Sonoco vs Cabot

This page compares Sonoco and Cabot, examining their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand each company. The content is neutral and accessible, designed to support informed consideration. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares Sonoco and Cabot, examining their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand each company. The content is neutral and accessible, designed...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

SON

Metric

CBT

$4.83B

Market Cap

$3.77B

11.94%

Potential Profit

4.11%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Buy

Investment Analysis

Sonoco

SON

Pros

Sonoco has a diversified global packaging business with operations across multiple regions and end markets.
The company offers a high dividend yield, currently above 5%, supported by a long history of consistent payouts.
Recent analyst consensus is strongly positive, with multiple 'Strong Buy' ratings and price targets suggesting significant upside.

Considerations

Free cash flow has declined sharply year-on-year, falling from $171 million to $29 million in the first nine months of 2025.
Revenue and earnings have decreased in recent periods, reflecting challenges in key markets and macroeconomic pressures.
The company's industrial packaging segment remains exposed to cyclical demand and commodity price volatility.

Cabot

CBT

Pros

Cabot Corporation benefits from a leading position in specialty chemicals, particularly in carbon black and performance materials.
The company has demonstrated strong operational efficiency and cost management in recent quarters.
Cabot maintains a solid balance sheet with manageable debt levels and consistent cash generation.

Considerations

Cabot's earnings are sensitive to fluctuations in raw material costs, which can pressure margins during commodity spikes.
The carbon black business faces long-term headwinds from declining demand in certain end markets, such as automotive.
International operations expose Cabot to foreign exchange volatility and regulatory risks in key regions.

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About The Companies

Sonoco (SON)

Sonoco Products Co. (SON) is a global packaging company that makes and supplies a wide range of consumer and industrial packaging solutions, including rigid and flexible packaging, paperboard, protective packaging and containers. With a market capitalisation of about $4.06 billion, Sonoco operates manufacturing facilities worldwide and serves sectors such as food and beverage, healthcare, household goods and industrial customers. Investors should note the company’s exposure to commodity input costs (paper, resins, energy), foreign exchange and cyclical end-market demand; these factors can influence margins and earnings. Sonoco has historically returned cash to shareholders through dividends, though payouts depend on board decisions and business performance. Key considerations for investors include product mix, cost management, environmental regulations and shifts toward sustainable packaging. This is general educational information only and not personal financial advice — values can rise and fall, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Consider your own objectives and risk tolerance before making investment decisions.

Cabot (CBT)

Cabot Corporation (CBT) is a global speciality chemicals and performance materials company with a market capitalisation of about $3.78 billion. It produces carbon black, activated carbon, fumed silica and other additives used in tyres, automotive parts, inks, coatings, energy storage and environmental applications. Revenue is linked to industrial cycles—particularly automotive and tyre markets—and to commodity and energy costs, since feedstock and energy intensity affect margins. Management has been shifting toward higher‑margin speciality products and battery materials while focusing on cost control and sustainability initiatives. Investors should note exposure to cyclical end‑markets, raw‑material price swings and foreign‑exchange movements; earnings and cash flow can be volatile. The company has historically paid a dividend, but payouts may vary with results. This summary is general educational information only and not personal investment advice. Consider your objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance and consult a financial adviser before acting. Past performance is not a guide to future results.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Green Packaging Investment Theme: 18 Stocks (2025)

International Paper's $1.5 billion sale of its cellulose fibers unit signals a strategic pivot to its core sustainable packaging business. This move highlights a broader industry trend of portfolio optimization, creating potential growth opportunities for companies focused on eco-friendly packaging solutions and related industries.

Published: August 22, 2025

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Green Packaging Investment Theme: 18 Stocks (2025)

International Paper's $1.5 billion sale of its cellulose fibers unit signals a strategic pivot to its core sustainable packaging business. This move highlights a broader industry trend of portfolio optimization, creating potential growth opportunities for companies focused on eco-friendly packaging solutions and related industries.

Published: August 22, 2025

Explore Basket

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Comparison Snapshot