GPK
Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Packaging & Containers
Market Cap$3.15B
5Y Perf.-26.5%
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Stock Comparison
GPK vs IP
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
IP
International Paper Company
Packaging & Containers
Market Cap$17.49B
5Y Perf.+2.5%
GPK vs IP — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | GPK | IP |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Packaging & Containers | Packaging & Containers |
| Market Cap | $3.15B | $17.49B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $8.65B | $24.97B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $274M | $-3.35B |
| Gross Margin | 13.4% | 27.8% |
| Operating Margin | 7.5% | -10.5% |
| Forward P/E | 12.5x | 23.4x |
| Total Debt | $5.57B | $10.80B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $261M | $1.15B |
GPK vs IP — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
GPK
IP
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Packaging H… (GPK) | 100 | 73.5 | -26.5% |
| International Paper… (IP) | 100 | 102.5 | +2.5% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: GPK vs IP
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: GPK leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for valuation and capital efficiency and profitability and margin quality. International Paper Company is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
GPK
Graphic Packaging Holding Company
The Income Pick
GPK carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and sleep-well-at-night.
- Dividend streak 3 yrs, beta 0.95, yield 4.1%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.95, current ratio 1.30x
- Beta 0.95, yield 4.1%, current ratio 1.30x
Best for: income & stability and sleep-well-at-night
IP
International Paper Company
The Growth Play
IP is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 33.7%, EPS growth -5.3%, 3Y rev CAGR 5.6%
- 29.1% 10Y total return vs GPK's 9.6%
- 33.7% revenue growth vs GPK's -2.2%
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | IP | 33.7% revenue growth vs GPK's -2.2% |
| Value | GPK | Lower P/E (12.5x vs 23.4x) |
| Quality / Margins | GPK | 3.2% margin vs IP's -13.4% |
| Stability / Safety | GPK | Beta 0.95 vs IP's 1.21 |
| Dividends | GPK | 4.1% yield, 3-year raise streak, vs IP's 5.6% |
| Momentum (1Y) | IP | -21.3% vs GPK's -50.4% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | GPK | 2.3% ROA vs IP's -8.5%, ROIC 7.7% vs -11.3% |
GPK vs IP — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2022
FY 2024
GPK vs IP — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLGPKLAGGINGIP
IPInternational Paper C…
1leads
GPKGraphic Packaging Hol…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs IPMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
GPK4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
GPK4/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
GPK8/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
IP6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
GPK leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
IP is the larger business by revenue, generating $25.0B annually — 2.9x GPK's $8.7B. GPK is the more profitable business, keeping 3.2% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to IP's -13.4%.
| Metric | GPKGraphic Packaging… | IPInternational Pap… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $8.7B | $25.0B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $1.1B | $154M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $274M | -$3.4B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $293M | $553M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +13.4% | +27.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +7.5% | -10.5% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +3.2% | -13.4% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +3.4% | +2.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +1.7% | +1.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -133.3% | +145.8% |
GPK leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
GPK leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, GPK's 6.0x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than IP's 1292.7x.
| Metric | GPKGraphic Packaging… | IPInternational Pap… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $3.1B | $17.5B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $8.5B | $27.1B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 7.18x | -4.92x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 12.46x | 23.45x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 0.36x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 6.02x | 1292.71x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.36x | 0.70x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.95x | 1.18x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — |
GPK leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GPK leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GPK delivers a 8.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $8 in annual profit, vs $-20 for IP. IP carries lower financial leverage with a 0.73x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to GPK's 1.67x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), GPK scores 5/9 vs IP's 3/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | GPKGraphic Packaging… | IPInternational Pap… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +8.4% | -20.4% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +2.3% | -8.5% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +7.7% | -11.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +9.3% | -11.6% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 3 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.67x | 0.73x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $5.3B | $9.7B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $261M | $1.1B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $5.6B | $10.8B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 5.47x | -8.89x |
GPK leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
IP leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in IP five years ago would be worth $7,280 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,462 for GPK. Over the past 12 months, IP leads with a -21.3% total return vs GPK's -50.4%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors IP at 6.4% vs GPK's -22.9% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | GPKGraphic Packaging… | IPInternational Pap… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -29.1% | -15.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -50.4% | -21.3% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -54.2% | +20.6% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -35.4% | -27.2% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +9.6% | +29.1% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -22.9% | +6.4% |
IP leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — GPK and IP each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GPK is the less volatile stock with a 0.95 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than IP's 1.21 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. IP currently trades 58.8% from its 52-week high vs GPK's 44.7% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | GPKGraphic Packaging… | IPInternational Pap… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.95x | 1.21x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $23.76 | $56.13 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $8.79 | $29.45 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +44.7% | +58.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 65.7 | 44.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 7.1M | 6.7M |
Evenly matched — GPK and IP each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — GPK and IP each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates GPK as "Buy" and IP as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 39.9% upside for IP (target: $46) vs 14.8% for GPK (target: $12). For income investors, IP offers the higher dividend yield at 5.60% vs GPK's 4.06%.
| Metric | GPKGraphic Packaging… | IPInternational Pap… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $12.20 | $46.20 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 27 | 29 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +4.1% | +5.6% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 3 | 1 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.43 | $1.85 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +5.9% | +0.4% |
Evenly matched — GPK and IP each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
GPK leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). IP leads in 1 (Total Returns). 2 tied.
Best OverallGraphic Packaging Holding C… (GPK)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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GPK vs IP: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is GPK or IP a better buy right now?
For growth investors, International Paper Company (IP) is the stronger pick with 33.
7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -2. 2% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK). Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) offers the better valuation at 7. 2x trailing P/E (12. 5x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) a "Buy" — based on 27 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — GPK or IP?
On forward P/E, Graphic Packaging Holding Company is actually cheaper at 12.
5x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — GPK or IP?
Over the past 5 years, International Paper Company (IP) delivered a total return of -27.
2%, compared to -35. 4% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: IP returned +29. 1% versus GPK's +9. 6%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — GPK or IP?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
95β versus International Paper Company's 1. 21β — meaning IP is approximately 28% more volatile than GPK relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, International Paper Company (IP) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 73% versus 167% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — GPK or IP?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), International Paper Company (IP) is pulling ahead at 33.
7% versus -2. 2% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Graphic Packaging Holding Company grew EPS -31. 5% year-over-year, compared to -527. 4% for International Paper Company. Over a 3-year CAGR, IP leads at 5. 6% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — GPK or IP?
Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) is the more profitable company, earning 5.
2% net margin versus -14. 1% for International Paper Company — meaning it keeps 5. 2% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: GPK leads at 10. 1% versus -11. 3% for IP. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — IP leads at 29. 5%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is GPK or IP more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) trades at 12.
5x forward P/E versus 23. 4x for International Paper Company — 11. 0x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for IP: 39. 9% to $46. 20.
08Which pays a better dividend — GPK or IP?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
International Paper Company (IP) offers the highest yield at 5. 6%, versus 4. 1% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK).
09Is GPK or IP better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
95), 4. 1% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (GPK: +9. 6%, IP: +29. 1%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between GPK and IP?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Cyclical sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: GPK is a small-cap deep-value stock; IP is a mid-cap high-growth stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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