IP

International Paper Company

Fundamental data last updated:May 26, 2026

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company profile

SECTOR

Consumer Cyclical

industry

Packaging & Containers

Exchange

NYSE

County of HQ

US

Next Earnings Date

07/30/2026

Business Summary

International Paper Company operates as a packaging company primarily in United States, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Pacific Rim, Asia, and rest of the Americas. It operates through two segments: Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers. The Industrial Packaging segment manufactures containerboards, including linerboard, medium, whitetop, recycled linerboard, recycled medium, and saturating kraft. The Global Cellulose Fibers segment provides fluff, market, and specialty pulps that are used in absorbent hygiene products, such as baby diapers, feminine care, adult incontinence, and other non-woven products; tissue and paper products; and non-absorbent end applications, including textiles, filtration, construction material, paints and coatings, reinforced plastics, and other applications. It sells its products directly to end users and converters, as well as through agents, resellers, and paper distributors. The company was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

 


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VALUATION

P/E

-5.09

Market Cap ($M USD)

$16.57B

Forward P/E

8.26

PEG

0.05

PRICE TO SALES

0.66

PRICE TO BOOK

1.15

EV / EBITDA

-690.99

5-Year Average P/E

Free Cash Flow Yield

3.34%

DCF Value

$36.25

Graham Number

N/A

Price to FCF

29.96

EV to FCF

44.98

Earnings Yield

-19.63%

FCF Yield

3.34%

DIVIDEND

Yield

5.91%

Annual Payout

$1.85

Payout Ratio

-29.19%

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth

5-Year Dividend Growth Rate

Financial Health & Profitability

Earnings Per Share

-$6.14

Next Year EPS Growth Estimate

$3.79

Next Year Revenue Growth Estimate

$2.72T

Return on Equity (ROE)

-20.44%

FREE CASH FLOW

Operating Margin

-10.46%

Debt-to-Equity

0.73

Piotroski F-Score

3

Altman Z-Score

1.12

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

-8.89%

Current Ratio

1.21

Quick Ratio

0.94

Net Debt to EBITDA

-230.75

Interest Coverage

-8.29

Gross Profit margin

27.83%

FCF PER SHARE

$1.01

REVENUE PER SHARE

$45.77

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Gainseekers Quantitative Analysis

Summary

The market seems to be mispricing International Paper Company relative to its DCF value, as recent pricing indicated it traded below this intrinsic estimate. Despite a forward P/E of 8.72 suggesting potential value, the negative earnings yield and a troubling Altman Z-score of 1.15 highlight significant financial distress and potential insolvency risks. The company’s negative ROIC and operating margin further underscore management’s struggle to generate returns from its capital. While the stock’s consensus rating is a “Buy,” these red flags suggest caution is warranted for risk-averse investors.

AI Exposure / Tech Reliance

Operating in the Packaging & Containers industry, International Paper is moderately insulated from rapid AI disruptions. However, its ability to integrate modern tech into production processes could enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The company's resilience will depend on its adaptability to technological advancements in manufacturing and logistics.

The Bull Case

For value or GARP investors, International Paper offers a compelling narrative. The forward PEG ratio of 0.054 indicates significant growth potential at a bargain price. Despite a low Piotroski F-Score of 3, the company's FCF yield of 3.16% and a reasonable debt/equity ratio suggest efficient capital management. These metrics hint at underlying pricing power and a capacity to generate cash, appealing to those seeking undervalued opportunities.

The Bear Case

The bear case for International Paper is stark. A negative P/E ratio and a dismal return on equity of -20.44% reveal deep structural inefficiencies. The company's gross profit margin of 27.83% is overshadowed by its negative operating margin, indicating poor cost management. Additionally, the stock's proximity to its 52-week low suggests weak investor confidence, further exacerbated by its high price-to-FCF ratio of 31.63, which questions its cash flow sustainability.

Market Sentiment & Smart Money

Short Interest %

Analyst Consensus

Buy

Average Analyst Price Target

$46.20

Institutional Ownership %

1-Year Beta

0.90

Insider Buying % (6 Mo)

Distance to 52-Week High

79.39%

Distance to 52-Week Low

6.49%

EARNINGS SURPRISE %

-16.67%

50-DAY SMA

$34.18

200-DAY SMA

$41.04

⚠️ Financial Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Information may be delayed or inaccurate. We may earn a commission from partner links.