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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2003

or

For the transition period from                               to                              

Commission file number 1-15399

PACKAGING CORPORATION OF AMERICA
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(847) 482-3000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ý  No o

        As of May 12, 2003, the Registrant had outstanding 104,666,545 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Packaging Corporation of America

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Packaging Corporation of America

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(unaudited)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Packaging Corporation of America

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

(unaudited)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Packaging Corporation of America

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)
March 31, 2003

1.    Basis of Presentation

        The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2003 and 2002 of Packaging Corporation of America ("PCA" or the "Company") are unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. Operating results during the period ended March 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the period ending December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with PCA's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

2.    Summary of Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation

        The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of PCA include all majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Company has one joint venture that is carried under the equity method.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information

        PCA is primarily engaged in one line of business: the manufacture and sale of packaging materials, boxes and containers for industrial and consumer markets. No single customer accounts for more than 10% of total revenues. PCA's manufacturing operations are located within the United States.

New Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Statement requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized at their fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability, that cost should be capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. The adoption of SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003, did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

        In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities," effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. This Statement addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs

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Incurred in a Restructuring)." The adoption of SFAS No. 146 on January 1, 2003, did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 45, "Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others." This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. This Interpretation does not prescribe a specific approach for subsequently measuring the guarantor's recognized liability over the term of the related guarantee. This Interpretation also incorporates, without change, the guidance in FIN No. 34, "Disclosure of Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others," which is being superseded. The initial recognition and initial measurement provisions are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002. See Note 5, Letters of Credit, for disclosure information.

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," which addresses the financial reporting by companies involved with variable interest entities. A variable interest entity is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. FIN No. 46 requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity's activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity's residual returns or both. Previously, a company generally included an entity in its consolidated financial statements only if it controlled the entity through voting interests. The consolidation requirements of FIN No. 46 apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. Existing variable interest entities must be consolidated in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company is a 33¹/3% owner of Southern Timber Venture, LLC. The Company is currently evaluating FIN No. 46 to determine if Southern Timber Venture, LLC is a variable interest entity and if so which, if any, entity is the primary beneficiary for consolidation purposes.

        Also in January 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure," which amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require more prominent and more frequent disclosures in financial statements about the effects of stock-based compensation. SFAS No. 148 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. See Note 2, Stock-Based Compensation, for disclosure information.

Stock-Based Compensation

        PCA entered into management equity agreements in June 1999 with 125 of its management-level employees. These agreements provided for the grant of options to purchase up to an aggregate of

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6,576,460 shares of PCA's common stock at $4.55 per share, the same price per share at which PCA Holdings LLC purchased common stock in the April 12, 1999 transactions. The agreements called for these options to vest ratably over a five-year period, or upon completion of an initial public offering, full vesting with contractual restrictions on transfer for a period of up to 18 months following completion of the offering. The options vested with the initial public offering in January 2000, and the restriction period ended in August 2001.

        In October 1999, the Company adopted a long-term equity incentive plan, which provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock and performance awards to directors, officers and employees of PCA, as well as others who engage in services for PCA. Option awards granted to officers and employees vest ratably over a four-year period, whereas option awards granted to directors vest immediately. Under the plan, which will terminate on June 1, 2009, up to 4,400,000 shares of common stock are available for issuance under the long-term equity incentive plan.

        As permitted by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" and amended by SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure," the Company has elected to account for its stock option plan under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and adopt the disclosure only provisions of SFAS No. 123 and SFAS No. 148. Under APB No. 25, no compensation costs are recognized because the number of options is fixed and the option exercise price is equal to the fair market price of the common stock on the date of the grant. Under SFAS No. 123, stock options are valued at the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model and compensation costs are recognized ratably over the vesting period. Had compensation costs been determined as prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per common share for the quarters ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, would have been the following:

        The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

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Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes revenue as title to the products is transferred to customers. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. Shipping and handling billings to a customer in a sales transaction are included in revenue.

Comprehensive Income

        For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, total comprehensive income was $0.4 million and $1.6 million greater, respectively, than net income for the respective periods due to changes in the fair value of derivatives and foreign currency translation adjustments.

Reclassifications

        Prior year's financial statements have been reclassified where appropriate to conform with the current year presentation.

3.    Earnings Per Share

        The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per common share for the periods presented.

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4.    Inventories

        The components of inventories are as follows:

        An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these are subject to many forces beyond management's control, interim results are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.

5.    Letters of Credit

        A summary of the Company's letters of credit is set forth in the following table:

        The letter of credit related to the management equity loans guaranteed bank financing to enable some members of PCA's management to purchase equity under the management equity agreements discussed in Note 9, Shareholders' Equity from PCA's 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The letter of credit expires in June of 2004.

        The remaining letters of credit guarantee payment by PCA of various environmental obligations, including landfills and solid waste programs, workers' compensation, and equipment leases.

6.    Shareholders' Equity

        On May 16, 2001, the Company announced a $100.0 million common stock repurchase program. PCA currently expects to continue to repurchase the shares from time to time. Through March 31, 2003, the Company repurchased 4,426,300 shares of common stock for approximately $75.0 million. Of the 4,426,300 shares repurchased, 215,400 shares were repurchased during the first quarter of 2003, for

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approximately $3.6 million. All shares were retired prior to March 31, 2003, except for 21,100 shares which were retired in May 2003.

7.    Summarized Combined Financial Information about Guarantor Subsidiaries

        The following is summarized aggregated financial information for Packaging Credit Company, LLC, Dixie Container Corporation, PCA International, Inc., PCA International Services, LLC and PCA Hydro, Inc., each of which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of PCA and included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Each of these subsidiaries fully, unconditionally, jointly and severally guaranteed $550.0 million in senior subordinated notes issued by PCA. Separate financial statements of the guarantor subsidiaries are not presented because, in the opinion of management, such financial statements are not material to investors. Financial information for Packaging Receivables Company, LLC, PCAI de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., and PCAI Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. are reflected as non-guarantor subsidiaries.

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Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2002

Net Sales

        Net sales increased by $8.6 million, or 2.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2003 from the comparable period in 2002. The increase was primarily the result of increased sales volumes and prices of corrugated products and increased sales prices of containerboard to external third parties.

        Corrugated products volume increased 2.6% per workday for the three months ended March 31, 2003 from the comparable period in 2002. This volume improvement was achieved despite severe weather conditions at several of our box plants in the Northeast and Texas. The first quarter of 2003 was the fifth consecutive quarter in which our corrugated products volume increased compared to the same quarter in the prior year. Containerboard volume to external domestic and export customers decreased 3.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2003 from the comparable period in 2002. Containerboard mill production for the three months ended March 31, 2003 was 531,000 tons compared to 520,000 tons in the same period in 2002 and 559,000 tons in the fourth quarter of 2002.

        According to Pulp & Paper Week, average linerboard and semi-chemical medium prices for 42 lb. Liner-East and 26 lb. Medium-East, which are representative benchmark grades, were $432 and $390, respectively, per ton for the three months ended March 31, 2003. This compares to $418 and $377, respectively, per ton for the three months ended March 31, 2002. Pulp & Paper Week's published pricing typically applies to transactions that occur in the month following the publication. Accordingly, the average price for the first quarter consists of the average of the prices published in December, January and February.

        Pulp & Paper Week reported that average linerboard and semi-chemical medium prices for 42 lb. Liner-East and 26 lb. Medium-East decreased $10 to $425 and $15 to $380, respectively, per ton in February. Pulp & Paper Week reported that the price of linerboard and medium remained unchanged in March and April.

Income Before Interest Expense and Taxes

        Operating income decreased by $5.7 million, or 17.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2003 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2002. The decrease in operating income was primarily attributable to increased costs of energy in our operations and higher costs of recycled fiber and virgin fiber at our containerboard mills, which, in total, reduced operating income by $6.3 million. The effect of these cost increases was minimized by our relatively low level of consumption of natural gas and recycled fiber at our containerboard mills. Of the total amount of purchased fuels consumed by our containerboard mills on an annual basis, approximately 75% consists of coal and bark. Similarly, our net consumption of recycled fiber is 16% of our total fiber requirements.

        Gross profit decreased $1.8 million, or 2.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2003 from the comparable period in 2002. Gross profit as a percentage of sales declined from 17.9% of sales to 17.2% of sales in the current quarter due primarily to the increased energy and fiber costs described previously.

        Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, or 0.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2003 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2002. The increase was primarily the result of increased salary expenses.

        Corporate overhead for the three months ended March 31, 2003 increased by $0.6 million, or 6.0%, from the comparable period in 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to increased

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depreciation and amortization expenses and additional costs related to the development and administration of the company's hourly pension plan.

Interest Expense and Income Taxes

        Interest expense decreased by $1.4 million, or 8.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2003 from the three months ended March 31, 2002, primarily as a result of prepayments PCA made in 2002 on the term loans under its senior credit facility and the receivables credit facility and as a result of lower interest rates due to the expiration of the commercial paper rate-based collar in December 2002.

        PCA's effective tax rate was 39.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 39.8% for the comparable period in 2002. The effective tax rate varies from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% principally due to the impact of state and local income taxes.

Net Income

        Net income decreased by $2.5 million, or 26.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2003 from the three months ended March 31, 2002. The decrease was the result of a dividend paid to PCA in the first quarter of 2002 from our retained one-third equity ownership in Southern Timber Venture, LLC ($1.4 million after tax), increased energy costs at our operations ($2.5 million after tax), increased recycled and virgin fiber costs at our containerboard mills ($1.4 million after tax), reduced operating income from our woodlands and solid wood operations ($1.3 million after tax), and higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense ($0.8 million after tax), partially offset by higher sales volumes and prices of corrugated products and higher sales prices of containerboard to external third parties ($4.9 million after tax).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Activities

        Cash flow provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2003 was $38.7 million, a decrease of $4.8 million, or 11.0%, from the comparable period in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to lower net income and unfavorable changes in working capital. The unfavorable changes in working capital were driven by higher balances of inventory related to the increased prices for fiber and containerboard described previously and an increased balance in prepaid expenses related to the two containerboard mill maintenance shutdowns that occurred during the quarter, partially offset by favorable accounts payable and accounts receivable levels.

Investing Activities

        Net cash used for investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2003 decreased $1.3 million, or 5.2%, to $23.9 million, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2002. The reduction was primarily a result of decreased additions to property, plant and equipment, partially offset by a reduction in proceeds from disposals.

Financing Activities

        Net cash used for financing activities totaled $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003, a decrease of $17.3 million, or 73.8%, from the comparable period in 2002. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in debt prepayments and reductions in expenditures to repurchase PCA common stock.

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        The following table provides the outstanding balance and the weighted average interest rate as of March 31, 2003 for each of PCA's outstanding term loans, revolving credit facility and receivables credit facility:

(a)

The term loan interest rates reflect the floor of the interest rate collar agreement that expires in June of 2003 plus the applicable spread. The floor of this agreement was 4.95% at March 31, 2003.

        In addition to the term loans and other borrowing arrangements noted above, PCA has $550 million of 9⁵/8% senior subordinated notes due 2009 that are callable beginning April 1, 2004 at 104.8125%.

        The borrowings under the senior revolving credit facility are available to fund PCA's working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The Term Loan A must be repaid in quarterly installments from September 2004 through June 2006. The Term Loan B must be repaid in quarterly installments from March 2005 through June 2007. The senior revolving credit facility will terminate in 2006. The receivables credit facility will terminate on November 29, 2003. As of March 31, 2003, PCA had $150.0 million in availability and no borrowings outstanding under the senior revolving credit facility. Under the receivables credit facility, PCA had $41.0 million in availability and $109.0 million outstanding as of March 31, 2003.

        The instruments governing PCA's indebtedness contain financial and other covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability of PCA and its subsidiaries to:

•

incur additional indebtedness,



•

pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments,



•

consummate certain asset sales,



•

incur liens,



•

enter into certain transactions with affiliates, or



•

merge or consolidate with any other person or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of PCA.

        These limitations could limit our corporate and operating activities.

        In addition, we must maintain minimum debt service, minimum net worth and maximum leverage ratios under the senior credit facility. A failure to comply with the restrictions contained in the senior credit facility could lead to an event of default, which could result in an acceleration of such indebtedness. Such an acceleration would also constitute an event of default under the notes indenture and the receivables credit facility.

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        PCA estimates that it will make approximately $115.0 million in capital expenditures in 2003. These expenditures will be used primarily for maintenance capital, cost reduction, business growth and environmental compliance. As of March 31, 2003, PCA had spent $22.8 million for capital expenditures and had committed to spend an additional $50.7 million.

        PCA believes that cash generated from operations will be adequate to meet its anticipated debt service requirements, capital expenditures and working capital needs for the next 12 months, and that cash generated from operations and amounts available under the senior revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet its anticipated debt service requirements, capital expenditures and working capital needs for the foreseeable future. PCA's future operating performance and its ability to service or refinance the notes, to service, extend or refinance the credit facilities and to pay cash dividends, will be subject to future economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond PCA's control.

Market Risk and Risk Management Policies

        PCA has one interest rate collar agreement that protects against rising interest rates and simultaneously guarantees a minimum interest rate. The notional amount of the collar agreement was $78.8 million as of March 31, 2003. The floor of the interest rate collar agreement is 4.75% and the ceiling of the interest rate collar agreement is 6.75%. The interest rate on approximately 42% of PCA's variable-rate debt as of March 31, 2003 was capped. PCA receives payments under the collar agreement if the applicable interest rate (LIBOR) exceeds the ceiling. Correspondingly, PCA makes payments under the collar agreement if the applicable interest rate drops below the floor. In both cases, the amounts received or paid are based upon the notional amount and the difference between the actual interest rate and the ceiling or floor rate. The interest rate collar agreement expires June 30, 2003.

        As a result of the collar agreement noted above and the interest rate environment, a one percent increase in interest rates would result in an increase in interest expense and a corresponding decrease in income before taxes of approximately $1.1 million annually. As of March 31, 2003, the weighted average LIBOR rate was 1.29%. The effect of an interest rate change to the fair market value of the outstanding debt is insignificant. This analysis does not consider any other impact on fair value that could exist in such an interest rate environment. In the event of a change in interest rates, management could take actions to further mitigate its exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis assumes no changes in PCA's financial structure.

Environmental Matters

        PCA is subject to, and must comply with, a variety of federal, state and local environmental laws, particularly those relating to air and water quality, waste disposal and the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. Because environmental regulations are constantly evolving, PCA has incurred, and will continue to incur, costs to maintain compliance with those laws. In particular, the United States Environmental Protection Agency recently finalized the Cluster Rules, which govern pulp and paper mill operations, including those at our Counce, Filer City, Valdosta and Tomahawk mills. Over the next several years, the Cluster Rules will affect PCA's allowable discharges of air and water pollutants, and require PCA to spend money to ensure compliance with those new rules.

Impact of Inflation

        PCA does not believe that inflation has had a material impact on its financial position or results of operations during the past three years.

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Critical Accounting Policies

        Management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, pensions and other post-retirement benefits, income taxes, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Accounts Receivable

        We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based upon a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer's inability to meet its financial obligations to us (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial downgrading of credit sources), we record a specific reserve for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debts consisting of 0.3% for amounts less than 90 days past due and 30% for amounts more than 90 days past due based on our historical collection experience. If our collection experience deteriorates (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer's ability to meet its financial obligations to us), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due us could be reduced by a material amount.

Inventory

        We record our inventory at the lower of cost or market. The estimated market value is based on assumptions for future demand and related pricing. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, reductions in the value of inventory may be required. Raw materials, work in process and finished goods are valued using the lower of last-in, first-out ("LIFO") cost or market method. Supplies and materials inventories are valued using a moving average cost.

Derivatives

        We hold derivative financial instruments to hedge our interest rate risk associated with our variable rate long-term debt. These derivatives qualify for hedge accounting as discussed in Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K. We do not speculate in derivatives trading. Hedge accounting results when we designate and document the hedging relationships involving these derivative instruments. While we intend to continue to meet the conditions for hedge accounting, if hedges do not qualify as highly effective or if we did not believe that forecasted transactions would occur, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives used as hedges would be reflected in earnings.

        To hedge interest rate risk, interest rate collars are used to protect against rising interest rates and simultaneously guarantee minimum interest rates related to our variable rate debt. These instruments are valued using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future cash receipts and cash payments. The cash receipts and cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest

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rates derived from observed market interest rate curves. We have not changed our methods of calculating these fair values or developing the underlying assumptions. The values of these derivatives will change over time as cash receipts and payments are made and as market conditions change. Information about the fair values, notional amounts, and contractual terms of these instruments can be found in Notes 6 and 7 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and the section titled "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" included elsewhere in this report.

        In addition to the above derivative financial instruments, we have other contracts covering a portion of our purchases of natural gas and electricity that have the characteristics of derivatives but are not required to be accounted for as derivatives. These contracts for the physical delivery of these items qualify for the normal purchases exception under SFAS No. 133 as we take physical delivery of the item and use it in the production process. This exception is an election and, if not elected, these contracts would be carried on the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in income. These contracts cover natural gas and electricity usage at our mills through 2004.

Environmental Liabilities

        In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Statement requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized at their fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability, that cost should be capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset. The adoption of SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003, did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

        The potential costs for various environmental matters are uncertain due to such factors as the unknown magnitude of possible cleanup costs, the complexity and evolving nature of governmental laws and regulations and their interpretations, and the timing, varying costs and effectiveness of alternative cleanup technologies. Liabilities recorded for environmental contingencies are estimates of the probable costs based upon available information and assumptions. Because of these uncertainties, however, our estimates may change. We believe that any additional costs identified as further information becomes available would not have a material effect on our financial statements.

        In connection with the sale to PCA of the containerboard and corrugated products business of Pactiv Corporation in April 1999, Pactiv agreed to retain all liability for all former facilities and all sites associated with offsite waste disposal prior to April 12, 1999. Pactiv also retained environmental liability for a closed landfill located near the Filer City mill.

Revenue Recognition

        We recognize revenue as title to the products is transferred to customers.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

        Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability would be performed. If an evaluation were required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset's carrying amount to determine if a write-down to fair value were required.

        Goodwill is tested annually for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."

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Forward-Looking Statements

        Some of the statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in particular, statements found in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, that are not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are often identified by the words "will," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "hope" or similar expressions. These statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. These factors, risks and uncertainties include the following:

•

the impact of general economic conditions;



•

containerboard and corrugated products general industry conditions, including competition, product demand and product pricing;



•

fluctuations in wood fiber and recycled fiber costs;



•

fluctuations in purchased energy costs; and



•

legislative or regulatory requirements, particularly concerning environmental matters.

        Our actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements, and accordingly, we can give no assurances that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. In view of these uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect the occurrence of events after the date hereof. For a discussion of other factors that may affect our business, see the "Risk Factors" exhibit included in PCA's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Available Information

        The Company's internet website address is www.packagingcorp.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

        For a discussion of market risks related to PCA, see Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Risk and Risk Management Policies" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

        PCA's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of PCA's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this quarterly report and concluded that PCA's disclosure controls and procedures were functioning properly as of the evaluation date.

        Based on this most recent evaluation, there do not appear to have been any significant changes in PCA's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of this evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. The results of this evaluation have been discussed with PCA's Audit Committee and with Ernst & Young LLP, PCA's independent auditors.

17

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

        On May 14, 1999, PCA was named as a defendant in a Consolidated Class Action Complaint which alleged a civil violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The suit, captioned Winoff Industries, Inc. v. Stone Container Corporation, MDL No. 1261 (E.D. Pa.), names us as a defendant based solely on the allegation that PCA is successor to the interests of Tenneco Packaging Inc. and Tenneco Inc., both of which were also named as defendants in the suit, along with nine other linerboard manufacturers. The complaint alleges that the defendants, during the period October 1, 1993 through November 30, 1995, conspired to limit the supply of linerboard, and that the purpose and effect of the alleged conspiracy was artificially to increase prices of corrugated containers. The plaintiffs have moved to certify a class of all persons in the United States who purchased corrugated containers directly from any defendant during the above period, and seek treble damages and attorneys' fees on behalf of the purported class. The Court granted plaintiffs' motion on September 4, 2001, but modified the proposed class to exclude those purchasers who purchased corrugated containers pursuant to contracts in which the price was "not tied to the price of linerboard." The Court's class certification decision was affirmed by the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on September 5, 2002. The case is currently set for trial in September, 2004. We believe that the plaintiffs' allegations have no merit and intend to defend against the suit vigorously. We do not believe that the outcome of this litigation should have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flow.

        PCA is also party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business. These legal actions cover a broad variety of claims spanning our entire business. We believe that the resolution of these legal actions will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 2.    Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.

        None.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

        None.

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

        None.

Item 5.    Other Information.

        None.

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

18

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

19

CERTIFICATIONS

        I, Paul T. Stecko, certify that:

        (1)   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Packaging Corporation of America;

        (2)   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        (3)   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Packaging Corporation of America as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        (4)   PCA's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for PCA and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to PCA, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of PCA's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)     presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        (5)   PCA's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to PCA's auditors and the Audit Committee of PCA's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect PCA's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for PCA's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in PCA's internal controls; and

        (6)   PCA's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

/s/ Paul T. Stecko

Paul T. Stecko
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

May 14, 2003

        I, Richard B. West, certify that:

        (1)   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Packaging Corporation of America;

        (2)   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        (3)   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Packaging Corporation of America as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        (4)   PCA's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for PCA and we have:

        a.     designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to PCA, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b.     evaluated the effectiveness of PCA's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c.     presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        (5)   PCA's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to PCA's auditors and the Audit Committee of PCA's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

        a.     all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect PCA's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for PCA's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b.     any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in PCA's internal controls; and

        (6)   PCA's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

/s/ Richard B. West

Richard B. West
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Corporate Secretary

May 14, 2003

QuickLinks

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Item 5. Other Information.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.