International Paper Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC for its pending acquisition of DS Smith Plc (LSE: DSS). The company's board recommends shareholders vote 'FOR' the proposal to issue new IP common stock for the combination. The special meeting is scheduled for October 11, 2024, with shareholders of record as of September 12, 2024, eligible to vote. DS Smith has set October 7, 2024, for its shareholder meeting to approve the deal.

The acquisition aims to create a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, focusing on North American and European markets. It's expected to increase vertical integration, improve profitability, enhance customer offerings, and accelerate sustainability initiatives. The transaction will be structured as an acquisition of DS Smith by IP, following U.K. Takeover Code and English law.

Marcez Mitchell, VP of North American Container (NAC) Specialty at International Paper (IP), is leading his team to success through authentic leadership. Starting as an intern in 1999, Marcez has risen through the ranks, bringing a wealth of experience to his current role. His leadership philosophy, inspired by his father, emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and trust.

Under Marcez's guidance, NAC Specialty is embracing innovation and a profitability mindset to expand its offerings in paper bags, molded fiber, Enhanced Graphics Solutions, SpaceKraft®, and specialty retail and packaging display. Marcez believes that NAC Specialty has significant growth potential and is poised to make a substantial impact on IP's future.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) has announced leadership changes, with CEO Andy Silvernail elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2024. This appointment follows Mark Sutton's planned retirement from the Board on September 30, 2024. Silvernail, who joined IP as CEO in May 2024, brings two decades of experience leading global companies in manufacturing and technology sectors.

Lead Director Chris Connor praised Sutton's legacy and expressed confidence in Silvernail's leadership. Silvernail's background includes executive roles at KKR & Co., Madison Industries, and IDEX , where he achieved significant shareholder returns and employee engagement improvements. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Stryker

International Paper's Customer Commitment Centers and graphic designers play a important role in community engagement and sharing the company's sustainability story. Through creative projects like puppet shows, dinosaurs, and rocket ships, they educate communities about sustainability and company values.

In a notable initiative, International Paper contributed corrugated supplies to the Science Museum of Minnesota for a "Cardboard City" makerspace. This building and engineering studio encouraged children, parents, and science educators to use their imagination and ingenuity to create new structures or repurpose existing ones. This project exemplifies how International Paper combines creativity, education, and sustainability in its community outreach efforts.

International Paper (IP) has announced a $15.3 million investment to renew strategic alliances with key conservation partners, including the American Forest Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and World Wildlife Fund. This investment supports IP's Vision 2030 goal to conserve and restore 1 million acres of ecologically significant forestland.

Key initiatives include:

• Expansion of the Family Forest Carbon Program in Central Appalachia and the Southeastern U.S.
• Extension of the Forestland Stewards Partnership, which has already conserved 1.6 million acres of southern forestlands
• Advancement of sustainable forestry practices in the U.S. and Mexico
• Support for the WWF's Forests Forward program, addressing issues like heirs' property preservation

These partnerships aim to enhance sustainability across IP's value chain, scale impact, and drive positive change for people and the planet.

International Paper (IP) received the American Forest & Paper Association's Leadership in Sustainability Award for Resilient U.S. Forests in 2023. The award recognizes IP's partnership with the American Bird Conservancy to promote forest bird awareness and conservation within the forest product supply chain. A key focus is the Swallow-tailed Kite, with nine birds fitted with radio transmitters since 2021 to track their movements and habitat needs.

IP's commitment to sustainable forest management is underpinned by certifications from FSC®, PEFC™, and SFI®. The company's Certified Forest Management has become the largest privately run group of certified landowners in the U.S., enrolling 920,769 acres across 11 states since 2012.

International Paper (NYSE:IP) has announced a significant leadership change, appointing Tom Hamic to the newly created role of Executive Vice President and President of North American Packaging Solutions, effective September 1. Hamic, who joined the company in 1991, will lead the Container and Containerboard businesses in North America, reporting directly to CEO Andy Silvernail.

Hamic's extensive experience includes various roles in sales, marketing, finance, strategic planning, and leadership across the United States and Europe. He was named a company officer in 2009 and elected senior vice president in 2019. His most recent position was senior vice president and general manager of North American Container and Chief Commercial Officer.

International Paper demonstrates its commitment to responsible fiber procurement through its Global Fiber Procurement Policy and innovative practices. Key highlights include:

1. A diverse Fiber Supply Team of over 225 professionals ensuring responsible sourcing.
2. The ForSite™ mapping platform for transparency and risk mitigation.
3. Chain-of-custody certification at all mills, including FSC® and SFI® standards.
4. One of the largest private landowner assistance programs for FSC® Forest Management Certification in the U.S.
5. Extensive fiber supply network connecting forest conservation partners with private landowners.

ForSite™ uses GIS technology to guide procurement decisions, identifying 23M acres for pre-harvest due diligence and improving over 3,145 acres since 2020. This tool helps protect rare species and habitats while allowing landowners to meet management objectives.

International Paper (NYSE:IP) has announced that Tom Plath, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, will leave the company at the end of 2024. Plath has been with IP for 33 years, serving in various roles including HR, operations, marketing, and general management. He became an officer in 2013 and was elected senior vice president in 2017.

Plath's current responsibilities, which include human resources, aviation, real estate, communications, sustainability, and government relations, will be reassigned immediately. He will serve in an advisory capacity through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. No replacement has been appointed yet.