International Paper Execs Split Stance: CEO Buys While Others Sell, Hinting at Mixed Confidence in Paper Company’s Future

Insider Activity at International Paper Co. – What It Means for the Stock

The latest director‑dealing filing shows that on February 9, 2026, Saab Joseph R., International Paper’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, executed a two‑leg transaction that netted a modest purchase of 24,314 shares at $46.58 each, offset by a sale of 7,268 shares. After the transaction, his holdings stand at 50,881 shares of common stock, with an additional 14,633 shares held through the salaried savings plan. This activity comes amid a broader wave of insider trades: Executive VP & President William Hamic bought 43,225 shares and sold 15,312, while VP & Chief Accounting Officer Holly Goughnour bought 6,335 shares and sold 1,543.

Implications for Investors

The net buying by Saab suggests a confidence in the company’s trajectory that exceeds the value of the shares he held prior to the trade. In contrast, the significant selling by Hamic and Goughnour could indicate a short‑term liquidity need or a strategy to rebalance portfolios. For investors, the divergence in insider sentiment—Saab’s net purchase versus the sales by other top executives—signals a mixed view within senior management. A net insider purchase often reassures the market that those with the most information see value at the current price, yet the simultaneous sales may temper that reassurance.

What the Trades May Signify for International Paper’s Future

International Paper’s share price sits close to its 52‑week low, and the company’s earnings remain negative (P/E –8.52). The net insider buying could be interpreted as a signal that the management believes the market is undervaluing the company’s long‑term prospects, perhaps linked to the company’s shift toward sustainable packaging and digital transformation. The sizable sales by Hamic and Goughnour, on the other hand, might reflect a need for capital liquidity or a desire to diversify personal holdings as the company’s earnings volatility continues. Investors should watch for any upcoming guidance or earnings releases that could clarify whether the internal view is bullish or merely a tactical move.

Profile of Saab Joseph R. – A Historical Look

Reviewing Saab’s filing history reveals a pattern of relatively modest sales early in February 2026, with 757 shares sold on February 1 and another 857 shares sold the same day, reducing his post‑transaction holdings from 27,424 to 26,567 shares. He has also held a sizable block of common stock units (12,477) and common shares (14,633) through the salaried savings plan. Compared to his peers, Saab’s trading volume is low; his transactions are concentrated around a few dozen to a few thousand shares, suggesting a cautious approach to market timing. His net purchase on February 9 (24,314 shares bought versus 7,268 sold) marks a notable increase in exposure, indicating a shift toward a more bullish stance on the company’s valuation at that moment.

Takeaway for Financial Professionals

The insider activity at International Paper Co. illustrates how senior executives can send contrasting signals in a short time frame. Saab’s net purchase underscores a belief in the company’s value at the current price, while the sales by Hamic and Goughnour introduce nuance. Analysts and investors should consider these actions alongside the company’s negative earnings and narrow price range, and await further operational updates to assess whether the management’s confidence is sustainable.