International Paper
NYSE: IP · CONSUMER CYCLICAL · PACKAGING & CONTAINERS
Updated 2026-06-05
International Paper (IP) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for IP.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
IP historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in IP's own 5Y range.
IP intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
IP valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 0.79x
Is IP overvalued in 2026?
International Paper (IP) currently trades at $32.47 per share with a market capitalization of $19,142,040,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 50/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
IP currently has no meaningful P/E ratio, which typically signals that the company is unprofitable, near breakeven, or emerging from a loss-making period. With a P/S ratio of 0.8x, the market is valuing the company primarily on its revenue rather than its earnings.
Looking at its own history, IP is currently trading cheaper than 100% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 0th percentile of its historical range, a level that has historically coincided with attractive entry points.
Our discounted cash flow model estimates IP's intrinsic value at $28.41 per share, against the current market price of $32.47. This implies a premium to fair value of -73.14%. The current price sits well above what projected cash flows justify, implying investors are paying for growth that has not yet materialized.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 2/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: IP trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 50/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is IP overvalued?
IP scores 50/100 on our Smart Value Score (Grade C), a mixed overall profile. On valuation specifically, the DCF puts intrinsic value below the current price, so the stock is expensive on cash flow today. The score reflects growth and quality carrying it, not a cheap entry point.
What is IP's fair value?
Our DCF model estimates IP's intrinsic value at $28.41 per share, versus the current price of $32.47, a margin of safety of -73.14%. Fair value is the present value of the cash flows we project the business to produce, so a price above it means the market is paying up for growth the model does not yet assume.
What P/E ratio does IP trade at?
IP does not have a meaningful P/E right now, usually a sign of unprofitability or an earnings transition. For unprofitable growth names, price-to-sales is the more useful gauge.
Is IP a buy based on valuation?
Our Smart Value rating for IP is Hold, from a Smart Value Score of 50/100 that blends growth, quality, and valuation. The profile is balanced and best suited to investors who already have a thesis. This is research to inform your decision, not personalized financial advice.
How does IP's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, IP sits in the 0th percentile of its own 5Y range, historically cheap relative to where it has traded. A low percentile means today's multiple is near the bottom of its historical band.
What is IP's Smart Value Score?
IP's Smart Value Score is 50/100. It is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation into a single 0-100 read, and scores above 75 are rare, signaling strong multi-factor alignment.