AE Wealth Management Raises International Paper Stake 8.5% to 332,310 Shares ($15.4M)
AE Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in International Paper Company by 8.5% during Q3, acquiring an additional 26,146 shares to hold 332,310 shares valued at $15.419 million. Institutional investors now own 81.95% of International Paper's outstanding stock.
1. AE Wealth Management Boosts IP Stake
In its latest SEC filing, AE Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in International Paper by 8.5% during the third quarter, acquiring an additional 26,146 shares and bringing its total to 332,310 shares. This position represents roughly 0.06% of International Paper’s outstanding stock and was valued at approximately $15.42 million as of the quarter’s end. The move underscores AE Wealth’s confidence in the company’s restructuring efforts and long-term cash-flow potential.
2. Broad Institutional Rebalancing
Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their exposure to International Paper. AlphaQuest LLC amplified its position by an extraordinary 63,400%, ending the second quarter with 635 shares valued at around $30,000. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings, Elevation Point Wealth Partners and CYBER HORNET ETFs each initiated new stakes ranging from $33,000 to $43,000, while City Holding Co. added $46,000 worth of shares in the third quarter. Collectively, these moves contributed to institutions owning 81.95% of the company’s equity.
3. Analyst Ratings and Price Target Revisions
Equity analysts have been recalibrating their views on International Paper following Q4 results and the announcement of a strategic split. UBS Group trimmed its target from 53.00 to 51.00 and maintained a buy rating, while Weiss Ratings stuck with a sell (D+) stance. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its objective from 46.00 to 45.00 and kept a neutral rating. Wells Fargo & Company shifted from a 44.00 target to 36.00 and moved to underweight. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares from hold to sell. The consensus across nine buy, one hold and three sell ratings yields an overall hold recommendation, with analysts looking for further clarity on the planned package split and restructuring charges.
4. Implications for Investors
AE Wealth’s increased allocation and the wave of new institutional entries highlight growing interest in International Paper’s turnaround story, particularly its guidance for adjusted EBITDA of 3.5–3.7 billion for the full year and 740–760 million for Q1. Investors will be watching execution on the North America and EMEA packaging spin-off, the impact of the recent 2.47 billion goodwill impairment and the trajectory of free cash flow as key drivers for potential upside or downside in the coming quarters.