Wells Fargo analyst Gabrial Hajde maintained a Hold rating on International Paper Co (IP – Research Report) yesterday and set a price target of $52.00.
Discover the Best Stocks and Maximize Your Portfolio:
- See what stocks are receiving strong buy ratings from top-rated analysts.
- Filter, analyze, and streamline your search for investment opportunities with TipRanks’ Stock Screener.
Gabrial Hajde has given his Hold rating due to a combination of factors impacting International Paper Co. The company announced the permanent closure of several facilities, including the Red River containerboard mill, which will significantly reduce its capacity. This move aligns with the industry trend of prioritizing value over volume, and is expected to result in substantial annual savings. However, while these closures may support price increases and improve margins, there remains uncertainty around the realization of these price hikes.
Although the closures are anticipated to yield cost savings and support pricing strategies, the unexpected nature of the Red River mill closure suggests potential risks in the company’s optimization plans. Additionally, the likelihood of further mill closures as part of International Paper’s strategic adjustments introduces an element of uncertainty. Consequently, despite the positive implications for cost management, these factors contribute to the Hold rating, indicating a cautious stance amid ongoing industry changes.
In another report released yesterday, Bank of America Securities also initiated coverage with a Hold rating on the stock with a $61.00 price target.
IP’s price has also changed moderately for the past six months – from $45.230 to $55.440, which is a 22.57% increase.