International Paper Co - IP STOCK NEWS

International Paper (IP) subsidiary DS Smith has introduced DryPack, an innovative seafood packaging solution that offers significant benefits for the seafood industry. The 100% water-resistant box maintains fresh fish below 40°F for over 40 hours in cold chain operations.

The DryPack solution features notable advantages:

• IATA-approved for air freight transportation
• Ships flat to processors, reducing freight costs and emissions
• 100% recyclable and FBA-approved
• Manufactured using patented Greencoat® technology
• Holds USDA, CFIA, FDA certifications

The technology is already being successfully implemented by customers like Kvarøy Arctic, a Norwegian salmon producer. DS Smith's initiative aligns with their sustainability goals, having replaced over 1 billion plastic items and created more than 30,000 circular-ready projects through their Circular Design Metrics tool.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has announced key changes to its executive leadership team. Tim Nicholls, who has served as CFO since 2018, has been appointed Executive Vice President and President of DS Smith, an International Paper company. Nicholls brings over 30 years of industry experience, including previous roles as CFO from 2007-2011 and leadership of IP's Packaging business in the Americas.

Additionally, Lance Loeffler will join as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Loeffler comes with 25+ years of experience, including roles at UBS Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank Securities, and most recently as SVP for Middle East and North Africa Region at Halliburton, where he also served as CFO for four years.

Both executives will report to Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail, who expressed confidence in their abilities to drive excellence and support IP's transformation as a leading sustainable packaging solutions provider in North America and EMEA.

DS Smith, a fiber-based packaging manufacturer acquired by International Paper in 2025, conducted the 'Unboxing Consumer Preferences on Sustainable Packaging' survey of 1,048 U.S. adults. The study revealed sustainability as the top priority for shipping packages.

Key findings include:

• 46% of consumers are bothered by empty box space, with 75% viewing it as a sign of poor sustainability priority
• 33% noticed improved waste reduction options at checkout
• 50% view Styrofoam as a last resort, with 20% refusing to buy from companies using it
• 75% show interest in intelligent packaging with sensors, 28% willing to pay up to $5 more for it

Consumers also expressed interest in connected packaging with QR codes offering personalized discounts, exclusive experiences, and sustainability metrics. DS Smith's Circular Design Principles focus on creating 100% recyclable or reusable packaging while optimizing material usage.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) announced the permanent closure of multiple facilities by April 2025, including the Red River containerboard mill in Campti, La., recycling plant in Phoenix, Az., box plant in Hazleton, Pa., and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Mo. The Red River closure will reduce containerboard capacity by 800,000 tons annually.

The closures will affect 674 employees (495 hourly and 179 salaried). The company plans to minimize impact through attrition, retirements, and current vacancies at other locations, offering outplacement assistance, mental health support, and severance benefits where possible.

These closures are part of IP's transformation strategy to become a stronger sustainable packaging solutions company by streamlining operations and focusing investments on facilities that will better serve customers.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has appointed David Robbie to its Board of Directors, effective February 11, 2025. Robbie, 61, will serve on the Audit and Finance and Public Policy and Environment committees. This appointment follows IP's acquisition of DS Smith on January 31, 2025, where Robbie served as a board member since 2019.

Robbie brings significant experience, having served as senior independent director at DS Smith since 2022 and currently serves as non-executive director and audit committee chair at easyJet plc. His background includes roles as interim chair at First Group plc and Group Finance Director at Rexam PLC. He is a chartered accountant from KPMG with an MA in English Literature from St. Andrew's University.

Following this appointment, the IP Board will comprise 11 directors, with 10 being independent directors.

International Paper (NYSE:IP) and DS Smith completed their merger on January 31, 2025, creating a new global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. The combined entity will operate in over 30 countries, primarily focusing on North American and EMEA regions.

The merger aims to accelerate growth and improve profitability by combining the strengths of both companies. Under the leadership of Andy Silvernail, International Paper's Chairman and CEO, the combined company will focus on three key areas: customer experience through responsive and efficient service, innovation in sustainable packaging solutions, and environmental stewardship including forest management and community engagement.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has completed its acquisition of DS Smith, creating a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. The merger aims to enhance customer value through improved offerings, innovation, and expanded geographic reach, particularly in North American and European markets.

Under the acquisition terms, IP will issue 0.1285 new shares of common stock for each DS Smith ordinary share, resulting in approximately 179,847,780 new IP common shares. The combined entity expects to achieve synergies of at least $514 million and projects earnings per share accretion in the first year while maintaining a strong investment-grade balance sheet.

Trading of the new IP common stock will commence on February 4, 2025, on the NYSE under 'IP' and on the London Stock Exchange under 'IPC' via a secondary listing.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has announced plans to host an Investor Day in New York City on March 25, 2025. The event will feature presentations from Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail and other executive management members.

While in-person attendance is to invited institutional investors and analysts, the company will provide a live audio webcast and presentation slides on their investor relations website. For those unable to attend or watch live, an archived version of the webcast will be available within 24 hours after the event.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) reported full-year 2024 net earnings of $557 million ($1.57 per diluted share) and adjusted operating earnings of $400 million ($1.13 per diluted share). Full-year net sales decreased to $18.6 billion from $18.9 billion in 2023.

The company reported a fourth quarter net loss of $147 million (-$0.42 per diluted share) and adjusted operating loss of $7 million (-$0.02 per diluted share). Q4 net sales remained flat at $4.6 billion. Results include a $395 million pre-tax charge for accelerated depreciation and restructuring, with $334 million related to the Georgetown, S.C. pulp mill closure.

The Industrial Packaging segment posted Q4 operating profit of $247 million, while Global Cellulose Fibers reported a loss of $250 million. The company is pursuing strategic options for its Global Cellulose Fibers business and preparing for the integration of DS Smith.