International Paper CompanyNYSE: IP
Materials · Paper & Plastic Packaging Products & Materials
$31.94
+4.98%
Vol: 10.5M
Research Digest
Friday, May 1, 2026
Q1 earnings beat EPS but revenue missed; guidance lowered amid weak packaging demand
IP reported Q1 2026 EPS of $0.15 (in line) but revenue of $5.971B missed estimates by $223M. The company lowered 2026 guidance citing challenging market conditions in the packaging sector. However, IP announced a $360M acquisition of North Pacific Paper and a $225M greenfield facility in Mississippi. Analysts have issued mixed outlooks with several cutting price targets (Citigroup to $44, BofA to $47), though Seaport Research upgraded to Buy. Stock traded down to 52-week lows.
Previous Market Intelligence
13 daysApr 30International Paper misses Q1 revenue by $223M and cuts FY2026 profit guidance due to cost pressuresNegative▶
International Paper reported Q1 2026 earnings on April 30: EPS met estimates at $0.15 but revenue missed by $223M at $5.97B. The company cut full-year 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to $3.2-$3.5B from $3.5-$3.7B due to uneven packaging demand, inflationary pressures, and higher interest rates. Stock dropped 6.85% on announcement. Strategic highlight: company plans to acquire North Pacific Paper Company for $360M and create two independent public companies through separation of EMEA operations. Citigroup and BofA lowered price targets to $44 and $47, respectively.
Apr 16International Paper announced plan to create two independent public companies and sell Global Cellulose Fibers business for $1.5 billion.Mixed▶
International Paper announced strategic separation plan to create two independent public companies: IP North America including DS Smith integration, and EMEA Packaging comprising DS Smith and IP EMEA assets. Company reached agreement with American Industrial Partners to sell Global Cellulose Fibers business for $1.5 billion plus $190 million preferred stock. North America packaging investing $250 million to convert Selma, Alabama mill to containerboard production; building $225 million packaging plant in Mississippi. Closing Savannah, Georgia containerboard mill and Riceboro operations. Stock at $34.19-$34.80 range on April 7, down 1.61% weekly and 14.16% monthly. Consensus analyst rating is Buy with 12-month price target of $48.25 representing 43% upside.
Apr 15International Paper to release Q1 2026 earnings on April 30; analysts expect flat EPS of $0.23.Neutral▶
International Paper will release Q1 2026 earnings on April 30 before NYSE open. Analysts expect Q1 EPS of $0.23, unchanged from prior year. The company faces cyclical demand weakness and restructuring costs. Announced plans for a new 468,000-square-foot sustainable packaging facility in Mississippi. Consensus Buy with $48.25 price target (42.92% upside). Stock has declined 26.76% over the past year.
Apr 14International Paper announces $225M Mississippi packaging facility; Q1 2026 earnings due April 30.Neutral▶
International Paper announced $225 million investment in new 468,000-square-foot sustainable packaging facility in Mississippi with construction starting June 2026. Outlined strategic spin-off of EMEA Packaging business. FY2025 net sales $23.63 billion with 2026 adjusted EBITDA targets of $3.5-3.7 billion. Q1 earnings April 30.
Apr 13International Paper scheduled Q1 2026 earnings April 30; undergoing strategic split into two independent regional companies.Mixed▶
International Paper will release Q1 2026 earnings on April 30. Analysts project Q1 EPS of $0.23 (flat YoY) with full-year 2026 forecast of $1.78. Announced plans to create two independent companies: North American and EMEA-focused entities. Constructing $225M sustainable packaging facility in Mississippi. Consensus Buy with PT $48.25 (42.92% upside).
Apr 10International Paper Q1 Earnings April 30; J.P. Morgan Negative Catalyst WatchNegative▶
Q1 earnings April 30. JPM Negative Catalyst Watch citing cost headwinds. Closing five sites in Germany. Separating into two companies.
Apr 9International Paper spins off EMEA business; analysts cut targets on margin pressureMixed▶
International Paper announced plan to create two independent public companies: IP North America (including DS Smith legacy) and EMEA Packaging (legacy DS Smith and IP EMEA), expected 12-15 months. BofA lowered target to $47 from $53; JPMorgan cut to $46 from $48 (Neutral). Company expanding with $225M Mississippi packaging facility (468k sq ft). Facing weaker demand, restructuring charges, and leadership turnover (Joy Roman departure). Analyst outlook mixed amid execution risks.
Apr 8International Paper schedules Q1 2026 earnings for April 30; JPMorgan lowered target to $46.Mixed▶
IP Q1 earnings April 30. JPMorgan lowered PT to $46 from $48 April 2. Deutsche Bank initiated Hold April 1. BofA Buy April 6. $225M Mississippi packaging plant investment.
Apr 7International Paper Plans EMEA Spin-Off, Invests $225M in Brandon Packaging FacilityNeutral▶
International Paper announced plans to separate EMEA Packaging into independent public company; spin-off expected in 12-15 months with dual listings (London/NYSE). Investing $225M in 468,000 sq ft Brandon, Mississippi sustainable packaging facility. Deutsche Bank initiated Hold with $38 target (April 1). Q1 earnings due April 30. Stock down 14.16% monthly, 26.76% yearly. 9 analysts average $48.25 target (+42.92%). P/E -5.07; Dividend yield 5.4%.
Apr 6International Paper plans EMEA spin-off into independent publicly traded company within 12-15 months.Mixed▶
International Paper announced plans to separate its EMEA Packaging business into a new independent company to be listed on London and New York exchanges. The company will focus on North American operations. Q1 2026 earnings scheduled for April 30. Deutsche Bank initiated Hold coverage with $38 price target on April 1, 2026. Average analyst rating is Buy with $48.25 12-month target.
Apr 3International Paper plans 468K sq ft sustainable packaging facility in Mississippi; Deutsche Bank initiates Hold at $38 PT.Mixed▶
International Paper announced plans for a 468,000-square-foot sustainable packaging facility in Mississippi on March 20. Planning spin-off of EMEA operations. Deutsche Bank initiated coverage April 1 with Hold and $38 target. 9 analysts maintain average Buy with $48.25 target (42.92% upside).
Apr 2International Paper plans 2-company split; Deutsche Bank initiates coverage at Hold with $38 PTMixed▶
International Paper announced a significant strategic restructuring on January 29, 2026, planning to create two independent publicly traded companies: one for North American operations and one for EMEA Packaging. Deutsche Bank initiated coverage on April 1, 2026 with a Hold rating and $38.00 price target. IP also agreed to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers business to American Industrial Partners for $1.5 billion and closed five German sites affecting 500 employees as part of DS Smith integration. Current stock price is $33.75 with average analyst price target of $48.25, representing 42.92% upside.
Apr 1International Paper plans $225M sustainable packaging facility in Mississippi; announces EMEA spin-off into independent company within 12-15 months.Positive▶
International Paper announced $225 million greenfield sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi with construction beginning June 2026. Plans to separate EMEA Packaging business into independent publicly traded company within 12-15 months. Completed sale of Global Cellulose Fibers business for $1.5 billion. Q1 earnings due April 30. BofA maintains Buy ($43 PT).
Sector Peers
| Company | Price | Day | 1M | Fwd P/E | Beta | Mkt Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWSMURFIT | $39.70 | +3.40% | -4.3% | 12.3x | 1.05 | $20.1B |
| PKGPACKAGING | $217.86 | +2.07% | +3.9% | 17.6x | 0.92 | $19.0B |
| AMCRAMCOR | $37.81 | -0.62% | -4.5% | 8.7x | 0.71 | $17.6B |
| IPINTERNATIONAL | $31.94 | +4.98% | -12.9% | 11.0x | 1.10 | $16.1B |
| AVYAVERY | $163.33 | -0.37% | -3.2% | 14.7x | 1.00 | $12.6B |
| LINLINDE | $508.66 | +1.50% | +0.3% | 25.7x | 0.79 | $232.2B |
Key Fundamentals
RSI (14-Day)
52-Week Range
Moving Averages
Price below 200d MA — bearish structure.