International Paper stock: Q3 rebound offsets EMEA charge

Published on 10/30/2026 at 20:18 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

International Paper reported a sharp North American profit recovery in the third quarter. Investors are watching International Paper stock as EMEA remains under pressure.

North America lifts operating performance

International Paper reported stronger adjusted operating earnings in the third quarter despite a revenue decline.
A non-cash goodwill impairment pushed continuing operations to a substantial loss.
The company expects higher fourth-quarter North American operating profit and continues preparations for the EMEA separation.

International Paper, US4601461035, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

International Paper reported its preliminary third-quarter results on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, showing a sharp recovery in North American packaging alongside continued weakness in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company said in a Nasdaq-published release that net sales reached 6.197 billion US dollars for the quarter ended September 30.

North America improves as EMEA weighs

Packaging Solutions North America generated 427 million US dollars in segment operating profit, compared with a loss of 166 million US dollars in the year-earlier quarter and 204 million US dollars in the second quarter. Higher selling prices, lower planned maintenance costs and improved mill performance supported the recovery, although softer volumes and higher freight costs remained constraints.

Packaging Solutions EMEA posted a 73 million US dollar operating loss. The company said higher paper prices were not yet fully reflected in box pricing, while lower volumes continued to weigh on the segment.

Goodwill charge distorts reported earnings

International Paper reported an adjusted operating profit of 197 million US dollars and adjusted operating earnings of 0.37 US dollars per share. Reported continuing operations, however, showed a loss of 1.097 billion US dollars after a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of 1.377 billion US dollars tied to the EMEA business.

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was 843 million US dollars, while free cash flow was negative 267 million US dollars. The figures underline the gap between improved underlying North American operations and the restructuring and separation costs still affecting the group.

Separation and outlook remain central

International Paper expects fourth-quarter North American segment operating profit of 460 million to 500 million US dollars and adjusted EBITDA of 700 million to 740 million US dollars. The company is advancing the planned separation of its EMEA packaging business, which is expected to operate as DS Smith plc. A capital markets day for the planned standalone business is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

International Paper stock traded at 32.30 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 20:10 CEST on Friday, October 30, 2026. Investors can follow the real-time quote of International Paper stock.