International Paper(IP) - 2024 Q2 - Quarterly Results

Financial Performance - Second quarter 2024 net earnings were $498 million, translating to$1.41 per diluted share, a significant increase from $56 million ($0.16 per diluted share) in the first quarter 2024[5] - Adjusted operating earnings for the second quarter 2024 were $193 million ($0.55 per diluted share), compared to $61 million ($0.17 per diluted share) in the first quarter 2024[5] - Net sales for the second quarter 2024 reached $4.734 billion, up from$4.619 billion in the first quarter 2024[7] - Earnings from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2024, were $498 million, compared to$222 million for the same period in 2023, representing a 124% increase[26] - The company reported a net earnings increase to $498 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, up from$235 million in the same period of 2023[26] - Basic earnings per share from continuing operations increased to $1.43 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to$0.64 for the same period in 2023[26] - Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was $1.41, compared to$0.68 in 2023, marking a 107% increase[29] Segment Performance - The Industrial Packaging segment generated $3.931 billion in net sales for the second quarter 2024, an increase from$3.808 billion in the first quarter 2024[10] - The Global Cellulose Fibers segment reported an operating profit of $31 million in the second quarter 2024, recovering from a loss of$47 million in the first quarter 2024[11] Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns - Cash provided by operations for the second quarter 2024 was $365 million, with free cash flow amounting to$167 million[7] - The company returned $160 million to shareholders in dividends during the second quarter 2024[5] - Free Cash Flow for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was$311 million, compared to $265 million in 2023, indicating a 17$338 million ($0.96 per diluted share) was recognized in the second quarter 2024 due to internal legal entity restructuring[5] - The second quarter 2024 included a net after-tax benefit of$297 million from special items, compared to a charge of $14 million in the first quarter 2024[12] - The company reported a tax benefit of$338 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, related to internal legal entity restructuring[27] - The company reported a net special items income of $49 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a net special items loss of$6 million in 2023[29] Costs and Liabilities - Total costs and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024, were $4,236 million, compared to$4,227 million for the same period in 2023[26] - The company incurred a pre-tax charge of $25 million for environmental remediation adjustments for the three months ended June 30, 2024[26] - Total Current Liabilities increased to$4,114 million as of June 30, 2024, from $3,959 million at the end of 2023, representing a 4$23,063 million, a slight decrease from $23,261 million as of December 31, 2023[33] - The company’s long-term debt as of June 30, 2024, was$5,329 million, down from $5,455 million at the end of 2023, reflecting a decrease of 2$9,719 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $9,491 million at the end of 2023, an increase of 2%[33] Business Strategy and Risks - The company is focusing on an 80/20 business process to optimize costs and enhance customer service, while also preparing for the combination with DS Smith[4] - The company is facing risks related to climate change, geopolitical conditions, and supply chain disruptions that could impact future performance[20] - The company expects to file a proxy statement regarding the proposed business combination with DS Smith Plc in late summer or early autumn 2024[21]