International Paper Company (NYSE: IP) - December 2025 Monthly Stock Report

Publication Date: December 18, 2025

Company Overview

International Paper Company, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, is a leading player in the Packaging & Containers industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector. Established in 1898, International Paper has built a solid reputation as a manufacturer and supplier of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products. The company serves diverse applications, ranging from personal care items to construction materials, making it a crucial player in several end markets. With a global reach covering North America, Latin America, Europe, and North Africa, International Paper sells directly to a range of clients, including end users, converters, and distributors.

As the demand for sustainable packaging solutions continues to rise, the Packaging & Containers industry offers promising investment opportunities. With an impressive total revenue of approximately $24.33 billion, International Paper is well-positioned to capitalize on market growth, attracting retail investors looking for robust returns.

52-Week Price Performance Analysis

52-Week Price Performance Chart

The 52-week stock price chart for International Paper (IP) reveals a predominantly bearish trend throughout the year. Starting the year in the $50-$55 range, the stock has experienced a significant decline, dipping to approximately $38.69 by December 2025--representing a decline of about 25.21%.

Key Technical Insights:

• Resistance Levels: The $50 level acted as a critical resistance point earlier this year. Despite several attempts, the stock has struggled to breach this level, highlighting persistent selling pressure.
• Support Levels: The recent price level around $38.69 has demonstrated resilience, acting as a support level as the stock consolidated in this range. However, the overall trend remains negative, indicating that this support could be tested further.
• Moving Averages: The current price is notably below its fifty-day moving average of $41.06, indicating a potential bearish trend. The downward slope of the blue moving average line aligns with the overall negative market sentiment.
• Volatility Patterns: The stock has shown signs of volatility, marked by significant peaks and troughs. Following a notable peak in July, the stock experienced a sharp decline, pointing to a failed breakout attempt.

While recent upward movements may hint at a potential short-term reversal or consolidation, the prevailing bearish trend suggests that any recovery will require substantial improvement in market conditions or company fundamentals.

Financial Performance and Metrics

Key Financial Data (Q3 FY 2025):

• Total Revenue: Approximately $24.33 billion
• EBITDA: Reported at $2.06 billion, indicating a strong operational profitability.
• Adjusted Loss: For Q3, International Paper reported an adjusted loss of $0.43 per share, missing analyst expectations of a $0.47 profit. This downturn was significantly influenced by a $1 billion impairment charge from the sale of its Global Cellulose Fibers business.

The company has a total of 528,038,317 shares outstanding, and as of now, 53,537,148 shares are held short--amounting to approximately 13.3% of its float. This short interest may indicate a bearish sentiment among traders, contributing to potential stock price volatility.

Valuation Metrics:

• Current Stock Price: $38.39
• Projected Price Targets:
• Target High Price: $57.80
• Target Mean Price: $47.89
• Target Low Price: $36.00

These metrics illustrate a favorable outlook on the asset's performance within the projected price range, signaling potential growth opportunities for interested investors.

Recent News and Developments

International Paper has faced challenges amidst changing market dynamics. Noteworthy developments include:

1. Q3 Earnings Miss: The adjusted loss reported in late October was primarily due to the significant impairment charge from divesting the Global Cellulose Fibers business, which led to a 10.7% stock decline post-earnings release.

2. Restructuring Initiatives: In October 2024, International Paper announced a corporate restructuring plan aimed at reducing overhead costs by eliminating approximately 650 positions. This plan is expected to incur pre-tax charges between $80 million and $100 million, with most cash payments occurring in the first quarter of 2025.

3. Stock Performance Benchmark: Over the past three months, International Paper's stock has underperformed compared to industry peers, declining 16.2% while the iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF fell by 4.3% during the same timeframe.

Market Sentiment and Analyst Recommendations

The current market sentiment towards International Paper is mixed, reflecting different perspectives among analysts.

• In early October 2025, Seaport Global Securities downgraded the stock to "Neutral" from "Buy," driven by valuation concerns and issues within European operations.
• Conversely, in December 2025, BNP Paribas upgraded International Paper to "Outperform" from "Strong Sell," citing increased confidence in the company's strategic focus on sustainable packaging solutions.

The recommendation key indicates a "buy" with a mean score of 1.92, suggesting a strong inclination from analysts towards purchasing this asset, despite the recent challenges. The consensus from 11 analysts further emphasizes the robustness of ongoing research and insights backing this recommendation.

Conclusion: Opportunities and Risks

Investors considering International Paper Company may find the current price of $38.39 presents an intriguing entry point, particularly in light of the substantial upside potential towards analyst target levels. However, it is crucial to remain cognizant of the risks tied to ongoing market volatility, the company's restructuring initiatives, and mixed analyst sentiment.

As the Packaging & Containers industry continues to evolve, long-term growth prospects may materialize for International Paper, especially if it successfully addresses its operational challenges and capitalizes on the increasing demand for sustainable products. Investors must carefully weigh these opportunities against potential risks before making investment decisions.