WallStSmart

International Paper (IP)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lowe's Companies Inc generates 263% more annual revenue ($88.43B vs $24.34B). LOW leads profitability with a 7.5% profit margin vs -13.8%. LOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. LOW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

IP

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 3.0Value: 3.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.03

LOW

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.88
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IPSignificantly Overvalued (-73.0%)

Margin of Safety

-73.0%

Fair Value

$28.43

Current Price

$33.61

$5.18 premium

UndervaluedFair: $28.43Overvalued
LOWSignificantly Overvalued (-58.5%)

Margin of Safety

-58.5%

Fair Value

$140.20

Current Price

$210.74

$70.54 premium

UndervaluedFair: $140.20Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IP1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

LOW3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-4.5910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$123.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.83B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

IP4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.584/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-22.6%2/10

ROE of -22.6% — below average capital efficiency

LOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.884/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.5%3/10

7.5% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IP

The strongest argument for IP centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 13.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : LOW

The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : IP

The primary concerns for IP are PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : LOW

The primary concerns for LOW are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

IP profiles as a turnaround stock while LOW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

IP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.

IP is growing revenue faster at 13.4% — sustainability is the question.

LOW generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

IP scores higher overall (50/100 vs 50/100) and 13.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Hold" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

International Paper

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · PACKAGING & CONTAINERS · USA

The International Paper Company (NYSE: IP) is an American pulp and paper company, the largest such company in the world. The company is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lowe's Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.

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