International Paper Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

International Paper reported its first quarter 2023 financial results, showing net earnings of $172 million ($0.49 per diluted share) and adjusted operating earnings of $185 million ($0.53 per diluted share). Notably, the company's Building a Better IP initiatives contributed $65 million in incremental earnings. Cash provided by operations reached $345 million, while free cash flow was a modest $4 million due to a $193 million payment to the IRS related to timber monetization. Shareholder returns for the quarter totaled $319 million, comprising $157 million in share repurchases and $162 million in dividends. International Paper remains optimistic for improved demand as inventory destocking completes.

International Paper recently showcased its commitment to community engagement through various initiatives aimed at promoting literacy, tackling hunger, and addressing period poverty. The company is a sponsor of Rally to Read 100, a program engaging over 64,000 children to read 272,000 books. Its partnership with Feeding America led to a contribution of over $890,000 to food banks, facilitating the distribution of 7.9 million meals. Additionally, International Paper expanded its feminine care kit program and provided significant disaster relief funding across regions impacted by natural disasters. The company's contributions to the Morton Arboretum are noteworthy as well, supporting over 165,000 youth engagements in environmental education and donating over $240,000 for STEM programs.

International Paper has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the global climate challenge through significant initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The company has achieved approximately 20% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2010, with about 70% of energy from carbon-neutral biomass. As part of its Vision 2030 goal, International Paper is now focusing on understanding and reducing its Scope 3 emissions, which encompasses the entire value chain. The company is exploring renewable energy options and is involved with the US Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge to advance its sustainability goals. With net sales of $19.4 billion in 2021, International Paper aims to align its emissions reduction targets with the Paris Climate Agreement.

International Paper's Recycling team in Central Virginia recently volunteered with FeedMore, a hunger relief organization. General managers and sales representatives participated in preparing meals for local children. The Bayard Community Kitchen serves around 4,000 meals daily, supporting programs like Kids Cafe and Meals on Wheels. Danny Peck, plant general manager, highlighted the team's community service in addressing food insecurity in the area. International Paper, listed on the NYSE as IP, is a major supplier of renewable fiber-based products, with net sales of $19.4 billion in 2021. The company operates in North America, Latin America, North Africa, and Europe, employing approximately 38,000 colleagues globally.

International Paper announced its support for the Family Forest Carbon Program, enabling family forest owners to access climate finance from carbon markets, helping mitigate climate change while generating income. This program, developed in collaboration with the American Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, focuses on family forest landowners who manage nearly 40% of U.S. forestlands.

In 2022, the program expanded to enroll an additional 248 landowners across 36,302 acres, bringing total enrollment to 313 landowners managing 46,088 acres, projected to sequester 987,000 tonnes of CO2. The initiative aims to enroll an additional 95,000 acres in 2023 and will also launch activities in the U.S. Southeast, focusing on afforestation and improved management of native pine species.