Industrial packaging stocks post strong Q1 as Ball leads sales growth; PKG misses estimates

Industrial packaging companies reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter results, with revenue across seven tracked stocks beating consensus estimates by an average 3.6%, according to data published May 14, 2026. Shares in the group have risen 1.3% on average since reporting. Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) posted revenue of $2.37 billion, up 10.6% from a year earlier but 2% below analyst expectations, marking the weakest relative performance in the group. Its shares rose 7.9% after results to $221.55. Graphic Packaging (NYSE: GPK) reported revenue of $2.16 billion, up 1.7% and 5.1% above estimates, while its stock gained 9% to $10.42. International Paper (NYSE: IP) revenue rose 1.2% to $5.97 billion, 0.7% above estimates, but shares fell 2.7% to $32.68. Ball (NYSE: BLL) led the group with revenue up 16.3% to $3.60 billion, beating estimates by 8.1%, though its stock declined 4% to $58.46.