Packaging Reseller Comparison

Veritiv vs Stephen Gould—You Decide

Veritiv Corporation and Stephen Gould are prominent players in the packaging industry, each offering distinct strengths and facing unique challenges.

Veritiv Corporation

• Number of Employees: Approximately 5,000 as of December 31, 2022.

• Annual Sales: Reported net sales of $6.9 billion in 2021.

Stephen Gould

• Number of Employees: Approximately 960 employees.

• Annual Sales: Surpassed $940 million in revenue in 2021.

This comparison highlights Veritiv's larger scale in both workforce and revenue. However, Stephen Gould's substantial revenue with a smaller team indicates a focused and potentially more specialized market approach.

Veritiv Corporation

Strengths:

• Diverse Product Portfolio: Veritiv provides a wide range of packaging, print, and facility solutions, catering to various industries.

• Extensive Distribution Network: With 95 distribution centers and 14 global design centers, Veritiv ensures efficient delivery and support for its clients.

Weaknesses:

• High Indebtedness: The company's significant debt levels may impact its financial flexibility and investment capacity.

• Limited Patents: A lack of proprietary patents could affect Veritiv's competitive edge in innovation.

Stephen Gould

Strengths:

• Customized Solutions: Stephen Gould excels in providing tailored packaging solutions, emphasizing design and innovation to meet specific client needs.

• Global Reach with Personalized Service: Despite its expansive operations, the company maintains a personalized approach, fostering strong client relationships.

Weaknesses:

• Private Ownership Constraints: Stephen Gould may face limitations in accessing capital compared to publicly traded companies as a privately owned entity.

• Potential Scalability Challenges: Maintaining personalized service while expanding globally can be challenging and may strain resources.

Enhancing Specialized Packaging Departments

Both companies can bolster their market positions by focusing on specialized packaging:

• Veritiv: By investing in innovation and securing proprietary technologies, Veritiv can differentiate its offerings and reduce reliance on commodity products.

• Stephen Gould: Leveraging its design expertise, the company can expand into emerging markets and industries, offering unique solutions that address specific challenges.

Strengthening or establishing specialized packaging departments can lead to higher profit margins, improved customer loyalty, and a competitive advantage in a market increasingly seeking customized solutions