WallStSmart

International Paper (IP)vsSmurfit WestRock plc (SW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Smurfit WestRock plc generates 29% more annual revenue ($31.33B vs $24.20B). SW leads profitability with a 1.6% profit margin vs -14.2%. SW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.28. SW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

IP

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 3.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.03

SW

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 4.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.28
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IPSignificantly Overvalued (-73.3%)

Margin of Safety

-73.3%

Fair Value

$28.39

Current Price

$34.36

$5.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $28.39Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SW.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IP2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.988/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

SW2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

IP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.3%3/10

Operating margin of 2.3%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-23.8%2/10

ROE of -23.8% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Revenue declined 2.2%

SW4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
2.7%3/10

ROE of 2.7% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.6%3/10

1.6% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
48.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IP

The strongest argument for IP centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.98 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : SW

The strongest argument for SW centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : IP

The primary concerns for IP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : SW

The primary concerns for SW are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 48.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

SW is growing revenue faster at 1.1% — sustainability is the question.

SW generates stronger free cash flow (300M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SW scores higher overall (54/100 vs 48/100). Both earn "Buy" 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.

Smurfit WestRock plc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · PACKAGING & CONTAINERS · USA

Smurfit Westrock Plc, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in Ireland and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?