WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lowe's Companies Inc generates 274% more annual revenue ($90.43B vs $24.20B). LOW leads profitability with a 7.3% profit margin vs -14.2%. IP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. LOW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 50/100 (D+).

IP

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

LOW

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.97
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IPSignificantly Overvalued (-73.1%)

Margin of Safety

-73.1%

Fair Value

$28.41

Current Price

$34.53

$6.12 premium

UndervaluedFair: $28.41Overvalued
LOWSignificantly Overvalued (-34.3%)

Margin of Safety

-34.3%

Fair Value

$144.62

Current Price

$192.49

$47.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $144.62Overvalued

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

LOW4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-5.6510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$110.43B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
16.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.12B8/10

Generating 3.1B in free cash flow

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%

LOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.974/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.3%3/10

7.3% margin — thin

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 : LOW

The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.33 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 : LOW

The primary concerns for LOW are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.

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 0.88 — expect wider price swings.

LOW is growing revenue faster at 8.3% — sustainability is the question.

LOW generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LOW scores higher overall (50/100 vs 48/100). 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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