Core Viewpoint - International Paper has completed the divestiture of five European plants to PALM Group to meet regulatory commitments from its acquisition of DS Smith Plc [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - International Paper is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with operations in over 30 countries and more than 65,000 employees [3]. - The company reported net sales of $18.6 billion for 2024 and acquired DS Smith in 2025, enhancing its position in the North American and EMEA regions [3]. Group 2: Details of the Divestiture - The divestiture includes three plants in Normandy, France, one box plant in Ovar, Portugal, and one box plant in Bilbao, Spain [1]. - This sale was part of the agreement with the European Commission to satisfy obligations related to the acquisition of DS Smith Plc [2]. Group 3: About PALM Group - PALM is a family-owned company based in Aalen, Germany, and is a leading European producer of containerboard, graphic paper, and corrugated packaging [4]. - In 2024, PALM operated five paper mills and 33 corrugated box plants in Europe, employing 4,200 people and achieving a turnover of €2 billion [4].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the pulp and paper industry [1]. Core Insights - Chinese pulp prices for May decreased by 13% month-over-month (m/m) for hardwood and 11% m/m for softwood, with hardwood resale prices declining by 5% and softwood resale prices decreasing by 2% m/m [5]. - In Europe, pulp prices remained stable, with hardwood prices flat m/m and softwood prices increasing by 1% m/m [5]. - China's paper prices showed mixed results, with most grades experiencing flat to low single-digit declines m/m, while containerboard prices slightly increased [5]. - Compared to their 5-year historical averages, paper margins are 38% below for ivoryboard and 15% below for tissue, while 5% above for uncoated woodfree (UWF) and 13% above for coated woodfree (CWF) [5]. - China’s pulp port inventories increased by 3% m/m to 2.2 million tons (Mt), exceeding the historical average of 1.8 Mt [5]. - European port inventories declined by 13% m/m in April, reaching 1.3 Mt, aligning with the historical average [5]. Summary by Region Global - The report includes a comprehensive overview of global pulp and paper prices, production, and consumption trends [6]. China - Pulp prices in China for hardwood are at $517 per ton, down 13% m/m, while softwood prices are at $712 per ton, down 11% m/m [7]. - Paper prices in China show a range of changes, with coated woodfree at 5,475 CNY per ton, down 4% m/m [7]. Europe - Hardwood pulp prices in Europe are stable at $1,194 per ton, while softwood prices increased to $1,597 per ton, up 1% m/m [7]. - Containerboard prices in Europe have risen by 1% to 3% m/m [5]. USA - In the US, coated woodfree prices are at $1,515 per ton, stable m/m, while uncoated woodfree prices are at $1,610 per ton, also stable m/m [7]. Latin America - The report highlights trends in containerboard shipments in Brazil, indicating a year-over-year growth [70].