WallStSmart

International Paper (IP)vsSmurfit WestRock plc (SW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Smurfit WestRock plc generates 28% more annual revenue ($31.23B vs $24.34B). SW leads profitability with a 1.2% profit margin vs -13.8%. SW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.28. SW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

IP

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

SW

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.31
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IPSignificantly Overvalued (-73.1%)

Margin of Safety

-73.1%

Fair Value

$28.41

Current Price

$33.61

$5.20 premium

UndervaluedFair: $28.41Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SW.

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

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

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

SW4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.7%4/10

0.7% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
2.1%3/10

ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

1.2% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
57.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 : 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 PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : SW

The primary concerns for SW are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 57.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.2% 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 0.96 — expect wider price swings.

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

IP generates stronger free cash flow (94M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SW scores higher overall (54/100 vs 50/100). 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.

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