International Paper Company (NYSE:IP – Get Free Report) was the target of unusually large options trading on Tuesday. Stock traders acquired 16,246 put options on the company. This represents an increase of 341% compared to the typical volume of 3,687 put options.
Trending Headlines about International Paper
Here are the key news stories impacting International Paper this week:
- Positive Sentiment: JPMorgan upgraded International Paper (IP) from “neutral” to “overweight” and raised its price target from $51 to $61. The firm cited an improving U.S. linerboard pricing cycle, which could support stronger margins and earnings. International Paper raised at JP Morgan on improving US linerboard pricing cycle
- Positive Sentiment: The JPMorgan target implies substantial upside from recent trading levels and helped reinforce the view that a recovery in pricing could improve International Paper’s financial performance. Why is International Paper stock soaring today?
- Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised its FY2026 EPS estimate to $1.34 from $1.32 and increased its Q4 2026 estimate to $0.75 from $0.69. These revisions suggest some improvement in expected near-term profitability, although Zacks maintained a “Hold” rating.
- Neutral Sentiment: Zacks made mixed changes to its 2027 outlook, raising Q1 EPS to $0.58 from $0.56 while trimming Q2 EPS to $0.66 from $0.67 and Q3 EPS to $0.71 from $0.72. The overall full-year consensus remains $1.39 per share.
- Neutral Sentiment: International Paper’s CEO is scheduled to speak at the Jefferies 2026 Industrials Conference on September 10. The event could provide updates on strategy, demand and pricing, but no new company guidance was announced.
- Negative Sentiment: Unusually heavy put-option activity—16,246 contracts, roughly 341% above typical volume—signals increased hedging or bearish speculation. Options activity does not necessarily indicate that the underlying business outlook has deteriorated.
- Negative Sentiment: International Paper is approaching Q2 earnings with expectations for lower revenue and a projected loss, reflecting maintenance costs and pricing changes. Its prior quarter also missed both EPS and revenue estimates, adding execution risk ahead of the results.
International Paper Stock Up 3.9%
Shares of IP opened at $44.05 on Wednesday. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $36.21 and its 200-day simple moving average is $38.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.21. International Paper has a 1 year low of $29.26 and a 1 year high of $56.13. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.33 billion, a PE ratio of -6.93 and a beta of 0.94.
International Paper Dividend Announcement
The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 14th will be paid a $0.4625 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 14th. This represents a $1.85 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.2%. International Paper’s payout ratio is -29.09%.
Analyst Ratings Changes
IP has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of International Paper from $40.00 to $46.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 15th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of International Paper from $39.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, July 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price objective on shares of International Paper from $45.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Zacks Research raised International Paper from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, July 13th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $61.00 price target on International Paper in a research note on Tuesday. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $46.36.
Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on IP
Insider Activity
In related news, Director Scott Tozier acquired 10,000 shares of International Paper stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 1st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $31.30 per share, for a total transaction of $313,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 10,025 shares in the company, valued at approximately $313,782.50. This represents a 40,000.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.21% of the company’s stock.
Institutional Inflows and Outflows
A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of IP. McIlrath & Eck LLC grew its stake in International Paper by 452.6% during the 4th quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 641 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 525 shares in the last quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in International Paper in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Ascentis Independent Advisors purchased a new position in shares of International Paper in the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. DV Equities LLC acquired a new position in shares of International Paper during the fourth quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC grew its position in shares of International Paper by 94.0% during the fourth quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 710 shares of the basic materials company’s stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 344 shares in the last quarter. 81.95% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
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.
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