International Paper shares fall 6.6% as Q3 sales miss

International Paper (NYSE:IP) shares fell as much as 6.6% to $31.15 in morning trading after third-quarter 2026 net sales of $6.20 billion missed analysts' $6.27 billion estimate.

Revenue fell short of expectations amid soft demand, while company executives cited inflation-related pressure on consumers, particularly lower- and middle-income households.

Despite the sales shortfall, adjusted earnings per share reached $0.37, beating the $0.29 analyst consensus estimate, supported by pricing actions and lower operating costs.

International Paper forecast full-year core profit of $2.27 billion–$2.31 billion for its North American packaging business but declined to provide guidance for its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) operations as it advances plans to separate that business.

The company’s EMEA separation is expected to establish that business as an independent operation, although the company did not provide a financial forecast for the unit in the supplied update.

International Paper shares were down approximately 15% year to date through the previous market close, adding to the stock's recent decline.