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CLW vs SLVM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Clearwater Paper (CLW) vs. Sylvamo (SLVM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Clearwater Paper is a pure-play solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard packaging producer after divesting its tissue business, while Sylvamo is a global uncoated freesheet (printing and writing paper) manufacturer.
- Both stocks face cyclical pricing and input-cost headwinds, but CLW is navigating an industry supply overhang, whereas SLVM is managing regional demand softness and a footprint transition.
- Sylvamo offers a regular quarterly dividend, while Clearwater Paper does not currently pay one, creating a meaningful income-profile contrast.
- Analyst sentiment diverges: consensus on CLW is roughly a "Hold," while SLVM carries a broadly "Buy" leaning consensus.
- Sylvamo is the larger, more geographically diversified business, whereas Clearwater Paper is a smaller, concentrated turnaround story.
Introduction
Clearwater Paper Corporation (CLW) and Sylvamo Corporation (SLVM) are both U.S.-listed forest products and paper manufacturers, but they compete in different corners of the market. Clearwater Paper focuses on SBS paperboard used in packaging and food service, while Sylvamo specializes in uncoated freesheet paper for printing, writing, and office use. This stock comparison is relevant for investors evaluating cyclical commodity producers, as well as traders monitoring relative performance and market positioning within the paper sector. Although neither is a pure technology or growth name, both carry meaningful exposure to demand cycles, input costs, and balance-sheet dynamics that can shift sentiment quickly.
CLW Overview and Recent Performance
Clearwater Paper is a Spokane, Washington-based manufacturer that has transformed itself into a paperboard-focused enterprise. The company sold its tissue business for roughly $1.06 billion and integrated a newly acquired mill in Augusta, Georgia, reshaping its footprint around SBS paperboard for folding cartons, cups, plates, and other packaging applications. Recent market activity has been pressured by an industry supply overhang, with sector operating rates running well below historical norms and pricing under strain.
In recent quarters, CLW has reported net losses and negative or near-break-even adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), reflecting lower pricing plus elevated chemical, transportation, and wood costs tied in part to geopolitical disruption. Management has responded with cost reductions, a restructuring of its Cypress Bend mill, and a debt refinancing. Sentiment has been cautious, with a consensus "Hold" rating and a moderate average price target, while the shares remain well below their 52-week high.
SLVM Overview and Recent Performance
Sylvamo, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, is a global producer of uncoated freesheet paper spun off from International Paper. It operates across North America, Latin America, Brazil, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Unlike Clearwater Paper, Sylvamo maintains a regular quarterly dividend and has an active history of share repurchases, which shapes a more income-oriented shareholder base.
Recent performance has been mixed. SLVM swung to a modest net loss in its most recent quarter as revenue declined, with adjusted EBITDA falling sharply from the prior period amid operational reliability issues, inventory builds, and higher input and freight costs. The company is executing company-wide price increases, a debt refinancing that extends maturities, and high-return investments at its Eastover mill, while managing a North American footprint transition tied to tariffs and the Riverdale mill conversion. Consensus leans toward "Buy," though price targets have been trimmed in recent weeks.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast is product mix. CLW is concentrated in SBS paperboard, where a competitor-driven capacity expansion has left industry supply exceeding demand by a double-digit percentage. SLVM, by contrast, operates in uncoated freesheet, a structurally declining but consolidating category where recent supply removals have begun to firm prices.
Scale and diversification also differ. Sylvamo generates several times Clearwater Paper's revenue and spans multiple regions, giving it broader geographic balance but also exposing it to foreign-exchange and tariff risks. Clearwater Paper is smaller and more U.S.-centric, making it more sensitive to a single product cycle but also more leveraged to a paperboard recovery.
On capital returns, SLVM pays a dividend and repurchases shares, while CLW currently prioritizes balance-sheet strength. Risk profiles differ as well: Clearwater Paper carries near-term margin and cash-flow pressure in an oversupplied market, while Sylvamo faces demand softness in Europe and execution risk around its footprint transition.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward SLVM in the current environment. Sylvamo's larger scale, geographic diversification, dividend support, and a comparatively firmer supply-demand backdrop in uncoated freesheet give it a somewhat more stable positioning than CLW, which is contending with a pronounced paperboard supply overhang and weaker near-term earnings. That said, this reflects a probabilistic, data-driven preference rather than a definitive prediction: Clearwater Paper's restructuring, cost discipline, and recovery optionality could narrow the gap if industry operating rates improve. Both names warrant ongoing monitoring of pricing, input costs, and balance-sheet catalysts.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CLW is a Hold and SLVM is a StrongBuy.
CLW sees its Stochastic Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
On October 05, 2026, the Stochastic Oscillator for CLW moved out of oversold territory and this could be a bullish sign for the stock. Traders may want to buy the stock or buy call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 60 instances where the indicator left the oversold zone. In 48 of the 60 cases the stock moved higher in the following days. This puts the odds of a move higher at over 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +3.55% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CLW advanced for three days, in 177 of 277 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CLW as a result. In 72 of 96 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CLW turned negative on September 24, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 37 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 76%.
CLW moved below its 50-day moving average on September 24, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CLW crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 9 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CLW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
CLW broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for CLW entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating for company is 24 (best 1 - 100 worst), which means the company is slightly undervalued. The valuation of the company is based on a proprietary formula which takes into account a set of fundamentals and gives us an estimate of the price per share for the company. We then compare this estimate with the current price per share. As a result, this company is rated as undervalued in the industry. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.381) is normal, around the industry mean (0.362). CLW has a moderately low P/E Ratio (-6.124) as compared to the industry average of (2.277). CLW's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.010) is slightly lower than the industry average of (0.185). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.745) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.223) is also within normal values, averaging (0.381).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CLW’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CLW’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 98, placing this stock worse than average.
SLVM in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on September 29, 2026
SLVM may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 32 of 42 cases where SLVM's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where SLVM's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 20 of 32 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 42 of 60 cases where SLVM's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SLVM just turned positive on October 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where SLVM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 37 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Following a +2.05% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SLVM advanced for three days, in 214 of 292 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 19, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on SLVM as a result. In 63 of 82 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SLVM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
The Aroon Indicator for SLVM entered a downward trend on October 21, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 5 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating for company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), which means the company is slightly undervalued. The valuation of the company is based on a proprietary formula which takes into account a set of fundamentals and gives us an estimate of the price per share for the company. We then compare this estimate with the current price per share. As a result, this company is rated as undervalued in the industry. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: SLVM's P/B Ratio (1.304) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.362). SLVM has a moderately high P/E Ratio (16.393) as compared to the industry average of (2.277). SLVM's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is slightly lower than the industry average of (0.185). Dividend Yield (0.057) settles around the average of (0.745) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.435) is also within normal values, averaging (0.381).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. SLVM’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 91 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SLVM’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 98, placing this stock better than average.
CLW | ||
|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 14 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 24 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 92 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 48 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
| CLW | SLVM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 63% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 80% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 77% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 72% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 76% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 18 days ago 64% | 7 days ago 73% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 75% | 16 days ago 72% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 84% | 1 day ago 76% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 75% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CLW’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while SLVM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CLW’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- SLVM’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CLW’s TA Score shows that 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SLVM’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CLW’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 7 bearish.
- SLVM’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CLW (@Pulp & Paper) experienced а +1.52% price change this week, while SLVM (@Pulp & Paper) price change was -2.49% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Pulp & Paper industry was -8.35%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -22.86%, and the average quarterly price growth was -23.41%.
Reported Earning Dates
CLW is expected to report earnings on Oct 26, 2026.
SLVM is expected to report earnings on Nov 06, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Pulp & Paper (-8.35% weekly)The pulp and paper industry includes companies that make pulp and process pulp into paper and specialty paper products. Companies in this industry also operate paper mills. The industry’s products have wide array of markets including books, magazines, envelopes, containerboard, and food and beverage packaging. Domtar Corporation, Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and Neenah Inc. are some of the major pulp & paper companies.
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CLW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor tells us that CLW and MAGN have been poorly correlated (+27% of the time) for the last year. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is low statistical probability that CLW and MAGN's prices will move in lockstep.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CLW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLW | 100% | +1.60% | ||
| MAGN - CLW | 27% Poorly correlated | +5.71% | ||
| MATV - CLW | 12% Poorly correlated | +4.34% | ||
| MERC - CLW | 9% Poorly correlated | -31.71% | ||
| SUZ - CLW | 3% Poorly correlated | +0.95% | ||
| SLVM - CLW | -1% Poorly correlated | +3.61% | ||
More | ||||
SLVM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SLVM has been loosely correlated with CLW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 40% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if SLVM jumps, then CLW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To SLVM | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLVM | 100% | +3.61% | ||
| CLW - SLVM | 40% Loosely correlated | +1.60% | ||
| MAGN - SLVM | 30% Poorly correlated | +5.71% | ||
| SUZ - SLVM | 28% Poorly correlated | +0.95% | ||
| MATV - SLVM | 25% Poorly correlated | +4.34% | ||
| MERC - SLVM | 15% Poorly correlated | -31.71% | ||
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| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| BRKW | 41.69 | 0.50 | +1.22% |
| Roundhill BRKB WeeklyPay ETF (BRKW) | |||
| PRFD | 49.04 | 0.18 | +0.36% |
| PIMCO Preferred and Capital Securities Active ETF (PRFD) | |||
| SCHA | 32.67 | N/A | N/A |
| Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) | |||
| AIPO | 31.23 | N/A | N/A |
| Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF | |||
| KAUG | 28.25 | -0.04 | -0.13% |
| Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - August (KAUG) | |||