside from its current price of $9.365. For SON, the consensus price target is $59.17, indicating a +20.1% upside from its current price of $49.25. Therefore, while both stocks are recommended as a “Buy,” analysts collectively project a more substantial price increase for GPK, making it the preferred choice for those seeking higher potential short-to-medium term returns based on analyst sentiment and target prices.

Should I buy GPK or SON stock in 2026?

The decision of should I buy GPK or SON stock in 2026 largely depends on an investor’s specific objectives and risk tolerance, as both present distinct profiles. For growth-oriented investors, Sonoco Products Company (SON) stands out with its exceptional revenue growth of 41.7% year-over-year, significantly outperforming GPK’s -2.2%. Coupled with superior net and EBITDA margins (13.83% and 20.62% respectively for SON vs. 5.15% and 15.57% for GPK), SON demonstrates robust operational performance and strong momentum, making it a more compelling choice for those prioritizing top-line expansion and efficient profit generation.

For value investors examining GPK vs SON fundamentals and valuation, the picture is more nuanced. SON appears cheaper on a traditional P/E basis at 4.74x compared to GPK’s 6.26x. This makes SON attractive for those seeking earnings at a lower multiple. However, GPK trades at a lower price-to-book ratio of 0.83x versus SON’s 1.37x, and its discounted cash flow (DCF) model suggests a higher upside potential of +179.0% compared to SON’s +159.6%. This implies GPK might be more deeply undervalued based on its intrinsic worth, appealing to investors looking for significant long-term appreciation, while SON offers a more straightforward P/E-based value play.

Regarding income investors, both companies offer minimal dividend yields, meaning neither is a strong contender for those primarily seeking passive income. Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) has a slightly higher dividend yield of 0.05% compared to Sonoco Products Company’s (SON) 0.04%. For most investors, this difference is negligible. Investors should weigh these factors against their personal financial goals when deciding should i buy gpk or son stock 2026. This is not investment advice; always conduct thorough personal research before making investment decisions.

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FAQ: GPK vs SON