International Paper Co. - IP STOCK NEWS

International Paper (IP) has been awarded the Leadership in Sustainability - Resilient U.S. Forests award by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) for its Forestland Stewards partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). Since 2013, the partnership has achieved significant milestones, including enhancing 1.6 million acres of native forest and wildlife habitat, improving 800 miles of stream, and engaging 37,000 private landowners. The collaboration has leveraged over $250 million in public and private funds for forest conservation efforts. The award recognizes IP's commitment to sustainability and forest conservation leadership.

International Paper (IP) outlines its water stewardship initiatives in its 2023 Sustainability Report. The company aims to reduce water use per ton of production by 25% under Vision 2030. IP is implementing the EGENZ system for improved water data collection and automation, while promoting water conservation through its Water Wise Campaign, which has achieved a reduction of 1,744 gallons per year at successful mills. Only two of IP's mills are in water-stressed basins, with the Madrid facility using primarily reclaimed wastewater. The company reports that 89% of water used in manufacturing is returned to the environment. IP's Madrid mill project aims to reduce potable water use by 27% per ton of production.

Sylvamo (NYSE: SLVM) and International Paper (NYSE: IP) have agreed to mutually terminate their supply agreement for uncoated freesheet, bristols and specialty papers at the Georgetown, South Carolina mill, effective December 31, 2024. Sylvamo is transitioning paper grades from Georgetown to its Ticonderoga, New York, and Eastover, South Carolina mills to maintain customer supply. The company aims to retain the most profitable products from Georgetown while reducing economic downtime in its mill system and improving product mix.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) announced a strategic review of its global cellulose fibers (GCF) business, which generated $2.9B in revenue in 2023. The GCF business operates across three countries with eight mills and two converting facilities, producing absorbent pulp for personal care products and specialty applications. Additionally, IP announced the permanent closure of its Georgetown, South Carolina mill by the end of 2024, affecting 674 employees. The Georgetown facility produces 300,000 tons of fluff pulp, which will be transferred to other mills. The company plans to maintain customer relationships while focusing on sustainable packaging solutions.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) reported third quarter 2024 net earnings of $150 million ($0.42 per diluted share) and adjusted operating earnings of $153 million ($0.44 per diluted share). Cash provided by operations was $521 million, with $161 million returned to shareholders in dividends. The company saw higher prices across its portfolio and moderately improving box demand, though faced higher operating costs and lower volumes due to seasonality. The company is implementing an 80/20 approach, including organizational restructuring and exploring strategic options for Global Cellulose Fibers business. The planned combination with DS Smith is expected to close in early 2025.

International Paper (IP) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) are highlighting their efforts to restore bat habitats through oak regeneration projects in Alabama during Bat Week. The initiative, part of the Forestland Stewards Partnership, focuses on restoring white oak forests that provide important roosting spaces for bats, whose populations have been devastated by white-nose syndrome (WNS). The Alabama Forestry Foundation leads white oak restoration efforts using sustainable forestry techniques. Local landowners like the Dewberrys are actively participating by offering their land for hands-on learning experiences in forest management and habitat restoration. The project aims to improve forest health and support biodiversity through community engagement.

International Paper announced that CEO Andy Silvernail will present at the Baird 2024 Global Industrial Conference on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. The presentation will include a question and answer session.

The event will be accessible via webcast through International Paper's website under the Investors tab and Events & Presentations page. A replay will be made available approximately three hours after the presentation concludes.

International Paper has launched an educational initiative called 'Water is Wonderful' targeting 1st through 3rd-grade students. The curriculum focuses on teaching water conservation and stewardship, explaining how water makes up over 2/3 of the planet while highlighting its scarcity for human use. The program demonstrates International Paper's paper-making process and water usage, while promoting responsible water practices that benefit their facilities, company, communities, and planet.

International Paper is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment while building resilient communities. The company's approach focuses on employee well-being, diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Safety is a core value, with the goal of achieving zero serious injuries for employees and contractors.

The company promotes a resilient safety culture through five key competencies: embracing safety as a core value, workforce engagement, continuous learning, pre-task planning, and superior task execution. The LIFE (Life-changing Injury and Fatality Elimination) program aims to eliminate serious injuries by focusing on six areas of workplace risk.

International Paper implements proactive measures like Learning Events and the Make Change Happen program to identify and mitigate safety risks. The company also recognizes the importance of mental health, forming a Mental Health Committee and sharing resources with employees. These initiatives reflect International Paper's commitment to employee safety and well-being both inside and outside the workplace.