Silgan vs Sonoco

Silgan and Sonoco are compared on this page to help readers understand differing business models, financial performance, and market context. The analysis highlights how each company approaches products, supply chains, and end markets, while remaining neutral and accessible to a broad audience. This page does not constitute advice or recommendations. Educational content, not financial advice.

About The Companies

Silgan (SLGN)

Silgan Holdings (SLGN) is a US-based manufacturer of rigid packaging used by food, beverage, personal care and household product companies. The business supplies metal cans, closures and plastic containers and serves large consumer packaged goods customers and retailers. Its scale, long-standing customer relationships and focus on manufacturing efficiency have supported steady cash generation; the company’s market cap is about $4.73bn. Key drivers include commodity costs (steel, aluminium, resins), product mix, capacity utilisation and new business wins. Sustainability trends — lightweighting and recyclable materials — are shaping product development and capital spending. Investors should note exposure to cyclical consumer demand, raw-material price volatility and potential margin pressure from input-cost swings or excess capacity. Dividend history and cash flow metrics may matter for income-focused investors. This is general educational information only and not personal financial advice; suitability depends on individual circumstances and risk tolerance.

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.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

SLGN

Metric

SON

$4.23B

Market Cap

$4.19B

24.42%

Potential Profit

25.41%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Buy

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)

Published: August 22, 2025

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Investment Analysis

Silgan

SLGN

Pros

Silgan Holdings is considered undervalued with a discounted cash flow analysis suggesting intrinsic value significantly higher than the current price.
The company showed strong revenue growth of 15.2% year-over-year in the latest quarter, with earnings per share beating analyst estimates.
Silgan is strategically pivoting away from commoditized metal food cans towards specialty packaging products, aiming for long-term growth and margin expansion.

Considerations

The share price has declined about 24% year-to-date, reflecting recent volatility and sector-wide challenges in packaging demand.
Silgan's current liquidity ratios (quick ratio 0.56, current ratio 0.50) are relatively low, potentially indicating near-term financial tightness.
Despite strong cash flow guidance, the company's leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40 may pose risks if market conditions deteriorate.

Sonoco

SON

Pros

Sonoco Products is a global packaging leader with a diversified portfolio and a long history dating back to 1899.
The company benefits from broad market exposure and innovation in packaging solutions for various consumer and industrial sectors.
Sonoco maintains steady operations with an established market presence and scale advantage in global packaging markets.

Considerations

Sonoco's market capitalization and scale are significantly smaller relative to some larger industry peers, which may limit growth potential.
The packaging sector's exposure to raw material cost fluctuations and global supply chain disruptions can impact Sonoco’s profitability.
Sonoco faces competitive pressures from larger packaging companies investing heavily in sustainable and specialized products.

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About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Green Packaging Investment Theme: 18 Stocks (2025)

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Green Packaging Investment Theme: 18 Stocks (2025)

Investment Analysis

Silgan

Pros

Considerations

Sonoco

Pros

Considerations

Why invest with Nemo?

Zero Commission

Trusted & Regulated

6% Interest on Cash

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between Silgan and Sonoco in terms of business focus?

How does the comparison help readers understand market context?

What role do cash flow and liquidity play in assessing these stocks?

How should one interpret ‘undervalued’ versus growth potential in Silgan’s case?

What do earnings beats imply for Sonoco compared with Silgan’s guidance?

Why is leverage a consideration for Silgan in a volatile market?

What is meant by diversification in Sonoco’s favour and how does it compare to Silgan’s focus?

How might raw material costs affect both stocks differently?

What market conditions should readers consider when comparing two packaging peers?

What should a beginner look for when reading a stock comparison page like this?

Educational disclaimer and how to use this page?

About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot