International Paper Stock vs Competition: Who Wins?
With International Paper falling -21% in a Week, it makes sense to re-evaluate vs its peers. Consistently assessing alternatives is core to a sound investment approach. Here is how International Paper (IP) stock stacks up against its peers in size, valuation, growth and margin.
- IP’s operating margin of 1.2% is modest, lowest among peers; KMB has 16.7%.
- IP’s revenue growth of 18.1% in the last 12 months is strong, outpacing KMB, PKG, AMCR but lagging SW.
- IP’s stock is down 27.9% in last 1 year, and trades at a PE of -755.5; it underperformed KMB, PKG, SW, AMCR.
As a quick background, International Paper provides packaging solutions worldwide and produces cellulose fibers used in absorbent hygiene products like diapers, feminine care, and adult incontinence items.
If you seek an upside with less volatility than holding an individual stock, consider the Trefis High Quality Portfolio (HQ). HQ has outperformed its benchmark — a combination of S&P 500, Russell, and S&P midcap index — and achieved returns exceeding 91% since its inception. Risk management is key — consider what the long-term portfolio performance could be if you blended 10% commodities, 10% gold, and 2% crypto with HQ’s performance metrics.
| IP | KMB | PKG | SW | AMCR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Cap ($ Bil) | 20.4 | 39.8 | 17.5 | 19.3 | 16.0 |
| Revenue ($ Bil) | 21.9 | 18.9 | 8.6 | 30.8 | 15.0 |
| PE Ratio | -755.5 | 16.4 | 19.3 | 54.8 | 31.4 |
| LTM Revenue Growth | 18.1% | -3.1% | 9.0% | 163.8% | 10.0% |
| LTM Operating Margin | 1.2% | 16.7% | 14.9% | 6.2% | 8.8% |
| LTM FCF Margin | -0.5% | 11.1% | 7.2% | 0.3% | 5.4% |
| 12M Market Return | -27.9% | -7.4% | -12.4% | -25.9% | -25.1% |
Why does this matter? IP just went down -20.9% in a week – peer comparison puts stock performance, valuation, and financials in context – highlighting whether it is truly outperforming, lagging behind, and above all – can this continue? Read Buy or Sell IP Stock to see if International Paper is really a falling knife. Sharp dips often come with rebound opportunities – see how the stock has dipped and recovered in the past through IP Dip Buyer Analysis lens.
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Revenue Growth Comparison
| LTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IP | 18.1% | – | -1.6% | -10.6% | 9.3% |
| KMB | -3.1% | – | -1.8% | 1.3% | 3.8% |
| PKG | 9.0% | – | 7.4% | -8.0% | 9.7% |
| SW | 163.8% | – | 74.6% | -10.5% | 18.1% |
| AMCR | 10.0% | 10.0% | -7.2% | 1.0% |
Operating Margin Comparison
| LTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IP | 1.2% | – | 2.6% | 4.0% | 8.3% |
| KMB | 16.7% | – | 16.5% | 14.7% | 13.3% |
| PKG | 14.9% | – | 14.0% | 14.3% | 17.5% |
| SW | 6.2% | – | 6.6% | 12.0% | 12.8% |
| AMCR | 8.8% | 8.8% | 9.6% | 9.6% |
PE Ratio Comparison
| LTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IP | -755.5 | – | 33.5 | 43.5 | 8.4 |
| KMB | 16.4 | – | 17.3 | 23.3 | 23.7 |
| PKG | 19.3 | – | 24.9 | 19.0 | 11.5 |
| SW | 54.8 | – | 65.2 | � | � |
| AMCR | 31.4 | 29.3 | 19.0 | 16.7 |
While peer comparison is critical, the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, with a collection of 30 stocks, has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 — the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. Why is that? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.