Is International Paper (IP) Stock Outpacing Its Basic Materials Peers This Year?

Company Performance - International Paper (IP) has returned approximately 1.6% year-to-date, outperforming the Basic Materials sector, which has returned an average of -11.5% [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IP's full-year earnings has increased by 13.9% over the past three months, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a more positive earnings outlook [3] Industry Context - International Paper is part of the Paper and Related Products industry, which currently ranks 44 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with stocks in this group gaining about 36.4% year-to-date [6] - In comparison, New Found Gold Corp. (NFGC), which belongs to the Mining - Gold industry ranked 163, has seen a year-to-date increase of 12.9% [7]