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On Wednesday, RBC Capital Markets sustained their positive stance on International Paper shares (NYSE:IP), maintaining an Outperform rating and a price target of $64.00. The $29.2 billion market cap company, currently trading at $55.38, has shown remarkable momentum with a 52.93% return over the past year. According to InvestingPro data, analyst price targets range from $47 to $71, suggesting mixed views on the stock’s potential. Following International Paper’s recent event, RBC Capital’s analyst expressed confidence in the company’s direction. The analyst noted that the event left them with a sense of momentum for the company, praising the management’s determination and swift action in transforming the business to enhance its performance.
The analyst acknowledged that while investors might remain cautious about International Paper’s ability to meet its 2027 objectives, due to potential execution and macroeconomic risks, they believe the management has laid out a believable roadmap to stronger results. The company’s leadership was also recognized for demonstrating significant initial achievements. InvestingPro analysis indicates positive momentum, with expected sales growth this year and anticipated net income growth - two of the 12 bullish signals identified for IP in their comprehensive Pro Research Report.
The endorsement from RBC Capital comes as International Paper is actively working on redefining its business operations. The analyst’s commentary underscored the company’s proactive steps towards achieving its long-term goals, which are aimed at improving financial outcomes.
The affirmation of the Outperform rating suggests that RBC Capital views International Paper’s stock as likely to perform better than the overall market or its industry sector in the coming months. The $64.00 price target implies that the firm sees potential for the stock’s value to rise to this level.
International Paper, a global leader in packaging and paper products, has been focusing on strategic initiatives to drive growth and profitability. The company’s management team has been transparent about their strategies to reach their targets by 2027, which includes optimizing their portfolio and improving operational efficiencies.
Investors and market watchers will likely continue to monitor International Paper’s progress towards its stated goals, as well as the company’s ability to navigate the risks mentioned by the analyst. The positive outlook from RBC Capital may contribute to investor sentiment as International Paper pursues its strategic objectives.
In other recent news, International Paper has outlined ambitious financial targets for the upcoming years. The company forecasts a significant increase in revenue by 2025, estimating it to be around $27 billion, which surpasses previous estimates of $24.6 billion. For the same year, International Paper anticipates its adjusted EBITDA to range between $3.5 billion and $4 billion. By 2027, the company expects its adjusted EBITDA to grow to between $5.5 billion and $6 billion, alongside projected net sales of $26 billion to $28 billion.
The acquisition of DS Smith is expected to contribute significantly to International Paper’s financial outlook, with anticipated synergies of $600 to $700 million by 2027. Analysts at Citi, Truist Securities, and BofA Securities have weighed in on these developments, with Citi and Truist reiterating Buy ratings and price targets of $60 and $64, respectively, while BofA maintains a Neutral rating with a $61 target. Citi’s analysis suggests that International Paper’s strategy could potentially triple its EBITDA from 2024 to 2027. Meanwhile, Truist Securities highlights the company’s effective implementation of the 80/20 strategy in North America, which has shown potential for further cost reductions and productivity enhancements.
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