International Paper Co's CEO, Silvernail Andrew K, purchased 50,000 shares, signaling confidence in the company's future.AE Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in International Paper by 8.5%, indicating a positive outlook.The stock price of International Paper is $40.32, with a recent increase of 3.38%.International Paper Co (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp, and paper products. The company operates in over 24 countries, serving customers worldwide. As a ...

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – January 30, 2026 – Stocks in this week’s article are Nexa Resources NEXA, Harmony Biosciences HRMY, Commercial Metals CMC and Suzano SUZ.4 GARP Stocks with Attractive PEG Ratios & Strong Growth OutlooksIn the equity market, investments need to be prudently hedged to overcome uncertainties and limit losses related to external shocks. A question that often arises is whether one should resort to a value strategy that seeks discounted stocks or opt for growth investing in time ...

Core Viewpoint - International Paper has successfully sold its Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF) business to American Industrial Partners for $1.5 billion, which includes preferred stock valued at $190 million [1]. Group 1: Business Overview - The GCF business produces high-quality pulp for various applications, including personal care products and construction materials, contributing to health and wellness [2]. - In 2024, the GCF segment generated $2.8 billion in revenue, with the sold operations accounting for approximately $2.3 billion, excluding revenue from closed mills [2]. - The GCF business employs 3,300 people globally and operates nine manufacturing facilities and eight regional offices [2]. Group 2: Company Background - International Paper is a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with operations in over 30 countries and more than 65,000 employees [3]. - The company reported net sales of $18.6 billion for 2024 and acquired DS Smith in 2025, enhancing its position in the North American and EMEA markets [3].

Core Viewpoint - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. will record a non-cash impairment of approximately $409 million in its Lumber segment goodwill for Q4-2025 due to ongoing challenging economic conditions [2] Financial Performance - The impairment reflects a recalibration of assumptions in the annual goodwill impairment test, influenced by species-specific product pricing trends, lower demand for wood chip residuals, and the anticipated depth and duration of the current downcycle [2] - The impairment represents the entire amount of goodwill associated with the Company's U.S. lumber operations [2] Operational Guidance for 2026 - SPF shipments are targeted to be between 2.4 to 2.7 billion board feet [6] - SYP shipments are also targeted to be between 2.4 to 2.7 billion board feet [6] - N.A. OSB shipments are expected to be between 5.9 to 6.3 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis) [6] - European and U.K. OSB shipments are projected to be between 1.0 to 1.25 billion square feet (3/8-inch basis) [6] - Input costs, including resins and chemicals, are expected to remain stable, while contractor availability and capital equipment lead times are anticipated to improve [6] - Capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $300 to $350 million [6] Company Overview - West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with over 50 facilities across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, focusing on sustainable forest practices [4] - The Company produces a variety of products including lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, newsprint, and wood chips, which are utilized in home construction, industrial applications, and paper products [4]

Company Overview - International Paper Company (IP) has a market capitalization of $21 billion and is a global leader in fiber-based packaging, pulp, and paper products, with operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East [1] Upcoming Earnings - The company is set to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results on January 29, with analysts projecting an adjusted EPS of $0.35, a significant increase from a loss of $0.02 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast an adjusted EPS of $0.28, which represents a decline of 75.2% from $1.13 in fiscal 2024, but a substantial increase of 746.4% to $2.37 is expected in fiscal 2026 [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, shares of International Paper have decreased by 26%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which gained 16.8%, and the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund, which rose by 9.1% [4] - Investor sentiment has been negatively impacted by sluggish long-term revenue growth, declining free cash flow margins, and reduced returns on invested capital, leading to a lack of confidence in the company's ability to achieve sustainable growth [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus rating for IP stock is "Moderate Buy," with 13 analysts covering the stock: eight recommend a "Strong Buy," one a "Moderate Buy," three a "Hold," and one a "Strong Sell" [6] - The average analyst price target for International Paper is $48.07, indicating a potential upside of 21% from current levels [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses the potential resurgence of small-cap dividend stocks, highlighting their current undervaluation and the favorable economic conditions that may support their growth [2][5]. Economic Environment - Small-cap American stocks have been slow-moving, but expectations of interest rate cuts by the Fed could benefit these companies due to reduced borrowing costs [2][3]. - Goldman Sachs reports that American small-cap earnings are showing signs of recovery, with 25% of Russell 2000 members posting growing earnings for at least two consecutive quarters [4]. International Perspective - European small-caps are expected to experience robust growth, with higher market expectations compared to larger companies [5]. - Japanese small and mid-cap companies have outperformed large-caps, supported by solid earnings and strong local demand [5]. Valuation Metrics - US small-cap stocks are currently priced about 26% less than large caps, while international small caps are 8% cheaper, indicating potential undervaluation [5]. Investment Strategy - The article presents a list of the best small-cap dividend stocks to buy, focusing on those with significant hedge fund interest [6][9]. - The methodology for selecting these stocks involves using the Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF and focusing on holdings with market caps between $300 million and $2 billion [9]. Company Highlights - **Sylvamo Corporation (NYSE:SLVM)**: - Market Cap: $1.967 billion, Dividend Yield: 3.69%, with a potential upside of 21% to 54% based on price targets [11][12]. - Recently upgraded by BofA, with a rights plan approved to protect shareholder value [12][13][14]. - **SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC)**: - Market Cap: $575.726 million, Dividend Yield: 7.06%, with a suggested upside of 47% [16]. - Adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 raised to between $220 million and $224 million, driven by strong performance in Industrial Services [18]. - Extended a cokemaking deal with Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. for three years, starting January 1, 2026 [19].

Core Viewpoint - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (NYSE:WFG) is recognized as a strong sustainability investment, despite facing significant financial losses in Q3 2025 due to challenging market conditions [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company's Q3 2025 earnings report indicated a substantial decline in financial metrics, with adjusted EBITDA margin dropping from 6% to -11% and sales decreasing from $1.532 billion in Q2 to $1.307 billion [2]. Market Position and Strategy - West Fraser's low-cost strategy, favorable softwood lumber duty rate, geographic diversification, and strong financial position are seen as advantages that will help the company navigate various market conditions through 2025 and 2026 [3]. - RBC Capital believes that West Fraser is well-positioned to potentially acquire premium assets if the market continues to decline [3]. Company Overview - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. is a diversified wood products company that produces a range of products including lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals [4].

Core Insights - Mercer International Inc. will have its CFO Richard Short attending and hosting meetings at two upcoming conferences in December 2025 [1] - The company is a global forest products entity with significant production capacities across various product lines [3] Conference Details - Richard Short will present at the BofA Securities 2025 Leveraged Finance Conference on December 2, 2025, at 10:10 a.m. (EST) [1] - The UBS Global Industrials & Transportation Conference will take place on December 4, 2025 [1] - A copy of the presentation will be available on the company's website prior to the events [2] Company Overview - Mercer International Inc. has operations in Germany, the United States, and Canada [3] - The company has a consolidated annual production capacity of: - 2.1 million tonnes of pulp - 960 million board feet of lumber - 210,000 cubic meters of cross-laminated timber - 45,000 cubic meters of glulam - 17 million pallets - 230,000 metric tonnes of biofuels [3]

Core Viewpoint - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. will permanently close its Augusta, Georgia and 100 Mile House, British Columbia lumber mills by the end of 2025 due to timber supply challenges and soft lumber markets [1][2][3] Group 1: Mill Closures - The 100 Mile House lumber mill is unable to access a sufficient volume of economically viable timber, leading to its closure, which will affect approximately 165 employees and reduce capacity by 160 million board feet [2] - The Augusta lumber mill's closure is attributed to challenging lumber demand and loss of economically viable residual outlets, impacting around 130 employees and reducing capacity by 140 million board feet [3] - The indefinite curtailment of the Huttig, Arkansas and Lake Butler, Florida mills will now be permanent, with plans for dismantling and site sales [4] Group 2: Strategic Positioning - The closures are intended to better position West Fraser to compete in a challenging market environment [5] - The company anticipates restructuring and impairment charges in the fourth quarter of 2025 related to these closures [5] Group 3: Company Overview - West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with over 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, producing a variety of wood products [6]

Core Insights - International Paper reported a net loss of $1.1 billion for Q3 2025, a significant decline from a profit of $150 million in the same period last year, primarily due to $675 million in accelerated depreciation related to mill closures [1] - Despite the loss, net sales increased to $6.22 billion in Q3 2025 from $3.98 billion a year earlier, indicating strong revenue growth [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved a 28% sequential improvement in adjusted EBITDA across its Packaging Solutions businesses, attributed to price realization, cost management, and lower fiber costs [2] - The GCF division reported revenue of $2.8 billion in 2024, highlighting its significance within the company's portfolio [5] Operational Changes - International Paper closed four facilities in the US in 2025, including the Red River containerboard mill, which reduced annual containerboard capacity by 800,000 tonnes [3][4] - The shutdown affected approximately 179 salaried employees, representing 1% of the company's global workforce [4] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on sustainable packaging solutions and has agreed to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers business to American Industrial Partners for $1.5 billion, part of its strategy to concentrate on core operations [4]