SW
Smurfit Westrock Plc
Packaging & Containers
Market Cap$21.82B
5Y Perf.+48.4%
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Stock Comparison
SW vs GPK
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
GPK
Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Packaging & Containers
Market Cap$3.27B
5Y Perf.-23.7%
SW vs GPK — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | SW | GPK |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Packaging & Containers | Packaging & Containers |
| Market Cap | $21.82B | $3.27B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $31.23B | $8.65B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $380M | $274M |
| Gross Margin | 18.4% | 13.4% |
| Operating Margin | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| Forward P/E | 17.2x | 13.0x |
| Total Debt | $13.77B | $5.57B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $892M | $261M |
SW vs GPK — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
SW
GPK
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW) | 100 | 148.4 | +48.4% |
| Graphic Packaging H… (GPK) | 100 | 76.3 | -23.7% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: SW vs GPK
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. Smurfit Westrock Plc 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.
SW
Smurfit Westrock Plc
The Growth Play
SW is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 53.0%, EPS growth 68.4%, 3Y rev CAGR 35.2%
- 64.1% 10Y total return vs GPK's 12.8%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.35, Low D/E 75.0%, current ratio 1.48x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
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 defensive.
- Dividend streak 3 yrs, beta 0.88, yield 3.9%
- Beta 0.88, yield 3.9%, current ratio 1.30x
- Lower P/E (13.0x vs 17.2x)
Best for: income & stability and defensive
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | SW | 53.0% revenue growth vs GPK's -2.2% |
| Value | GPK | Lower P/E (13.0x vs 17.2x) |
| Quality / Margins | GPK | 3.2% margin vs SW's 1.2% |
| Stability / Safety | GPK | Beta 0.88 vs SW's 1.35 |
| Dividends | GPK | 3.9% yield, 3-year raise streak, vs SW's 3.5% |
| Momentum (1Y) | SW | +8.4% vs GPK's -47.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | GPK | 2.3% ROA vs SW's 0.8%, ROIC 7.7% vs 5.4% |
SW vs GPK — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2022
SW vs GPK — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLGPKLAGGINGSW
SWSmurfit Westrock Plc
1leads
GPKGraphic Packaging Hol…
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs SWMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
GPK4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
GPK5/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
GPK7/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
SW6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
GPK2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
GPK leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
SW is the larger business by revenue, generating $31.2B annually — 3.6x GPK's $8.7B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 3.2% (GPK) to 1.2% (SW).
| Metric | SWSmurfit Westrock … | GPKGraphic Packaging… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $31.2B | $8.7B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $3.8B | $1.1B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $380M | $274M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $1.0B | $293M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +18.4% | +13.4% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +6.0% | +7.5% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +1.2% | +3.2% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +3.3% | +3.4% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +0.7% | +1.7% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -83.6% | -133.3% |
GPK leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
GPK leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 7.5x trailing earnings, GPK trades at a 76% valuation discount to SW's 31.3x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, GPK's 6.1x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than SW's 7.3x.
| Metric | SWSmurfit Westrock … | GPKGraphic Packaging… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $21.8B | $3.3B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $34.7B | $8.6B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 31.30x | 7.46x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 17.23x | 12.97x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 0.38x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 7.27x | 6.10x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.70x | 0.38x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.19x | 0.98x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 21.37x | — |
GPK leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GPK leads this category, winning 7 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 $2 for SW. SW carries lower financial leverage with a 0.75x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to GPK's 1.67x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), SW scores 7/9 vs GPK's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | SWSmurfit Westrock … | GPKGraphic Packaging… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +2.1% | +8.4% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +0.8% | +2.3% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +5.4% | +7.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +6.0% | +9.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.75x | 1.67x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $12.9B | $5.3B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $892M | $261M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $13.8B | $5.6B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.38x | 5.47x |
GPK leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
SW leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in SW five years ago would be worth $8,188 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,684 for GPK. Over the past 12 months, SW leads with a +8.4% total return vs GPK's -47.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors SW at 17.8% vs GPK's -22.0% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | SWSmurfit Westrock … | GPKGraphic Packaging… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +6.3% | -26.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +8.4% | -47.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +63.4% | -52.6% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -18.1% | -33.2% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +64.1% | +12.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +17.8% | -22.0% |
SW leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — SW and GPK each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GPK is the less volatile stock with a 0.88 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than SW's 1.35 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. SW currently trades 79.1% from its 52-week high vs GPK's 46.5% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | SWSmurfit Westrock … | GPKGraphic Packaging… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.35x | 0.88x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $52.65 | $23.76 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $32.73 | $8.79 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +79.1% | +46.5% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 55.2 | 68.8 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 5.5M | 7.0M |
Evenly matched — SW and GPK each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
GPK leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates SW as "Buy" and GPK as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 30.1% upside for SW (target: $54) vs 14.1% for GPK (target: $13). For income investors, GPK offers the higher dividend yield at 3.91% vs SW's 3.50%.
| Metric | SWSmurfit Westrock … | GPKGraphic Packaging… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $54.14 | $12.60 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 11 | 27 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +3.5% | +3.9% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 3 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.46 | $0.43 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +5.6% |
GPK leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
GPK leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). SW leads in 1 (Total Returns). 1 tied.
Best OverallGraphic Packaging Holding C… (GPK)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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SW vs GPK: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is SW or GPK a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW) is the stronger pick with 53.
0% 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. 5x trailing P/E (13. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW) a "Buy" — based on 11 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 — SW or GPK?
On trailing P/E, Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) is the cheapest at 7.
5x versus Smurfit Westrock Plc at 31. 3x. On forward P/E, Graphic Packaging Holding Company is actually cheaper at 13. 0x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — SW or GPK?
Over the past 5 years, Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW) delivered a total return of -18.
1%, compared to -33. 2% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: SW returned +64. 1% versus GPK's +12. 8%. 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 — SW or GPK?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
88β versus Smurfit Westrock Plc's 1. 35β — meaning SW is approximately 54% more volatile than GPK relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 75% versus 167% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — SW or GPK?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW) is pulling ahead at 53.
0% versus -2. 2% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Smurfit Westrock Plc grew EPS 68. 4% year-over-year, compared to -31. 5% for Graphic Packaging Holding Company. Over a 3-year CAGR, SW leads at 35. 2% 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 — SW or GPK?
Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) is the more profitable company, earning 5.
2% net margin versus 2. 2% for Smurfit Westrock Plc — 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 7. 1% for SW. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — SW leads at 19. 4%, 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 SW or GPK more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) trades at 13.
0x forward P/E versus 17. 2x for Smurfit Westrock Plc — 4. 3x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for SW: 30. 1% to $54. 14.
08Which pays a better dividend — SW or GPK?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Graphic Packaging Holding Company (GPK) offers the highest yield at 3. 9%, versus 3. 5% for Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW).
09Is SW or GPK 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.
88), 3. 9% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (GPK: +12. 8%, SW: +64. 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 SW and GPK?
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: SW is a mid-cap high-growth stock; GPK is a small-cap deep-value 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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(SW: 0.7% · GPK: 1.7%)P/E Ratio<
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