International Paper climbs after BofA upgrades to 'buy'

International Paper Co

28/08/2025 14:33

** International Paper's IP.N shares up 1.6 to $49.12 early Thurs after BofA Global Research upgrades packaging firm to 'buy' from 'neutral'

** Brokerage raises PT by $2 to $57, implying ~18% upside to stock's last close

** BofA analyst George Staphos says while operational risk exists, price increases will add to IP's earnings

** Last week, IP said it would sell its cellulose fibers business to private equity firm American Industrial Partners for $1.5 bln as part of its strategy to focus on sustainable packaging solutions

** In late Jul, IP missed qtrly profit estimates, hurt by steeper input costs

** Avg rating among 14 analysts is "hold" and median PT is $57, per LSEG data

** With move on the session, shares down ~9% YTD vs ~10% advance in S&P 500 Materials sector .SPLRCM

(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)

((lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))