Citi analyst Anthony Pettinari downgraded International Paper (IP) to Neutral after Paper Week reduced January kraftliner prices by 2.4% and corrugated medium prices by 3.7%. The price cuts were the first since 2008-2009, Pettinari tells investors in a research note. The analyst lowered his estimates for International Paper, Packaging Corp. (PKG) and WestRock (WRK) and downgraded both IP and Packaging Corp. to Neutral. He expects the stocks to trade lower today, potentially in the 4%-6% range. Pettinari cut his price target for International Paper shares to $38 from $45. The analyst said he'd not be surprised to see Graphic Packaging (GPK) trade down on the price cuts, even though the company does not produce containerboard. He recommends buying the stock on any pullback.

Wells Fargo lowered the firm's price target on International Paper (IP) to $37 from $42 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares. While improving containerboard fundamentals are positive for International Paper, Wells believes the DS Smith (DITHF) merger remains an overhang, the analyst tells investors in a research note. In addition, the firm says it remains unclear how long or what level of return is associated with increased spend across the company's Industrial Packaging operations.

Reports Q1 revenue $4.62B, consensus $4.56B. "International Paper made progress executing our strategic initiatives in the first quarter,'' said Mark Sutton, chairman and CEO. "We saw commercial benefits from our business strategies, as well as cost benefits from mill system optimization. Although costs remain elevated and volumes were seasonally lower in the quarter, market trends continue to improve."