Operational challenges and disagreements among investors have cast uncertainty over Cloud IP's projections for 2028

International Paper Co. (NYSE: IP) is at a critical juncture, reporting a third-quarter net loss of $1.10 billion despite an increase in sales to $6.22 billion. The updated 2025 forecast anticipates net sales reaching $24 billion, as

highlighted. The company’s ongoing financial difficulties have brought its operational effectiveness into question. Analysts point out that ongoing reliability problems at its mills may hinder short-term recovery, even as the company implements cost-saving initiatives and benefits from growing e-commerce demand, according to . The revised supply contract with Sylvamo Corp. (NYSE: SLVM), which will keep Riverdale Mill running through 2026, underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to optimize its assets but also introduces concerns about potential execution challenges, as reported.

Institutional investors have shown varied responses to IP’s stock. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position by 9.5% in the second quarter, now holding 176,010 shares valued at $8.26 million. In contrast, Bank of Montreal Can reduced its stake by 26.5%, selling 95,504 shares and retaining 265,164 shares worth $12.42 million, according to

. The stock’s negative price-to-earnings ratio of -381.30 and a dividend payout ratio of -70.88% add to its complexity, though a quarterly dividend of $0.4625, yielding 4.9%, provides some attraction, as observed. Analyst opinions remain divided, with MarketBeat’s consensus rating at "Hold" and Simply Wall St Community’s fair value estimates ranging from $47.16 to $64.84 per share, as reported.

Operational issues continue to be a concern. Sylvamo’s plan to convert the No. 16 paper machine at Riverdale Mill to produce containerboard by the third quarter of 2026 could disrupt IP’s supply chain. Sylvamo’s CEO has stated this move does not align with their long-term strategy, according to

. Meanwhile, IP’s projections for 2028 include $28.1 billion in revenue and $2.0 billion in earnings, which depend on resolving mill reliability challenges and achieving further cost reductions, as reported.

The stock began trading at $38.13 on November 7, 2025, remaining below its 52-week peak of $60.36. With institutional investors holding 81.95% of shares, market sentiment is cautious, weighing optimism about sustainable packaging against doubts over margin recovery, as

noted.