International Paper: Reduced Outlook Still Has Downside Risk (Downgrade)

International Paper Company is downgraded to Sell due to strategic missteps, underwhelming financials, and a deteriorating macro environment. IP's DS Smith acquisition failed to deliver accretion, prompting a costly spin-out of European operations and significant facility closures. North American operations show modest volume improvement, but margin compression, cost pressures, and an over-optimistic H2 EBITDA outlook persist.