International Paper Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

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 For those unable to attend or watch live, an archived version of the webcast will be available within 24 hours after the event.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.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has announced its quarterly dividend declarations. Common stock shareholders will receive $0.4625 per share for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. The payment is scheduled for March 17, 2025, with a record date of February 24, 2025.

Additionally, holders of the company's cumulative $4.00 preferred stock will receive a quarterly dividend of $1.00 per share for the same period, with identical payment and record dates.

International Paper (IP) has received Phase I clearance from the European Commission for its all-share combination with DS Smith, announced on April 16, 2024. The clearance requires IP to divest five box plants in France, Portugal, and Spain. The combination, approved by DS Smith shareholders on October 7, 2024, is expected to become effective on January 31, 2025.

The merger timeline includes key dates: Court Hearing on January 30, 2025, suspension of DS Smith shares trading on February 3, 2025, and the issuance of New International Paper Shares after 5:00 PM New York time on February 3, 2025. Trading of new IP shares will commence on both the London Stock Exchange and NYSE by February 4, 2025.

International Paper (NYSE:IP) has appointed Joy Roman as Senior Vice President, Chief People and Strategy Officer, effective February 1. Roman will report to Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail and lead the company's efforts in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and corporate strategy. She will also oversee Sustainability and Communications functions.

Roman joins from Berry Global, where she served as Chief People & Strategy Officer since April 2024. Her career includes roles at McKinsey & Company, 3M, Toll Brothers, and De Beers Group. She holds an MBA from Yale School of Management.

International Paper, headquartered in Memphis, is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp, and fiber-based products, with net sales of $18.9 billion in 2023. The company employs approximately 39,000 people globally with operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has announced its schedule for fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 earnings release, set for January 30, 2025, before the NYSE opening. The company will host a webcast at 10 a.m. ET to discuss earnings and market conditions.

Interested parties can join via the company's website under the Investors tab or through teleconference by dialing +1 646-307-1963 (international) or 800-715-9871 (U.S. only) with conference ID 5125982. An audio replay will be available for 90 days.

The company has also revealed its 2025 earnings release schedule: First-Quarter on April 30, Second-Quarter on July 31, and Third-Quarter on October 30.

International Paper (IP) demonstrates its commitment to circular economy principles through its Vision 2030 goals, aiming for 100% responsible fiber sourcing and fully reusable, recyclable, and compostable products. The company uses five million tons of recovered fiber annually, making it one of the world's largest recovered fiber users, while diverting nearly 50% of manufacturing waste from landfills.

IP has made significant progress in sustainability, replacing 765 tons of plastics with corrugated products in EMEA during 2022. The company processes over 7 million tons of fiber annually, representing 12% of the U.S. recycled cardboard market. IP has increased OCC recovery by 60% since 2010 and utilizes ForSite™, an advanced fiber procurement mapping tool, to ensure responsible sourcing practices.

International Paper discusses the importance of balancing new and recycled fiber in sustainable packaging. The company emphasizes that while recycled fiber is crucial, virgin fiber from sustainably managed forests plays an equally vital role in the circular economy. Containerboard producers currently use approximately 56% recycled fiber in production.

Recent studies show fibers can be recycled up to 25 times without significant strength loss. Industry recovery rates improved from 72% to 90% between 2006-2020, while containerboard made from 100%-recycled fiber increased from 22.3% to 31.8%. The combination of new and recycled fibers maximizes reuse potential and enables true circularity in the wood fiber value chain.