International Paper Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

International Paper (“IP”) reported second quarter 2022 financial results.

Second Quarter 2022 Highlights

• Second quarter net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper of $511 million ($1.38 per diluted share) compared with $360 million ($0.95 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2022 and $432 million ($1.09 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2021. Second quarter adjusted operating earnings* (non-GAAP) of $459 million ($1.24 per diluted share) compared with $288 million ($0.76 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2022 and $325 million ($0.82 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2021.
• 13% year-over-year revenue growth
• $65 million of earnings achieved from Building a Better IP initiatives, bringing year-to-date to $105 million
• Cash provided by operations of $390 million, bringing year-to-date to $978 million
• Returned $565 million to shareholders through share repurchases of $395 million and dividends of $170 million in the second quarter, bringing year-to-date to $1.1 billion

“International Paper delivered strong revenue and earnings growth in the second quarter,” said Mark Sutton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We performed well both commercially and operationally, which contributed to margin expansion despite a challenging supply chain and input cost environment. Looking ahead to the third quarter, we expect the realization of prior price movements to outpace higher input costs.”

Sutton added, “Our Building a Better IP set of initiatives delivered $65 million of additional earnings improvement in the second quarter, for a total of $105 million through the first half of the year. Given this strong momentum, we are confident in achieving the high end of our full-year target.”

Segment Information

Business segment operating profits are used by International Paper’s management to measure the earnings performance of its businesses and is calculated as set forth in footnote (f) below under “Sales and Earnings by Business Segment”. As a result of the spin-off of our global Printing Papers business on October 1, 2021, the Printing Papers business segment has been eliminated and all prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect this business as a discontinued operation. For discussion of discontinued operations, see the disclosure under Discontinued Operations included later in this release.

Industrial Packaging

Industrial Packaging operating profits (losses) in the second quarter of 2022 were $560 million compared with $397 million in the first quarter of 2022. In North America, earnings increased driven by higher sales prices for corrugated boxes and containerboard and lower planned maintenance outage expenses, partially offset by higher input costs, primarily for energy and freight. Sales volumes were stable for corrugated boxes and higher for export containerboard. Domestic containerboard volumes were lower. Earnings in the second quarter of 2022 benefited from insurance recoveries and other one-time items. In Europe, earnings improved reflecting higher average sales prices in the Eurozone and strong operating performance partially offset by seasonally lower sales volumes in Morocco.

Global Cellulose Fibers

Global Cellulose Fibers operating profits (losses) in the second quarter of 2022 were $25 million compared with $(49) million in the first quarter of 2022. Earnings improved significantly driven by higher sales prices for both fluff pulp and market pulp and lower planned maintenance outage expenses, partially offset by higher input costs, primarily for energy and chemicals. Sales volumes were slightly higher. Operating costs were lower, reflecting improved mill performance and seasonality.

Equity Method Investments

Ilim joint venture equity earnings (losses) were $95 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared with $93 million in the first quarter of 2022. Operationally, earnings were stable as higher sales prices were mostly offset by higher input costs. The Company continues to actively explore strategic options with respect to the Ilim joint venture, including a sale of its 50% ownership interest.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses were $27 million for the second quarter of 2022, compared with $12 million in the first quarter of 2022.

Effective Tax Rate

The reported effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2022 was 19%, compared to a 2022 first quarter reported effective tax rate of 26%. The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2022 was lower due to the tax-free exchange of a portion of the Company’s shares of Sylvamo Corporation.

Excluding special items and non-operating pension expense, the operational effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2022 was 25%, compared with 27% for the first quarter of 2022.  The higher operational effective tax rate in the first quarter is primarily due to reduced tax benefits for equity-based compensation.

Effects of Special Items

Net special items in the second quarter of 2022 amount to a net after-tax gain of $17 million ($0.05 per diluted share) compared with a gain of $35 million ($0.09 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2022 and a charge of $55 million ($0.14 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2021.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations include the operating earnings of our former Printing Papers segment and EMEA Coated Paperboard and Pulp business including the Kwidzyn, Poland mill, divested in the third quarter of 2021.

For the full second quarter results, click here.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

Source: International Paper Company