International Paper (IP) vs Smurfit WestRock (SW)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Smurfit WestRock (SW) has outperformed International Paper (IP) over the past year, gaining 0.3% versus a loss of 30.7%. Over five years, SW leads with a -24.8% price change compared with -40.3% for IP. Smurfit WestRock is the larger company by market cap ($21.66 billion vs $16.85 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while International Paper is growing revenue faster (+49.3% vs +47.7%).
On valuation, International Paper trades at a lower forward P/E (10.5x vs 12.0x for Smurfit WestRock). International Paper offers the higher dividend yield (5.81% vs 4.28%). Smurfit WestRock converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 2.2% versus -14.9%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | IP | SW |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.82 | $41.29 |
| Market cap | $16.85B | $21.66B |
| 1-day change | -1.00% | -2.59% |
| YTD return | -19.22% | +6.78% |
| 1-year return | -30.74% | +0.27% |
| 5-year return | -40.28% | -24.82% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 43.46 |
| Forward P/E | 10.53 | 12.04 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-5.17 | $0.95 |
| Dividend yield | 5.81% | 4.28% |
| Annual dividend | $1.85 | $1.77 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $23.63B | $31.18B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +49.25% | +47.70% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-3.52B | $699.00M |
| Gross margin | 29.61% | 19.38% |
| Operating margin | — | 5.51% |
| Net margin | -14.88% | 2.24% |
| 52-week high | $50.25 | $52.65 |
| 52-week low | $29.26 | $32.73 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -36.68% | -21.58% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +46.86% | +37.37% |
| Average volume | 5.06M | 4.68M |
| Shares outstanding | 529.57M | 524.52M |
| Employees | 62,602 | 96,000 |
| Sector | Basic Materials | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Paper | Containers/Packaging |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- SW has outperformed IP by 31.0 percentage points over the past year.
- International Paper offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (5.81% vs 4.28%).
- Smurfit WestRock is more profitable, keeping 2.2 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -14.9 cents for International Paper.
- The two companies sit in different sectors: International Paper in Basic Materials and Smurfit WestRock in Consumer Discretionary.
About International Paper
IP stock →International Paper Company produces and sells renewable fiber-based packaging in North America, Latin America, Europe, South America, and North Africa. It operates through two segments, Packaging Solutions North America and Packaging Solutions EMEA.
Basic Materials · Paper · 62,602 employees
About Smurfit WestRock
SW stock →Smurfit Westrock Plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and internationally. The company produces containerboard and paperboard; packaging of corrugated containers; consumer packaging; and offers solid board, kraft paper, and graphic board, as well as other packaging products, such as solidboard packaging, paper sacks and bag-in-box.
Consumer Discretionary · Containers/Packaging · 96,000 employees
IP vs SW FAQ
Which is bigger, International Paper or Smurfit WestRock?
Smurfit WestRock (SW) is larger, with a market capitalization of $21.66B compared with $16.85B for International Paper (IP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, IP or SW?
SW returned +0.27% over the past 12 months, compared with -30.74% for IP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, International Paper or Smurfit WestRock?
International Paper has the higher yield at 5.81%, compared with 4.28% for Smurfit WestRock.
Are International Paper and Smurfit WestRock in the same industry?
No. International Paper is in the Basic Materials sector, while Smurfit WestRock is in Consumer Discretionary.