International Paper Company
International Paper Company produces and sells renewable fiber-based packaging in North America, Latin America, Europe, South America, and North Africa. It operates through two segments, Packaging Solutions North America and Packaging Solutions EMEA. The company offers linerboard, medium, whitetop, …
What to know about IP
International Paper Company is a large Consumer Cyclical company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on valuation and growth, but profitability is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider IP?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
-
International Paper Company is a large-cap Consumer Cyclical company with a mixed overall financial profile — it ranks near the bottom of Consumer Cyclical stocks (48 of 54).
-
Profit margins are thin compared to most S&P 500 peers — the company keeps less of each dollar it earns than the average. Watch for signs of margin improvement.
-
Valuation looks attractive — the stock is priced reasonably relative to its earnings and sales compared to most peers. You're not overpaying for the business.
-
Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
-
There is a small dividend (0.05%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
-
Volatility is close to the S&P 500 average — typical market swings, nothing unusual.
-
Analyst sentiment is cautious and short interest is relatively elevated — meaning some professional investors are actively betting the price will fall. Worth understanding why.
-
There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Consumer Cyclical sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how IP compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | — | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 13.75 | Above avg |
| PEG Ratio | 1.58 | Above avg |
| Price to Sales | 0.80 | Top 25% |
| Price to Book | 1.32 | Top 25% |
| EV/EBITDA | 6.90 | Top 25% |
| Earnings Yield | — | N/A |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 29.69% | Below avg |
| Operating Margin | 3.72% | Below avg |
| Net Profit Margin | -13.77% | Below avg |
| Return on Equity | -16.04% | Below avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 1.79% | Below avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 13.40% | Above avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 3.75% | Average |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | — | N/A |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | -121.00% | Below avg |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 1.21 | Above avg |
| Debt to Equity | 0.66 | Above avg |
| Interest Coverage | -5.11 | Below avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 1.13 | Below avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | Top 25% |
| Payout Ratio | 158.12% | Below avg |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -13.57% | Below avg |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 2.84% | Average |
| OCF to Sales | 10.40% | Below avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.93 | Above avg |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 47.92% | Below avg |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 15.28% | Below avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 1.83 | Above avg |
| Target Upside % | 6.91% | Average |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 19.5B | Below avg |
How does IP compare to…?
Pick another stock and see them side by side in seconds.
You might also look at
Companies in a similar position to IP — based on their financial profile.