☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2022
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From to
_________________________________________
Commission File Number 001-03157
INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York
13-0872805
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee
38197
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (901) 419-7000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares
IP
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (paragraph 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13 (a) of the Exchange
Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, as of October 21, 2022 was 355,670,009.
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of International Paper Company’s ("International Paper's", "the Company’s" or "our") financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Except as disclosed herein, such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Results for the first nine months of the year may not necessarily be indicative of full year results. You should read these condensed financial statements in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the "Annual Report"), which have previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States that require the use of management’s estimates. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates.
Printing Papers Spinoff
On October 1, 2021, the Company completed the previously announced spin-off of its Printing Papers segment along with certain mixed-use coated paperboard and pulp businesses in North America, France and Russia into a standalone, publicly-traded company, Sylvamo Corporation ("Sylvamo"). The transaction was implemented through the distribution of shares of the standalone company to International Paper's shareholders (the "Distribution"). As a result of the Distribution, Sylvamo is an independent public company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SLVM".
In addition to the spin-off of Sylvamo, the Company completed the sale of its Kwidzyn, Poland mill on August 6, 2021. All historical operating results of the Sylvamo businesses and Kwidzyn mill have been presented as Discontinued Operations, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. See Note 9 - Divestitures and Impairments of Businesses for further details regarding the Sylvamo spin-off and discontinued operations.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, including current and future sanctions, actions by the Russian government, and associated domestic and global economic and geopolitical conditions, have affected and could materially and adversely affect our Ilim joint venture and could otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We are unable to predict the full impact of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, sanctions that have been imposed to date or that may in the future be imposed, geopolitical instability and the possibility of broadened military conflict may have on us or our Ilim joint venture, including whether our Ilim joint venture may be able to continue to pay dividends to us. We continue to actively explore strategic options with respect to the Ilim joint venture, including a sale of our 50% equity interest in Ilim. While we may sell our equity interests in the Ilim joint venture, we cannot be certain if and when this may occur, or the impact that possible disruptions in the capital markets, negative macroeconomic conditions, or conditions associated with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, could have on the value of and our ability to sell our equity interest in the Ilim joint venture and the timing of any such sale.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
Reference Rate Reform
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." This guidance provides companies with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. This guidance is effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. The Company will apply the amendments in this update to account for contract modifications due to changes in reference rates once those occur. We do not expect these amendments to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, "Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance." This guidance requires a business entity to provide certain disclosures around assistance received from governments. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Liabilities - Supplier Finance Programs
In September 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-04, "Liabilities - Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations." This guidance requires a business entity operating as a buyer in a supplier finance agreement to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about its supplier finance programs. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the guidance.
Generally, the Company recognizes revenue on a point-in-time basis when the customer takes title to the goods and assumes the risks and rewards for the goods. For customized goods where the Company has a legally enforceable right to payment for the goods, the Company recognizes revenue over time which, generally, is as the goods are produced.
Disaggregated Revenue
A geographic disaggregation of revenues across our company segmentation in the following tables provides information to assist in evaluating the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows and how they may be impacted by economic factors.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
In millions
Industrial Packaging
Global Cellulose Fibers
Corporate and Inter-segment Sales
Total
Primary Geographical Markets (a)
United States
$
3,816
$
846
$
129
$
4,791
EMEA
355
29
—
384
Pacific Rim and Asia
12
12
1
25
Americas, other than U.S.
202
—
—
202
Total
$
4,385
$
887
$
130
$
5,402
Operating Segments
North American Industrial Packaging
$
4,055
$
—
$
—
$
4,055
EMEA Industrial Packaging
355
—
—
355
Global Cellulose Fibers
—
887
—
887
Intra-segment Eliminations
(25)
—
—
(25)
Corporate & Inter-segment Sales
—
—
130
130
Total
$
4,385
$
887
$
130
$
5,402
(a) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the seller.
(a) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the seller.
Revenue Contract Balances
A contract asset is created when the Company recognizes revenue on its customized products prior to having an unconditional right to payment from the customer, which generally does not occur until title and risk of loss passes to the customer.
A contract liability is created when customers prepay for goods prior to the Company transferring those goods to the customer. The contract liability is reduced once control of the goods is transferred to the customer. The majority of our customer prepayments are received during the fourth quarter each year for goods that will be transferred to customers over the following twelve months. Contract liabilities of $17 million and $27 million are included in Other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. During the second quarter of 2021, the Company also recorded a contract liability of $115 million related to the April 2021 acquisition disclosed in Note 8 - Acquisitions. The balance of this contract liability was $101 million and $107 million at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and is recorded in Other current liabilities and Other Liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Company's contract assets and contract liabilities primarily results from the difference between the price and quantity at comparable points in time for goods for which we have an unconditional right to payment or receive prepayment from the customer, respectively.
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:
(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 19 for additional details).
(b)This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 18 for additional details).
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed assuming that all potentially dilutive securities were converted into common shares. There are no adjustments required to be made to net income for purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings per share. A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of basic earnings (loss) per share and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions, except per share amounts
2022
2021
2022
2021
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders
$
951
$
432
$
1,822
$
1,007
Weighted average common shares outstanding
357.8
388.8
366.8
391.0
Effect of dilutive securities
Restricted performance share plan
2.6
3.8
3.9
4.3
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution
360.4
392.6
370.7
395.3
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
$
2.66
$
1.11
$
4.97
$
2.58
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
2022: During the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded a $93 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs.
There were no restructuring and other charges recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022.
2021: During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a $35 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs and a $4 million pre-tax charge in Corporate for severance.
During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded a $170 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs and a $4 million pre-tax charge in Corporate for severance.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recorded an $18 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs and a $12 million pre-tax charge in the Industrial Packaging segment for severance related to the optimization of our EMEA Packaging business.
2021: On April 1, 2021, the Company closed on the previously announced acquisition of two box plants located in Spain. The total purchase consideration, inclusive of working capital adjustments, was approximately €71 million (approximately $83 million based on the April 1, 2021 exchange rate).
The following table summarizes the final fair value assigned to assets and liabilities acquired as of April 1, 2021:
In millions
Cash and temporary investments
$
5
Accounts and notes receivable
10
Inventories
3
Plants, properties and equipment
50
Goodwill
23
Intangible assets
13
Total assets acquired
$
104
Short-term debt
2
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
4
Other current liabilities
2
Long-term debt
1
Deferred income taxes
12
Total liabilities assumed
21
Net assets acquired
$
83
Pro forma information has not been included as it is impracticable to obtain the information due to the lack of availability of historical U.S. GAAP financial data. The results of the operations of these businesses do not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations.
The Company has accounted for the above acquisition under ASC 805, "Business Combinations" and the results of operations have been included in the Company's financial statements beginning with the date of acquisition.
2021: In April 2021, the Company received a noncontrolling interest in a U.S-based corrugated packaging producer. In the second quarter of 2021, the Company recorded its investment of $115 million based on the fair value of the noncontrolling interest and a corresponding contract liability that is amortized over 15 years. The Company is party to various agreements with the entity which includes a containerboard supply agreement. The Company is accounting for its interest as an equity method investment.
2021:On October 1, 2021, the Company completed the previously announced spin-off of its Printing Papers segment along with certain mixed-use coated paperboard and pulp businesses in North America, France and Russia into a standalone, publicly-traded company, Sylvamo Corporation. The transaction was implemented through the distribution of shares of the standalone company to International Paper's shareholders (the "Distribution"). As a result of the Distribution, Sylvamo is an independent public company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SLVM".
The Distribution was made to the Company's stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 15, 2021 (the "Record Date"), and such stockholders received one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock held as of the close of business on the Record Date. The Company retained 19.9% of the shares of Sylvamo at the time of the separation and this retained investment is discussed further in Note 10 - Supplementary Financial Statement Information. The spin-off was tax-free for the Company and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In connection with the Distribution, on September 29, 2021, the Company and Sylvamo entered into a separation and distribution agreement as well as various other agreements that govern the relationships between the parties following the Distribution, including a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement and an employee matters agreement. These agreements provide for the allocation between the Company and Sylvamo of assets, liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Distribution and govern certain relationships between the Company and Sylvamo after the Distribution. The Company is also party to various ongoing operational agreements with Sylvamo under which it sells fiber, paper and other products. Sales under these agreements were $230 million and $630 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2022, the Company no longer had an ownership interest in Sylvamo and as such will no longer be a related party. See Note 10 - Supplementary Financial Statement Information for further discussion.
All historical operating results of the Sylvamo businesses, as well as the results of our Kwidzyn, Poland mill that was sold on August 6, 2021, are presented as Discontinued Operations, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Kwidzyn was previously part of the Printing Papers business prior to its sale in August 2021. See the Kwidzyn Mill section below for further details regarding this sale.
The following summarizes the major classes of line items comprising Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings reconciled to Discontinued Operations, net of tax, related to the Sylvamo businesses and Kwidzyn for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 in the condensed consolidated statement of operations:
In millions
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Net Sales
$
800
$
2,416
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold
500
1,509
Selling and administrative expenses
92
214
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested
37
113
Distribution expenses
82
229
Taxes other than payroll and income taxes
7
24
Net (gains) losses on sales of fixed assets
(86)
(86)
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses
(360)
(360)
Interest expense, net
10
(19)
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings
518
792
Income tax provision (benefit)
86
154
Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes
$
432
$
638
The following summarizes the total cash provided by operations and total cash used for investing activities related to the Sylvamo businesses and Kwidzyn and included in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021:
In millions
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Cash Provided by (Used For) Operating Activities
$
290
Cash Provided by (Used For) Investment Activities
$
757
In anticipation of the spin-off, Sylvamo incurred $1.5 billion in debt during the third quarter of 2021 with the proceeds used for a distribution to the Company and other expenses associated with the transaction. The Company was an obligor of the debt prior to the spin-off as Sylvamo was a wholly-owned subsidiary. Subsequent to the distribution of the net assets, the Company was no longer an obligor of the Sylvamo debt. The $1.5 billion of borrowings was comprised of $450 million of 7.00% senior unsecured notes due 2029 issued in September 2021. It was also comprised of the senior secured credit facility that Sylvamo entered into in September 2021 which consisted of $450 million of borrowings related to its term loan “B” facility, $520 million of borrowings related to its term loan “F” facility, and the $100 million draw on its revolving credit facility which had a capacity of $450 million. Additionally, at the time of the spin-off in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company distributed $130 million to Sylvamo.
Kwidzyn Mill
2021: On August 6,2021, the Company completed the sale of its Kwidzyn, Poland mill for €669 million (approximately $794 million using the July 31, 2021 exchange rate) in cash. The business included the pulp and paper mill in Kwidzyn and supporting functions. During the third quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a net gain of $360 million ($350 million after taxes) including a gain of $404 million ($394 million after taxes) related to the sale of net assets and a loss of $44 million (before and after taxes) related to the cumulative foreign currency translation loss. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company incurred $9 million ($6 million after taxes) of costs related to the sale of Kwidzyn. All historical operating results for Kwidzyn have been presented as Discontinued Operations, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
2021: On May 31, 2021, the Company completed the sale of its 90.38% ownership interest in Olmuksan International Paper, a corrugated packaging business in Turkey, to Mondi Group for €66 million (approximately $81 million using the May 31, 2021 exchange rate). During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a net gain of$4 million (charge of $2 million after taxes) related to the business working capital adjustment and cumulative foreign currency translation loss.
In conjunction with the announced agreement in the fourth quarter of 2020, a determination was made that the current book value of the Olmuksan International Paper disposal group exceeded its estimated fair value of $79 million which was based on the agreed upon transaction price. As a result, a preliminary charge of $123 million (before and after taxes) was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2020.
Temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less and money market funds with greater than three month maturities but with the right to redeem without notices are treated as cash equivalents and are stated at cost. Temporary investments totaled $408 million and $1.1 billion at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Accounts and Notes Receivable
In millions
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Accounts and notes receivable, net:
Trade (less allowances of $29 in 2022 and $34 in 2021)
$
3,179
$
3,027
Other
274
205
Total
$
3,453
$
3,232
Inventories
In millions
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Raw materials
$
272
$
245
Finished pulp, paper and packaging
1,128
1,014
Operating supplies
492
486
Other
84
69
Total
$
1,976
$
1,814
Current Investments
As a result of the 2021 spin-off of Sylvamo, the Company retained 19.9% of the shares of Sylvamo with the intent to monetize its investment and provide additional proceeds to the Company. In April 2022, the Company exchanged 4,132,000 shares of Sylvamo common stock owned by the Company in exchange and as repayment for an approximately $144 million term loan obligation which resulted in the reversal of a $31 million deferred tax liability due to the tax-free exchange of the Sylvamo Corporation common stock. In September 2022, the Company exchanged the remaining 4,614,358 shares of Sylvamo common stock owned by the Company in exchange for $167 million and as partial repayment of a $210 million term loan obligation. This also resulted in the reversal of a $35 million deferred tax liability due to the tax-free exchange of the Sylvamo Corporation common stock. See Note 17 - Debt for further discussion.
As of September 30, 2022, the Company no longer had an ownership interest in Sylvamo. The Company's investment in Sylvamo was valued at $245 million at December 31, 2021, and was recorded in Current investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company accounted for its ownership interest in Sylvamo at fair value as an investment in equity securities.
Accumulated depreciation was $18.1 billion and $17.6 billion at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Depreciation expense was $250 million and $270 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $756 million and $790 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Non-cash additions to plants, properties and equipment included within accounts payable were $102 million and $106 million at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Amounts invested in capital projects in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows are presented net of insurance recoveries of $26 million received during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and $6 million received during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Interest
Interest payments made during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were $273 million and $346 million, respectively.
Amounts related to interest were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Interest expense
$
150
$
104
$
310
$
345
Interest income
27
22
44
84
Capitalized interest costs
5
3
13
8
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company had recorded liabilities of $105 million and $107 million related to asset retirement obligations at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
International Paper leases various real estate, including certain operating facilities, warehouses, office space and land. The Company also leases material handling equipment, vehicles, and certain other equipment. The Company's leases have a remaining lease term of up to 31 years. Total lease costs were $68 million and $61 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $192 million and $184 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases
In millions
Classification
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Assets
Operating lease assets
Right-of-use assets
$
387
$
365
Finance lease assets
Plants, properties and equipment, net (a)
51
57
Total leased assets
$
438
$
422
Liabilities
Current
Operating
Other current liabilities
$
141
$
132
Finance
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt
10
10
Noncurrent
Operating
Long-term lease obligations
251
236
Finance
Long-term debt
50
56
Total lease liabilities
$
452
$
434
(a)Finance leases are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $56 million and $51 million as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
The Company accounts for the following investments under the equity method of accounting.
Ilim S.A.
The Company has a 50% equity interest in Ilim S.A. (Ilim), which has subsidiaries whose primary operations are in Russia. The Company recorded equity earnings, net of taxes, of $64 million and $95 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively and $252 million and $245 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company received cash dividends from the joint venture of $204 million and $144 million during the first nine months of 2022 and 2021, respectively. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company's investment in Ilim, which is recorded in Long-Term Investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, was $736 million and $557 million, respectively, which was $129 million and $121 million, respectively, more than the Company's proportionate share of the joint venture's underlying net assets. The differences primarily relate to currency translation adjustments and the basis difference between the fair value of our investment at acquisition and the underlying net assets. As of September 30, 2022, there was $250 million of cumulative translation adjustment loss included within equity related to our Ilim investment. Prior to the spin-off of the Printing Papers segment on October 1, 2021, the Company was party to a joint marketing agreement with Ilim Group under which the Company purchased, marketed and sold paper produced by Ilim Group. Purchases under this agreement were $42 million and $125 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. The joint marketing agreement was conveyed to Sylvamo as part of the spin-off transaction on October 1, 2021. See Note 1 - Basis of Presentation for additional discussion regarding our Ilim investment.
Summarized financial information for Ilim is presented in the following tables:
Balance Sheet
In millions
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Current assets
892
$
1,010
Noncurrent assets
4,360
3,145
Current liabilities
1,457
1,212
Noncurrent liabilities
2,534
2,047
Noncontrolling interests
47
24
Income Statement
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Net sales
$
834
$
729
$
2,356
$
1,993
Gross profit
391
393
1,234
1,051
Income (loss) from continuing operations
129
190
501
498
Net income (loss)
124
182
486
481
The Company's remaining equity method investments are not material.
The following table presents changes in goodwill balances as allocated to each business segment for the nine-months ended September 30, 2022:
In millions
Industrial Packaging
Global Cellulose Fibers
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2022
Goodwill
$
3,426
$
52
$
3,478
Accumulated impairment losses
(296)
(52)
(348)
3,130
—
3,130
Currency translation and other (a)
(12)
—
(12)
Goodwill additions/reductions (b)
(2)
—
(2)
Accumulated impairment loss additions / reductions
—
—
—
Balance as of September 30, 2022
Goodwill
3,412
52
3,464
Accumulated impairment losses
(296)
(52)
(348)
Total
$
3,116
$
—
$
3,116
(a)Represents the effects of foreign currency translations.
(b)Represents a reduction from benefits generated by the deduction of goodwill amortization for tax purposes in the U.S.
Other Intangibles
Identifiable intangible assets are recorded in Deferred Charges and Other Assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet and comprised the following:
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
In millions
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Intangible Assets
Customer relationships and lists
$
486
$
294
$
192
$
493
$
273
$
220
Tradenames, patents and trademarks, and developed technology
170
143
27
170
131
39
Land and water rights
8
2
6
8
2
6
Other
22
18
4
24
21
3
Total
$
686
$
457
$
229
$
695
$
427
$
268
The Company recognized the following amounts as amortization expense related to intangible assets:
International Paper made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $287 million and $389 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The Company currently estimates, that as a result of ongoing discussions, pending tax settlements and expirations of statutes of limitations, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by approximately $28 million during the next 12 months.
In connection with sales of businesses, property, equipment, forestlands and other assets, International Paper commonly makes representations and warranties relating to such businesses or assets, and may agree to indemnify buyers with respect to tax and environmental liabilities, breaches of representations and warranties, and other matters. Where liabilities for such matters are determined to be probable and reasonably estimable, accrued liabilities are recorded at the time of sale as a cost of the transaction.
Brazil Goodwill Tax Matter: The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service has challenged the deductibility of goodwill amortization generated in a 2007 acquisition by Sylvamo do Brasil Ltda. ("Sylvamo Brazil"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, until the October 1, 2021 spin-off of the Printing Papers business after which it became a subsidiary of Sylvamo. Sylvamo Brazil received assessments for the tax years 2007-2015 totaling approximately $109 million in tax, and $346 million in interest, penalties, and fees as of September 30, 2022 (adjusted for variation in currency exchange rates). After an initial favorable ruling challenging the basis for these assessments, Sylvamo Brazil received subsequent unfavorable decisions from the Brazilian Administrative Council of Tax Appeals. Sylvamo Brazil has appealed these decisions and intends to appeal any future unfavorable administrative judgments to the Brazilian federal courts; however, this tax litigation matter may take many years to resolve. Sylvamo Brazil and International Paper believe the transaction underlying these assessments was appropriately evaluated, and that Sylvamo Brazil's tax position would be sustained, based on Brazilian tax law.
This matter pertains to a business that was conveyed to Sylvamo as of October 1, 2021, as part of our spin-off transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the tax matters agreement entered into between the Company and Sylvamo, the Company will pay 60% and Sylvamo will pay 40%, on up to $300 million of any assessment related to this matter, and the Company will pay all amounts of the assessment over $300 million. Under the terms of the agreement, decisions concerning the conduct of the litigation related to this matter, including strategy, settlement, pursuit and abandonment, will be made by the Company. Sylvamo thus has no control over any decision related to this ongoing litigation. The Company intends to vigorously defend this historic tax position against the current assessments and any similar assessments that may be issued for tax years subsequent to 2015. The Brazilian government may enact a tax amnesty program that would allow Sylvamo Brazil to resolve this dispute for less than the assessed amount. As of October 1, 2021, in connection with the recording of the distribution of assets and liabilities resulting from the spin-off transaction, the Company established a liability representing the initial fair value of the contingent liability under the tax matters agreement. The contingent liability was determined in accordance with ASC 460 "Guarantees" based on the probability weighting of various possible outcomes. The initial fair value estimate and recorded liability as of December 31, 2021 was $48 million and remains this amount at September 30, 2022. This liability will not be increased in subsequent periods unless facts and circumstances change such that an amount greater than the initial recognized liability becomes probable and estimable.
Environmental
The Company has been named as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in environmental remediation actions under various federal and state laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Many of these proceedings involve the cleanup of hazardous substances at large commercial landfills that received waste from many different sources. While joint and several liability is authorized under CERCLA and equivalent state laws, as a practical matter, liability for CERCLA cleanups is typically allocated among the many PRPs. There are other remediation costs typically associated with the cleanup of hazardous substances at the Company’s current, closed or formerly-owned facilities, and recorded as liabilities in the balance sheet.
Remediation costs are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they become probable and reasonably estimable. International Paper has estimated the probable liability associated with these environmental remediation matters, including those described herein, to be approximately $198 million ($206 million undiscounted) in the aggregate as of September 30, 2022. Other than as described below, completion of required environmental remedial actions is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Cass Lake: One of the matters included above arises out of a closed wood-treatment facility located in Cass Lake, Minnesota. In June 2011, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected and published a proposed soil remedy at the site with an estimated cost of $46 million. In April 2020, the EPA issued a final plan concerning clean-up standards at a portion of the site, the estimated cost of which is included within the soil remedy referenced above.
Kalamazoo River: The Company is a PRP with respect to the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site in Michigan. The EPA asserts that the site is contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) primarily as a result of
discharges from various paper mills located along the Kalamazoo River, including a paper mill formerly owned by St. Regis Paper Company (St. Regis). The Company is a successor in interest to St. Regis.
•Operable Unit 5, Area 1: In March 2016, the Company and other PRPs received a special notice letter from the EPA (i) inviting participation in implementing a remedy for a portion of the site known as Operable Unit 5, Area 1, and (ii) demanding reimbursement of EPA past costs totaling $37 million, including $19 millionin past costs previously demanded by the EPA. The Company responded to the special notice letter. In December 2016, the EPA issued a unilateral administrative order to the Company and other PRPs to perform the remedy. The Company responded to the unilateral administrative order, agreeing to comply with the order subject to its sufficient cause defenses.
•Operable Unit 1: In October 2016, the Company and another PRP received a special notice letter from the EPA inviting participation in the remedial design component of the landfill remedy for the Allied Paper Mill, which is also known as Operable Unit 1. The Record of Decision (ROD) establishing the final landfill remedy for the Allied Paper Mill was issued by the EPA in September 2016. The Company responded to the Allied Paper Mill special notice letter in December 2016. In February 2017, the EPA informed the Company that it would make other arrangements for the performance of the remedial design.
In addition, in December 2019, the United States published notice in the Federal Register of a proposed consent decree with NCR Corporation (one of the parties to the allocation/apportionment litigation described below), the State of Michigan and natural resource trustees under which NCR would make payments of more than $100 million and perform work in Operable Unit 5, Areas 2, 3, and 4 at an estimated cost of $136 million. In December 2020, the Federal District Court approved the proposed consent decree.
The Company’s CERCLA liability has not been finally determined with respect to these or any other portions of the site, and except as noted above, the Company has declined to perform any work or reimburse the EPA at this time. As noted below, the Company is involved in allocation/apportionment litigation with regard to the site. Accordingly, it is premature to predict the outcome or estimate our maximum reasonably possible loss or range of loss with respect to this site. We have recorded a liability for future remediation costs at the site that are probable and reasonably estimable, and it remains reasonably possible that additional losses in excess of this recorded liability could be material.
The Company was named as a defendant by Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP, Fort James Corporation and Georgia Pacific LLC (collectively, GP) in a contribution and cost recovery action for alleged pollution at the site. NCR Corporation and Weyerhaeuser Company are also named as defendants in the suit. The suit seeks contribution under CERCLA for costs purportedly expended by plaintiffs ($79 million as of the filing of the complaint) and for future remediation costs. In June 2018, the Court issued its Final Judgment and Order, which fixed the past cost amount at approximately $50 million (plus interest to be determined) and allocated to the Company a 15% share of responsibility for those past costs. The Court did not address responsibility for future costs in its decision. In July 2018, the Company and each of the other parties filed notices appealing the Final Judgment and prior orders incorporated into that Judgment. On April 25, 2022, the appellate court reversed the Judgment of the Court, finding that the suit against the Company was time-barred by the applicable statute of limitations.
Harris County:International Paper and McGinnis Industrial Maintenance Corporation (MIMC), a subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc. (WMI), are PRPs at the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site in Harris County, Texas. The PRPs have been actively participating in the activities at the site and share the costs of these activities.
In October 2017, the EPA issued a ROD selecting the final remedy for the site: removal and relocation of the waste material from both the northern and southern impoundments. The EPA did not specify the methods or practices needed to perform this work. The EPA’s selected remedy was accompanied by a cost estimate of approximately $115 million ($105 million for the northern impoundment, and $10 million for the southern impoundment). Subsequent to the issuance of the ROD, there have been numerous meetings between the EPA and the PRPs, and the Company continues to work with the EPA and MIMC/WMI to develop the remedial design.
To this end, in April 2018, the PRPs entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the EPA, agreeing to work together to develop the remedial design for the northern impoundment. That remedial design work is ongoing. The AOC does not include any agreement to perform waste removal or other construction activity at the site. Rather, it involves adaptive management techniques and a pre-design investigation, the objectives of which include filling data gaps (including but not limited to post-Hurricane Harvey technical data generated prior to the ROD and not incorporated into the selected remedy), refining areas and volumes of materials to be addressed, determining if an excavation remedy is able to be implemented in a manner protective of human health and the environment, and investigating potential impacts of remediation activities to infrastructure in the vicinity.
During the first quarter of 2020, through a series of meetings among the Company, MIMC/WMI, our consultants, the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), progress was made to resolve key technical issues previously preventing the Company from determining the manner in which the selected remedy for the northern impoundment would be feasibly implemented. As a result of these developments, the Company reserved the following amounts in relation to remediation at this site: (a) $10 million for the southern impoundment; and (b) $55 million for the northern impoundment, which represents the Company's 50% share of our estimate of the low end of the range of probable remediation costs.
We submitted the Final Design Package for the southern impoundment to the EPA, and the EPA approved this plan May 7, 2021. The EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order for Remedial Action of the southern impoundment on August 5, 2021. An addendum to the Final 100% Remedial Design (Amended April 2021) was submitted to the EPA for the southern impoundment on June 2, 2022. This addendum incorporated additional data collected to date which indicated that additional waste material removal will be required, lengthening the time to complete the remedial action. The Company's reserve as of September 30, 2022 was $25 million.
With respect to the northern impoundment, the respondents continue remedial design, with the 90% remedial design due to EPA on November 8, 2022. While several key technical issues have been resolved, we still face significant challenges remediating this area in a cost-efficient manner and without a release to the environment, and therefore our discussions with the EPA on the best approach to remediation will continue. Because of ongoing questions regarding cost effectiveness, timing and gathering other technical data, additional losses in excess of our recorded liability are possible. We are currently unable to reasonably estimate any further adjustment to our recorded liability or any loss or range of loss in excess of such liability; however, we believe it is unlikely any adjustment would be material.
Asbestos-Related Matters
We have been named as a defendant in various asbestos-related personal injury litigation, in both state and federal court, primarily in relation to the prior operations of certain companies previously acquired by the Company. As of September 30, 2022, the Company's total recorded liability with respect to pending and future asbestos-related claims was $104 million, net of estimated insurance recoveries. While it is reasonably possible that the Company may incur losses in excess of its recorded liability with respect to asbestos-related matters, we are unable to estimate any loss or range of loss in excess of such liability, and do not believe additional material losses are probable.
Antitrust
In March 2017, the Italian Competition Authority (ICA) commenced an investigation into the Italian packaging industry to determine whether producers of corrugated sheets and boxes violated the applicable European competition law. In April 2019, the ICA concluded its investigation and issued initial findings alleging that over 30 producers, including our Italian packaging subsidiary (IP Italy), improperly coordinated the production and sale of corrugated sheets and boxes. On August 6, 2019, the ICA issued its decision and assessed IP Italy a fine of €29 million (approximately $28 million at current exchange rates) which was recorded in the third quarter of 2019. We appealed the ICA decision and our appeal was denied on May 25, 2021. However, we continue to believe we have numerous and strong bases to challenge the ICA decision, and we have further appealed the decision to the Italian Council of State.
General
The Company is involved in various other inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to environmental and safety matters, personal injury, product liability, labor and employment, contracts, sales of property, intellectual property, tax, and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. Assessments of lawsuits and claims can involve a series of complex judgments about future events, can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions, and are otherwise subject to significant uncertainties. As a result, there can be no certainty that the Company will not ultimately incur charges in excess of presently recorded liabilities. The Company believes that loss contingencies arising from pending matters including the matters described herein, will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or liquidity of the Company. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in pending or threatened legal matters, some of which are beyond the Company's control, and the large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, a future adverse ruling, settlement, unfavorable development, or increase in accruals with respect to these matters could result in future charges that could be material to the Company's results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period.
As of September 30, 2022, the fair value of the Timber Notes and Extension Loans for the 2007 Financing Entities was $2.3 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. The Timber Notes and Extension Loans are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 17 in the Company’s Annual Report.
The Timber Notes of $2.3 billion and the Extension Loans of $2.1 billion both mature in 2027 and are shown in Long-term nonrecourse financial assets of variable interest entities and Long-term nonrecourse financial liabilities of variable interest entities, respectively, on the accompanying balance sheet.
Activity between the Company and the 2007 Financing Entities was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Revenue (a)
$
23
$
5
$
36
$
18
Expense (b)
18
6
34
18
Cash receipts (c)
8
1
11
4
Cash payments (d)
11
4
21
12
(a)The revenue is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying statement of operations and includes approximately $5 million and $14 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of accretion income for the amortization of the basis difference adjustment on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
(b)The expense is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying statement of operations and includes approximately $2 million and $5 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of accretion expense for the amortization of the basis difference adjustment on the Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
(c)The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
(d)The cash payments are interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
In August 2021, the Timber Notes of $4.8 billion and the Extension Loans of $4.2 billion related to the 2015 Financing Entities both matured. We settled the Extension Loans at their maturity with the proceeds from the Timber Notes. This resulted in cash proceeds of approximately $630 million representing our equity in the variable interest entities. Maturity of the installment notes and termination of the monetization structure also resulted in a $72 million tax liability that was paid in the fourth quarter of 2021.
On September 2, 2022, the Company and the Internal Revenue Service agreed to settle the previously disclosed timber monetization restructuring tax matter. Under this agreement, the Company will fully resolve the matter and pay $252 million in U.S. federal income taxes. As a result, interest will also be charged upon closing of the audit. The amount of interest expense recognized through September 30, 2022 is $52 million. As of September 30, 2022, $89 million in U.S. federal income taxes and $28 million in interest expense have been paid as a result of the settlement agreement. The remaining $163 million U.S. federal income tax liability and $24 million accrued interest liability are recorded as current liabilities in the balance sheet. As part of the settlement with the Internal Revenue Service, the $72 million tax payment discussed in the preceding paragraph was applied to the 2022 U.S. federal estimated tax payments. The reversal of the Company’s remaining deferred tax liability associated with the 2015 Financing Entities of $604 million was recognized as a one-time tax benefit in the third quarter of 2022.
Activity between the Company and the 2015 Financing Entities for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was as follows:
In millions
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Revenue (a)
$
14
$
61
Expense (a)
8
34
Cash receipts (b)
48
95
Cash payments (c)
24
38
(a)The revenue and expense are included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying statement of operations.
(b)The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
(c)The cash payments represent interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
The borrowing capacity of the Company's commercial paper program is $1.0 billion supported by its $1.5 billion credit agreement. Under the terms of the program, individual maturities on borrowings may vary, but not exceed one year from the date of issue. Interest bearing notes may be issued either as fixed or floating rate notes. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had $260 million outstanding under the program with remaining capacity available of $740 million. As of September 30, 2022, the remaining credit agreement capacity was $1.2 billion.
At September 30, 2022, International Paper’s credit facilities totaled $2.0 billion. The Agreements generally provide for interest rates at a floating rate index plus a pre-determined margin dependent upon International Paper’s credit rating. The Agreements include a $1.5 billion contractually committed bank facility with a maturity date of June 2026. The liquidity facilities also previously included up to $550 million of uncommitted financings based on eligible receivables balances under a receivables securitization program that had an expiration date in April 2022. The receivables securitization program was renewed on April 27, 2022 with up to $500 million of uncommitted financings based on eligible receivables balances with the expiration date in April 2024. At September 30, 2022, there were no borrowings outstanding under either the bank facility or receivables securitization program.
During the first quarter of 2022, the Company issued approximately $88 million of debt with an interest rate of 2.65% and a maturity date of 2037. The proceeds from this issuance were used to repay approximately $88 million of outstanding debt that matured on April 1, 2022.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company borrowed approximately $144 million under a term loan credit agreement with a third party lender. Subsequently, the Company exchanged 4,132,000 shares of Sylvamo common stock owned by the Company in exchange and as repayment of the approximately $144 million term loan obligation.
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company borrowed approximately $210 million under a term loan credit agreement with a third party lender. Subsequently, the Company repaid $167 million of the term loan with an exchange of 4,614,358 shares of Sylvamo common stock owned by the Company. The remainder of the term loan was repaid with cash. In addition, during the third quarter of 2022, the Company issued approximately $50 million of debt with a variable rate of interest and a maturity date of 2027. Moreover, as a result of a tender offer which was completed in September 2022, the Company had early debt reductions of $498 million related to debt with interest rates ranging from 6.40% to 8.70% and maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2039. In addition to debt activity noted above, the Company had debt reductions of $14 million during the first nine months of 2022 related primarily to open market debt repurchases, and decreases in the amount of capital leases and international debt.
The Company’s financial covenants require the maintenance of a minimum net worth, as defined in our debt agreements, of $9 billion and a total debt-to-capital ratio of less than 60%. Net worth is defined as the sum of common stock, paid-in capital and retained earnings, less treasury stock plus any cumulative goodwill impairment charges. The calculation also excludes accumulated other comprehensive income/loss and both the current and long-term Nonrecourse Financial Liabilities of Variable Interest Entities. The total debt-to-capital ratio is defined as total debt divided by the sum of total debt plus net worth. As of September 30, 2022, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.
At September 30, 2022, the fair value of International Paper’s $5.4 billion of debt was approximately $4.9 billion. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. International Paper’s long-term debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 17 in the Company’s Annual Report.
As a multinational company, International Paper is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
The notional amounts of qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
In millions
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
The following table shows gains or losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax, related to derivative instruments:
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contracts
$
—
$
(4)
$
—
$
3
Total
$
—
$
(4)
$
—
$
3
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contracts
$
—
$
6
$
—
$
18
Total
$
—
$
6
$
—
$
18
During the next 12 months, none of the September 30, 2022 AOCI balance, after tax, is expected to be reclassified to earnings.
The amounts of gains and losses recognized in the statement of operations on qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI Into Income (Effective Portion)
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Interest rate contracts
$
(2)
$
—
$
(2)
$
—
Cost of products sold
Foreign exchange contracts
—
8
—
9
Discontinued operations, net of taxes
Total
$
(2)
$
8
$
(2)
$
9
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
Location of Gain (Loss) In Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Electricity contract
$
1
$
6
$
12
$
13
Cost of products sold
Foreign exchange contracts
—
5
—
(1)
Cost of products sold
Total
$
1
$
11
$
12
$
12
Fair Value Measurements
The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during the year. Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
The following table provides a summary of the impact of our derivative instruments in the balance sheet:
Fair Value Measurements
Level 2 – Significant Other Observable Inputs
Assets
In millions
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Electricity contract
$
14
$
10
Total derivatives
$
14
(a)
$
10
(b)
(a)Includes $14 million recorded in Other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
(b)Includes $6 million recorded in Other current assets and $4 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The above contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide rights of offset with each counterparty when amounts are payable on the same date in the same currency or in the case of certain specified defaults. Management has made an accounting policy election to not offset the fair value of recognized derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the balance sheet. The amounts owed to the counterparties and owed to the Company are considered immaterial with respect to each counterparty and in the aggregate with all counterparties.
International Paper sponsors and maintains the Retirement Plan of International Paper Company (the Pension Plan), a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan that provides retirement benefits to substantially all hourly and union employees who work at a participating business unit. The Pension Plan was frozen as of January 1, 2019 for salaried participants.
The Pension Plan provides defined pension benefits based on years of credited service and either final average earnings (salaried employees and hourly employees receiving salaried benefits), hourly job rates or specified benefit rates (hourly and union employees).
Net periodic pension expense (income) for our qualified and nonqualified U.S. defined benefit plans comprised the following:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Service cost
$
21
$
26
$
64
$
78
Interest cost
85
84
254
251
Expected return on plan assets
(162)
(177)
(487)
(543)
Actuarial loss
21
35
65
114
Amortization of prior service cost
6
5
17
16
Net periodic pension expense (income)
$
(29)
$
(27)
$
(87)
$
(84)
The components of net periodic pension expense (income) other than the Service cost component are included in Non-operating pension expense (income) in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The Company’s funding policy for our pension plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet legal funding requirements, plus any additional amounts that the Company may determine to be appropriate considering the funded status of the plan, tax deductibility, the cash flows generated by the Company, and other factors. The Company made no voluntary cash contributions to the qualified pension plan in the first nine months of 2022 or 2021. The nonqualified defined benefit plans are funded to the extent of benefit payments, which totaled $16 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
The Company has an Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) which is administered by the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee). The ICP authorizes the grants of restricted stock, restricted or deferred stock units, performance awards payable in cash or stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals, dividend equivalents, stock options, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards at the discretion of the Committee. As of September 30, 2022, 7.3 million shares were available for grant under the ICP.
Stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefits were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)
$
26
$
42
$
98
$
103
Income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation
At September 30, 2022, $113 million, net of estimated forfeitures, of compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future service had not yet been recognized. This amount will be recognized in expense over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
Performance Share Plan
During the first nine months of 2022, the Company granted 1.9 million performance units at an average grant date fair value of $50.32.
International Paper’s business segments, Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers, are consistent with the internal structure used to manage these businesses. Both segments are differentiated on a common product, common customer basis consistent with the business segmentation generally used in the Forest Products industry. On October 1, 2021, the Company completed the previously announced spin-off of its Printing Papers business into a new, publicly-traded company, Sylvamo, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Additionally, on August 6, 2021, the Company completed the sale of its Kwidzyn, Poland mill which included the pulp and paper mill in Kwidzyn and supporting functions. As a result of the Sylvamo spin-off and the sale of Kwidzyn, the Company no longer has a Printing Papers segment, and all prior year amounts have been adjusted to reflect the Sylvamo and Kwidzyn businesses as a discontinued operation.
Business segment operating profits are used by International Paper's management to measure the earnings performance of its businesses. Management believes that this measure allows a better understanding of trends in costs, operating efficiencies, prices and volumes. Business segment operating profits are defined as earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings, but including the impact of less than wholly owned subsidiaries, and excluding interest expense, net, corporate expenses, net, corporate net special items, business net special items and non-operating pension expense.
Net sales by business segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Industrial Packaging
$
4,385
$
4,111
$
13,282
$
12,071
Global Cellulose Fibers
887
740
2,385
2,015
Corporate and Intersegment Sales
130
63
361
191
Net Sales
$
5,402
$
4,914
$
16,028
$
14,277
Operating profit (loss) by business segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Industrial Packaging
$
369
$
414
$
1,326
$
1,224
Global Cellulose Fibers
95
76
71
(4)
Business Segment Operating Profits
$
464
490
$
1,397
1,220
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
$
313
$
397
$
1,189
$
955
Interest expense, net
123
82
266
261
Adjustment for less than wholly owned subsidiaries
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Form 10-Q") and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (our "Annual Report"). In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include those discussed below and in our Annual Report, particularly under "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" of this Form 10-Q and our Annual Report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company's common shareholders were $951 million ($2.64 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with $511 million ($1.38 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2022 and $864 million ($2.20 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2021. The Company generated Adjusted operating earnings attributable to its common shareholders (a non-GAAP measure defined below) of $364 million ($1.01 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2022, compared with $459 million ($1.24 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2022 and $431 million ($1.10 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2021.
During the third quarter 2022, International Paper’s earnings were significantly impacted by a challenging macroeconomic environment, resulting in a sharp decline in demand related to our Industrial Packaging segment, and significant cost headwinds from higher energy and distribution costs. As we entered the third quarter 2022, we recognized there were considerable macroeconomic uncertainties ahead of us, however these trends significantly shifted roughly mid-way through the third quarter, creating stronger headwinds than expected. Demand for packaging continued to weaken in the third quarter 2022 across all channels and all end-use segments as consumers reduced their spending for goods, focusing more on non-discretionary products and services. In addition, we saw our customers, and the broader retail channel, continue to manage through elevated inventories which further impacted demand for packaging in the third quarter 2022. The large decline in volume also significantly impacted operating costs as we adjusted our system to align our production with customer demand. This resulted in approximately 400,000 tons of economic downtime across the system resulting in high unabsorbed fixed costs and a sub-optimized system. Despite these macroeconomic challenges, fluff pulp demand was stable, and our Global Cellulose business generated strong earnings growth to deliver cost-of-capital returns in the third quarter 2022. On capital allocation, we returned $434 million to shareowners in the third quarter 2022, including $269 million of share repurchases. We have returned approximately $1.6 billion of cash to shareowners so far this year. Additionally, in October 2022, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $1.5 billion of share repurchases, in addition to amounts previously authorized and available.
Comparing our performance in the third quarter 2022 to the second quarter 2022, price and mix improved, driven by continued price realization from prior period increases in both our North American Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses. Volume was lower in our North American Industrial Packaging business as a result of softer demand across all channels, while volume improved in our Global Cellulose Fibers business on improved supply chain velocity. Operations and costs were significantly higher in our North American Industrial Packaging business on the non-repeat of favorable one-time items from the second quarter 2022, along with significant economic downtime, higher distribution costs and other inflation driven cost increases. Operations and costs were relatively flat in our Global Cellulose Fibers business. Maintenance outages were sequentially lower in both business segments coming off of the heavy maintenance outage activity in the second quarter 2022. Input costs continued to be a significant headwind with sequentially unfavorable costs in both business segments, driven by higher energy and chemicals, partially offset by lower recovered fiber costs in our North American Industrial Packaging business.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter 2022, as compared to the third quarter 2022, in our Industrial Packaging business, we expect price and mix to be lower due to the export market. Volume is expected to be lower on four fewer shipping days, partially offset by seasonally higher produce volume in our EMEA Packaging business. The traditional seasonal increase in volume from holiday demand is not expected to be as strong this year. Operations and costs are expected to be significantly higher due to unabsorbed fixed costs on lower volumes, higher seasonal energy costs, along with further inflation on materials and services. Maintenance outage expense is expected to be flat relative to the third quarter 2022. Input costs are expected to be lower driven by lower fiber and energy costs. In our Global Cellulose Fibers business, we expect price and mix to improve on price realization from prior period increases. Volume is expected to be lower on timing of shipments through the supply chain. Operations and costs are expected to be stable while maintenance outage expenses are expected to increase. Input costs are expected to increase, primarily related to energy costs at our converting operation in Poland.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, including current and future sanctions, actions by the Russian government, and associated domestic and global economic and geopolitical conditions, have affected and could materially and adversely affect our Ilim joint venture and could otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We are unable to predict the full impact of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, sanctions that have been imposed to date or that may in the future be imposed, geopolitical instability and the possibility of broadened military conflict may have on us or our Ilim joint venture, including whether our Ilim joint venture may be able to continue to pay dividends to us. We continue to actively explore strategic options with respect to the Ilim joint venture, including a sale of our 50% equity interest in Ilim. While we may sell our equity interests in the Ilim joint venture, we cannot be certain if and when this may occur, or the impact that possible disruptions in the capital markets, negative macroeconomic conditions, or conditions associated with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, could have on the value of and our ability to sell our equity interest in the Ilim joint venture and the timing of any such sale.
Adjusted operating earnings and Adjusted operating earnings per share are non-GAAP measures and are defined as net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper (a GAAP measure) excluding discontinued operations, net special items and non-operating pension expense (income). Net earnings (loss) and Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders are the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The Company calculates Adjusted operating earnings by excluding the after-tax effect of discontinued operations, non-operating pension expense (income) and items considered by management to be unusual or otherwise not reflective of on-going operations (net special items) from net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders reported under GAAP. Adjusted operating earnings per share is calculated by dividing Adjusted operating earnings by diluted average shares of common stock outstanding. Management uses these measures to focus on on-going operations, and believes that these measures are useful to investors because such measures enable investors to perform meaningful comparisons of past and present consolidated operating results. The Company believes that using this information, along with the most directly comparable GAAP measures, provide for a more complete analysis of the results of operations.
The following are reconciliations of Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders to Adjusted operating earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders on a total and per share basis. Additional detail is provided later in this Form 10-Q regarding the net special items expense (income) referenced in the charts below.
Three Months Ended September 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders
$
951
$
864
$
511
Less - Discontinued operations (gain) loss
—
(432)
—
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to shareholders
951
432
511
Add back - Non-operating pension expense (income)
(48)
(50)
(47)
Add back - Net special items expense (income)
117
49
18
Income tax effect - Non-operating pension and net special items expense (income)
(656)
—
(23)
Adjusted operating earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders
$
364
$
431
$
459
Three Months Ended September 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to shareholders
$
2.64
$
2.20
$
1.38
Less - Discontinued operations (gain) loss per share
—
(1.10)
—
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to shareholders
2.64
1.10
1.38
Add back - Non-operating pension expense (income) per share
(0.13)
(0.12)
(0.13)
Add back - Net special items expense (income) per share
0.32
0.12
0.05
Income tax effect per share - Non-operating pension and net special items expense (income)
(1.82)
—
(0.06)
Adjusted operating earnings (loss) per share attributable to shareholders
$
1.01
$
1.10
$
1.24
Cash provided by operations totaled $1.4 billion and $1.9 billion for the first nine months of 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company generated free cash flow of approximately $804 million and $1.6 billion in the first nine months of 2022 and 2021, respectively. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure and the most directly comparable GAAP measure is cash provided by operations. Management utilizes this measure in connection with managing our business and believes that free cash flow is useful to investors as a liquidity measure because it measures the amount of cash generated that is available, after reinvesting in
the business, to maintain a strong balance sheet, pay dividends, repurchase stock, service debt and make investments for future growth. It should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. By adjusting for certain items that are not indicative of the Company's ongoing performance, we believe that free cash flow also enables investors to perform meaningful comparisons between past and present periods.
The following is a reconciliation of cash provided by operations to free cash flow:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
Cash provided by operations
$
1,413
$
1,923
Adjustments:
Cash invested in capital projects, net of insurance recoveries
(609)
(348)
Free Cash Flow
$
804
$
1,575
The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this Form 10-Q as referenced above have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of our results calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because not all companies utilize identical calculations, the Company's presentation of non-GAAP measures in this Form 10-Q may not be comparable to similarly titled measures disclosed by other companies, including companies in the same industry as the Company.
For the third quarter of 2022, International Paper reported net sales of $5.4 billion, compared with $5.4 billion in the second quarter of 2022 and $4.9 billion in the third quarter of 2021.
Net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper totaled $951 million, or $2.64 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2022. This compared with $511 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2022 and $864 million, or $2.20 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2021.
Compared with the second quarter of 2022, earnings benefited from higher average sales prices net of an unfavorable mix ($114 million), lower mill maintenance outage costs ($48 million), lower corporate and other items ($9 million), lower net interest expense ($5 million), lower tax expense ($12 million) and lower non-operating pension expense ($1 million). These benefits
were offset by lower sales volumes ($20 million), higher operating costs ($176 million) and higher raw material and freight costs ($57 million). Equity earnings, net of taxes, relating to International Paper’s investments in Ilim and other investments were $30 million lower in the third quarter of 2022 than in the second quarter of 2022. Net special items in the third quarter of 2022 were a gain of $551 million compared with a gain of $17 million in the second quarter of 2022.
Compared with the third quarter of 2021, the third quarter of 2022 reflects higher average sales prices and a favorable mix ($473 million) and lower net interest expense ($12 million). These benefits were offset by lower sales volumes ($24 million), higher operating costs ($209 million), higher raw material and freight costs ($247 million), higher mill maintenance outage costs ($15 million), higher corporate and other costs ($2 million), higher tax expense ($24 million) and higher non-operating pension expense ($2 million). Equity earnings, net of taxes, relating to International Paper’s investments in Ilim and other investments were $31 million lower in the third quarter of 2022 than in the third quarter of 2021. Net special items in the third quarter of 2022 were a gain of $551 million compared with a loss of $37 million in the third quarter of 2021.
Business segment operating profits are used by International Paper's management to measure the earnings performance of its businesses. Management uses this measure to focus on on-going operations, and believes that it is useful to investors because it enables them to perform meaningful comparisons of past and present operating results. International Paper believes that using this information, along with net earnings, provides a more complete analysis of the results of operations by quarter. Business segment operating profits are defined as earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings, but including the impact of less than wholly owned subsidiaries, and excluding interest expense, net, corporate expenses, net, corporate net special items, business net special items and non-operating pension expense. Business segment operating profits is a measure reported to our management for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to our business segments and assessing the performance of our business segments and is presented in our financial statement footnotes in accordance with ASC 280.
The Company currently operates in two segments: Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper Company to its Total business segment operating profit:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
June 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
Net Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to International Paper Company
$
951
$
432
$
511
Add back (deduct):
Income tax provision (benefit)
(575)
59
96
Equity (earnings) loss, net of taxes
(63)
(94)
(93)
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings
313
397
514
Interest expense, net
123
82
74
Less than wholly owned subsidiaries included in operations
(1)
(1)
(1)
Corporate expenses, net
15
13
27
Corporate net special items
62
49
18
Non-operating pension expense (income)
(48)
(50)
(47)
Adjusted Operating Profit
$
464
$
490
$
585
Business Segment Operating Profit (Loss):
Industrial Packaging
$
369
$
414
$
560
Global Cellulose Fibers
95
76
25
Total Business Segment Operating Profit
$
464
$
490
$
585
Business Segment Operating Profit
Total business segment operating profits were $464 million in the third quarter of 2022, $585 million in the second quarter of 2022 and $490 million in the third quarter of 2021.
Compared with the second quarter of 2022, operating profits benefited from higher average sales prices net of an unfavorable mix ($151 million) and lower mill outage costs ($63 million). These benefits were offset by lower sales volumes ($27 million), higher operating costs ($233 million) and higher raw material and freight costs ($75 million).
Compared with the third quarter of 2021, operating profits in the current quarter benefited from higher average sales prices and a favorable mix ($556 million). These benefits were offset by lower sales volumes ($28 million), higher operating costs ($246 million), higher raw material and freight costs ($290 million) and higher mill outage costs ($18 million).
Sales Volumes by Product (a)
Sales volumes of major products for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In thousands of short tons (except as noted)
2022
2021
2022
2021
Industrial Packaging
Corrugated Packaging (b)
2,522
2,689
7,759
8,106
Containerboard
677
710
2,096
2,118
Recycling
546
521
1,645
1,647
Saturated Kraft
51
45
146
140
Gypsum/Release Kraft
66
56
184
179
EMEA Packaging (b)
297
334
1,019
1,179
Industrial Packaging
4,159
4,355
12,849
13,369
Global Cellulose Fibers (in thousands of metric tons) (c)
750
748
2,182
2,246
(a)Sales volumes include third party and inter-segment sales and exclude sales of equity investees.
(b)Volumes for corrugated box sales reflect consumed tons sold (CTS). Board sales for these businesses reflect invoiced tons.
(c)Includes North American volumes and internal sales to mills.
On October 1, 2021, the Company completed the previously announced spin-off of its Printing Papers business along with certain mixed-use coated paperboard and pulp businesses in North America, France and Russia into a standalone, publicly-traded company, Sylvamo. On August 6, 2021, the Company completed the sale of its Kwidzyn, Poland mill which included the pulp and paper mill in Kwidzyn and supporting functions. As a result of the Sylvamo spin-off and sale of Kwidzyn, the Company no longer has a Printing Papers business segment, and all historical results have been adjusted to reflect the Kwidzyn and the Printing Papers business and other businesses conveyed to Sylvamo as discontinued operations. See Note 9 - Divestitures and Impairments of Item 1. Financial Statements for further discussion.
Discontinued operations include the operating earnings of the businesses noted above. Discontinued operations also includes after-tax net special items income of $331 million and $338 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
Foreign and state taxes related to Printing Papers spin-off
—
27
—
27
Total
$
(379)
$
(331)
$
(400)
$
(338)
Income Taxes
An income tax benefit of $575 million was recorded for the third quarter of 2022 and the reported effective income tax rate was (184)%. Excluding a benefit of $668 million related to the tax effects of net special items and expense of $12 million related to the tax effects of non-operating pension expense, the effective income tax rate was 21% for the quarter. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2022 was lower than the prior quarter primarily due to the tax-free exchange of a portion of the Company’s shares of Sylvamo Corporation, the settlement of the timber monetization restructuring tax matter with the Internal Revenue Service and a reduction in the forecasted annual effective tax rate including additional tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act.
An income tax provision of $96 million was recorded for the second quarter of 2022 and the reported effective income tax rate was 19%. Excluding a benefit of $35 million related to the tax effects of net special items and expense of $12 million related to the tax effects of non-operating pension expense, the effective income tax rate was 25% for the quarter. The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2022 was lower than the first quarter of 2022 due to the tax-free exchange of a portion of the Company’s shares of Sylvamo Corporation.
An income tax provision of $59 million was recorded for the third quarter of 2021 and the reported effective income tax rate was 15%. Excluding a benefit of $12 million related to the tax effects of net special items and expense of $12 million related to the tax effects of non-operating pension expense, the effective income tax rate was 15% for the quarter. The tax rate in the third quarter of 2021 was lower than the prior two quarters in 2021 primarily as a result of tax benefits recognized after the finalization of the 2020 U.S. federal income tax return, and the impact of lower tax expense associated with the sale of our Kwidzyn, Poland mill.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense was $123 million in the third quarter of 2022, compared with $74 million in the second quarter of 2022 and $82 million in the third quarter of 2021. The third quarter of 2022 includes $55 million of interest expense related to the previously announced settlement of the timber monetization restructuring tax matter.
The following tables present net sales and business segment operating profit (loss) which is the Company's measure of segment profitability.
Industrial Packaging
Total Industrial Packaging
2022
2021
In millions
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
Nine Months
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
Nine Months
Sales
$
4,385
$
4,491
$
13,282
$
4,111
$
4,030
$
12,071
Operating Profit (Loss)
$
369
$
560
$
1,326
$
414
$
389
$
1,224
Industrial Packaging net sales for the third quarter of 2022 were 2% lower compared with the second quarter of 2022 and 7% higher compared with the third quarter of 2021. Operating profit was 34% lower in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the second quarter of 2022 and 11% lower compared with the third quarter of 2021.
North American Industrial Packaging
2022
2021
In millions
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
Nine Months
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
Nine Months
Sales (a)
$
4,055
$
4,126
$
12,206
$
3,814
$
3,663
$
11,037
Operating Profit (Loss)
$
387
$
550
$
1,337
$
418
$
377
$
1,190
(a)Includes intra-segment sales of $25 million and $34 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively; $48 million and $27 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively; and $102 million and $87 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
North American Industrial Packaging sales volumes in the third quarter of 2022 were lower compared to the second quarter of 2022 for corrugated boxes in all segments driven by the macroeconomic environment reflecting lower consumer spending on goods and retailer inventory destocking. Export and domestic containerboard volumes were also lower. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 391,000 short tons higher in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the second quarter of 2022, due to economic downtime. Average sales margins were higher reflecting higher average sales prices for boxes and containerboard. Operating costs were higher driven by economic downtime and inflation. Distribution costs increased. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $37 million lower in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the second quarter of 2022. Input costs were higher as higher energy costs were partially offset by lower recovered fiber costs. Second quarter 2022 results were impacted by some favorable one-time items that did not repeat in the third quarter.
Compared with the third quarter of 2021, sales volumes in the third quarter of 2022 were lower for corrugated boxes and domestic containerboard but increased for export containerboard. Sales volumes for corrugated boxes were lower reflecting inflation impacts on consumer spending. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 450,000 short tons higher in the third quarter of 2022, primarily due to economic downtime. Average sales prices for boxes and containerboard were higher reflecting previous price increases. Operating costs increased, driven by economic downtime and inflation. Distribution costs increased. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $21 million higher in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the third quarter of 2021. Input costs were significantly higher driven by energy, chemicals and freight, partially offset by lower recovered fiber costs.
Entering the fourth quarter of 2022, sales volumes are expected to be lower compared to the third quarter of 2022 including the impact of four less shipping days. Average sales margins are expected to be lower. Operating costs are expected to be higher. Planned maintenance downtime costs are expected to be slightly lower in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared with the third quarter of 2022. Input costs are expected to be lower.
EMEA Industrial Packaging sales volumes for corrugated boxes in the third quarter of 2022 were lower compared with the second quarter of 2022 reflecting seasonally lower volumes in Morocco. Average sales margins for corrugated boxes and containerboard were stable. Operating costs were stable. Distribution costs were higher. There were no planned maintenance outages in either the third quarter of 2022 or the second quarter of 2022. Input costs were significantly higher, reflecting significantly higher energy costs.
Compared with the third quarter of 2021, sales volumes in the third quarter of 2022 were lower reflecting softening demand in the Eurozone. Average sales margins for corrugated boxes were higher driven by higher sales prices in the Eurozone. Operating costs were higher mostly due to inflation. Distribution costs were higher. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $2 million lower in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the third quarter of 2021. Input costs were significantly higher driven by energy.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2022, sales volumes for corrugated boxes are expected to be higher driven by seasonally higher volumes in Morocco. Operating costs are expected to be flat. Planned maintenance downtime costs are expected to be $4 million higher in the fourth quarter of 2022. Input costs are expected to increase.
Global Cellulose Fibers
Total Global Cellulose Fibers
2022
2021
In millions
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
Nine Months
3rd Quarter
2nd Quarter
Nine Months
Sales
$
887
$
788
$
2,385
$
740
$
680
$
2,015
Operating Profit (Loss)
$
95
$
25
$
71
$
76
$
1
$
(4)
Global Cellulose Fibers net sales in the third quarter of 2022 were 13% higher compared with the second quarter of 2022 and 20% higher than in the third quarter of 2021. Operating profit was 280% higher in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the second quarter of 2022 and 25% higher compared with the third quarter of 2021.
Sales volumes in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the second quarter of 2022 were higher reflecting a favorable demand/supply environment for fluff pulp and some improvement in supply chain conditions. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 10,000 short tons lower in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the second quarter of 2022 due to maintenance downtime. Average sales margins improved significantly, reflecting higher average sales price for both fluff pulp and market pulp. Operating costs were higher due to inflation. Distribution costs also increased. Planned maintenance downtime costs in the third quarter of 2022 were $26 million lower compared with the second quarter of 2022. Input costs were higher, primarily for wood and chemicals. Second quarter 2022 results were impacted by some favorable one-time items that did not repeat in the third quarter.
Compared with the third quarter of 2021, sales volumes in the third quarter of 2022 were flat as higher sales volumes for fluff pulp were mostly offset by lower sales volumes for market pulp reflecting continued logistics challenges. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 2,000 short tons higher in the third quarter of 2022, due to maintenance downtime. Average sales prices were higher for both fluff and market pulp. Operating costs were higher due to continued logistics challenges and inflation. Distribution costs were also higher. Planned maintenance downtime costs in the third quarter of 2022 were $1 million lower compared with the third quarter of 2021. Input costs were higher primarily for energy, chemicals, wood and freight.
Entering the fourth quarter of 2022, sales volumes are expected to be lower. Average sales margins are expected to be higher. Planned maintenance downtime costs in the fourth quarter of 2022 are expected to be $34 million higher compared with the third quarter of 2022. Operating costs are expected to be lower. Input costs are expected to be higher.
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes – Ilim
International Paper accounts for its 50% equity interest in Ilim using the equity method of accounting. Ilim is a separate reportable industry segment with primary operations in Russia. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company announced its intention to explore strategic options, including a sale of its 50% ownership in Ilim. The Company recorded equity earnings, net
of taxes, of $64 million in the third quarter of 2022, compared with $95 million in the second quarter of 2022 and $95 million in the third quarter of 2021.
Compared with the second quarter of 2022, sales volumes in the third quarter of 2022 were 3% higher led by hardwood pulp shipments to China and other export markets, and shipments of containerboard in Russia, but were partially offset by lower shipments of containerboard to other export markets. Softwood pulp shipments to China and in Russia were higher but were offset by lower shipments of softwood pulp to other export markets. Average sales prices for containerboard decreased in all markets. Average sales prices for softwood pulp and hardwood pulp were sequentially higher in China and Russia. Costs primarily for wood increased while fuel and energy costs were lower. Distribution costs decreased. Planned mill maintenance outage costs were lower.
Compared with the third quarter of 2021, sales volumes in the third quarter of 2022 were 8% higher overall, driven by shipments of softwood pulp, hardwood pulp and containerboard to China and Russia. Shipments to other export markets declined sharply for softwood pulp and containerboard. Average sales margins for softwood pulp and hardwood pulp increased reflecting higher average sales prices in China and Russia. Average sales prices for containerboard decreased in Russia and in China. Costs of wood, chemicals and labor increased due to inflation. Transportation costs were also higher, partially driven by inflation and the change of shipping routes due to restrictions. Planned mill maintenance outage costs were lower.
Looking forward to the fourth quarter of 2022, sales volumes are expected to be lower due to continued logistics challenges impacting export shipments. Average sales margins are projected to decrease, primarily for containerboard. Input costs for wood are expected to be seasonally higher, but transportation costs are expected to decline. Repair and maintenance costs are projected to be higher.
Cash provided by operations totaled $1.4 billion for the first nine months of 2022, compared with $1.9 billion for the comparable 2021 nine-month period.
Investments in capital projects, net of insurance recoveries, totaled $609 million in the first nine months of 2022, compared to $348 million in the first nine months of 2021. Full-year 2022 capital spending is currently expected to be approximately $900 million to $1.0 billion, or 86% to 95% of depreciation and amortization.
Financing activities for the first nine months of 2022 included a $202 million net decrease in debt versus a $379 million net increase in debt during the comparable 2021 nine-month period.
See Note 17 - Debt of Item 1. Financial Statements for a discussion of various debt-related actions taken by the Company during the third quarter of 2022, including the tender offer completed by the Company.
Amounts related to early debt extinguishment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions
2022
2021
2022
2021
Early debt reductions (a)
$
498
$
200
$
503
$
1,097
Pre-tax early debt extinguishment (gain) loss, net
93
35
93
223
(a)Reductions related to notes with interest rates ranging from 6.40% to 8.70% with original maturities from 2023 to 2039 and 3.55% with original maturities of 2029 for the three month ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and from 4.35% to 8.70% with original maturities from 2023 to 2048 and from 3.00% to 5.15% with original maturities from 2027 to 2048 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
At September 30, 2022, contractual obligations for future payments of debt maturities (including finance lease liabilities disclosed in Note 11 - Leases and excluding the timber monetization structure disclosed in Note 16 - Variable Interest Entities) by calendar year were as follows: $356 million in 2022; $352 million in 2023; $149 million in 2024; $192 million in 2025; $74 million in 2026; and $4.3 billion thereafter.
Maintaining an investment-grade credit rating is an important element of International Paper’s financing strategy. At September 30, 2022, the Company held long-term credit ratings of BBB (stable outlook) and Baa2 (stable outlook) by S&P and Moody’s, respectively. In addition, the Company held short-term credit ratings of A2 and P2 by S&P and Moody's, respectively, for borrowings under the Company's commercial paper program.
At September 30, 2022, International Paper’s credit agreements totaled $2.0 billion, which is comprised of the $1.5 billion contractually committed bank credit agreement and up to $500 million under the receivables securitization program. Management believes these credit agreements are adequate to cover expected operating cash flow variability during the current economic cycle. The credit agreements generally provide for interest rates at a floating rate index plus a pre-determined margin dependent upon International Paper’s credit rating. At September 30, 2022, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the $1.5 billion credit agreement or the $500 million receivables securitization program. The Company’s credit agreements are not subject to any restrictive covenants other than the financial covenants as disclosed in Note 17 - Debt, and the borrowings under the receivables securitization program being limited by eligible receivables. The Company was in compliance with all its debt covenants at September 30, 2022 and was well below the thresholds stipulated under the covenants as defined in the credit agreements. Further the financial covenants do not restrict any borrowings under the credit agreements.
In addition to the $2.0 billion capacity under the Company's credit agreements, International Paper has a commercial paper program with a borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion supported by its $1.5 billion credit agreement. Under the terms of the program, individual maturities on borrowings may vary, but not exceed one year from the date of issue. Interest bearing notes may be issued either as fixed or floating rate notes. As of September 30, 2022, the Company had $260 million outstanding under the program with remaining capacity available of $740 million. As of September 30, 2022, the remaining credit agreement capacity was $1.2 billion.
International Paper expects to be able to meet projected capital expenditures, service existing debt, meet working capital and dividend requirements and make common stock and/or debt repurchases for the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future thereafter with current cash balances and cash from operations, supplemented as required by its existing credit facilities. The Company will continue to rely on debt and capital markets for the majority of any necessary long-term funding not provided by operating cash flows. Funding decisions will be guided by our capital structure planning objectives. The primary goals of the Company’s capital structure planning are to maximize financial flexibility and maintain appropriate levels of liquidity to meet our needs while managing balance sheet debt and interest expense, and we have repurchased, and may continue to repurchase, our common stock (under our existing share repurchase program) and debt (including in open market purchases) to the extent consistent with this capital structure planning. The majority of International Paper’s debt is accessed through global public capital markets where we have a wide base of investors.
During the first nine months of 2022, International Paper used 1.5 million shares of treasury stock for various incentive plans. International Paper also acquired 24.4 million shares of treasury stock, including restricted stock tax withholdings. Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock withholding taxes totaled $1.09 billion, including $1.07 billion related to shares repurchased under the Company's repurchase program. On October 11, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to acquire up to an additional $1.5 billion of the Company’s common stock. This new authorization is in addition to $1.85 billion remaining as of September 30, 2022 from a previous repurchase authorization. Thus, our current share repurchase program, which does not have an expiration date, has approximately $3.35 billion aggregate amount of shares of common stock remaining authorized for purchase.
During the first nine months of 2021, International Paper used approximately 1.8 million shares of treasury stock for various incentive plans. International Paper also acquired 7.7 million shares of treasury stock, including restricted stock tax withholding. Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock withholding taxes totaled $425 million, including $398 million related to shares repurchased under the Company's repurchase program.
Cash dividend payments related to common stock totaled $509 million and $602 million for the first nine months of 2022 and 2021, respectively. Dividends were $1.3875 per share and $1.5375 per share for the first nine months in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Our pension plan is currently sufficiently funded and we do not anticipate any required contributions for the next 12 months.
Variable Interest Entities
Information concerning variable interest entities is set forth in Note 15 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. In connection with the 2006 International Paper installment sale of forestlands, we received $4.8 billion of installment notes. The restructured variable interest entities held installment notes of $4.8 billion and third-party loans of $4.2 billion which both matured in August 2021. We settled the third-party loans at their maturity with the proceeds from the installment notes. On September 2, 2022, the Company and the Internal Revenue Service agreed to settle the previously disclosed timber monetization restructuring tax matter. Under this agreement, the Company will fully resolve the matter and pay $252 million in U.S. federal income taxes. As a result, interest will also be charged upon closing of the audit. The amount of interest expense recognized through September 30, 2022 is $52 million. As of September 30, 2022, $89 million
in U.S. federal income taxes and $28 million in interest expense have been paid as a result of the settlement agreement. The remaining $163 million U.S. federal income tax liability and $24 million accrued interest liability are recorded as current liabilities in the balance sheet. The reversal of the Company’s remaining deferred tax liability associated with the 2015 Financing Entities of $604 million was recognized as a one-time tax benefit in the third quarter of 2022.
Ilim S.A. Shareholders’ Agreement
We continue to actively explore strategic options with respect to the Ilim joint venture, including a sale of our 50% equity interest in Ilim. While we may sell our equity interests in the Ilim joint venture in the future, we cannot be certain if and when this may occur, or the impact that possible disruptions in the capital markets, or conditions associated with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, could have on the value of and our ability to sell our equity interests in the Ilim joint venture and the timing of any such sales.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires International Paper to establish accounting policies and to make estimates that affect both the amounts and timing of the recording of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Some of these estimates require judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.
Accounting policies whose application may have a significant effect on the reported results of operations and financial position of International Paper, and that can require judgments by management that affect their application, include accounting for contingencies, impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, pensions and income taxes.
As of September 30, 2022, our EMEA packaging reporting unit had a goodwill balance of $76 million. Our 2021 annual goodwill impairment test for the EMEA Packaging reporting unit indicated that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount by 28%. Certain macroeconomic conditions continue to be challenging, including assessing the impacts from inflation and the geopolitical environment. We will continue to evaluate these macroeconomic conditions and their overall longer-term impact on the business and on the reporting unit’s fair value.
The Company has included in its Annual Report a discussion of these critical accounting policies, which are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s judgments. The Company has not made any changes in these critical accounting policies during the first nine months of 2022.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical in nature may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and reflect management’s current views and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Factors which could cause actual results to differ include but are not limited to: (i) risks with respect to climate change and global, regional, and local weather conditions, as well as risks related to our ability to meet targets and goals with respect to climate change and the emission of GHGs and other environmental, social and governance matters; (ii) the impact of the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, including in connection with related escalated sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, G7 and other countries and possible actions by the Russian government, and the impact of such developments on domestic and global economic and geopolitical conditions in general and on us and our Ilim joint venture, which could be materially and adversely affected by such developments, and our inability to predict the full impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, current or future sanctions, geopolitical instability and the possibility of broadened military conflict on our Ilim joint venture and on our receipt of dividends from our Ilim joint venture; (iii ) the level of our indebtedness and changes in interest rates; (iv) the impact of global and domestic economic conditions and industry conditions, including with respect to commercial activity, inflationary pressures and changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy sources and transportation sources, supply chain shortages and disruptions, the availability of labor, particularly in light of current labor market conditions which are exceptionally tight, competition we face, cyclicality and changes in consumer preferences, demand and pricing for our products, and conditions impacting the credit, capital and financial markets; (v) domestic and global geopolitical conditions, changes in currency exchange rates, trade protectionist policies, downgrades in our credit ratings, and/or the credit ratings of banks issuing certain letters of credit, issued by recognized credit rating organizations; (vi) the amount of our future pension funding obligations, and pension and healthcare costs; (vii) unanticipated expenditures or other adverse developments related to compliance with existing and new environmental, tax, labor and employment, privacy, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, and
other U.S. and non-U.S. governmental laws and regulations; (viii) any material disruption at any of our manufacturing facilities or other adverse impact on our operations due to severe weather, natural disasters, climate change or other causes; (ix) risks inherent in conducting business through joint ventures; (x) our ability to achieve the benefits expected from, and other risks associated with, acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, spinoffs and other corporate transactions, (xi) cybersecurity and information technology risks; (xii) loss contingencies and pending, threatened or future litigation, including with respect to environmental related matters; (xiii) our exposure to claims under our agreements with Sylvamo Corporation; (xiv) our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the spin-off of Sylvamo Corporation and the qualification of such spin-off as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and (xv) our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. These and other factors that could cause or contribute to actual results differing materially from such forward-looking statements can be found in our press releases and SEC filings. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Information relating to quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk is shown on pages 39-40 of International Paper’s Annual Report, which information is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no material changes in the Company’s exposure to market risk since December 31, 2021.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported (and accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure) within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2022 (the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q).
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
A discussion of material developments regarding certain legal proceedings involving the Company occurring in the period covered by this Form 10-Q is found inNote 15 of the Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference herein. The Company is not subject to any administrative or judicial proceeding arising under any Federal, State or local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or primarily for the purpose of protecting the environment that is likely to result in monetary sanctions of $1 million or more.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report other than as discussed below.
Our financial results and businesses, including our Ilim joint venture, have been adversely and may continue to be affected by the current military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including ongoing or future sanctions and export controls targeting Russia and other responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The global economy has been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other G7 countries, among other countries, have imposed coordinated financial and economic sanctions and export-control measures on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia. Some of these measures include: (i) comprehensive financial sanctions against major Russian banks; (ii) additional designations of Russian individuals with significant business interests and government connections; (iii) designations of individuals and entities involved in Russian military activities; and (iv) enhanced export controls and trade sanctions targeting Russia's import of various goods. These events are currently escalating and creating increasingly volatile global economic conditions. The negative impacts arising from the conflict and these sanctions have included and may continue to include reduced consumer demand, supply chain disruptions and increased costs for transportation, energy, and raw materials. We will continue to monitor the conflict and the potential impact of financial and economic sanctions on the regional and global economy.
We have a 50% equity interest in Ilim, the parent company of Ilim Group, whose primary operations are in Russia. Specifically, Ilim Group’s facilities include three paper mills located in Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk, and Koryazhma, Russia, with combined total pulp and paper capacity of over 3.6 million metric tons. In joint ventures, such as the Ilim joint venture, we share ownership and management of a company with one or more parties who may or may not have the same goals, strategies, priorities or resources as we do. Ilim, and its directors and employees are not specially designated nationals or blocked persons or otherwise named in sanctions issued by the United States or other countries.
The military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including ongoing sanctions, actions by the Russian government, and associated domestic and global economic and geopolitical conditions, has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our Ilim joint venture and our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We are unable to predict the full impact that Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, current or potential future sanctions, potential embargoes, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability and shifts, and the possibility of broadened military conflict may have on us or our Ilim joint venture, including on whether our Ilim joint venture will be able to continue to pay dividends to us. We continue to explore strategic options, including a sale of our equity interest in the Ilim joint venture, but we cannot be certain if and when this may occur or of the terms of any such sale. Further, potential disruptions resulting from the conflict, ever changing regulatory environment in Russia or negative economic or capital market conditions more generally may adversely impact the value of and our ability to sell our interest in the Ilim joint venture and the timing of any such sale. In addition, the effects of further escalated or prolonged military conflict could heighten many of our known risks described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report. Such risks include, but are not limited to, adverse effects on global business and economic conditions, including volatility and increases in the price and demand of oil, natural gas and other energy products and inflation, demand for our products, increased cyber security risks, adverse changes in trade policies, taxes, government regulations, our ability to implement and execute our business strategy including with respect to joint ventures, divestitures, spin-offs, capital investments and other corporate transactions that we have pursued or may pursue, disruptions in global supply chains, risks related to employees and contracts in the affected regions, our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and potential nationalizations and asset seizures in Russia, constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets and our sources of liquidity, and our potential inability to service our remaining performance obligations and potential contractual breaches and litigations. Additionally, fluctuations in the value of the Russian ruble versus the U.S. dollar impacts our investment carrying
value as well as financial results based on translation of ruble denominated results into U.S. dollars and the remeasurement impact associated with non-functional currency financial assets and liabilities.
In particular, our investments in Ilim involve certain legal, geopolitical, investment, repatriation, and transparency risks as a result of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine including: (i) the legal framework of Russia continues to rapidly evolve and it is not possible to accurately predict the content or implications of changes in their statutes or regulations; there has been a number of legislative proposals that, if adopted, could result in nationalization, expropriation, onerous or disadvantageous exit terms or other unfavorable regulations and may be introduced at any time without prior warning or consultation; (ii) current and future statutes and regulations may be unfairly or unevenly enforced, the courts may decline to enforce legal protections covering our investments altogether and the cost and difficulties of litigation in Russia may make enforcement of our rights impractical or impossible; (iii) the risk we may inadvertently violate sanctions that may be imposed by the United States or foreign governments, including Russia, given the complexity and fluidity of the situation; (iv) financial and economic sanctions and export-control measures imposed on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia as well as counter-sanctions measures implemented by Russia could lead to further disruptions in supply chains and adversely affect operations in Russia; (v) increased risks of economic, political, or social instability, escalating military conflicts with Ukraine or new conflicts with any other countries, war, or terrorism, which could adversely affect the economies of Russia or lead to a material adverse change in the value of our investments in Russia; and (vi) disclosure, accounting, and financial standards and requirements in Russia may rapidly evolve and it is not possible to accurately predict the content or implications of changes in their disclosure requirements.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan or Program
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in billions)
July 1, 2022 - July 31, 2022
3,568,255
$42.08
3,566,436
$1.97
August 1, 2022 - August 31, 2022
2,240,390
42.92
2,240,272
1.87
September 1, 2022 - September 30, 2022
571,469
40.06
571,469
1.85
Total
6,380,114
(a) 1,937 shares were acquired from employees or board members as a result of share withholdings to pay income taxes under the Company's restricted stock program. The remainder were purchased under a share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2022 approximately $1.85 billion aggregate shares of our common stock remained authorized for repurchase under a previous Board authorization. This authorization was increased by our Board on October 11, 2022, up to a total of $3.35 billion shares. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
