International Paper Company (IP) vs Smurfit Westrock Plc (SW)

SW leads on 8 of 11 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of International Paper Company and Smurfit Westrock Plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — IP vs SW

growth of $100 · last 18y
IP +56.4%SW +431.5%SW compounded faster
0200400600800Start $100201120142017202020232026$156$532
IP SW

IP vs SW: by the numbers

  • SW is the larger company ($22.72B vs $19.14B market cap).
  • SW is profitable (1.23% net margin) while IP runs a net loss (-13.42%).
  • SW grew revenue faster over the past five years (24.07% vs 4.72% CAGR).
  • IP pays the higher dividend yield (5.12% vs 4.08%).

Which is better, IP or SW?

Metric tally: IP 3 · SW 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthSW(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeIP(higher dividend yield)
QualitySW(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIPSW
P/E ratio60.47
Forward P/E25.66
P/S ratio0.770.77
P/B ratio1.301.29
PEG ratio0.43
EV / EBITDA5.82
FCF yield2.88%4.38%

Profitability

MetricIPSW
Gross margin27.83%18.42%
Operating margin-10.46%6.24%
Net margin-13.42%1.23%
ROE-22.63%2.06%
ROIC-7.64%3.59%

Dividends

MetricIPSW
Dividend yield5.12%4.08%
Payout ratio131.81%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIPSW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.72%24.07%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-12.39%-16.43%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-25.27%-3.68%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-5.64%-1.87%

Frequently asked

Which is better, IP or SW?
It depends on your goal. growth: SW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: IP (higher dividend yield); quality: SW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, SW leads 8 to 3.
Which has grown faster, IP or SW?
Over the past five years, SW grew revenue faster — IP at a 4.72% CAGR versus SW at 24.07%.
Does IP or SW pay a bigger dividend?
IP yields 5.12% and SW yields 4.08% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IP or SW more profitable?
SW runs the higher net margin — IP at -13.42% versus SW at 1.23%.
Which has been the better investment, IP or SW?
Over the past 10-year, SW delivered the higher annualized total return — IP at 3.10% versus SW at 4.59%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 15, 2026.