International Paper sinks after Q1 results and softer Q2 EBITDA guidance
IP•International Paper shares fell after the company reported Q1 2026 results and issued softer Q2 adjusted EBITDA guidance. The company guided Q2 adjusted EBITDA to $520-$570 million and reiterated full-year adjusted EBITDA of $3.20-$3.50 billion as it continues portfolio changes and cost actions.
1) What’s moving the stock
International Paper (IP) is trading lower on April 30, 2026 after releasing first-quarter 2026 results and updating its outlook. The key pressure point is guidance: the company’s Q2 adjusted EBITDA outlook of $520-$570 million implies a step down from Q1 adjusted EBITDA and signals tougher near-term pricing/cost dynamics than investors were positioned for.
2) Key numbers investors are reacting to
For Q1 2026, International Paper reported net sales of $5.97 billion, earnings from continuing operations of $76 million, and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $677 million. The company also highlighted $611 million of cash provided by operating activities and $94 million of free cash flow for the quarter, while maintaining full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA targets of $3.20-$3.50 billion.
3) Balance sheet and portfolio actions add context
International Paper said it received $1.1 billion of net proceeds from the sale of its Global Cellulose Fibers business and used $660 million of that to pay down debt. While the proceeds strengthen liquidity and deleveraging capacity, today’s selloff suggests investors are prioritizing the near-term earnings trajectory and the implied Q2 profitability reset over the balance-sheet progress.
