Sonoco COO Rodger Fuller Announces Retirement

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Updated: Jan 20 2026

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Should l Buy SON?

Sonoco announced that Chief Operating Officer Rodger Fuller plans to retire after a 40-year career in company leadership effective February 28. Sonoco does not intend to appoint a successor to the COO position, and the president of each business unit of the company will report directly to Howard Coker, President and CEO.

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SON

$51.32+Infinity%1D

Analyst Views on SON

Wall Street analysts forecast SON stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for SON is 52.71 USD with a low forecast of 47.00 USD and a high forecast of 60.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.

9 Analyst Rating

4 Buy

5 Hold

0 Sell

Moderate Buy

Current: 50.820

Low

47.00

Averages

52.71

High

60.00

Current: 50.820

Low

47.00

Averages

52.71

High

60.00

Truist

Buy

maintain

$53 -> $54

2026-01-06

Reason

Truist

Price Target

$53 -> $54

AI Analysis

2026-01-06

maintain

Buy

Reason

Truist raised the firm's price target on Sonoco to $54 from $53 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. Early 2026 is expected to see modestly challenged packaging volumes due to limited promotions, though some CPGs are successfully driving volume while retaining price gains, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Beverage cans should continue growing in North America and Europe, and containerboard producers are likely to implement price increases successfully thanks to disciplined supply management, the firm says.

Wells Fargo

Overweight

Equal Weight

downgrade

$52 -> $47

2026-01-06

Reason

Wells Fargo

Price Target

$52 -> $47

2026-01-06

downgrade

Overweight

Equal Weight

Reason

Wells Fargo downgraded Sonoco to Equal Weight from Overweight with a price target of $47, down from $52. The firm says that while 2025 turned into a more challenging year than it originally expected, Wells is still waiting for a catalyst that will drive a rebound. K-shaped economy remains the firm's top concern as low-end consumer health remains poor. For Sonoco, Wells sees lack of catalysts to outrun sluggish start of year fundamentals.

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About SON

Sonoco Products Company is a global designer, developer, and manufacturer of a variety of highly engineered and sustainable packaging serving multiple end markets. Its segments include Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging. Products within the Consumer Packaging segment consist of rigid packaging (paper, metal, and plastic), primarily serving the consumer staples market focused on food, beverage, household, personal, and pharmaceutical products. Its rigid paper containers are manufactured from 100% recycled paperboard provided primarily from Sonoco global paper operations. These paper products are primarily used in the food and beverage markets. Products within the Industrial Paper Packaging segment consist primarily of goods produced from recycled fiber including paperboard tubes, cores, cones and cans; partitions; paper-based protective materials, and uncoated recycled paperboard for high-end applications such as folding cartons, can board, and laminated structures.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

Sotera Health Appoints New Independent Director

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Educational Background: Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Northwestern University, providing a solid theoretical foundation for navigating complex business environments, further increasing his value on Sotera Health's board.

Sotera Health Appoints New Independent Director

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Diverse Background: Before becoming CEO, Kyle held various senior leadership roles at Timken, accumulating extensive industry experience that will provide crucial support for Sotera Health's future growth.
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Sonoco COO Rodger Fuller to Retire in 2026 After 40-Year Career

Jan 20 2026seekingalpha

Executive Retirement: Sonoco Products Company announced that COO Rodger Fuller will retire on February 28, 2026, concluding a 40-year career with the company, marking a significant leadership transition.
Leadership Restructuring: Fuller has served as COO since 2020 and acted as interim CEO of the Metal Packaging EMEA business until the end of 2025; after his retirement, the company will not appoint a new COO, with business unit presidents reporting directly to President and CEO Howard Coker.
Stock Price Reaction: Sonoco's shares fell by 2.07% following the announcement, reflecting market concerns regarding the uncertainties and potential impacts of the executive transition.
Future Outlook: Despite the executive changes raising market concerns, analysts remain optimistic about Sonoco's long-term prospects, anticipating a rebound in containerboard in 2026, which could present new growth opportunities for the company.