International Paper Q1 sales slightly miss analyst estimates on N.America woes

International Paper Co

30/04/2026 12:11

Overview

Packaging solutions firm's Q1 net sales slightly missed analyst expectations

Adjusted operating EPS for Q1 was $0.15

Company generated $94 mln in free cash flow and paid down $660 mln in debt

Outlook

International Paper sees Q2 adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations at $520-$570 mln

Company expects full-year adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $3.2-$3.5 bln

Company says outlook updated to reflect volatile macro environment, focus on cost and cash flow

Result Drivers

HIGHER COSTS AND WINTER STORM - In North America, higher operating and input costs, including increased natural gas and utility expenses due to a severe winter storm, offset benefits from improved productivity and cost-out efforts

SEASONALLY LOWER VOLUMES - North America segment saw net sales decrease as higher export pricing and favorable mix were more than offset by seasonally lower volumes

HIGHER VOLUMES AND PACKAGING MARGINS IN EMEA - EMEA segment benefited from higher sales volumes and improved packaging margins, which offset lower paper prices, though cost of products sold increased

Company press release: ID:nPn8NBshRa

Key Details

Metric
Beat/Miss
Actual
Consensus Estimate
Q1 Sales
Slight Miss*
$5.97 bln
$6.01 bln (8 Analysts)
Q1 Adjusted Operating EPS
$0.15
Q1 Free Cash Flow
$94 mln


*Applies to a deviation of less than 1%; not applicable for per-share numbers.

Analyst Coverage

The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 6 "strong buy" or "buy", 6 "hold" and 1 "sell" or "strong sell"

The average consensus recommendation for the paper packaging peer group is "buy"

Wall Street's median 12-month price target for International Paper Co is $42.00, about 25.1% above its April 29 closing price of $33.58

The stock recently traded at 17 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 19 three months ago

For questions concerning the data in this report, contact Estimates.Support@lseg.com. For any other questions or feedback, contact reuters.support@thomsonreuters.com.

(This story was created using Reuters automation and AI based on LSEG and company data. It was checked and edited by a Reuters journalist prior to publication.)