Analysts Set International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) Price Target at $48.25

Shares of International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) have been given a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” by the thirteen ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation and eight have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $48.0636.

Several brokerages have recently commented on IP. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price objective on International Paper from $51.80 to $50.70 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Monday, February 9th. Truist Financial set a $48.00 target price on shares of International Paper in a research report on Thursday, February 26th. Argus cut their price target on shares of International Paper from $55.00 to $50.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on shares of International Paper from $55.00 to $54.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of International Paper from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd.

Key Headlines Impacting International Paper

Here are the key news stories impacting International Paper this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Announced a new 468,000 sq. ft. sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi — this adds packaging capacity, supports demand for sustainable packaging and reinforces long‑term growth/ESG positioning. International Paper Plans to Build New Sustainable Packaging Facility in Rankin County, Mississippi
• Positive Sentiment: Some analyst optimism remains: a recent consensus summary shows analysts giving the stock a “Moderate Buy,” indicating pockets of support among the street. International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) Receives Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” from Analysts
• Positive Sentiment: Zacks raised a couple of fourth-quarter estimates (Q4 2026 and Q4 2027) — small upward tweaks to later-quarter forecasts that suggest some improvement in expected end‑of‑year results. MarketBeat – International Paper analyst notes
• Neutral Sentiment: Wells Fargo trimmed its price target from $40 to $38 but kept an “equal weight” rating — reduces upside expectations modestly while leaving the rating unchanged. Benzinga coverage of Wells Fargo price target change
• Neutral Sentiment: Coverage notes that IP has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past year; analysts are cautiously optimistic but the relative performance narrative can keep investors hesitant. Is International Paper Stock Underperforming the S&P 500?
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks cut several near‑term quarterly EPS estimates (multiple trims to Q1–Q3 2026 and Q1–Q3 2027), signaling weaker near‑term profitability expectations that can pressure the stock. MarketBeat – International Paper analyst updates
• Negative Sentiment: Fundamental headwinds remain visible from past results — recent quarterly results showed an EPS miss and negative net margin, underscoring short‑term profit pressure and contributing to bearish sentiment.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, CEO Andrew K. Silvernail acquired 50,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 30th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $39.98 per share, for a total transaction of $1,999,000.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 50,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,999,000. This trade represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Anders Gustafsson acquired 13,217 shares of International Paper stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 12th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $37.83 per share, for a total transaction of $499,999.11. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 26,092 shares in the company, valued at approximately $987,060.36. The trade was a 102.66% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders purchased 76,092 shares of company stock worth $2,999,064. 0.55% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of International Paper

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of IP. McIlrath & Eck LLC raised its stake in shares of International Paper by 452.6% during the fourth quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 641 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 525 shares in the last quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of International Paper during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. bought a new position in shares of International Paper during the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC raised its position in International Paper by 94.0% in the 4th quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 710 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 344 shares during the period. Finally, DV Equities LLC purchased a new position in International Paper in the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.95% of the company’s stock.

International Paper Trading Down 1.0%

Shares of IP stock opened at $33.68 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $17.83 billion, a PE ratio of -5.02 and a beta of 1.09. International Paper has a 52-week low of $33.57 and a 52-week high of $56.64. The business’s fifty day moving average is $42.61 and its 200 day moving average is $42.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.28.

International Paper (NYSE:IP) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The basic materials company reported ($0.08) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.28 by ($0.36). International Paper had a negative return on equity of 0.35% and a negative net margin of 14.12%.The business had revenue of $6.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $5.90 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.02) earnings per share. International Paper’s quarterly revenue was up 53.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that International Paper will post 2.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About International Paper

International Paper is a global producer of renewable fiber-based products, focused primarily on pulp, paper, and packaging. The company manufactures containerboard and corrugated packaging used for shipping and retail display, as well as a range of specialty papers and pulp products that serve industrial, consumer goods, and e-commerce customers. Its product portfolio is oriented toward large-scale packaging solutions, tissue and paper grades, and raw pulp for a variety of manufacturing uses.

Founded in 1898, International Paper is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and is one of the largest and longest-established companies in the forest products sector.