Packaging Corp of America: 2Q Beat as Strong Volume Momentum and Price Realization Offset Cost Inflation

Research evidence excerpt

Packaging Corp of America: 2Q Beat as Strong Volume Momentum and Price Realization Offset Cost Inflation

23 July 2026

Packaging Corp of America

Containerboard inventory declined by 25,000 tons sequentially, despite full

production, highlighting the strength of end-market demand and the company's

efforts to prioritize domestic corrugated requirements by reducing export

shipments of approximately 30,000 tons sequentially.

In paper, sales volume increased 6.3% year-over-year, providing an additional

earnings contribution during the quarter.

Greif Integration Continues to Progress Well

The acquired Greif paperboard and corrugated assets contributed approximately

$0.14/share of earnings during the quarter, helping offset declines in the legacy

business. Management highlighted strong corrugated plant demand and

improving mill operating performance, noting that production at acquired mills

has consistently exceeded capabilities at the time of acquisition.

The company also benefitted from a temporary $0.04/share depreciation benefit

related to purchase accounting adjustments. Nevertheless, management's

commentary suggests integration efforts are progressing ahead of expectations

and acquired asset performance continues to improve.

Pricing Momentum Building Into 2H26

A key positive from the release was evidence that PKG is beginning to capture

pricing announced earlier this year. Management stated that it began to

meaningfully realize the first previously announced corrugated price increase

during 2Q and expects pricing to improve further during 3Q as the company

completes implementation of the first increase and begins realizing benefits from

the second announced increase.

This reinforces the improving pricing backdrop we have recently observed across