UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington,WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

x 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 20052006

or

¨ 

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from                          to                         

COMMISSION FILE NO.Commission File No. 1-3157

INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New York 13-0872805
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

400 Atlantic Street6400 Poplar Avenue

Stamford, ConnecticutMemphis, Tennessee

(Address of principal executive offices)

0692138197

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 203-541-8000(901)419-7000


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

  

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1 per share par value  New York Stock Exchange


Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yesx    No¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes¨    Nox

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 Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesx    No¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (paragraph 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filerx

 Accelerated filer¨ Non-accelerated filer¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company as(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.Act). Yes¨    Nox

The aggregate market value of the Company’s outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2005)2006) was approximately $14,817,960,984.$15,926,970,664.

The number of shares outstanding of the Company’s common stock, as of March 1, 2006February 23, 2007 was 492,595,905.452,587,634.

Documents incorporated by reference:

Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement filed within 120 days of the close of the registrant’s fiscal year in connection with registrant’s 20062007 annual meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference into Parts III and IV of this Form 10-K.


INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY

Index to Annual Report on FormINDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the Year Ended DecemberFOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20052006

PART I.

PART I.ITEM 1.

  

ITEM 1. BUSINESSBUSINESS.

  

General

  1

Financial Information Concerning Industry Segments

  1

Financial Information About International and Domestic Operations

  1

Competition and Costs

  12

Marketing and Distribution

  2

Description of Principal Products

  2

Sales Volumes by Product

  23

Research and Development

  24

Environmental Protection

  34

Employees

  34

Executive Officers of the Registrant

  34

Raw Materials

  45

Forward-looking Statements

  45

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

  4

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTSRISK FACTORS.

  6

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

7

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

PROPERTIES.

  

Forestlands

  67

Mills and Plants

8

Capital Investments and Dispositions

8

Mills and PlantsITEM 3.

  

6LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

8

Capital Investments and DispositionsITEM 4.

  6

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

7
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERSHOLDERS.

  78

PART II.

   

ITEM 5.

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’SREGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIESSECURITIES.

  79

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

  

8SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

11

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSOPERATIONS.

  

Executive Summary

  1114

Corporate Overview

  1316

Results of OperationsOperations

  1317

Description of Industry Segments

  1723

Industry Segment Results

  1824

Liquidity and Capital Resources

  2329

Transformation Plan

  2733

Critical Accounting Policies

  2735

Significant Accounting Estimates

  2836

Income Taxes

  3038

Recent Accounting Developments

  3138

Legal Proceedings

  3240

Effect of Inflation

  41

33Foreign Currency Effects

41

Market Risk

42

i


INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006

Foreign Currency EffectsITEM 7A.

  34

Market Risk

34
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKRISK.

  3542

ITEM 8.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATADATA.

  

Financial Information by Industry Segment and Geographic Area

  3643

Report of Management on Financial Statements, Internal Controls over Financial Reporting and Internal Control Environment and Board of Directors Oversight

  3845

Reports of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  4047

Consolidated Statement of Operations

  4249

Consolidated Balance Sheet

  4350

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

  4451

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Common Shareholders'Shareholders’ Equity

  4552

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  4653

Interim Financial Results (Unaudited)

  7889

ITEM 9.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSUREDISCLOSURE.

  8192

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

  

81CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

92

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

  

82OTHER INFORMATION.

93

PART III.

   

ITEM 10.

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTAND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

  8393

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  

83EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

94

ITEM 12.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERSMATTERS.

  8394

ITEM 13.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

  8394

ITEM 14.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICESSERVICES.

  8394

PART IV.

   

ITEM 15.

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULESSCHEDULES.

  

Additional Financial Data

  8494

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule

  8899

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  89100

SIGNATURES

  90101

APPENDIX I 2005

2006 LISTING OF FACILITIES

  A-1

APPENDIX II 2005 CAPACITY INFORMATION

  

A-42006 CAPACITY INFORMATION

A-3

ii


PART I.


ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

International Paper Company (the “Company” or “International Paper,” which may also be referred to as “we” or “us”), is a global forest products, paper and packaging company that is complemented by an extensive North American merchant distribution system, with primary markets and manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. We are a New York corporation, incorporated in 1941 as the successor to the New York corporation of the same name organized in 1898. Our home page on the Internet iswww.internationalpaper.com. You can learn more about us by visiting that site.

In the United States at December 31, 2005,2006, the Company operated 2318 pulp, paper and packaging mills, 9394 converting and packaging plants, 2524 wood products facilities and six specialty chemicals plants. Production facilities at December 31, 2005,2006 in Europe, Asia, Latin America and South America included eightsix pulp, paper and packaging mills, 5551 converting and packaging plants, two wood products facility, two specialty panels and laminated products plants, and five specialty chemicals plants. We distribute printing, packaging, graphic arts, maintenance and industrial products principally through over 270268 distribution branches located primarily in the United States. At December 31, 2005,2006, we owned or managed approximately 6.5 million500,000 acres of forestlands in the United States, mostly in the South, approximately 1.3 million370,000 acres in Brazil and had, through licenses and forest management agreements, harvesting rights on approximately 500,000 acres of government-owned forestlands in Russia. Substantially all of our businesses have experienced, and are likely to continue to experience, cycles relating to industry capacity and general economic conditions.

For management and financial reporting purposes, our businesses are separated into six segments: Printing Papers; Industrial Packaging; Consumer Packaging; Distribution; Forest Products; and Specialty Businesses and Other. A description of these business segments can be found on pages 1723 and 1824 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. A discussion of the Company’s recently announced Transformation Plan to concentrate on two key global platform businesses, Uncoated Papers (including Distribution) and Packaging, can be found on page 27pages 33 through 35 of Item 7.

From 20012002 through 2005,2006, International Paper’s capital expenditures approximated $5.3$5.1 billion, excluding mergers and acquisitions. These expenditures reflect

our continuing efforts to improve product quality and envi

ronmentalenvironmental performance, lower costs and improve forestlands. Capital spending for continuing operations in 20052006 was approximately $1.2$1.0 billion and is expected to be approximately $1.2 billion in 2006.2007. This amount is belowabout the same as our expected annual depreciation and amortization expense of $1.4 billion.expense. You can find more information about capital expenditures on page 2430 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Discussions of acquisitions can be found on page 2430 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

You can find discussions of restructuring charges and other special items on page 15 and 16pages 20 through 22 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we “incorporate by reference” certain information in parts of other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC permits us to disclose important information by referring to it in that manner. Please refer to such information. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, along with all other reports and any amendments thereto filed with or furnished to the SEC, are publicly available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our Internet Web site atwww.internationalpaper.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information contained on or connected to our Web site is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we filed with or furnished to the SEC.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

The financial information concerning segments is set forth on pages 3643 and 3744 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS

The financial information concerning international and domestic operations and export sales is set forth on page 3744 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


1


COMPETITION AND COSTS

Despite the size of the Company’s manufacturing capacity for paper, paperboard, packaging and pulp products, the markets in all of the cited product lines are large and highly fragmented. The markets for wood and specialty products are similarly large and fragmented. There are numerous competitors, and the major mar - -


1


kets,markets, both U.S. and non-U.S., in which the Company sells its principal products are very competitive. These products are in competition with similar products produced by other forest products companies, and in some instances, with products produced by other industries from other materials.

Many factors influence the Company’s competitive position, including prices, costs, product quality and services. You can find more information about the impact of prices and costs on operating profits on pages 1114 through 2329 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. You can find information about the Company’s manufacturing capacities on page A-4A-3 of Appendix II.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

The Company sells paper, packaging products, building materials and other products directly to end users and converters, as well as through agents, resellers and paper distributors, including our own merchant distribution network, and agents.distributors. We own a large merchant distribution business that sells products made both by International Paper and by other companies making paper, packaging and graphic arts supplies. Sales offices are located throughout the United States as well as internationally. We market our U.S. production of lumber and plywood through independent distribution centers, as well as direct to the retail and industrial market. Specialty products are marketed through various channels of distribution.

DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS

The Company’s principal products are described on pages 17 through 1823 and 24 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


 

2


SALES VOLUMES BY PRODUCT

Sales volumes of major products for 2006, 2005 2004 and 20032004 were as follows:

Sales Volumes by Product (1) (2)

(Unaudited)

   2005  2004  2003

Printing Papers(In thousands of tons)

     

Brazil Uncoated Papers

 447  461  447

Europe & Russia Uncoated Papers and Bristols

 1,419  1,409  1,352

U.S. Uncoated Papers and Bristols

 4,261  4,614  4,439
 

Uncoated Papers and Bristols

 6,127  6,484  6,238

Coated Papers

 2,109  2,173  2,113

Market Pulp (3)

 1,588  1,422  1,379

Packaging(In thousands of tons)

     

Container of the Americas

 3,061  2,821  2,264

European Container (Boxes)

 1,073  1,049  1,031

Other Industrial and Consumer Packaging

 1,041  1,064  1,088
 

Industrial and Consumer Packaging

 5,175  4,934  4,383

Containerboard

 1,937  2,090  1,946

Bleached Packaging Board

 1,412  1,495  1,348

Kraft

 608  605  606

Forest Products(In millions)

     

Panels (sq. ft. 3/8” – basis)

 1,606  1,563  1,580

Lumber (board feet)

 2,596  2,456  2,345

    2006  2005  2004

Printing Papers (In thousands of tons)

      

Brazil Uncoated Papers

  477  447  461

Europe & Russia Uncoated Papers and Bristols

  1,455  1,419  1,409

U.S. Uncoated Papers and Bristols

  3,991  3,850  4,179

Uncoated Papers and Bristols

  5,923  5,716  6,049

Coated Papers (3)

  1,168  1,996  1,757

Market Pulp (4)

  1,124  1,291  1,422

Packaging (In thousands of tons)

      

Container of the Americas

  3,628  3,578  2,821

European Container (Boxes)

  1,267  1,073  1,049

Other Industrial and Consumer Packaging

  525  421  745

Industrial and Consumer Packaging

  5,420  5,072  4,615

Containerboard

  1,816  1,937  2,090

Bleached Packaging Board

  1,503  1,264  1,000

Coated Bristols

  410  411  435

Saturated and Bleached Kraft Papers

  232  242  272

 

(1)

Includes third-party and inter-segment sales.

(2)

Sales volumes for divested businesses are included through the date of sale, except for divested businesses classified as discontinued operations.

(3)

Sold in the third quarter of 2006. International Paper has a 10% continuing interest in the owning entity.

(4)

Includes internal sales to mills.

3


RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company operates its primary research and development center at Loveland, Ohio, with smaller facilities in Savannah, Georgia, a regional center for applied forest research in Bainbridge, Georgia, and several product laboratories. Additionally, the Company has approximately a 1/3 interest in ArborGen, LLC, a joint venture with certain other forest products and biotechnology companies formed for the purpose of developing and commercializing improvements to increase growth rates and improve wood and pulp quality.companies. We direct research and development activities to short-term, long-term and technical assistance needs of customers and operating divisions;divisions and to process, equipment and product innovations; and to improve profits through tree generation and propagation research.innovations. Activities include studies on improved forest species and management; innovation and improvement of pulping, bleaching, chemical recovery, papermaking and coating


2


processes; packaging design and materials development; reduction of environmental discharges; re-use of raw materials in manufacturing processes; recycling of consumer and packaging paper products; energy conservation; applications of computer controls to manufacturing operations; innovations and improvement of products; and development of various new products. Our development efforts specifically address product safety as well as the minimization of solid waste. The cost to the Company of its research and development operations was $45 million in 2006, $63 million in 2005, and $67 million in 2004, and $71 million in 2003.2004.

We own numerous patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets relating to our products and to the processes for their production. We also license intellectual property rights to and from others where necessary. Many of the manufacturing processes are among our trade secrets. Some of our products are covered by U.S. and non-U.S. patents and are sold under well known trademarks. We derive a competitive advantage by protecting our trade secrets, patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights, and by using them as required to support our businesses.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Information concerning the effects of the Company’s compliance with federal, state and local provisions enacted or adopted relating to environmental protection matters is set forth on pages 3240 and 3341 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2005,2006, we had approximately 68,70060,600 employees, 47,20042,000 of whom were located in

the United States. Of the U.S. employees, approximately 30,10027,700 are hourly, with unions representing approximately 18,00016,300 employees. Approximately 14,00013,000 of the union employees are represented by the United Steel Workers (USW), the successor union to PACE, under individual location contracts.

During 2005,2006, new labor agreements were ratified at threefour paper mills, with one paper mill, contractSavannah, Georgia, carrying over and settlingto be ratified in early 2006.2007. In addition, negotiations at the Terre Haute, Indiana, mill have also been carried over into 2007. During 2006,2007, labor agreements are scheduled to be negotiated at fourthree additional paper mill operations including Franklin, Virginia; Riegelwood, NorthGeorgetown, South Carolina; Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina;Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Terre Haute, Indiana.Riverdale, Alabama.

During 2005, 192006, 25 labor agreements were settled in non-paper mill operations. Settlements included paper converting, chemical, distribution, consumer packaging and woodlands operations. During 2006, 352007, 20 labor agreements are scheduled to be negotiated in 3319 non-paper mill operations, five of whichplus eight non-paper mill contracts are carry-overscarrying over from past years.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

John V. Faraci, 56,57, chairman and chief executive officer since 2003. Prior to this, Mr. Faraci was president since 2003, and executive vice president and chief financial officer from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Faraci joined International Paper in 1974.

Robert M. Amen, 56, president since 2003. Previously, Mr. Amen served as executive vice president responsible for the Company’s paper business, technology and corporate marketing from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Amen will retire from the Company on March 31, 2006.

Newland A. Lesko, 60,61, executive vice president-manufacturing and technology since 2003. Mr. Lesko previously served as senior vice president-industrial packaging from 1998 to 2003. Mr. Lesko joined International Paper in 1967.

Marianne M. Parrs, 61,62, executive vice president since 1999 and chief financial officer since 2005. Ms. Parrs previously served as executive vice president-administration since 1999 responsible for information technology, investor relations, global sourcing, logistics and global sourcing.a large supply chain project. She continues to oversee those areas in her current role. Ms. Parrs joined International Paper in 1974.

John N. Balboni, 58, senior vice president and chief information officer since 2005. He previously served as vice president and chief information officer from 2003 to 2005, and vice president-ebusiness from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Balboni joined the Company in 1988.


4


Michael J. Balduino, 55,56, senior vice president of the Company responsible for consumer products converting business and president of ourthe Company’s Shorewood Packaging Corp. subsidiary since 2000.2004. Mr. Balduino joined International Paperthe Company in 1992.1992 and previously served as the Company’s senior vice president of sales and marketing from 2000 to 2003.

H. Wayne Brafford, 54,55, senior vice president-printing and communications papers since 2005. Previously, Mr. Brafford served as senior vice president-industrial packaging from 2003, and as vice president and general manager-converting, specialty and pulp from 1999 to 2003. Mr. Brafford joined International Paper in 1975.

Jerome N. Carter, 57,58, senior vice president-human resources since 1999. Since 2005, heMr. Carter is also is responsible for overseeing the communications function of the Company. Mr. Carter joined International Paper in 1999.

C. Cato Ealy, 49,50, senior vice president-corporate development since 2003. He previously served as vice president-corporate development from 1996 to 2003. Mr. Ealy joined International Paper in 1992.

Thomas E. Gestrich, 59,60, senior vice president and president-IP Asia since 2005. Previously, Mr. Gestrich served as senior vice president-consumer packaging since 2001.from 2001 to 2005. Prior to that, he served as vice president and general manager-beverage packaging from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Gestrich joined International Paper in 1990.


3


Paul Herbert, 56,57, senior vice president-strategic initiatives since 2005. He previously served as senior vice president-printing and communication papers from 2000 to 2005. Mr. Herbert joined International Paper in 1992.

Thomas G. Kadien, 49,50, senior vice president and president-xpedx since 2005. Previously, Mr. Kadien served as senior vice president-Europe from 2003 to 2005, and as vice president-commercial printing and imaging papers from 2001 to 2003. Additionally, from 2000 to 2001, Mr. Kadien served as vice president-fine papers. He joined International Paper in 1978.

Andrew R. Lessin, 63, senior vice president-internal audit since 2002. Mr. Lessin previously served as vice president-finance from 2000 to 2002. He joined International Paper in 1977.

Maximo Pacheco, 53,Mary A. Laschinger, 46, senior vice president since 2005 and president-IP do Brasil since 2004. Previously, Mr. Pacheco served as senior vice president of IP do Brasil from 2003 to 2004. Prior to that, he was president-IP Latin America from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Pacheco joined International Paper in 1994.

Carol L. Roberts, 46, senior vice president-IP packaging solutions since 2005. She previously served as vice president-container of the Americas from 2000. Ms. Roberts joined International Paper in 1981.

Maura A. Smith, 50, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary since 2003. Since 2005, Ms. Smith is also responsible for overseeing public affairs for the Company. From 1998 to 2003, she served as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Owens Corning and in addition, from 2000 to 2003, as chief restructuring officer of Owens Corning. Ms. Smith joined International Paper in 2003.

Robert J. Grillet, 50, vice president-finance and controller since 2003. He previously served as group senior vice president-xpedx from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Grillet joined International Paper in 1976.

Mary A. Laschinger, 45, vice president2007 and president-IP Europe since 2005. Ms. Laschinger previously served as vice president-wood products from 2004 to 2005 and as vice president-pulp from 2001 to 2004. Prior to that, she served as the general manager-industrial papers from 1999 to 2001. Ms. Laschinger joined International Paper in 1992.

Andrew R. Lessin, 64, senior vice president-internal audit since 2002. Mr. Lessin previously served as vice

president-finance from 2000 to 2002. Mr. Lessin joined International Paper in 1977.

Maximo Pacheco, 54, senior vice president since 2005 and president-IP do Brasil since 2004. Previously, Mr. Pacheco served as senior vice president-IP do Brasil from 2003 to 2004. Prior to that, he was president-IP Latin America from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Pacheco joined International Paper in 1994.

Carol L. Roberts, 47, senior vice president-IP packaging solutions since 2005. She previously served as vice president-container of the Americas from 2000. Ms. Roberts joined International Paper in 1981.

Maura A. Smith, 51, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary since 2003. Since 2005, Ms. Smith is also responsible for overseeing the public affairs function of the Company. From 1998 to 2003, she served as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Owens Corning and, in addition, from 2000 to 2003, as chief restructuring officer of Owens Corning. Ms. Smith joined International Paper in 2003.

Robert J. Grillet, 51, vice president-finance and controller since 2003. He previously served as group senior vice president-xpedx from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Grillet joined International Paper in 1976.

RAW MATERIALS

For information on the sources and availability of raw materials essential to our business, see Item 2. Properties.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in particular, statements found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, that are not historical in nature, may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are often identified by the words, “will,” “may,” “should,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “appear,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” and words of a similar nature. Such statements reflect the current views of International Paper with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Below, we have listed specific risks and uncertainties that you should carefully read and consider. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


5


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (particularly in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), or in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the following are some important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement.

RISKS RELATING TO INDUSTRY CONDITIONS

Changes in the cost or availability of raw material and energyCHANGES IN THE COST OR AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS AND ENERGY. We rely heavily on certain raw materials (principally wood fiber, caustic soda and polyethylene) and energy sources (principally natural gas, coal and fuel oil) in our manufacturing process. Our ability to increase earnings has been, and will continue to be, affected by changes in the costs and availability of such raw materials and energy sources. We may not be able to fully offset the effects of higher raw material or energy costs through hedging arrangements, price increases, and productivity improvements or cost reduction programs.

Changes in transportation costs.CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATION AVAILABILITY OR COSTS. Our business depends on the transportation of a large number of products, both domestically and internationally. In the United States, an increase in transportation rates or fuel surcharges could adversely affect our earnings, and/or a reduction in transport availability in truck and rail could negatively impact our ability to provide products to our customers in a timely manner. While we have benefited from supply chainsupply-chain initiatives that provide adequatereduce usage and improve transportation availability, there is no assurance that such availability can continue to be effectively managed in the future.


4COMPETITION


Competition. We face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, for our products in all of our current operating segments, including the two key platform businesses under our previously announced Transformation Plan, uncoated papers and packaging.segments. Because our outlook depends on a forecast of our share of industry sales, an unexpected reduction in that share due to pricing or product strategies pursued by competitors unanticipated product or manufacturing difficulty, a failure to price our products competitively, competition from producers of substitute materials or other similar factors could negatively impact our revenues and financial results.

Product mix.PRODUCT MIX. Our results may be affected by a change in the Company’s sales mix. Our outlook assumes a certain volume mix of sales as well as a product mix of sales. If actual results vary from this projected volume and product mix of sales, our operations (for example, by way of lack-of-order downtime) and our financial results could be negatively impacted.

PricingPRICING. Our outlook assumes that we will be successful in implementing previously announced price increases as well as other price increases that we may in the future deem necessary and/or appropriate. Also, delaysDelays in acceptancethe realization of these price increases would negatively impact our results. Moreover, price discounting, if required to maintain our competitive position and our share of industry sales, could result in lower than anticipated price realizations.

Demand for our productsDEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS. Demand for our products is affected by general economic conditions in North America, Europe, SouthLatin America and Asia. Changes in industrial non-durable goods production, consumer spending, commercial printing and advertising activity, white-collar employment levels, new home construction and repair and remodeling activity, interest rates and currency exchange rates may adversely affect our businesses and the results of operations.our financial results.

RISKS RELATING TO MARKET AND ECONOMIC FACTORS

Changes in credit ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizationsCHANGES IN CREDIT RATINGS ISSUED BY NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STATISTICAL RATING ORGANIZATIONS. Maintaining an investment grade credit rating for our long-term debt continues to be an important element in our overall financial strategy. Our debt ratings are, from time to time, reviewed by the rating organizations and remain subject to change. For example,change, and a downgrade in 2005, Moody’s downgradedrating of our debt from Baa2 to Baa3.could increase our interest cost and negatively affect our earnings.

Pension and health care costsPENSION AND HEALTH CARE COSTS. Our pension and health care benefitscosts are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. Pension plan assets are primarily made up of equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in actual equity market returns as well as changes in general interest rates may result in

increased or decreased pension costs in future periods. Likewise, changes in assumptions regarding current discount rates and expected rates of return on plan assets could also increase or decrease pension costs. Future pension funding requirements, and the timing of funding payments, could be affected by legislation currently being considered in the U.S. Congress.

Natural disastersNATURAL DISASTERS. The occurrence of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tropical storm, earthquake, tornado, flooding or other unanticipated problems, could cause operational disruptions which could impair our profitability.

Changes in international conditionsCHANGES IN INTERNATIONAL CONDITIONS. Our results could be substantially affected by foreign market risks in the countries in which we have


6


manufacturing facilities or sell our products. Specifically, Brazil, Russia, Poland China and South Korea,China, where substantial manufacturing facilities exist, are developing countries subjectthat are exposed to economic and political instability.instability in their respective regions of the world. Downturns in economic activity, adverse foreign tax consequences or any change in social, political or labor conditions in any of these countries or regions could negatively affect our financial results.

Changes in currency exchange ratesCHANGES IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES. We are impacted by the movement of various currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. From time to time, we may hedge a portion of the risk from our transactions and commitments denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies when we deem it appropriate to do so. There can, however, be no assurance that we will be able to fully protect ourselves against substantial foreign currency fluctuations.

RISKS RELATING TO THE COMPANY’S TRANSFORMATION PLAN

Ability to accomplish the Transformation Plan. On July 19, 2005, the Company announced a three-part plan (the “Transformation Plan”) to transform its business portfolio to improve returns, strengthen the balance sheet and return cash to shareholders.THE ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTE SALES TRANSACTIONS CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT. The Transformation Plan includes narrowing the Company’s business portfolio to two key global platform businesses: uncoated papers (including the xpedx distribution business) and packaging. Among the uncertainties that exist to completing the Transformation Plan are uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to divest or spin-offsuccessfully execute sales transactions under contract (including contracts executed pursuant to the businesses under evaluation as well asTransformation Plan) and to realize the timing, termsanticipated sales proceeds is dependent upon many factors, including the ability to successfully consummate the transactions without a purchase price adjustment, the successful fulfillment (or waiver) of all conditions set forth in the sales agreements, and net proceedsthe successful closing of any such transactions.the transactions within the estimated timeframes.

ImpactTHE ABILITY TO INVEST PROCEEDS WITH ATTRACTIVE FINANCIAL RETURNS. The Company will selectively seek attractive investment opportunities for a portion of the Transformation Plan on the Company’s relationships with its employees.proceeds from divestitures. The Company has taken stepsmay be unable to incentidentify and retain employees during the transformation, and has entered into retention agreementsnegotiate acceptable investments with certain key employees who would not remain with the Company if their respective businesses are sold.attractive returns.


5ABILITY TO REALIZE ANTICIPATED PROFIT IMPROVEMENT FROM THE TRANSFORMATION PLAN


Ability to realize anticipated profit improvement from the Transformation Plan.. The profitability of the Company’s two platform businesses, uncoated papers (including distribution) and packaging, is subject to variable demand and the Company’s ability to execute internal profit improvement initiatives, including ongoing manufacturing, supply chain and overhead cost reduction initiatives, andas well as volume/mix improvements. There can be no assurance that profit improvements will be achieved.

RISKS RELATING TO LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND COMPLIANCE COSTS

Unanticipated expenditures related to the cost of compliance with environmental and other governmental regulationsUNANTICIPATED EXPENDITURES RELATED TO THE COST OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS. Our operations are subject to significant regulation by federal, state and local environmental and safety authorities, both domestically and internationally. There can be no assurance that the costs of compliance with existing and new regulations will not require significant capital expenditures, or that existing reserves for specific matters will, if regulations change, be adequate to cover future unanticipated costs.

Results of legal proceedingsRESULTS OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. The costs and other effects of pending litigation against the Company and related insurance recoveries cannot be determined with certainty. Although the disclosure in Item 3. “Legal Proceedings”Legal Proceedings contains management’s current views of the impact such litigation will have on our financial results, there can be no assurance that the outcome of such proceedings will be as expected.

This discussion of uncertainties is by no means exhaustive, but is designed to highlight important factors that may impact our outlook. Obvious general economic factors throughout the world (such as inflation, a sudden drop in consumer or business confidence, or an unexpected collapse in stock markets) do not warrant further discussion, but are noted to further emphasize the myriad ofmany contingencies that may cause our actual results to differ from those currently anticipated.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

FORESTLANDS

The principal raw material used by International Paper is wood in various forms. As of December 31, 2005,2006, the Company or its subsidiaries owned or managed approximately 6.5500,000 acres of forestlands in the United States, approximately 370,000 acres in Brazil, and had, through licenses and forest management agreements, harvesting rights on approximately 500,000 acres of government-owned forestlands in Russia. During 2006, in conjunction with the Company’s Transformation Plan, approximately 5.6 million acres of forestlands in the United States 1.3 million acreswere sold under various agreements, principally in Brazil,October and through licensesNovember, for proceeds


7


totaling approximately $6.6 billion of cash and forest management agreements,

maintained harvesting rights on government-owned forestlands in Russia.notes. A further discussion of possiblethese sales or spin-offs of segments or potentially all of the Company’s U.S. forestlands under the Company’s Transformation Plantransactions can be found on page 2721 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.Operations, and on page 65 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

During 2005,2006, the Company’s U.S. forestlands supplied 12.710.2 million tons of roundwood to its U.S. facilities, representing approximately 20%17% of its wood fiber requirements. The balance of our fiber requirements comecame from residual chips supplied by our Wood Products operations, other roundwood and chips purchased from other suppliers, and from other private industrial and nonindustrial forestland owners, with only an insignificant amount coming from public lands of the U. S.U.S. government. In addition, in 2005,2006, 3.4 million tons of wood from our forestlands were sold to other users.

As one In 2007, the Company expects that approximately 65% of its fiber requirements will come from roundwood, with over 80% purchased on the largest private landowners in the world, International Paper employs professional forestersopen market and wildlife biologists to manage our forestlands with great care in compliance with the rigorous standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program (SFITM). SFITM includes an independent certification system to ensure the sustainable planting, growing and harvesting of trees while protecting wildlife, plants, soil, water and air quality. Allless than 20% obtained under existing fiber supply agreements. The remaining 35% of our U.S. forestlands are certified as complying with SFITM standards by an independent third party,fiber requirements will come from wood chips obtained from other suppliers and most of our forestlands outside of the United States comply with similar local or regional sustainable forestry programs as well.other private and nonindustrial forestland owners and through chip supply agreements.

MILLS AND PLANTS

A listing of our production facilities, the vast majority of which we own, can be found in Appendix I hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company’s facilities are in good operating condition and are suited for the purposes for which they

are presently being used. We continue to study the economics of modernization or adopting other alternatives for higher cost facilities.

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND DISPOSITIONS

Given the size, scope and complexity of our business interests, we continuouslycontinually examine and evaluate a wide variety of business opportunities and planning alternatives, including possible acquisitions and sales or other dispositions of properties. You can find a discussion about the level of planned capital investments for 20062007 on page 26,33, and dispositions and restructuring activities as of December 31, 2005,2006, on pages 15 and 16 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and on pages 5120 through 57 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. A discussion of businesses being


6


considered for possible sale or spin-off under the Company’s Transformation Plan can be found on page 27 of Item 7.

ITEM  3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information concerning the Company’s legal proceedings is set forth on pages 32 and 3322, of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and on pages 59 through 6467 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information concerning the Company’s legal proceedings is set forth on pages 40 and 41 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and on pages 69 through 73 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.2006.


 

8


PART II.


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Dividend per share data on the Company’s common stock and the high and low sales prices for the Company’s common stock for each of the four quarters in 20052006 and 20042005 are set forth on page 7889 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary

Data. Information concerning the exchanges on which theThe Company’s common stock is listed is set forthshares are traded on page [    ].the following exchanges: New York, Swiss and Amsterdam. International Paper options are traded on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. As of March 1, 2006,February 23, 2007, there were approximately 26,34023,669 record holders of common stock of the Company.

The table below presents information regarding the Company’s purchase of its equity securities for the time periods presented.


(c) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

Period 

Total Number

of Shares (or

Units) Purchased

 

Average Price Paid

per Share (or Unit)

 

Total Number of

Shares (or Units)
Purchased

as Part of Publicly

Announced Plans

or Programs

 Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 Average Price
Paid per
Share
 Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs

March 1, 2005 –

March 31, 2005

 3,494 (a) $38.86 0 0

January 1, 2006 - January 31, 2006

 4,139  $33.54   

February 1, 2006 - February 28, 2006

 172,980   32.70   

March 1, 2006 - March 31, 2006

 36,300   35.22   

April 1, 2006 - April 30, 2006

 836   34.57   

May 1, 2006 - May 31, 2006

 1,260   37.06   

August 1, 2006 - August 31, 2006

 1,777   34.31   

September 1, 2006 - September 30, 2006

 38,465,784(a)  36.00(b) 38,465,260 

November 1, 2006 - November 30, 2006

 4,263   33.16   

December 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006

 1,220,558   33.84(b)  

Total

 39,907,897(c)    38,465,260 

 

(a)

On August 15, 2006, the Company commenced a tender offer to buy back up to 41,666,667 shares of its common stock. The tender offer expired on September 13, 2006, with the Company purchasing 38,465,260 shares.

(b)Represents

Excludes expenses paid to acquire the shares.

(c)

1,442,637 of these shares tendered in connection with stock option exercises.were not purchased pursuant to a publicly announced plan or program. These were principally open-market repurchases, including 1,220,558 shares repurchased as part of the Company’s Transformation Plan.

No activity occurred in months not presented above.

 

79


PERFORMANCE GRAPH

International Paper CompanyThe performance graph shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Commission or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The following graph compares a $100 investment in Company stock on December 31, 2001 with a $100 investment in each of our ROI Peer Group and the S&P 500 also made on December 31, 2001. The graph portrays total return, 2001–2006, assuming reinvestment of dividends.


(1)

The companies included in the ROI Peer Group are Bowater Inc., Domtar Inc., MeadWestvaco Corp., M-Real Corp., Packaging Corporation of America, Sappi Limited, Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., Stora Enso Group, UPM Corporation and Weyerhaeuser Co.

10


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY(a)

 

Dollar amounts in millions, except per share amounts and stock prices   2005   2004   2003   2002   2001    2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

            

Net sales

  $24,097  $23,359  $22,138  $22,359  $24,010   $21,995  $21,700  $20,721  $19,883  $20,030 

Costs and expenses, excluding interest

   22,918   21,925   21,148   21,306   24,373    18,286   20,819   19,633   19,075   19,126 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before

       

income taxes and minority interest

   586(b)  724(e)  285(h)  340(k)  (1,226)(n) 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

  3,188(b)  286(d)  376(g)  89(j)  174(m)

Minority interest expense, net of taxes

   12   26   83   47   144    17   9   24   79   44 

Discontinued operations

   241(c)  (491)(f)  57   (247)  (8) 

Extraordinary items

               (46)(o) 

Discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest

  (232)(c)  416(e)  (273)(h)  186   (141)

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

         (13)(i)  (893)(l)  (17)(o)            (13)(k)  (893)(n)

Net earnings (loss)

   1,100(b-d)  (35)(e-g)  302(h-j)  (880)(k-m)  (1,204)(n,o)   1,050(b,c)  1,100(d-f)  (35)(g-i)  302(j-l)  (880)(m-o)

Earnings (loss) applicable to common shares

   1,100(b-d)  (35)(e-g)  302(h-j)  (880)(k-m)  (1,204)(n,o)   1,050(b,c)  1,100(d-f)  (35)(g-i)  302(j-l)  (880)(m-o)

FINANCIAL POSITION

            

Working capital

  $2,565  $5,252  $4,908  $4,850  $4,691   $3,996  $6,804  $9,506  $9,143  $9,025 

Plants, properties and equipment, net

   11,801   12,216   12,138   12,319   13,129    8,993   9,073   9,402   9,348   9,559 

Forestlands

   2,190   2,157   2,332   2,402   2,923    259   2,127   2,099   2,279   2,359 

Total assets

   28,771   34,217   35,525   33,792   37,177    24,034   28,771   34,217   35,525   33,792 

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

   1,181   222   1,776      832    692   1,178   209   1,770    

Long-term debt

   11,023   13,632   13,127   12,329   11,751    6,531   11,019   13,626   13,127   12,328 

Common shareholders’ equity

   8,351   8,254   8,237   7,374   10,291  

BASIC PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK –

       

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

  $1.77  $0.94  $0.54  $0.54  $(2.35) 

Discontinued operations (c)

   0.49   (1.01)  0.12   (0.51)  (0.02) 

Extraordinary items

               (0.09) 

Common shareholders' equity

  7,963   8,351   8,254   8,237   7,374 

BASIC PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

     

Earnings from continuing operations

 $2.69  $1.41  $0.49  $0.27  $0.32 

Discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest

  (0.48)  0.85   (0.56)  0.39   (0.29)

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

         (0.03)  (1.86)  (0.04)            (0.03)  (1.86)

Net earnings (loss)

   2.26   (0.07)  0.63   (1.83)  (2.50)   2.21   2.26   (0.07)  0.63   (1.83)

DILUTED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK –

       

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

  $1.74  $0.93  $0.53  $0.54  $(2.35) 

Discontinued operations (c)

   0.47   (1.00)  0.13   0.51   (0.02) 

Extraordinary items

               (0.09) 

DILUTED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

     

Earnings from continuing operations

 $2.65  $1.40  $0.49  $0.27  $0.32 

Discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest

  (0.47)  0.81   (0.56)  0.39   (0.29)

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

         (0.03)  (1.85)  (0.04)            (0.03)  (1.85)

Net earnings (loss)

   2.21   (0.07)  0.63   (1.82)  (2.50)   2.18   2.21   (0.07)  0.63   (1.82)

Cash dividends

   1.00   1.00   1.00   1.00   1.00    1.00   1.00   1.00   1.00   1.00 

Common shareholders’ equity

   17.03   16.93   16.97   15.21   21.25    17.56   17.03   16.93   16.97   15.21 

COMMON STOCK PRICES

            

High

  $42.59  $45.01  $43.32  $46.19  $43.25   $37.98  $42.59  $45.01  $43.32  $46.19 

Low

   26.97   37.12   33.09   31.35   30.70    30.69   26.97   37.12   33.09   31.35 

Year-end

   33.61   42.00   43.11   34.97   40.35    34.10   33.61   42.00   43.11   34.97 

FINANCIAL RATIOS

            

Current ratio

   1.5   1.7   1.5   1.7   1.6    1.9   2.4   2.3   2.0   2.3 

Total debt to capital ratio

   58.8   62.1   63.0   61.2   54.1    0.47   0.59   0.62   0.63   0.61 

Return on equity

   13.2(b-d)  (0.4)(e-g)  3.9(h-j)  (8.8)(k-l)  (10.6)(n,o)   14.6(b,c)  13.2(d-f)  (0.4)(g-i)  3.9(j-l)  (8.8)(m-o)

Return on investment from continuing operations

   5.2(b-d)  3.7(e-g)  2.9(h-j)  2.7(k,l)  (1.6)(n)   8.1(b,c)  5.2(d-f)  3.1(g-i)  2.5(j-l)  2.5(m-o)

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

  $1,172  $1,213  $1,031  $913  $937   $1,073  $1,095  $1,119  $935  $859 

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

   68,700   79,400   82,800   91,000   100,100    60,600   68,700   79,400   82,800   91,000 

 

811


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

FINANCIAL GLOSSARY

Current ratio –ratio—

current assets divided by current liabilities.

Total debt to capital ratio –ratio—

long-term debt plus notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt divided by long-term debt, notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt, minority interest and total common shareholders’ equity.

Return on equity –equity—

net earnings divided by average common shareholders’ equity (computed monthly).

Return on investment –investment—

the after-tax amount of earnings from continuing operations before interest and minority interest divided by the average of total assets minus accounts payable and accrued liabilities (computed monthly).

FOOTNOTES TO FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

(a)

All periods presented have been restated to reflect the Carter Holt Harvey Limited, and the Weldwood of Canada Limited, Kraft Papers, Brazilian Coated Papers, Beverage Packaging, and Wood Products businesses as discontinued operations.

2005:2006:

(b)

Includes restructuring and other charges of $358$300 million before taxes ($225184 million after taxes), including a $274$157 million charge before taxes ($17495 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring and other charges principally associated with the Company’s Transformation Plan, a charge of $165 million before taxes ($102 million after taxes) for losses on early debt extinguishment, a $97 million charge before taxes ($60 million after taxes) for legal reserves, a $115 million gain before taxes ($70 million after taxes) for payments received relating to the Company’s participation in the U.S. Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports, and a credit of $4 million before taxes ($3 million after taxes) for other items. Also included are a $4.8 billion gain before taxes ($2.9 billion after taxes) from sales of U.S. forestlands included in the Company’s Transformation Plan; a charge of $759 million before and after taxes for the impairment of goodwill

in the coated paperboard and Shorewood businesses; a $1.5 billion charge for net losses on sales and impairments of businesses including $1.4 billion before taxes ($1.3 billion after taxes) for the U.S. Coated and Supercalendered Papers business, $52 million before taxes ($37 million after taxes) for certain assets in Brazil, and $128 million before taxes ($84 million after taxes) for the Company’s Saillat mill in France to reduce the carrying value of net assets to their estimated fair value; the recognition of a previously deferred $110 million gain before taxes ($68 million after taxes) related to a 2004 sale of forestlands in Maine; and a pre-tax charge of $21 million (zero after taxes) for other smaller items.

(c)

Includes a gain of $100 million before taxes ($79 million after taxes) from the sale of the Brazilian Coated Papers business, and pre-tax charges of $116 million ($72 million after taxes) for the Kraft Papers business, $269 million ($234 million after taxes) for the Wood Products business and $121 million ($90 million after taxes) for the Beverage Packaging business to reduce the carrying value of these businesses to their estimated fair value.

2005:

(d)

Includes restructuring and other charges of $340 million before taxes ($213 million after taxes), including a $256 million charge before taxes ($162 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring and other charges principally associated with the Company’s Transformation Plan, a $57 million charge before taxes ($35 million after taxes) for early extinguishment of debt, and a $27 million charge before taxes ($16 million after taxes) for legal reserves. Also included are a $258 million pre-tax credit ($151 million after taxes) for net insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a $4 million credit before taxes ($3 million after taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring reserves no longer required, a pre-tax charge of $111 million ($73 million after taxes) for net losses on sales and impairments of businesses sold or held for sale, and interest income of $54 million before taxes ($33 million after taxes), including $43 million before taxes ($26 million after taxes) related to a settlement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service concerning the 1997 through 2000 U.S. federal income tax audit, and $11 million before taxes ($7 million after taxes)


12


related to the collection of a note receivable from the 2001 sale of a business.

 

(c)(e)

Includes a gain of $29 million before taxes ($361 million after taxes and minority interest) from the 2005 sale of Carter Holt Harvey Limited.

 

(d)(f)

Includes a $446$454 million reduction in the income tax provision, including a reduction of $627 million from a settlement reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service concerning the 1997 through 2000 U.S. federal income tax audit, a charge of $142 million for deferred taxes related to earnings repatriations under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and $39$31 million of other tax charges.

2004:

(e)(g)

Includes restructuring and other charges of $166$164 million before taxes ($103102 million after taxes), including a $64$62 million charge before taxes ($4039 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, a $92 million charge before taxes ($57 million after taxes) for early debt extinguishment costs, and a $10 million charge before taxes ($6 million after taxes) for legal settlements. Also included are pre-tax credits of $123 million ($76 million after taxes) for net insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a $36$35 million credit before taxes ($2221 million after taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring reserves no longer required, and a pre-tax charge of $139 million ($125 million after taxes) for net losses on sales and impairments of businesses sold or held for sale.

 

(f)(h)

Includes a gain of $268 million before taxes and minority interest ($90 million after taxes and minority interest) from the 2004 sale of the Carter Holt Harvey Tissue business, and a pre-tax charge of $323 million ($711 million after taxes) from the 2004 sale of Weldwood of Canada Limited.

 

(g)(i)

Includes a $32 million net increase in the income tax provision reflecting an adjustment of deferred tax balances.

2003:

(h)(j)

Includes restructuring and other charges of $286$252 million before taxes ($180158 million after

taxes), including a $224$190 million charge before taxes ($140118 million after taxes) for asset shutdowns of excess internal capacity and cost reduction actions, a $63 million charge before taxes ($39 million after taxes) for legal reserves, and a $1 million credit before taxes ($1 million charge after taxes) for early debt retirement costs. Also included are a pre-tax charge of $34 million ($33 million after taxes) for net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale, and a credit of $39$26 million before taxes ($2416 million after


9


taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring reserves no longer required.

 

(i)(k)

Includes a charge of $10 million after taxes for the cumulative effect of an accounting change for the adoption of SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” and a charge of $3 million after taxes for the cumulative effect of an accounting change related to the adoption of FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.”

 

(j)(l)

Includes a $110 million reduction of the income tax provision recorded for significant tax events occurring in 2003.

2002:

(k)(m)

Includes restructuring and other charges of $667$654 million before taxes ($425417 million after taxes), including a $176$163 million charge before taxes ($121113 million after taxes) for asset shutdowns of excess internal capacity and cost reduction actions, a $450 million pre-tax charge ($278 million after taxes) for additional exterior siding legal reserves, and a charge of $41 million before taxes ($26 million after taxes) for early debt retirement costs. Also included are a creditcharge of $38$25 million before taxes ($100(a credit of $60 million after taxes) to adjust accrued costs of businesses sold or held for sale, and a pre-tax credit of $68 million ($43 million after taxes) for the reversal of 2001 and 2000 reserves no longer required.

 

(l)(n)

Includes an $893 million charge for the cumulative effect of an accounting change for the adoption of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

 

(m)(o)

Reflects a decrease of $46 million in the income tax provision for a reduction of deferred state income tax liabilities.

2001:

(n)Includes restructuring and other charges of $1.1 billion before taxes ($749 million after taxes), including an $882 million charge before taxes ($603 million after taxes) for asset shutdowns of excess internal capacity and cost reduction actions, and a $225 million pre-tax charge ($146 million after taxes) for additional exterior siding legal reserves. Also included are a net pre-tax charge of $629 million ($587 million after taxes) related to dispositions and asset impairments of businesses held for sale, a $42 million pre-tax charge ($28 million after taxes) for Champion merger integration costs, and a $17 million pre-tax credit ($11 million after taxes) for the reversal of excess 2000 and 1999 restructuring reserves.

(o)Includes an extraordinary pre-tax charge of $73 million ($46 million after taxes) related to the impairment of the Masonite business and the divestiture of the Petroleum and Minerals assets, and a charge of $28 million before taxes ($17 million after taxes) for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting for derivatives and hedging activities.

 

1013


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

International Paper’s operating results in 2005 were strongly impacted by significantly higher costs for energy, wood, caustic soda2006 benefited from strong gains in pricing and other raw materials which reduced operating profits compared with 2004 by $586 million. Lower sales volumes were also a negative factor versus 2004 as we took a significant amount of lack-of-order downtime in our U.S. uncoated paper and containerboard mills, and downtime in our Eastern European operations to rebuild paper machines in Poland and Russia to add needed uncoated paper and paperboard capacity. We were able to partially offset some of these negative impacts through operational improvements in our manufacturing operations, improvedlower operating costs. Our average pricing for our paper and packaging grades,prices in 2006 increased faster than our costs for the first time in four years. The improvement in sales volumes reflects increased uncoated papers, corrugated box, coated paperboard and European papers shipments, as well as improved revenues from our xpedx distribution business. Our manufacturing operations also made solid cost reduction improvements. Lower interest expense, reflecting debt repayments in 2005 and 2006, was also a positive factor. Together, these improvements more favorable product mix,than offset the effects of continued high raw material and higher earnings from forestland anddistribution costs, lower real estate sales.sales, higher net corporate expenses and lower contributions from businesses and forestlands divested during 2006.

Looking forward to 2006,2007, we expect operating profits forseasonally higher sales volumes in the first quarter to be flat with the 2005 fourth quarter. Sales volumes should be seasonally slow in the quarter, but should show some improvement as the quarter progresses. PriceAverage paper price realizations should alsocontinue to improve as we implement previously announced price increases are implemented. Whilein Europe and Brazil. Input costs for energy, woodfiber and raw material price movementschemicals are mixed, their impact for the quarter is expected to be flat.

mixed, although slightly higher in the first quarter. Operating results will benefit from the recently completed International Paper/Sun Paperboard joint ventures in China and the addition of the Luiz Antonio paper mill to our operations in Brazil. However, primarily as a result of lower real estate sales in the first quarter, we see favorable signs of positive momentum for the remainder of 2006. We anticipate that demand in North America for both uncoated paper and industrial packaging productsearnings from continuing operations will be stronger, and that we will realize 2005 fourth-quarter andsomewhat lower than in the 2006 first-quarter announced price increases. Additionally, operating rates should improvefourth quarter.

Significant steps were also taken in 2006 reflectingin the execution of the Company’s Transformation Plan. We completed the sales of our U.S. and Brazilian Coated Papers businesses and 5.6 million acres of U.S. forestlands, and announced industry capacity reductions in uncoated papersdefinitive sale agreements for our Kraft Papers, Beverage Packaging and containerboard. We are also startingArizona Chemical businesses and a majority of our Wood Products business, all expected to see some reductions in natural gas and southern wood costs that, ifclose during 2007. Through December 31, 2006, we have received approximately $9.7 billion of the trend continues, should benefit operationsestimated proceeds from divestitures announced under this plan of approximately $11.3 billion, with the balance to be received as the year progresses.

In connection withremaining divestitures are completed in the first half of 2007. We have strengthened our overall strategic direction, we are evaluating options for the possible sale or spin-off of certainbalance sheet by

reducing debt by $6.2 billion, and returned value to our shareholders by repurchasing 39.7 million shares of our businesses as previously announcedcommon stock for approximately $1.4 billion. We made a $1.0 billion voluntary contribution to our U.S. qualified pension fund. We have identified selective reinvestment opportunities totaling approximately $2.0 billion, including opportunities in China, Brazil and Russia. Finally, we remain focused on our Transformation Plan,three-year $1.2 billion target for non-price profitability improvements, with decisions on certain businesses anticipated$330 million realized during 2006. We also will continueWhile more remains to improve our key operationsbe done in North America by realigning our uncoated and packaging mill operations to reduce costs, improve our products and improve our overall profitability.2007, we have made substantial progress toward achieving the objectives announced at the outset of the Plan in July 2005.

Results of Operations

Industry 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. Industry segment operating profits are defined as earnings before taxes and minority interest, interest expense, corporate items and corporate special items. Industry segment operating profits are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-GAAP financial measure, and are not GAAP alternatives to net income or any other operating measure prescribed by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

International Paper operates in six segments: Printing Papers, Industrial Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Distribution, Forest Products and Specialty Businesses and Other.

The following table shows the components of net earnings (loss) for each of the last three years:

 

In millions  2005  2004  2003 

Industry segment operating profits

  $1,923  $2,040  $1,734 

Corporate items

   (597)  (469)  (466)

Corporate special items*

   (147)  (142)  (281)

Interest expense, net

   (593)  (710)  (705)

Minority interest

   (12)  (21)  (80)

Income tax benefit (provision)

   285   (242)  56 

Discontinued operations

   241   (491)  57 

Accounting changes

         (13)
  

Net earnings (loss)

  $1,100  $(35) $302 
  

* Special
In millions 2006   2005   2004 

Industry segment operating profits

 $2,074   $1,622   $1,703 

Corporate items, net

  (746)   (607)   (477)

Corporate special items*

  2,373    (134)   (141)

Interest expense, net

  (521)   (595)   (712)

Minority interest

  (9)   (9)   (21)

Income tax (provision) benefit

  (1,889)   407    (114)

Discontinued operations

  (232)   416    (273)

Net earnings (loss)

 $1,050   $1,100   $(35)
*

Corporate special items include gains on Transformation Plan forestland sales, goodwill impairment charges, restructuring and other charges, net losses on sales and impairments of businesses, held for sale, insurance recoveries and reversals of reserves no longer required.


14


Industry segment operating profits of $2.1 billion were $117$452 million lowerhigher in 2006 than in 2005 due principally to the impact of higher energy and raw material costs ($586 million), lower sales volume ($251 million), and unfavorable foreign currency translation rates ($27 million) which more than offset the benefits from higher average prices ($478476 million), higher sales volumes ($143 million), and cost reduction initiatives, improved operating performance and a more favorable product mix ($235187 million), and higher earnings from land sales ($158 million). The impact of divestitures ($32 million), principally the Fine Papers and Industrial Papers businesses, and other items ($36 million) also had a negative impact in 2005.

Segment Operating Profit

(in millions)


11


The principal changes in operating profit by segment were as follows:Printing Papers’ profits were $29 million lower aswhich more than offset the impacts of higher energy and raw material costs ($101 million), lower earnings from land sales volume and unfavorable foreign currency translation rates more than offset the effects of($27 million), higher average sales prices, improved sales mix and lower operating and overhead costs.Industrial Packaging’s profits were down by $150 million reflecting higher energy and raw materialdistribution costs lower sales volume, an unfavorable mix of products sold and the impact of($113 million), reduced earnings due to the sale of the IndustrialCoated and Supercalendered Papers business. These effectsbusiness and loss of harvest income from our divested forestlands ($53 million), and other items ($60 million).

Segment Operating Profits

(in millions)

The principal changes in operating profits by segment were somewhat offset by benefits from higher sales prices.Consumer Packaging’s profits were $35 million lower as the impacts of higher energy and raw material costs and lower sales volume more than offset contributions from higher sales prices and lower operating and overhead costs.Forest Products’ profits were $134 million higher. Increased earnings from land sales, an improved product mix and lower overhead costs more than offset the effect of higher energy and raw material costs, lower harvest volumes and special items.Distribution’s profits were $3 million lower in 2005 than in 2004.follows:

Printing Papers’ profits of $677 million were $204 million higher as the benefits of higher average sales price realizations, improved manufacturing operations, reduced lack-of-order downtime and higher sales volumes more than offset the impacts of higher raw material and energy costs, higher freight costs and a $128 million impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the fixed assets at the Saillat, France mill.

Industrial Packaging’s profits of $399 million were up $180 million as the impacts of improved sales price realizations, increased sales volumes, a more favorable mix, reduced market-related downtime and strong mill performance were partially offset by the effects of higher raw material, freight and converting operating costs.

Consumer Packaging’s profits of $131 million were $10 million higher due to higher sales volumes, improved average sales price realizations, reduced lack-of-order downtime and favorable mill operations, which were partially

offset by higher raw material and freight costs, unfavorable product mix and lower profits in our Shorewood packaging business.

Forest Products’ profits of $678 million were $43 million lower. Decreased harvest and recreational income and lower earnings from the Real Estate division, which principally sells higher-and-better-use properties, were only partially offset by higher earnings from forestland sales and lower operating costs.

Distribution’s profits of $128 million were $44 million higher due to the impact of higher sales volumes, improved average sales prices and lower operating expenses.

Specialty Businesses and Other’sprofits of $61 million were $57 million higher reflecting higher average sales prices and lower costs for Arizona Chemical.

Corporate items, net, of $597$746 million of expense in 2006 were higher than the $607 million of expense in 2005 were higher than the $469and $477 million of expense in 2004 and $466 million in 2003 due to higher pension expenses, benefits-related expenses and supply chain initiative costs, and increased inventory-related costs, partially offset by lower overheadinventory-related costs.

Corporate special items, including gains on sales of forestlands, restructuring and other charges, losses on sales and impairments of businesses, held for sale,impairments of goodwill, insurance recoveries and reversals of reserves no longer required, increased to $147 milliona gain of $2.4 billion from $142an expense of $134 million in 2004, but were lower than the $2812005 and an expense of $141 million in 2003.2004. The increase in 2005 versus 20042006 principally reflects an increase$4.8 billion of gains on the sales of forestlands included in restructuring charges, relating principally to our Transformation Plan, partially offset by higher insurance recoveries relating$1.4 billion of net charges related to hardboard sidingthe divestiture of certain operations, principally the U.S. Coated and roofing matters. Compared with 2003, the decrease reflects higher insurance recoveriesSupercalendered Papers business, and lower losses on sales and impairments$759 million of businesses held for sale in 2005.goodwill impairment charges.

Interest expense, net, of $593$521 million in 2006 decreased from $595 million in 2005 and $712 million in 2004 reflecting lower average debt balances from repayments made under the Company’s Transformation Plan and lower interest rates from debt refinancings and repayments. Additionally, the 2006 total includes a pre-tax credit of $6 million for interest received from the Canadian government on refunds of prior-year softwood lumber duties. Interest expense, net, in 2005 includes a pre-tax credit of $43 million related to an agreement reached with the Internal Revenue Service concerning the Company’s 1997 through 2000 federal income tax audits, and a pre-tax credit of $11 million related to the collection of a note receivable from the 2001 sale of the Flexible Packaging business. Excluding these items, interest expense, net, of $647 million decreased from $710 million in 2004 and $705 million in 2003 reflecting lower average debt balances from debt refinancing and repayments in 2004 and 2005.


15


The 20052006 income tax provision of $1.9 billion consists of $1.6 billion of deferred taxes (principally reflecting deferred taxes on the 2006 Transformation Plan forestland sales) and a $0.3 billion current tax provision. The tax provision also includes an $11 million charge related to 2006 special tax adjustment items. The $407 million benefit of $285 million includesin 2005 included a $446$454 million tax benefit related to 2005 special tax specialadjustment items. The $242 million tax provision of $114 million in 2004 included a $32 million tax provision related to tax

special items. The tax benefit of $56 million in 2003 included $110 million of benefitsexpense related to special items occurring in 2003.items. See “Income Taxes” on pages 14 and 15page 19 for a further discussion of these items.

Discontinued Operations

In the first quarter of 2006, management determined that the future sale of the Kraft Papers business was in the best interest of the Company’s shareholders. A definitive agreement to sell this business was signed during the second quarter. In the third quarter, International Paper completed the sale of its Brazilian Coated Papers business. During the fourth quarter, International Paper determined that the sales of its Beverage Packaging and Wood Products businesses were in the best interests of the shareholders. A definitive agreement to sell its Beverage Packaging business was announced during the quarter, and the Company announced two separate definitive agreements to sell 13 lumber mills and five wood products plants.

During the 2005 third quarter, International Paper completed the sale of the Carter Holt Harvey Limited business. During 2004, International Paper completed the sale of its Weldwood of Canada Limited business in the fourth quarter. The

As a result of these actions, the operating results of these businesses and the gains or associated gains/losses on the sales are reported in discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Accounting changes included a charge of $13 million in 2003 for the adoption of new accounting pronouncements regarding asset retirement obligations and variable interest entities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, International Paper generated $1.5$1.0 billion of cash flow from continuing operations, down from $2.1compared with $1.2 billion in 2004.2005. The 2006 amount is net of a $1.0 billion voluntary pension plan cash contribution. Capital spending from continuing operations for the year totaled $1.2$1.0 billion, or 84%87% of depreciation and amortization expense. We repaid approximately $1.7$5.2 billion of debt during the year, including various higher coupon ratecoupon-rate debt, that will result in lower interest charges in future years. Our liquidity position remains strong, supported by

approximately $3.2$3.0 billion of unused, committed credit facilities that we believe are adequate to meet future short-term liquidity requirements. Maintaining an investment grade credit rating for our long-term debt continues to be an important element in our overall financial strategy.

Our focus in 20062007 will be to continue to maximize our financial flexibility and preserve liquidity while further reducing our long-term debt as our previously announced Transformation Plan progresses. liquidity.

Capital spending for 20062007 is targeted at $1.2 billion, or about 80% ofequal to estimated depreciation and amortization.

Transformation Plan

In July 2005, International Paper announced a Transformation Plan to focus on two key global platform businesses: Uncoated Papers (including Distribution) and Packaging. In connection with this plan, the Company is exploring strategic alternatives for other businesses including Coated and Supercalendered Papers, Beverage Packaging, Kraft Papers, Arizona Chemical, Wood Products, and segments or potentially all of its 6.5 million acres of U.S. forestlands. This evaluation process is underway, with decisions anticipated for some of these businesses in 2006. While the exact use of any proceeds from potential future sales is dependent upon various factors, the Company remains committed to using its free cash flow in 2006 to pay down debt, to return value to shareholders, and for selective high-return investments.


12


Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Accounting Estimates

Accounting policies that may have a significant effect on our reported results of operations and financial position, and that can require judgments by management in their application, include accounting for contingent liabilities, impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill, pensions and postretirement benefit obligations and income taxes.

In recent years, the assumption estimates used for pensions have resulted in increases in reported pension charges. Pension expenses for our U.S. plans increased to $377 million in 2006 from $243 million in 2005 from $111 million in 2004 due principally to an increase in the amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses and a reduction in the assumed discount rate. A further increase of approximately $130 million is expected in 2006, reflecting a change in the mortality assumption toand the use of a more recent mortality table,lower assumed discount rate. A decrease of approximately $182 million is expected in 2007, reflecting earnings on the $1.0 billion voluntary cash contribution made by the Company in 2006 and an increase in the amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses and a further reduction in the assumed discount rate. Our pension funding policy continues to be, at a minimum, to fully fund actuarially determined costs, generally equal to the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Unless changes are made to our funding policy, it is unlikely that any contributions to our U.S. qualified plan will be required in 2006. Funding requirements in later years will depend upon current pending legislation, investment performance and changes in discount rates.2007.

Legal

Payments relating to the hardboard exterior siding class action settlement exceeded our projections for the year, but payments related to the other two class actions continue to be in line with projections made in 2002. The Company settled with allAn analysis of its insurance carriers, except one, related to the hardboard siding claims, and settled all but one of the small opt-out cases in the linerboard antitrust litigation. Additional information on these and other matterssignificant litigation activity is included in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

While the operating results for International Paper’s various business segments are driven by a number of business-specific factors, changes in International Paper’s operating results are closely tied to changes in general economic conditions in the United States,


16


Europe, South America and Asia. Factors that impact the demand for our products include industrial non-durable goods production, consumer spending, commercial printing and advertising activity, white-collar employment levels new home construction and repair and remodeling activity, and movements in currency exchange rates.

Product prices also tend to follow general economic trends, and are also affected by inventory levels, currency movements and changes in worldwide operating rates. In addition to these revenue-related factors, net earnings are impacted by various cost drivers, the more significant of which include changes in raw material costs, principally wood fiber and chemical costs,costs; energy costs,costs; salary and benefits costs, including pensions,pensions; and manufacturing conversion costs.

The following is a discussion of International Paper’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, and the major factors affecting these results compared to 20042005 and 2003.2004.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, International Paper reported net sales of $24.1$22.0 billion, compared with $23.4$21.7 billion in 20042005 and $22.1$20.7 billion in 2003.2004. International net sales (including U.S. exports) totaled $5.7$5.6 billion, or 24%25% of total sales in 2005.2006. This compares to international net sales of $5.7$5.3 billion in 20042005 and $5.4 billion in 2003.2004.

Full year 20052006 net income totaled $1.1 billion ($2.212.18 per share), compared with net income of $1.1 billion ($2.21 per share) in 2005 and a net loss of $35 million ($0.07 per share) in 2004 and a net income of $302 million ($0.63 per share) in 2003.2004. Amounts include the results of discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of accounting changes.operations.

Earnings from continuing operations after taxes in 2006 were $1.3 billion, compared with $684 million in 2005 were $859 million compared with $456and $238 million in 2004 and $258 million in 2003.2004. However, included in earnings from continuing operations in 20052006 was an incremental benefit of $497$292 million compared with 20042005 from the special items discussed on pages 15 and 16.20 through 22. Excluding this benefit, earnings in 20052006 were $94$306 million lowerhigher than in 2004.2005. This declineincrease was driven by higher energyaverage prices, improved sales volumes, favorable operating performance, benefits from cost reduction initiatives and improved mix, lower net interest expense and the incremental benefit from special items. These favorable items more than offset the impact of higher average raw material costs, lower sales volumes, and higher corporate and other charges, principally pension and supply chain initiative costs, that more than offset the positive effects of higher sales prices, cost reduction initiatives, improved mill operations, increased earnings from land sales, higher Corporate expenses (including pensions), higher distribution costs, reduced earnings due to the sale of the Coated and lower interestSupercalendered Papers business, the loss of harvest income from our divested forestlands and higher tax expense.

See Industry Segment Results on pages 1824 through 2329 for a discussion of the impact of these factors by segment.

Earnings From Continuing Operations

(after tax, in millions)


 

1317


The following table presents a reconciliation of International Paper’s net earnings (loss) to its total industry segment operating profit:

 

In millions 2005  2004  2003 

Net Earnings (Loss)

 $1,100  $(35) $302 

Add back (deduct):

   

Discontinued operations:

   

Loss (earnings) from operations

 120  (130) (57)

(Gain) loss on sales or impairments

 (361) 621   

Cumulative effect of

   

accounting changes

     13 
  

Earnings From Continuing Operations

 859  456  258 

Add back (deduct): Income tax provision (benefit)

 (285) 242  (56)

Add back: Minority interest expense, net of taxes

 12  26  83 
  

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest

 586  724  285 

Interest expense, net

 593  710  705 

Minority interest included in operations

   (5) (3)

Corporate items

 597  469  466 

Special items:

   

Restructuring and other charges

 298  166  286 

Insurance recoveries

 (258) (123)  

Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale

 111  135  34 

Reversals of reserves no longer required, net

 (4) (36) (39)
  
 $1,923  $2,040  $1,734 
  

Industry Segment Operating Profit

   

Printing Papers

 $552  $581  $464 

Industrial Packaging

 230  380  264 

Consumer Packaging

 126  161  183 

Distribution

 84  87  80 

Forest Products

 927  793  720 

Specialty Businesses and Other

 4  38  23 
  

Total Industry Segment

   

Operating Profit

 $1,923  $2,040  $1,734 
  

In millions 2006   2005   2004 

Net Earnings (Loss)

 $1,050   $1,100   $(35)

Deduct - Discontinued operations:

     

Earnings from operations

  (85)   (55)   (348)

Loss (gain) on sales and impairments

  317    (361)   621 

Earnings From Continuing Operations

  1,282    684    238 

Add back (deduct):

     

Income tax provision (benefit)

  1,889    (407)   114 

Minority interest expense, net of taxes

  17    9    24 

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest

  3,188    286    376 

Interest expense, net

  521    595    712 

Minority interest included in operations

  (8)   —      (3)

Corporate items

  746    607    477 

Special items:

     

Restructuring and other charges

  300    285    164 

Insurance recoveries

  (19)   (258)   (123)

Gain on sale of forestlands

  (4,788)   —      —   

Impairments of goodwill

  759    —      —   

Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses

  1,381    111    135 

Reserve adjustments

  (6)   (4)   (35)
  $2,074   $1,622   $1,703 

Industry Segment Operating Profit

     

Printing Papers

 $677   $473   $508 

Industrial Packaging

  399    219    373 

Consumer Packaging

  131    121    155 

Distribution

  128    84    87 

Forest Products

  678    721    542 

Specialty Businesses and Other

  61    4    38 

Total Industry Segment Operating Profit

 $2,074   $1,622   $1,703 

Discontinued Operations and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes

2006: In 2006, after-tax charges totaling $317 million were recorded for net losses on sales or impairments of businesses reported as Discontinued operations.

During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its Beverage Packaging business to Carter Holt Harvey Limited for approximately $500 million, subject to certain adjustments. The sale of the North American Beverage Packaging operations subsequently closed on January 31, 2007, with the sale of the remaining non-U.S. operations expected to close later in the 2007 first quarter. Also during the fourth quarter, the

Company entered into separate agreements for the sale of 13 lumber mills for approximately $325 million, expected to close in the first quarter of 2007, and five wood products plants for approximately $237 million, expected to close in the first half of 2007, both subject to various adjustments at closing. Based on the commitments to sell these businesses, management determined that the accounting requirements for treatment as discontinued operations were met. As a result, net pre-tax charges of $18 million ($11 million after taxes) for the Beverage Packaging business and $104 million ($69 million after taxes) for the Wood Products business (including $58 million for pension and postretirement benefit termination benefits) were recorded in the fourth quarter as discontinued operations charges to adjust the carrying value of these businesses to their estimated fair values less costs to sell.

During the third quarter of 2006, management had determined that there was a current expectation that, more likely than not, the Beverage Packaging and Wood Products businesses would be sold. Based on the resulting impairment testing, pre-tax impairment charges of $115 million ($82 million after taxes) and $165 million ($165 million after taxes) were recorded to reduce the carrying values of the net assets of the Beverage Packaging and Wood Products businesses, respectively, to their estimated fair values. Also during the 2006 third quarter, International Paper completed the sale of its interests in a Beverage Packaging operation in Japan for a pre-tax gain of $12 million ($3 million after taxes), and the sale of its Brazilian Coated Papers business for approximately $420 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. As the Company had determined that the accounting requirements for reporting the Brazilian Coated Papers business as a discontinued operation were met, the resulting $100 million pre-tax gain ($79 million after taxes) was recorded as a gain on sale of a discontinued operation.

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company determined that the accounting requirements for reporting the Kraft Papers business as a discontinued operation were met. Accordingly, a $100 million pre-tax charge ($61 million after taxes) was recorded to reduce the carrying value of the net assets of this business to their estimated fair value. During the 2006 second quarter, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell this business for approximately $155 million in cash, subject to certain closing and post-closing adjustments, and two additional payments totaling up to $60 million payable five years from the date of closing, contingent upon


18


business performance. A $16 million pre-tax charge ($11 million after taxes) was recorded during the second quarter to further reduce the carrying value of the assets of the Kraft Papers business based on the terms of this definitive agreement. The sale of this business was subsequently completed on January 2, 2007.

Additionally during the fourth quarter, a $38 million pre-tax credit ($23 million after taxes) was included in earnings from discontinued operations for refunds received from the Canadian government of duties paid by the Company’s former Weldwood of Canada Limited business.

2005:During the 2005 third quarter, the sale of the Company’s majority share of Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH) was completed resulting in a $361 million after-tax gain. This amount together with an $80 million net charge principally reflecting that portion of a third-quarter agreement reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service that relates to CHH, is included in earnings fromgain on sale of discontinued operations.

2004: In the fourth quarter of 2004, International Paper sold its Weldwood of Canada Limited (Weldwood) business for approximately $1.1 billion. As a result of the sale, a $323 million pre-tax loss on the sale was recorded ($711 million after taxes) was recorded as a loss on sale of discontinued operations charge.operations. In the 2004 second quarter, a $90 million after-taxdiscontinued operations gain after taxes and minority interest discontinued operations gain was recorded from the sale of the Carter Holt Harvey Tissue business.

Prior periodPrior-period results for all periods presented have been restated to present the operating results of these businesses as earnings from discontinued operations, including a net loss of $120 million in 2005, and earnings of $130 million and $57 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The $120 million net loss in 2005 includes charges of $98 million for the CHH portion of an audit agreement reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and charges related to cash repatriations from non-U.S. subsidiaries related to CHH.

Net earnings for 2003 included after-tax charges of $3 million and $10 million for the cumulative effect of accounting changes for the adoption of the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” respectively.operations.

Income Taxes

The Company recorded an income tax provision for 2006 of $1.9 billion, consisting of a $1.6 billion deferred tax provision (principally reflecting deferred taxes on the 2006 Transformation Plan forestland sales) and a $300 million current tax provision. The tax provision also included an $11 million provision for special item tax adjustments. Excluding the impact of special items, the tax provision was $272 million, or 29% of pre-tax earnings before minority interest.

An income tax benefit forof $407 million was recorded in 2005 of $285 million, including a $446$454 million net tax benefit related to special tax adjustment items, consisting of a tax benefit of $627 million resulting from an agreement reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service concerning the 1997 through 2000 U.S. federal income tax audit, a $142 million charge for deferred

taxes related to earnings repatriations under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and $39$31 million of other tax charges. Excluding the impact of special items, the tax provisionbenefit was $203$83 million, or 27.5%20% of pre-tax earnings before minority interest.

The income tax provision for 2004 was $242$114 million, or 33%30% of pre-tax earnings from continuing operations before minority interest. This included a $32 million tax provision related to an adjustment of deferred tax balances. Excluding the impact of special


14


items, the tax provision was $226$98 million, or 26%19% of pre-tax earnings before minority interest.

While the Company reported pre-tax income in 2003, a netThe higher income tax benefitrate of $56 million was recorded reflecting decreases totaling $110 million29% in the provision for income taxes for special items. These included2006 reflects a $60 million reductionhigher proportion of earnings in the third quarter reflecting a favorable revision of estimated tax accruals upon filing the 2002 federal income tax return and increased research and development credits, and a $50 million reduction in the second quarter reflecting a favorable tax audit settlement and benefits from a government sponsored overseas tax program. Excluding the year-to-date tax effects of special items, the effectivehigher tax rate for 2003 was 26%.jurisdictions.

Corporate Items and Interest Expense

Minority interest expense, net of taxes, decreased to $12was $17 million in 2006, compared with $9 million in 2005 compared with $26and $24 million in 2004 and $83 million2004. The increase in 2003. The decreases2006 reflects the Company’s acquisition of the Moroccan box plants in the fourth quarter of 2005, and 2004 reflect a reductionthe formation of the International Paper & Sun Cartonboard Co., Ltd. joint ventures in the fourth quarter of 2006. The decrease in minority interest from 2004 reflects a reduction related to preferred securities that were replaced by debt obligations in 2004 and 2003.2004.

Interest expense, net, of $593$521 million includes a pre-tax credit of $6 million for interest received from the Canadian government on refunds of prior-year softwood lumber duties. Interest expense, net, for 2005 of $595 million includes a pre-tax credit of $43 million for interest related to the agreement reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service concerning the Company’s 1997 through 2000 U.S. federal income tax audits, and a pre-tax credit of $11 million related to the collection of a note receivable from the 2001 sale of the Flexible Packaging business. Excluding thesespecial items, interest expense, net, of $647$527 million in 2006 decreased from $710$649 million in 20042005 and $705$712 million in 20032004 reflecting lower average debt balances and lower interest rates fromdue to debt refinancingrefinancings and repayments in 2005 and 2004.repayments.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2005,2006, corporate items totaled $597$746 million of expense, compared with $469$607 million in 20042005 and $466$477 million in 2003.2004. The increased expenses in 20052006 compared with both 20042005 and 20032004 are due to higher pension expenses, benefits-related expenses and supply chain initiative and inventory-related costs, partially offset in part by lower overhead administrativeinventory-related costs. Lower gains from energy hedging transactions were also a factor in 2005 and 2004.

Our supply chain initiative, begun in late 2002, is a corporate-wide project to improve customer service capabilities and implement “best practice” supply chain business processes for order management, supply and demand planning, product scheduling and tracking, transportation and warehousing, and procurement. Expenses related to this program in 2006 should be approximately $50 million above 2005 levels. The associated benefits are reflected in business earnings as the programs are implemented.


 

19


SPECIAL ITEMSSpecial Items

Restructuring and Other Charges

International Paper continually evaluates its operations for improvement opportunities targeted to (a) focus our portfolio on our core businesses, (b) rationalize and realign capacity to operate fewer facilities with the same revenue capability and close high cost facilities, and (c) reduce costs. Annually, strategic operating plans are developed by each of our businesses to demonstrate that they will achieve a return at least equal to their cost of capital over an economic cycle. If it subsequently becomes apparent that a facility’s plan will not be achieved, a decision is then made to (a) invest additional capital to upgrade the facility, (b) shut down the facility and record the corresponding charge, or (c) evaluate the expected recovery of the carrying value of the facility to determine if an impairment of the asset value of the facility has occurred under SFAS No. 144. In recent years, this policy has led to the shutdown of a number of facilities and the recording of significant asset impairment charges and severance costs. It is possible that additional charges and costs will be incurred in future periods in our core businesses should such triggering events occur.

2005:2006: During 2005,2006, total restructuring and other charges of $358$300 million before taxes ($225184 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included included:

a $274$157 million charge before taxes ($17495 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, principally associated with the Company’s Transformation Plan,

a $165 million charge before taxes ($102 million after taxes) for early debt extinguishment costs,

a $97 million charge before taxes ($60 million after taxes) for litigation settlements and adjustments to legal reserves,

a pre-tax credit of $115 million ($70 million after taxes) for payments received relating to the Company’s participation in the U.S. Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports, and

a $4 million credit before taxes ($3 million after taxes) for other items.

Earnings also included a $19 million pre-tax credit ($12 million after taxes) for net insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a $6 million pre-tax credit ($3 million after taxes) for

the reversal of reserves no longer required, and a $6 million pre-tax credit ($4 million after taxes) for interest received from the Canadian government on refunds of prior-year softwood lumber duties.

2005: During 2005, Corporate restructuring and other charges of $285 million before taxes ($175 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included:

a pre-tax charge of $201 million ($124 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, principally costs associated with the Company’s previously announced Transformation Plan,

a pre-tax charge of $57 million charge before taxes ($35 million after taxes) for losses on early extinguishment of debt, extinguishment costs and

a $27 million pre-tax charge before taxes ($16 million after taxes) for litigation settlements. Chargeslegal reserves.

Additionally, pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $55 million ($38 million after taxes) were recorded in business segment operating results.

Also recorded were pre-tax credits of $298 million relating to Corporate programs are included as Corporate items, with $60 million of business-specific charges included in the respective business’s operating results. Earnings also included a $258 million pre-tax credit ($151 million after taxes) for net insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation and a $4 million pre-tax credit ($3 million after taxes) for the net adjustment of previously provided reserves.

2004: During 2004, restructuring and other charges of $164 million before taxes ($3102 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included:

a $62 million charge before taxes ($39 million after taxes) for a corporate-wide organizational restructuring program,

a $92 million charge before taxes ($57 million after taxes) for losses on early extinguishment of debt, and

a $10 million charge before taxes ($6 million after taxes) for legal settlements.

In addition, credits of $123 million before taxes ($76 million after taxes) for insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation and $35 million before taxes ($21 million after taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring reserves no longer required. Additionally, included in interest income was a credit of $54 million before taxes ($33 million after taxes), which included $43 million before taxes ($26 million after taxes) related to a settlement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and $11 million before taxes ($7 million after taxes) related to the collection of a note from the 2001 Flexible Packaging business sale.

2004: During 2004, restructuring and other charges before taxes of $166 million ($103 million after taxes)needed were recorded. These charges included a $64 million


 

1520


charge before taxes ($40 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, a $92 million charge before taxes ($57 million after taxes) for early debt retirement costs, and a $10 million charge before taxes ($6 million after taxes) for a litigation settlement. Also in 2004, a $123 million credit before taxes ($76 million after taxes) was recorded for insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, and a $36 million credit before taxes ($22 million after taxes) was recorded for the net reversal of restructuring reserves no longer required.

2003: During 2003, restructuring and other charges before taxes of $286 million ($180 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included a $224 million charge before taxes ($140 million after taxes) for asset shutdowns of excess internal capacity and cost reduction actions, a $63 million charge before taxes ($39 million after taxes) for legal reserves, and a $1 million credit before taxes ($1 million charge after taxes) for early debt retirement costs. In addition, a $39 million credit before taxes ($24 million after taxes) was recorded for the net reversal of restructuring reserves no longer required.

A further discussion of restructuring, business improvement and other charges can be found in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Gain on Sale of Forestlands

During 2006, in connection with the previously announced Transformation Plan, the Company completed sales totaling approximately 5.6 million acres of forestlands for proceeds of approximately $6.6 billion, including $1.8 billion in cash and $4.8 billion of installment notes supported by irrevocable letters of credit. The first of these transactions in the second quarter included approximately 76,000 acres sold for cash proceeds of $97 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $62 million. During the third quarter, 476,000 acres of forestlands were sold for $401 million, including $265 million in cash and $136 million of installment notes, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $304 million. Finally, in the fourth quarter, the Company completed sales of 5.1 million acres of forestlands for $6.1 billion, including $1.4 billion in cash and $4.7 billion of installment notes, resulting in pre-tax gains totaling $4.4 billion. These transactions represent a permanent reduction in the Company’s forestland asset base and are not a part of the normal, ongoing operations of the Forest Resources business. Thus, the net gains resulting from these sales totaling approximately $4.8 billion are separately presented in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations under the caption Gain on sale of forestlands.

Impairments of Goodwill

During the fourth quarter of 2006, in connection with annual goodwill impairment testing, charges of $630 million and $129 million were recorded to write down the carrying values of goodwill of the Company’s coated paperboard and Shorewood packaging businesses, respectively, based on the estimated fair values of these businesses determined using projected future operating cash flows.

Net Losses on Sales and Impairments of Businesses Held for Sale

Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for saleincluded in Corporate special items totaled $1.4 billion in 2006, $111 million in 2005 and $135 million in 2004 and $34 million in 2003.2004. The principal components of these gains/losses were:

2006: During the fourth quarter of 2006, a charge of $21 million before and after taxes was recorded for losses on sales and impairments of businesses. This charge included a pre-tax loss of $18 million ($6 million after taxes) relating to the sale of certain box plants in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and $3 million of pre-tax charges (a $6 million credit after taxes) for other small asset sales.

During the third quarter of 2006, a net pre-tax gain of $61 million ($38 million after taxes) was recorded for gains (losses) on sales and impairments of businesses. This net gain included the recognition of a previously deferred $110 million pre-tax gain ($68 million after taxes) related to a 2004 sale of forestlands in Maine, a pre-tax charge of $38 million ($23 million after taxes) to reflect the completion of the sale of the Company’s Coated and Supercalendered Papers business in the 2006 third quarter, and a net pre-tax loss of $11 million ($7 million after taxes) related to other smaller sales.

During the second quarter of 2006, a pre-tax charge of $138 million ($90 million after taxes) was recorded, including a pre-tax charge of $85 million ($52 million after taxes) recorded to adjust the carrying value of the assets of the Company’s Coated and Supercalendered Papers business to their estimated fair value based on the terms of a definitive sales agreement signed in the second quarter, a pre-tax charge of $52 million ($37 million after taxes) recorded to reduce the carrying value of the assets of the Company’s Amapa wood products operations in Brazil to their estimated fair value based on estimated sales proceeds since a sale of these assets, which was completed in the third quarter, was considered more likely than not at June 30, 2006, and a net charge of $1 million before and after taxes related to other smaller items.

During the first quarter of 2006, a charge of $1.3 billion before and after taxes was recorded to write down the assets of the Company’s Coated and Supercalendered Papers business to their estimated fair value, as management had committed to a plan to sell this business. In addition, other pre-tax charges totaling $3 million ($2 million after taxes) were recorded to adjust estimated losses of certain smaller operations that are held for sale.

At the end of the 2006 first quarter, the Company had reported its Coated and Supercalendered Papers business as a discontinued operation based on a plan to sell the business. In the second quarter of 2006, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell this business for approximately $1.4 billion,


21


subject to certain post-closing adjustments, and agreed to acquire a 10 percent limited partnership interest in CMP Investments L.P., the company that will own this business. Since this limited partnership interest represents significant continuing involvement in the operations of this business under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the operating results for Coated and Supercalendered Papers were required to be included in continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accordingly, the operating results for this business, including the charge in the first quarter of $1.3 billion to write down the assets of the business to their estimated fair value, are now included in continuing operations for all periods presented.

Additionally during the fourth quarter, a $128 million pre-tax impairment charge ($84 million after taxes) was recorded to reduce the carrying value of the fixed assets of the Company’s Saillat mill in France (included in the Printing Papers segment) to their estimated fair value, and in the third quarter, a pre-tax gain of $13 million ($6 million after taxes) was recorded related to a sale of property in Spain (included in the Industrial Packaging segment).

2005: In the 2005 fourth quarter of 2005, a pre-tax charge of $46 million ($30 million after taxes) was recorded for adjustments of losses of businesses held for sale, principally $45 million to write down the assetscarrying value of the Company’s Polyrey business in France to its estimated fair value and to adjust losses on businesses previously sold.net realizable value.

In the third quarter of 2005, charges totaling $5 million before taxes ($3 million after taxes) were recorded for adjustments of losses on businesses previously sold.

During the second quarter of 2005, a net pre-tax credit of $19 million ($12 million after taxes) was recorded, including a $25 million credit before taxes ($15 million after taxes) from the collection of a note receivable from the 2001 sale of the Flexible Packaging business and final charges related to the salesales of Fine Papers and Industrial Papers. In addition, interest income of $11 million before taxes ($7 million after taxes) was collected on the Flexible Packaging business note, which is included in Interest expense, net.

During the first quarter of 2005, International Paper had announced an agreement to sell its Fine Papers and In

dustrial Papers businesses. As a result, a $73business to Mohawk Paper Mills, Inc. of Cohoes, New York. A $24 million pre-tax loss ($4813 million after taxes) was recorded in the first quarter to write down the net assets of these businessesthe Fine Papers business to their estimated net realizable value. The sale of Fine Papers was completed in the second quarter of 2005.

Also induring the first quarter of 2005, International Paper announced that it had signed an agreement to

sell its Industrial Papers business to an affiliate of Kohlberg and Company, LLC. A $49 million pre-tax loss ($35 million after taxes) was recorded in the first quarter to write down the net assets of the Industrial Papers business and related corporate assets to their estimated net realizable value. The sale of Industrial Papers was completed in the second quarter of 2005.

Also in 2005, pre-tax charges totaling $6$11 million before taxes ($47 million after taxes) were recorded for adjustments to adjust previously estimated gains/losses on sales of certain smaller operations.businesses previously sold.

2004: In December 2004, International Paper committed to plans for the sale in 2005 of its Fine Papers business and its Maresquel mill and Papeteries de France distribution business in Europe, resulting inEurope. As a result, charges of $56$11 million before taxes ($548 million after taxes), $34 million before and after taxes, and $11 million before taxes ($12 million after taxes), respectively, were recorded to write down the assets of these entities to their estimated fair values less costs to sell. In October 2004, International Paper sold two box plants located in China to International Paper Pacific Millennium, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $14 million ($4 million after taxes).

In the 2004 third quarter a charge of $38 million before and after taxes was recorded for losses associated with the sale of2004, International Paper signed an agreement to sell Scaldia Papier B.V., and its subsidiary, Recom B.V. ($34 million)in the Netherlands, to Stora Enso for approximately $36 million in cash. This sale was completed in the third quarter and resulted in a loss of $34 million (no impact from taxes or minority interest). In addition, a $4 million loss (no impact from taxes or minority interest) was recorded to adjust the estimated loss on sale of Papeteries de Souche L.C. ($4 million).in France. This sale was completed in the second quarter of 2005 for approximately $14 million in proceeds.

In the 2004 second quarter of 2004, a charge of $27 million loss before and after taxes was recorded to write down the assets of Papeteries de Souche L.C. in France to their estimated realizable value.

In addition, the 2004 second quarter included a loss of $4 million loss before taxes ($2 million after taxes) was recorded to write down the assets of Food Pack S.A. in Chile to their estimated realizable value which was included(included in the Consumer Packaging segment.

2003: In the fourth quarter of 2003, International Paper recorded a $34 million pre-tax charge ($34 million after taxes) to write down the assets of its Polyrey business to estimated fair value. In addition, a $13 million pre-tax gain ($8 million after taxes) was recorded to adjust estimated gains/losses of businesses previously sold.

Pre-tax charges of $13 million ($7 million after taxes) were recorded in the first three quarters of 2003 to adjust previously estimated gains/losses of businesses previously sold.segment).

Industry Segment Operating ProfitProfits

Industry segment operating profits of $1.9$2.1 billion in 2006 improved from both the $1.6 billion in 2005 were slightly lower than $2.0 billion in 2004, but aboveand the $1.7 billion reported in 2003. Significantly 2004. The benefits of significantly


22


higher energy, wood, caustic soda and other raw material costssales price realizations ($586476 million), lowerincreased sales volumes including the impact of reduced lack-of-order downtime in our U.S. containerboard, coated paperboard and uncoated paper and containerboard mills and downtime in our Eastern European operations to rebuild paper machines in Poland and Russia to add needed uncoated paper and pa - -


16


perboard capacitypapers businesses ($251143 million), and the effect of unfavorable foreign currency rates ($27 million) more than offset the favorable effectsimpacts of higher average prices ($478 million), cost reduction initiatives, improved operating performance and a more favorable product mix ($235187 million) and other items ($15 million) were partially offset by higher energy, wood and other raw material costs ($101 million), and higher freight costs ($113 million), lower earnings from forestland and real estate sales ($15827 million) and an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the fixed assets at the Saillat, France mill ($128 million).

Lack-of-order downtime in 2005 increased to2006 totaled approximately 830,000155,000 tons, compared with only830,000 tons in 2005 and 70,000 tons in 2004, and 585,000 tons in 2003, as the Company adjusted production in line with customer demand. The 2005 total included approximately 290,000 tons related to uncoated paper machines at our mills in Pensacola, Florida; Jay, Maine; and Bastrop, Louisiana; that were permanently closed in the fourth quarter.quarter of 2005.

Looking forward to the first quarter of 2006,2007, we expect operating profits to be about flat withlower than in the 20052006 fourth quarter.quarter, principally due to lower earnings from real estate sales. Sales volumes should be seasonally slowbetter in the quarter, but should show some improvement as the quarter progresses. Priceand average price realizations should alsoare expected to improve as previously announced paper price increases in Europe and Brazil, and for containerboard in the U.S., are implemented. WhileInput costs for energy, wood and raw material price movements arechemicals will be mixed, their impact forbut should average slightly higher in the first quarter. The first quarter is expected to be flat.will benefit from contributions from our recent International Paper/Sun coated paperboard joint ventures in China, and earnings from the Luiz Antonio operations in Brazil acquired during the quarter.

DESCRIPTION OF INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

International Paper’s industry segments discussed below are consistent with the internal structure used to manage these businesses. All segments are differentiated on a common product, common customer basis consistent with the business segmentation generally used in the Forest Products industry.

Printing Papers

International Paper is one of the world’s leading producers of printing and writing papers. Products in this segment include uncoated and coated papers, market pulp and uncoated bristols.

Uncoated Papers:UNCOATED PAPERS: This business produces papers for use in desktop and laser copiers and digital imaging printing as well as in advertising and promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, annual reports and direct mail publications. Uncoated Paperspapers also produces a variety of grades that are converted by our customers into envelopes, tablets, business forms and file folders. Uncoated papers are sold under private label and International Paper brand names that includeHammermill, Springhill, Williamsburg, Postmark, Accent, Great White, BalletandRey. The mills producing uncoated papers are located in the United States, Scotland, France, Poland and Russia. These mills have uncoated paper production capacity of approximately 5.4 million tons annually. International Paper sold the Fine Papers business on April 30, 2005. Prior to its sale, they produced papers used in high-

quality text, cover, business correspondence and artist papers and sold under brand namesStrathmore andBeckett.

Coated Papers:COATED PAPERS: This business produces coated papers used in a variety of printing and publication end uses such as catalogs, direct mailings, magazines, inserts and commercial printing. Products include coated free sheet, coated groundwood and supercalendered groundwood papers. Production capacityThis business was sold in the United States amounts to approximately 1.9 million tons annually.third quarter of 2006.

Market Pulp:MARKET PULP: Market pulp is used in the manufacture of printing, writing and specialty papers, towel and tissue products and filtration products. Pulp is also converted into products such as diapers and sanitary napkins. Pulp products include fluff and southern softwood pulp, as well as northern, southern and birch hardwood paper pulps. These products are produced in the United States, France, Poland and Russia, and are sold around the world. International Paper facilities have annual dried pulp capacity of about 1.61.2 million tons.

Brazilian Paper:BRAZILIAN PAPER: Brazilian operations function through International Paper do Brasil, Ltda, and subsidiaries, that ownwhich owns or manage 1.3 millionmanages approximately 370,000 acres of forestlands in Brazil. Our annual production capacity in Brazil is approximately 680,000435,000 tons of coated and uncoated papers. Our uncoated papers are primarily sold under the brand nameChamex. The Company also operates a wood chip business that sells eucalyptus and pine chips and pine timber on a global basis with eucalyptus and pine lumber sold in Brazilian markets.


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Industrial Packaging

Industrial Packaging:INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING: With a world-wide production capacity of about 4.84.9 million tons annually, International Paper is the third largest manufacturer of containerboard in the United States. Over one-third of our production consists of specialty grades, such asBriteTop. About 70% of our production is converted domestically into corrugated boxes and other packaging by our 6765 U.S. container plants. Additionally, we operate twoIn Europe, our operations include one recycled containerboard millsmill in France and 3322 container plants outside the United States.in France, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Morocco. In Asia, our operations include eight container plants in China and one container plant in Thailand. Our container plants are supported by regional design centers, which offer total packaging solutions and supply chain initiatives. We have theUnbleached Kraft Papers, with an annual capacity to produce around 515,000of 405,000 tons, of kraft paper each year for use in multi-wall, retail bags and saturated kraft. The Industrial Papers business, which was sold on May 31, 2005, manufactured lightweight and pressure sensitive papers and converted products in four domestic facilities and one in the Netherlands.January 2, 2007.

Consumer Packaging

Consumer Packaging:CONSUMER PACKAGING: International Paper is the world’s largest producer of solid bleached sulfate packaging


17


board with annual U.S. production capacity of about 1.8 million tons. OnOur coated paperboard business produces high quality coated paperboard for a global basis, across our businesses we work closely with our customers to understand their needs and create profitable business opportunities sourced from our broad basevariety of packaging solutions: substrates and barrier board technologies combined with ourcommercial printing expertise, graphics and structural design, filling equipment and service,ASURYS technologies (formerly called Smart Packaging) and marketing services. All are tailored to create packaging that appeals to consumers while building customer brand equity.end uses. OurEverest®, Fortress®, andStarcote® brands are used in packaging applications for everyday products such as juice, milk, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, computer software and tobacco products. Approximately 32% of our bleached board production is converted into packaging products in our own plants. Our Beverage Packaging business, made up of 17 facilities worldwide, offers complete packaging systems. From paper to filling machines, using proprietary technologies includingTru-TasteCarolina® brand barrieris used in commercial printing end uses such as greeting cards, paperback book covers, lottery tickets, direct mail and point-of-purchase advertising. International Paper is the world’s largest producer of solid bleached sulfate board technologywith annual U.S. production capacity of about 1.9 million tons. Mills producing coated board in Poland, Russia and China complement our U.S. capacity, uniquely positioning us to provide value-added, innovative products for premium long-life juices, our expertise is utilized to produce creative customer solutions and value. global customers.

Shorewood Packaging Corporation utilizes emerging technologies in its 18 facilities worldwide to produce world-class packaging with high-impact graphics for a variety of markets, including home entertainment, tobacco, cosmetics, general consumer and pharmaceuticals. TheOur Foodservice business offers cups, lids, bags, food containers and plates through three domestic plants and six international facilities.

Distribution

Throughxpedx, our North American merchant distribution business, we serviceprovide distribution services and products to a number of customer markets, including the commercial printing marketprinter with printing papers and graphic art supplies supplies; the building services

and equipment, high traffic/away-from-home markets with facility supplies and equipment, and varioussupplies; manufacturers and processors with packaging supplies and equipment.equipment; and to a growing number of customers, we exclusively provide distribution capabilities including warehousing and delivery services.xpedx is the leading wholesale distribution marketer in these customer and product segments in North America, operating 125126 warehouse locations and 145142 retail stores in the United StatesU.S. and Mexico, andxpedx.com, a leading business to business e-commerce site.Mexico.

Forest Products

Forest Resources:FOREST RESOURCES: International Paper owns or manages approximately 6.5 million500,000 acres of forestlands in the United States, mostly in the South. All lands are independently third-party certified under the operating standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFITM).In 2005, these forestlands supplied about 20%As part of the wood fiber requirementsCompany’s Transformation Plan, approximately 5.6 million acres of our other businesses.forestlands were sold in 2006. Our remaining forestlands are managed as a portfolio to optimize the economic value to our shareholders. Principal revenue-

generating activities include the saleMost of trees for harvest, the sale of forestlandsour portfolio represents properties that are likely to investment fundsbe sold to investors and other buyers for various uses or held for real estate development and the leasing of our properties for third-party recreational and commercial uses. The mix of these activities varies based on the fiber requirements of our mills and wood products plants, prevailing stumpage prices, supply and demand for forestlands, and market preferences for timber and forestlands. When stumpage prices are depressed relative to land values, forestland sales tend to comprise a larger part of our portfolio mix. Conversely, when stumpage prices are high, stumpage sales may be the best alternative to maximize the value of our forestland holdings.

Wood Products: International Paper owns and operates 25 plants producing lumber, plywood, engineered wood products and utility poles in the southern United States. Through these, we produce approximately 2.5 billion board feet of lumber and 1.6 billion square feet of plywood annually.development.

Specialty Businesses and Other

Chemicals:CHEMICALS: Arizona Chemical is a leading producer of specialty resins based on crude tall oil, a byproduct of the wood pulping process. These products, used in adhesives and inks, are made at 11 plants in the United States and Europe.

European Distribution: International Paper exited the European Distribution This business with theis currently subject to a definitive sale of Papeteries de Franceagreement expected to close in the secondfirst quarter of 2005.2007.

Products and brand designations appearing in italics are trademarks of International Paper or a related company.one of its affiliates.

INDUSTRY SEGMENT RESULTS

Printing Papers

Demand for Printing Papers products is closely correlated with changes in commercial printing and advertising activity, direct mail volumes and, for uncoated cut-size products, with changes in white-collar employment levels that affect the usage of copy and laser printer paper. Market pulp is further affected by changes in currency rates that can enhance or disadvantage producers in different geographic regions. Principal cost drivers include manufacturing efficiency and raw material and energy costs.


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Printing PapersPRINTING PAPERS net sales for 2006 decreased 3% from both 2005 increased 2% fromand 2004 and 8% from 2003. Operatingdue principally to the sale of the U.S. coated papers business in August 2006. However, operating profits in 20052006 were 5% lower than in 2004 but 19%43% higher than in 2003.2005 and 33% higher than in 2004. Compared with 2004,2005, earnings improved for U.S. coated paper anduncoated papers, market pulp earnings improved,and European Papers, but this was partially offset by earnings declines in U.S. uncoated papers, European Papers and Brazilian Papers.papers. Benefits from improved mill operations and lower overhead costs ($129 million) and higher average sales pricesprice realizations in the United States, Europe and Brazil ($371284 million),


18


improved manufacturing operations ($73 million), reduced lack-of-order downtime ($41 million), higher sales volumes in Europe ($23 million), and other items ($65 million) were more thanpartially offset by higher raw material and energy costs ($312109 million), increased market related downtimehigher freight costs ($18745 million) and other itemsan impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of the fixed assets at the Saillat, France mill ($30128 million). Compared with 2003,2004, higher 2005 earnings in 2006 in the Brazilian Papers, U.S. uncoated papers, market pulp and coated papers and U.S. market pulp businesses were offset by lower earnings in the U.S. uncoatedEuropean and Brazilian papers and the European Papers businesses. The Printing Papersprinting papers segment took 995,000555,000 tons of downtime in 2005,2006, including 540,000150,000 tons of lack-of-order downtime to align production with customer demand. This compared with 525,000970,000 tons of total downtime in 2004,2005, of which 65,000520,000 tons related to lack-of-orders.

 

Printing Papers               
In millions 2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Sales

 $7,860  $7,670  $7,280 $6,930  $7,170  $7,135

Operating Profit

 $552  $581  $464 $677  $473  $508

Uncoated PapersU.S. UNCOATED PAPERS net sales totaled $4.8in 2006 were $3.5 billion, compared with $3.2 billion in 2005 compared with $5.0and $3.3 billion in 20042004. Sales volumes increased in 2006 over 2005, particularly in cut-size paper and 2003. Salesprinting papers. Average sales price realizations increased significantly, reflecting benefits from price increases announced in the United States averaged 4.4% higherlate 2005 and early 2006. Lack-of-order downtime declined from 450,000 tons in 2005 thanto 40,000 tons in 2004,2006, reflecting firm market demand and 4.6% higher than 2003. Favorable pricing momentum which began in 2004 carried over into the beginningimpact of 2005. Demand, however, began to weaken across all grades as the year progressed, resulting in lower price realizations in the second and third quarters. However, prices stabilized as the year ended. Total shipments for the year were 7.2% lower than in 2004 and 4.2% lower than in 2003. To continue matching our productive capacity with customer demand, the business announced the permanent closure of three uncoated freesheet machines in 2005. Operating earnings in 2006 more than doubled compared with both 2005 and took significant lack-of-order downtime during the period. Demand showed some improvement toward the end2004. The benefits of the year, bolstered by the introduction our new line of vision innovation paper products (VIP TechnologiesTM), with improved brightnessaverage sales price realizations more than offset higher input costs for freight, wood and whiteness.energy, which were all above 2005 levels. Mill operations were favorable compared with 2005 due to last year,current-year improvements in machine performance, lower labor, chemical and energy consumption costs, as well as approximately $30 million of charges incurred in 2005 for machine shutdowns.

U.S. COATED PAPERS net sales were $920 million in 2006, $1.6 billion in 2005 and $1.4 billion in 2004. Operating profits in 2006 were 26% lower than in 2005. A small operating loss was reported for the rebuild of the No. 1 machine at the Eastover, South Carolina millbusiness in 2004. This business was completed as plannedsold in the fourth quarter. However,third quarter of 2006. During the favorable impactsfirst two quarters of improved mill operations and lower overhead costs2006, sales volumes were more than offset by record high input costs for energy and wood and higher transportation costs compared to 2004. The earnings decline in 2005 compared with 2003 was principally due to lower shipments, higher downtime and increased costs for wood, energy and transportation, partially offset by lower overhead costs and favorable mill operations.

up slightly versus 2005. Average sales price realizations for our European operations remained relatively stable during 2005, but averaged 1% lowercoated freesheet paper and coated groundwood paper were higher than in 2005, reflecting the impact of previously announced price increases. However, input costs for energy, wood and other raw materials increased over 2005 levels. Manufacturing operations were favorable due to higher machine efficiency and mill cost savings.

U.S. MARKET PULP sales in 2006 were $509 million, compared with $526 million and $437 million in 2005 and 2004, and 6% below 2003 levels.respectively. Sales volumes rose slightly, up 1%in 2006 were down from 2005 levels, primarily for paper and tissue pulp. Average sales price realizations were higher in 2006, reflecting higher average prices for fluff pulp and bleached hardwood and softwood pulp. Operating earnings increased 30% from 2005 and more than 100% from 2004 principally due to the impact of the higher average sales prices. Input costs for wood and energy were higher in 2006 than in 2005. Manufacturing operations were unfavorable, driven primarily by poor operations at our Riegelwood, North Carolina mill.

BRAZILIAN PAPER net sales for 2006 of $496 million were higher than the $465 million in 2005 compared with 2004 and 5% compared to 2003. Earnings were lowerthe $417 million in 2004. The sales increase in 2006 reflects higher sales volumes than in 2004, reflecting higher wood and

energy costs2005, particularly for uncoated freesheet paper, and a compressionstrengthening of marginsthe Brazilian currency versus the U.S. dollar. Average sales price realizations improved in 2006, primarily for uncoated freesheet paper and wood chips. Despite higher net sales, operating profits for 2006 of $122 million were down from $134 million in 2005 and $166 million in 2004, due principally to unfavorable foreign currency exchange movements. Earnings were also adversely affected by downtime relatedincremental costs associated with an extended mill outage in Mogi Guacu to convert to an elemental-chlorine-free bleaching process, to rebuild the rebuild of three paper machines during the year.primary recovery boiler, and for other environmental upgrades.

Coated PapersEUROPEAN PAPERS net sales in the United States2006 were $1.6$1.5 billion, in 2005, compared with $1.4 billion in 20042005 and $1.3$1.5 billion in 2003. The business reported an operating profit2004. Sales volumes in 2006 were higher than in 2005 versus a small operating lossat our Eastern European mills due to stronger market demand. Average sales price realizations increased in 2004. The2006 in both Eastern and Western European markets. Operating earnings improvement was driven by higher average sales prices and improved mill operations. Price realizations in 2005 averaged 13% higher than 2004. Higher input costs for raw materials and energy partially offset the benefits2006 rose 20% from improved prices and operations. Sales volumes were about 1% lower in 2005, versus 2004.

Market Pulp sales from our U.S. and European facilities totaled $757 million in 2005 compared with $661 million and $571 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Operating profits in 2005 were up 86% from 2004. An operating loss had been reported in 2003. Higher average prices and sales volumes, lower overhead costs and improved mill operations in 2005 more than offset increases in raw material, energy and chemical costs. U.S. softwood and hardwood pulp prices improved through the 2005 first and second quarters, then declined during the third quarter, but recovered somewhat toward year end. Softwood pulp prices ended the year about 2% lower than 2004, but were 15% higher than 2003, while hardwood pulp prices ended the year about 15% higher thanbelow 2004 and 10% higher than 2003. U.S. pulp sales volumes were 12% higher thanlevels. The improvement in 2004 and 19% higher than in 2003, reflecting increased global demand. European pulp volumes increased 15% and 2%2006 compared with 2004 and 2003, respectively, while average sales prices increased 4% and 11% compared with 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Brazilian Paper sales were $684 million in 2005 compared with $592 million in 2004 and $540 million in 2003. Sales volumes for uncoated freesheet paper, coated paper and wood chips were down from 2004, but average price realizations improved for exported uncoated freesheet and coated groundwood paper grades. Favorable currency translation, as yearly average Real exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar were 17% higher in 2005 than in 2004, positively impacted reported sales in U.S. dollars. Average sales prices for domestic uncoated paper declined 4% in local currency versus 2004, while domestic coated paper prices were down 3%. Operating profits in 2005 were down 9% from 2004, but were up 2% from 2003. Earnings in 2005 were negatively impacted by a weaker product and geographic sales mix for both uncoated and coated papers, reflecting increased competition and softer demand, particularly in the printing, commercial and editorial market segments.


 

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reflects the contribution from higher net sales, partially offset by higher input costs for energy, wood and freight.

Entering 2006,2007, earnings in the first quarter are expected to improve compared with the 20052006 fourth quarter due principallyprimarily to higherreduced manufacturing costs reflecting the completion of the mill optimization project in Brazil in the fourth quarter. Sales volumes are expected to be seasonally better in the U.S. uncoated paper and market pulp businesses, but seasonally weaker in the Russian paper business. Average sales price realizations should improve as we continue to implement previously announced price increases in Europe and Brazil, although U.S. average price realizations reflecting announced price increases. Product demand for the first quarter should be seasonally slow, but isare expected to strengthen asremain flat. Wood costs are anticipated to be higher due to supply difficulties in the year progresses, supported by continued economic growthwinter months, and energy costs will be mixed. The first-quarter 2007 acquisition of the Luiz Antonio mill in North America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Average prices should also improve in 2006 as price increases announced in late 2005 and early 2006Brazil will provide incremental earnings. During 2007, the Pensacola, Florida mill will be converted to produce containerboard, reducing future U.S. production capacity for uncoated freesheet paper and pulp continue to be realized. Operating rates are expected to improve as a result of industry-wide capacity reductions in 2005. Although energy and raw material costs remain high, there has been some decline in both natural gas and delivered wood costs, with further moderation expected later in 2006. We will continue to focus on further improvements in our global manufacturing operations, implementation of supply chain enhancements and reductions in overhead costs during 2006.paper.

Industrial Packaging

Demand for Industrial Packaging products is closely correlated with non-durable industrial goods production in the United States, as well as with demand for processed foods, poultry, meat and agricultural products. In addition to prices and volumes, major factors affecting the profitability of Industrial Packaging are raw material and energy costs, manufacturing efficiency and product mix.

Industrial Packaging’sINDUSTRIAL PACKAGING net sales for 20052006 increased 2%6% compared with 2004,2005 and 8% compared with 2004. Operating profits in 2006 were 18%82% higher than in 2003, reflecting the inclusion of International Paper Distribution Limited (formerly International Paper Pacific Millennium Limited) beginning in August 2005. Operating profits in 2005 were 39% lowerand 7% higher than in 2004 and 13% lower than in 2003. Sales volume increases ($24 million),2004. Benefits from improved price realizations ($66156 million), sales volume increases ($29 million), a more favorable mix ($21 million), reduced market related downtime ($25 million) and strong mill operating performance ($2743 million) were not enough topartially offset by the effects of increasedhigher raw material costs ($10312 million), higher market related downtimefreight costs ($5048 million), higher converting operatingoperations costs ($2221 million), and unfavorable mix and other costs ($6726 million). Additionally, the May 2005In addition, a gain of $13 million was recognized in 2006 related to a sale of our Industrial Papers business resultedproperty in a $25 million lower earnings contribution from this business in 2005.Spain. The segment took 135,000 tons of downtime in 2006, none of which was market-related, compared with 370,000 tons of downtime in 2005, including 230,000 tons of lack-of-order downtime to balance internal supply with customer demand, compared to a total of 170,000 tons in 2004, which included 5,000230,000 tons of lack-of-order downtime.

 

Industrial Packaging

 

        
In millions 2005  2004  2003

Sales

 $4,935  $4,830  $4,170

Operating Profit

 $230  $380  $264

Industrial Packaging        
In millions 2006  2005  2004

Sales

 $4,925  $4,625  $4,545

Operating Profit

 $399  $219  $373

Containerboard’sU.S. CONTAINERBOARD net sales totaledfor 2006 were $955 million, compared with $895 million in 2005 $951and $950 million for 2004. Average sales price realizations in 2004 and $815 million in 2003. Soft market conditions and declining customer demand at the end of the first quarter led to lowerof 2006 began the year below first-quarter 2005 levels, but improved significantly during the second quarter and were higher than in 2005 for the remainder of the year. Sales volumes were higher throughout 2006. Operating profits in 2006 were more than double 2005 levels, and 68% higher than in 2004. The favorable impacts of the higher average sales price realizations, higher sales volumes, reduced lack-of-order downtime and strong mill performance were only partially offset by higher input costs for freight, chemicals and energy.

U.S. CONVERTING OPERATIONS net sales totaled $2.8 billion in 2006, $2.6 billion in 2005 and $2.3 billion in 2004. Sales volumes throughout the year in 2006 were above 2005 levels, reflecting solid market demand for boxes and packaging solutions. In the first two quarters of 2006, margins were favorable compared with the prior year as average sales prices duringoutpaced containerboard cost increases, but average margins began to decline in the secondthird quarter as containerboard increases outpaced the increase in box prices. Operating profits in 2006 decreased 72% from 2005 and third quarters. Beginning86% from 2004 levels, primarily due to higher distribution, utility and raw material costs, and inventory adjustment charges.

EUROPEAN CONTAINER net sales for 2006 were $1.0 billion, compared with $883 million in 2005 and $865 million in 2004. The increase was principally due to contributions from the Moroccan box plants acquired in the fourth quarter prices recovered as a result of increased customer demand and a rationalization of supply. Full year2005, although sales volumes trailed 2004 levels early infor the year, reflecting the weak market conditions in the first half of 2005. However, volumes rebounded in the second halfrest of the year, and finished the year ahead of 2004 levels. Operating profits decreased 38% from 2004, butbusiness were flat with 2003. The favorable impacts of increased sales volumes, higher average sales prices and improved mill operating performance were not enough to offset the impact of higher wood, energy and other raw material costs and increased lack-of-order downtime. Implementation of the new supply chain operating model in our containerboard mills during 2005 resulted in increased operating efficiency and cost savings.

Specialty Papersin 2005 included the Kraft Paper business for the full year and the Industrial Papers business for five months prior to its sale in May 2005. Net sales totaled $468 million in 2005, $723 million in 2004 and $690 million in 2003.also slightly higher. Operating profits in 20052006 were down 23%up 31% compared with 20042005 and 54%6% compared with 2003, reflecting2004. This increase included a $13 million gain on the lower contributionsale of property in Spain as well as the increased contributions from Industrial Papers.

U.S. Converting Operationsnet sales for 2005 were $2.6 billion compared with $2.3 billion in 2004 and $1.9 billion in 2003. Sales volumes were up 10% in 2005 compared with 2004, mainly due to the Moroccan acquisition, of Box USA in July 2004. Average sales prices in 2005 began the year above 2004 levels, but softened in the second half of the year. Operating profits in 2005 decreased 46% and 4% from 2004 and 2003 levels, respectively, primarily due to increased linerboard, freight andpartially offset by higher energy costs.

European Containersales for 2005 were $883 million compared with $865 million in 2004 and $801 million in 2003. Operating profits declined 19% and 13% compared with 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in sales in 2005 reflected a slight increase in demand over 2004, but this was not sufficient to offset the negative earnings effect of increased operating costs, unfavorable foreign exchange rates and a reduction in average sales prices. The Moroccan box plant acquisition, which was completed in October 2005, favorably impacted fourth-quarter results.INTERNATIONAL PAPER DISTRIBUTION LIMITED,

Industrial Packaging’s sales in 2005 included $104 million from International Paper Distribution Limited, our Asian box and containerboard business, had net sales for 2006 of $182 million. In 2005, net sales were $104 million subsequent to theInternational Paper’s acquisition of an additional 50%a majority interest in August 2005. This business generated a small operating profit in 2006, compared with a small loss in 2005.


 

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Entering 2006, Industrial Packaging earningsEarnings for the first quarter of 2007 are expected to improve significantlybe lower than in the first quarter compared with the fourth quarter 2005. Average price realizations should continue to benefit from price increases announced in late 2005 and early 2006 for linerboard and domestic boxes.of 2006. Containerboard export sales volumes are expected to drop slightly in the 2006 first quarterdecline due to fewer shipping days, but growth is anticipatedscheduled first-quarter maintenance outages. Sales volumes for U.S. converted products will be higher due to stronger demand.more shipping days, but expected softer demand should cause the shipments per day to decrease. Average sales price realizations are expected to be comparable to fourth-quarter averages. An additional containerboard price increase was announced in January that is expected to be fully realized in the second quarter. Costs for wood, freightenergy, starch, adhesives and energyfreight are expected to remain stable duringincrease. Manufacturing costs will be higher due to costs associated with scheduled maintenance outages in the 2006 first quarter, approaching fourth quarter 2005 levels. The continued implementation of the new supply chain model at our mills during 2006 will bring additional efficiency improvements and cost savings. On a global basis, thecontainerboard mills. European Container operating results are expected to improve as a result of targeted market growthseasonally higher sales volumes and cost reduction initiatives, and we will begin seeing further contributions from our recent Moroccan box plant acquisition and from International Paper Distribution Limited.improved margins more than offset slightly higher manufacturing costs.

Consumer Packaging

Demand and pricing for Consumer Packaging products correlate closely with consumer spending and general economic activity. In addition to prices and volumes, major factors affecting the profitability of Consumer Packaging are raw material and energy costs, manufacturing efficiency and product mix.

Consumer Packaging’s2005CONSUMER PACKAGING net sales of $2.6 billion were flatincreased 9% compared with 20042005 and 5% higher7% compared with 2003.2004. Operating profits inrose 8% from 2005, but declined 22%15% from 2004 and 31% from 2003 aslevels. Compared with 2005, higher sales volumes ($9 million), improved average sales price realizations ($4633 million), reduced lack-of-order downtime ($18 million), and favorable mill operations ($25 million) were partially offset by higher raw material costs ($19 million) and favorable operations in the mills and converting operationsfreight costs ($60 million) could not overcome the impact of cost increases in energy, wood, polyethylene and other raw materials ($12021 million), lack-of-order downtimeunfavorable mix ($1314 million) and other costs ($821 million).

 

Consumer Packaging

               
In millions 2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Sales

 $2,590  $2,605  $2,465 $2,455  $2,245  $2,295

Operating Profit

 $126  $161  $183 $131  $121  $155

Bleached BoardCOATED PAPERBOARD net sales of $864 million$1.5 billion in 2006 were higher than $1.3 billion in 2005 were up from $842 millionand $1.1 billion in 2004 and $751 million2004. Sales volumes increased in 2003. The effects2006 compared with 2005, particularly in 2005 ofthe folding carton board segment, reflecting improved average price realizations and mill operating improvements were not enough to offset increased energy, wood, polyethylene and other raw material costs, a slight decrease in volume and increased lack-of-order downtime. Bleached boarddemand for coated paperboard products. In 2006, our coated paperboard mills took 100,000 tons of downtime in 2005, including 65,0004,000 tons of lack-of-order downtime, compared with 40,00082,000 tons of lack-of-order downtime in 2004, none of which2005. Average sales price

was market related. Duringrealizations were substantially improved in the current year, principally for folding carton board and cupstock board. Operating profits were 51% higher in 2006 than in 2005, restructuring and 7% better than in 2004. The impact of the higher sales prices along with more favorable manufacturing improvement plans were implementedoperations due to reducestrong performance at the mills more than offset higher input costs for energy and improve market alignment.freight.

FoodserviceFOODSERVICEnet sales weredeclined to $396 million in 2006, compared with $437 million in 2005 compared withand $480 million in 2004, and $460 million in 2003. Average sales prices in 2005 were up 3%; however, domestic cup and lid sales volumes were 5% lower than in 2004 as a result of a rationalization of our customer base early in 2005. Operating profits in 2005 increased 147% compared with 2004, largely due principally to the settlement of a lawsuit and a favorable adjustment on the sale of the Jackson, Tennessee bag plant. Excluding unusual items, operatingplant in July 2005. Sales volumes were lower in 2006 than in 2005, although average sales prices were higher due to the realization of price increases implemented during 2005. Operating profits for 2006 improved over 2005 and 2004 levels largely due to the benefits from higher sales prices. Raw material costs for bleached board were higher than in 2005, but manufacturing costs were more favorable due to increased productivity and reduced waste.

SHOREWOOD net sales of $670 million were down from $691 million in 2005 and $687 million in 2004. Sales volumes in 2006 were down from 2005 levels due to weak demand in the home entertainment and consumer products markets, although demand was strong in the tobacco segment. Average sales prices for the year were lower than in 2005. Operating profits were flat as improved price realizations offset increaseddown significantly from both 2005 and 2004 due to the decline in sales, particularly in the higher margin home entertainment markets, higher raw material costs for bleached board and resin.certain inventory adjustment costs.

ShorewoodnetEntering 2007, coated paperboard first-quarter sales of $691 millionvolumes are expected to be seasonally stronger than in 2005 were essentially flat with net sales in 2004 of $687 million, but were up compared with $665 million in 2003. Operating profits in 2005 were 17% above 2004 levels and about equal to 2003 levels. Improved margins resulting from a rationalization of the customer mix and the effects of improved manufacturing operations, including the successful start up of our South Korean tobacco operations, more than offset cost increasesfourth quarter 2006 for folding carton board and paper and the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange rates in Canada.

Beverage Packaging netbristols. Average sales were $597 million in 2005, $595 million in 2004 and $589 million in 2003. Average sale price realizations increased 2% compared with 2004, principally the result of the pass-through of higher raw material costs, although the implementation of price increases continues to be impacted by competitive pressures. Operating profits were down 14% compared with 2004 and 19% compared with 2003, due principally to increases in board and resin costs.

In 2006, the bleached board market isare expected to remain strong,rise with sales volumes increasinga price increase announced in January. It is anticipated that manufacturing costs will improve versus an unfavorable fourth quarter. Foodservice earnings for the first quarter compared withof 2007 are expected to decline due to seasonally weaker volume. However, sales price realizations will be slightly higher, and the fourthseasonal switch to hot cup containers will have a favorable impact on product mix. Shorewood sales volumes for the first quarter of 2005 for both folding carton and cup products. Improved price realizations2007 are also expected for bleached board and in our foodservice and beverage packaging businesses, although continued high costs for energy, wood and resinto seasonally decline, but the earnings impact will continue to negatively impact earnings. Shorewood should continue to benefit from strong Asian operations and from targeted sales volume growth in 2006. Capitalbe partially offset by pricing improvements and operational excellence initiatives undertaken in 2005 should benefit operating results in 2006 for all businesses.an improved product mix.

Distribution

Our Distribution business, principally represented by ourxpedxbusiness, markets a diverse array of products and supply chain services to customers in


27


many business segments. Customer demand is generally sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, although the


21


commercial printing segment is also dependent on corporate advertising and promotional spending. Distribution earnings and cash flows are generally stable. Providing customers with the best choice and value in both products and supply chain services is a key competitive factor. Additionally, efficient customer service, cost-effective logistics, and focused working capital management are key factors in this segment’s profitability.

 

Distribution

               
In millions 2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Sales

 $6,380  $6,065  $5,860 $6,785  $6,380  $6,065

Operating Profit

 $84  $87  $80 $128  $84  $87

Distribution’s 2005DISTRIBUTION 2006 net sales increased 5%6% from 20042005 and 9%12% from 2003.2004. Operating profits in 2006 were 52% higher than in 2005 were 3% lowerand 47% higher than 2004,in 2004. Sales volumes rose for all segments, but were 5% higher than 2003. Sales rose, in part, as a result of higher average sales prices for paper, tissue and packaging products. Sales volumesparticularly strong for packaging and facility supplies increased due to xpedx’s increasing success in positioning itself as a national service provider to other distributors, manufacturers and retailers. While revenuessupplies. Average sales prices also increased in 2005,all segments. The improvement in operating profits decreased, reflecting increasedresults reflects the higher revenues and improvements in operating expenses associated with initiatives targeting further penetration of faster-growing market segments and costs ofresulting from facility realignments and cost reduction actions begun in the second half of 2005 designed to improveincrease the ongoing efficiency of the xpedx distribution system.

The outlook for Distribution for 2006 is favorable. Average sales prices and marginsLooking ahead to the first quarter of 2007, earnings are expected to remain at or above 2005 levels, and additional market penetration is targeted in the printing, manufacturing, redistribution and retail segments. Additional benefits are also expected from prior-year programsbe comparable to further reducestrong 2006 fourth- quarter results. Sales volumes should experience a slight seasonal decline, but operating costs.expense improvements should lead to comparable operating profits.

Forest Products

Forest Products currently manages approximately 6.5 million500,000 acres of forestlands in the United States, and operates wood products plants in the United States that produce lumber, plywood, engineered wood products and utility poles.States. Forest Resources operating results arehave historically been largely driven by demand and pricing for softwood sawtimber, and to a lesser extent for softwood pulpwood, by the volume of merchantable timber available to be harvested from Company forestlands, and by demand and pricing for specific forestland tracts offered for sale. Wood Products operating results are driven by new housing starts and repair and remodeling activity. Fiber costs are a major factorWith the significant decline in Wood Products profitability.

Forest Products net sales for 2005 were up 7% compared with both 2004 and 2003. Operating profitsforestlands acreage in 2005 were 17% and 29% higher than in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Earnings in 2005 compared with 2004 reflected higher earnings from2006, future operations will primarily consist of retail forestland and real estate

sales ($159 million) and decreased forestland operating expenses ($32 million); partially offset by reduced harvest and recreational income ($12 million), and lower Wood Products earnings ($45 million) due principally to higher raw material costs. sales.

 

Forest Products

            
In millions 2005 2004 2003  2006   2005   2004 

Sales

 $2,575  $2,395  $2,390  $765   $995   $875 
 

Operating Profit:

        

Forest Resources –

Sales of Forestlands

 $400  $315  $462 

Harvest & Recreational Income

 269  281  268 

Forest Resources -

     

Sales of Forestlands

 $447   $400   $315 

Havest & Recreational Income

  222    269    281 

Forestland Expenses

 (146) (178) (157)  (115)   (146)   (178)

Real Estate Operations

 198  124  71   124    198    124 

Wood Products

 206  251  76 
 

Operating Profit

 $927  $793  $720  $678   $721   $542 
 

Forest ResourcesFOREST RESOURCESsales in 2006 decreased 23% from 2005 were $1.0 billion compared with $900 million in 2004 and $1.1 billion in 2003.13% from 2004. Operating profits were down 6% from 2005, but were up 25% from 2004. As part of the Company’s announced Transformation Plan, 5.6 million acres of forestland were sold in 2005 were 33% higher than2006, primarily in 2004 and 12% higher thanthe fourth quarter, resulting in 2003, primarily duea significant decline in forestland acreage. The Company intends to higher forestland sales.focus future operations on maximizing proceeds from the sale of the remaining forestlands.

Operating profits from stumpage sales and recreational income were $222 million in 2006, compared with $269 million in 2005 compared withand $281 million in 2004, and $268 millionreflecting the significant reduction in 2003. Harvest volumes declined 13%acreage in 2005 compared with 2004, and 20% from 2003, reflecting a lower inventory of mature sawtimber in 2005. Sawtimber prices were up 9% compared to both 2003 and 2004.the fourth quarter. Operating profits from forestland sales were $447 million in 2006, compared with $400 million in 2005 compared withand $315 million in 2004 and $462 million in 2003, reflecting fewer acres sold but higher sales prices per acre.2004. Operating expenses decreased to $115 million from $146 million in 2005 fromand $178 million in 2004, and $157 million in 2003, reflecting the continuing effects of restructuring efforts and cost reduction initiatives. Operating profits for the Real Estate division, which principally sells higher-and-better usehigher-and-better-use properties, were $124 million, $198 million and $124 million in 2006, 2005 and $71 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. International Paper monetizes its forest assets in various ways, including sales of short- and long-term harvest rights, on a pay-as-cut or lump-sum, bulk-sale basis, as well as through the sales of timberlands.

For 2006, our harvest is projected to decline 14% due to a lower inventory of mature timber. However, in future years, the harvest profile is expected to improve as timber tracts mature and the benefits of higher yield-per-acre initiatives are realized. Average first-quarter 2006 southern pine pulpwood, pine sawtimber and hardwood pulpwood prices are expected to remain close to fourth-quarter 2005 levels. Forestland sales will continue to be dependent upon various factors including tract location and the level of investor interest.


22


Wood Products sales in the United States in 2005 of $1.6 billion were up 3% from $1.5 billion in 2004 and 18% from $1.3 billion in 2003. Average price realizations for lumber were up 6% and 21% in 2005 compared with 2004 and 2003, respectively. Lumber sales volumes in 2005 were up 5% versus 2004 and 10% versus 2003. Average sales prices for plywood were down 4% from 2004, but were 15% higher than in 2003. Plywood sales volumes in 2005 were slightly higher than 2004 and 2003. Operating profits in 2005 were 18% lower than 2004, but nearly three times higher than 2003. Lower average plywood prices and higher raw material costs more than offset the effects of higher average lumber prices, volume increases and a positive sales mix. In 2005, log costs were up 9% versus 2004, negatively impacting both plywood and lumber profits. Lumber and plywood operating costs also reflected substantially higher glue and natural gas costs versus both 2004 and 2003.

Looking forward to 2007, operating results will be significantly impacted by the first quarterforestlands sold in 2006. Earnings from harvest and recreation income


28


will no longer be significant contributors to business operating results, while expenses should also decline significantly reflecting the reduced level of 2006, a continued strong housing market, combined with low product inventory in the distribution chain, should translate into continued strong lumberoperations. Operating earnings will primarily consist of retail forestland and plywood demand. However, a possible softeningreal estate sales of housing starts and higher interest rates later in the year could put downward pressure on pricing in the second half of 2006.remaining acreage.

Specialty Businesses and Other

The Specialty Businesses and Other segment includes the operating results of the Arizona Chemical European Distributionbusiness and prior to its closure in 2003, our Natchez, Mississippi chemical cellulose pulp mill. Also included are certain divested businesses whose results are included in this segment for periods prior to their sale or closure.

This segment’s 20052006 net sales increased 2% from 2005, but declined 18% and 26%17% from 2004 and 2003, respectively.2004. Operating profits in 20052006 were downup substantially from both 20042005 and 2003.2004. The decline in sales compared with 2004 principally reflects declining contributions from businesses sold or closed. Operating profits were also affected by higher energy and raw material costs in our Chemical business.

 

Specialty Businesses and Other

               
In millions 2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Sales

 $915  $1,120  $1,235 $935  $915  $1,120

Operating Profit

 $4  $38  $23 $61  $4  $38

ChemicalsARIZONA CHEMICAL sales were $769 million in 2006, compared with $692 million in 2005 compared withand $672 million in 20042004. Sales volumes declined in 2006 compared with 2005, but average sales price realizations in 2006 were higher in both the United States and $625 millionEurope. Operating earnings in 2003. Although demand was strong for most Arizona Chemical product lines, operating profits2006 were significantly higher than in 2005 were 84% and 83% lowermore than 49% higher than in 20042004. The increase over 2005 reflects the impact of the higher average sales price realizations and 2003, respectively, due tolower manufacturing costs, partially offset by higher energy costs in the U.S, and higher prices and reduced availability for crude tall oil

(CTO). In the United States, energy costs increased 41% comparedEarnings for 2005 also included a $13 million charge related to 2004 due to higher natural gas prices and supply interruption costs. CTO prices increased 26% compared to 2004, as certain energy users turned to CTO as a substitute fuel for high-cost alternative energy sources such as natural gas and fuel oil. European CTO receipts decreased 30% compared to 2004 due to lower yields following the Finnish paper industry strike and a Swedish storm that limited CTO throughput and corresponding sales volumes.plant shutdown in Norway.

Other businesses in this operating segment include operations that have been sold, closed or are held for sale, principallyprimarily the Polyrey business in France and, in prior years, the European Distribution business, the oil and gas and mineral royalty business, Decorative Products, Retail Packaging, and the Natchez chemical cellulose pulp mill.business. Sales for these businesses were approximately $166 million in 2006, compared with $223 million in 2005 (mainly European Distribution and Decorative Products) compared with $448 million in 2004 (mainly European Distribution and Decorative Products), and $610 million2004.

In December 2006, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Arizona Chemical business, expected to close in 2003.the first quarter of 2007.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

A major factor in International Paper’s liquidity and capital resource planning is its generation of operating cash flow, which is highly sensitive to changes in the pricing and demand for our major products. While changes in key cash operating costs, such as energy and raw material costs, do have an effect on operating cash generation, we believe that our strong focus on cost controls has improved our cash flow generation over an operating cycle. As a result, we believe that we are well positioned for improvements in operating cash flow should prices and worldwide economic conditions improve in the future.

As part of ourthe continuing focus on improving our return on investment, we have focused our capital spending on improving our key platformpaper and packaging businesses both globally and in North America and in geographic areas with strong growth opportunities.America. Spending levels have been kept below the level of depreciation and amortization charges for each of the last three years, and we anticipate continuing this approachspending will again be slightly below depreciation and amortization in 2006.2007.

With the low interest rate environmentFinancing activities in 2005, financing activities2006 have been focused largely on the Transformation Plan objective of strengthening the balance sheet through repayment or refinancing of higher coupon debt, resulting in a net reduction in debt2006 of approximately$5.2 billion following a $1.7 billion net reduction in 2005. WeAdditionally, we made a $1.0 billion voluntary cash contribution to our U.S. qualified pension plan in December 2006 to continue this program, with additional reductions anticipated as our previously announced Transformation Plan progresses in 2006.begin satisfying projected long-term funding requirements and to lower future pension expense. Our liquidity position continues to be strong, with approximately $3.2$3.0 billion of committed liquidity to cover future short-term cash flow requirements not met by operating cash flows.


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Management believes it is important for International Paper to maintain an investment-grade credit rating to facilitate access to capital markets on favorable terms. At December 31, 2005,2006, the Company held long-term credit ratings of BBB (negative(stable outlook) and Baa3 (stable outlook) from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investor Services, respectively.

Cash Provided Byby Operations

Cash provided by continuing operations totaled $1.5$1.0 billion for 2006, compared with $1.2 billion for 2005 compared with $2.1and $1.7 billion in 2004 and $1.52004. The 2006 amount is net of a $1.0 billion voluntary cash pension plan contribution made in 2003.the fourth quarter of 2006. The major components of cash provided by continuing operations are earnings from continuing operations


29


adjusted for non-cash income and expense items and changes in working capital. Earnings from continuing operations, adjusted for non-cash items declinedand excluding the pension contribution, increased by $83$584 million in 20052006 versus 2004.2005. This compared with an increasea decline of $612$63 million for 20042005 over 2003.2004.

Working capital, representing International Paper’s investments in accounts receivable and inventory less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, was $2.6 billiontotaled $997 million at December 31, 2005.2006. Cash used for these working capital components increased by $591$354 million in 2005,2006, compared with a $86$558 million increase in 20042005 and an $11a $117 million increase in 2003.2004. The increase in 20052006 was principally due to a declinedecreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2005.liabilities.

Investment Activities

Investment activities in 2006 included $1.8 billion of net cash proceeds received from divestitures, $1.6 billion of net cash proceeds received from the sale of U.S. forestlands under the Company’s Transformation Plan, and $1.1 billion of deposits made to pre-fund project development costs for a pulp mill project in Brazil.

Capital spending from continuing operations was $1.2$1.0 billion in 2005,2006, or 84%87% of depreciation and amortization, comparable to the $1.2 billion,$992 million, or 87%78% of depreciation and amortization in 2004,2005, and $1.0 billion,$925 million, or 74%73% of depreciation and amortization in 2003.2004.

The following table presents capital spending from continuing operations by each of our business segments for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003.2004.

 

In millions 2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Printing Papers

 $658  $590  $482 $537  $592  $453

Industrial Packaging

 187  179  165  257   180   161

Consumer Packaging

 131  205  128  116   126   198

Distribution

 9  5  12  6   9   5

Forest Products

 121  126  121  72   66   76

Specialty Businesses and Other

 31  39  31

Subtotal

 1,137  1,144  939  988   973   893

Corporate and other

 18  32  54  21   19   32

Total from continuing operations

 $1,155  $1,176  $993 $1,009  $992  $925

We expect capital expenditures in 20062007 to be about $1.2 billion, or about 80% ofequal to estimated depreciation and amortization. We will continue to focus our future capital spending on improving our key platform businesses in

North America and on investments in geographic areas with strong growth opportunities.

Acquisitions

In October and November 2006, International Paper paid approximately $82 million for a 50% interest in the International Paper & Sun Cartonboard Co., Ltd. joint venture that currently operates two coated paperboard machines in Yanzhou City, China. In December 2006, a 50% interest was acquired in a second joint venture, Shandong International Paper & Sun Coated Paperboard Co., Ltd., for approximately $28 million. This joint venture was formed to construct a third coated paperboard machine, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2009. The operating results of these consolidated joint ventures did not have a material effect on the Company’s 2006 consolidated results of operations.

On July 1, 2004, International Paper completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common and preferred stock of Box USA Holdings, Inc. (Box USA) for approximately $189 million in cash and a $15 million 6% note payable issued to Box USA’s controlling shareholders. In addition, International Paper assumed approximately $197 million of debt, approximately $193 million of which was repaid by July 31, 2004. The operating results of Box USA are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from that date.

Other Acquisitions

In October 2005, International Paper acquired approximately 65% of Compagnie Marocaine des Cartons et des Papiers (CMCP), a leading Moroccan corrugated packaging company, for approximately $80 million in cash plus assumed debt of approximately $40 million.

In 2001, International Paper and Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH) had each acquired a 25% interest in International Paper Pacific Millennium Limited (IPPM). IPPM is a Hong Kong-based distribution and packaging company with operations in China and other Asian countries. On August 1, 2005, pursuant to an existing agreement, International Paper purchased a 50% third-party interest in IPPM (subsequently(now renamed International Paper Distribution Limited) for $46 million to facilitate possible further growth in Asian markets. In 2001, International Paper had acquired aAsia. Finally, in May 2006, the Company purchased the remaining 25% from CHH interest in this business. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005 includes preliminary estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired, including approximately $50 million of goodwill.

In July 2004, International Paper acquired Box USA Holdings, Inc. (Box USA) for approximately $400 million, including the assumption of approximately $197 million of debt, of which approximately $193 million was repaid by July 31, 2004.$21 million.

Each of the above acquisitions was accounted for using the purchase method. The operating results of these acquisitions have been included in the consolidated statement of operations from the dates of acquisition.


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Financing Activities

20062005:: Financing activities during 2006 included debt issuances of $223 million and retirements of $5.4 billion, for a net debt reduction of $5.2 billion.

In December 2006, International Paper used proceeds of $2.2 billion to retire notes with interest rates ranging from 3.8% to 10.0% and original maturities from 2008 to 2029. Also in the fourth quarter of 2006, International Paper Investments (Luxembourg) S.ar.l, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Paper, repaid $343 million of long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 40 basis points and a maturity date in November 2010.

In August 2006, International Paper used approximately $320 million of cash to repay its maturing 5.375% euro-denominated notes that were designated as a hedge of euro functional currency net investments. Other debt activity in the third quarter included the repayments of $143 million of 7.875% notes and $96 million of 7% debentures, all maturing within the quarter.

In June 2006, International Paper paid approximately $1.2 billion to repurchase substantially all of its zero-coupon convertible debentures at a price equal to their accreted principal value plus interest, using proceeds from divestitures and $730 million of third-party commercial paper issued under the Company’s receivables securitization program. At December 31, 2006, International Paper had repaid all of the commercial paper borrowed under this program.

In February 2006, International Paper repurchased $195 million of 6.4% debentures with an original maturity date of February 2026. Other reductions in the first quarter of 2006 included early payment of approximately $495 million of notes with coupon rates ranging from 4.0% to 8.875% and original maturities from 2007 to 2029.

International Paper utilizes interest rate swaps to change the mix between fixed and variable rate debt and to manage interest expense. At December 31, 2006, International Paper had interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $2.2 billion with maturities ranging from one to 10 years. In 2006, these swaps increased the weighted average cost of debt from 6.05% to an effective rate of 6.18%. The inclusion of the offsetting interest income from short-term investments reduced this effective rate to 4.95%.

Other financing activity in 2006 included the repurchase of 39.7 million shares of International

Paper common stock for approximately $1.4 billion, and the issuance of 2.8 million shares under various incentive plans, including stock option exercises that generated $32 million of cash.

2005: Financing activities during 2005 included debt issuances of $1.0 billion and retirements of $2.7 billion, for a net debt and preferred securities reduction of $1.7 billion.

In November and December 2005, International Paper Investments (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Paper, issued $700 million of long-term debt with an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus 40 basis points that can vary depending upon the credit rating of the Company, and a maturity date in November 2010. Additionally, the subsidiary borrowed $70 million under a bank credit agreement with an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus 40 basis points that can vary depending upon the credit rating of the Company, and a maturity date in November 2006.

In December 2005, International Paper used proceeds from the above borrowings, and from the sale of CHH in the third quarter of 2005, to repay approximately $190 million of notes with coupon rates ranging from 3.8% to 10% and original maturities from 2008 to 2029. The remaining proceeds from the borrowings and the CHH sale will be used for further debt reductions in the first quarter of 2006.


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Other activities in the fourth quarter of 2005 included the repatriation of $900 million of cash from certain of International Paper’s European and Canadian subsidiaries under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. Most of the cash from the repatriation is intended for further debt reduction in 2006.

In September 2005, International Paper used some of the proceeds from the CHH sale to repay the remaining $250 million portion of a subsidiary’s $650 million long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points and a maturity date of June 2007, and $312 million of commercial paper that had been issued in the same quarter. Other reductions in the third quarter of 2005 included $662 million of notes with coupon rates ranging from 4% to 7.35% and original maturities from 2009 to 2029, and the repayment of $150 million of 7.10% notes with a maturity date of September 2005.

In the second quarter of 2005, International Paper repatriated approximately $1.2 billion in cash from certain of its foreign subsidiaries, including amounts under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. In June 2005, International Paper repaid approximately $400 million of a subsidiary’s long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points and a maturity date of June 2007.

In February 2005, the Company redeemed the outstanding $464 million aggregate principal amount of International Paper Capital Trust 5.25% convertible subordinated debentures at 100.5% of par plus accrued interest, and made early payments of approximately $295 million on notes with coupon rates ranging from 4% to 7.875% and original maturities from 2006 to 2015.


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Other financing activity in 2005 included the repatriation of $900 million of cash in the fourth quarter and $1.2 billion of cash in the second quarter from certain of International Paper’s foreign subsidiaries, and the issuance of approximately 3,006,0003.0 million common shares under various incentive plans, including stock option exercises that generated $23 million of cash.

20042004:: Financing activities during 2004 included debt issuances of $2.5 billion and retirements of $4.2 billion, including repayments of $193 million of debt assumed in the Box USA acquisition in July, and approximately $340 million of debt that was reclassified from Minority interest in 2004 prior to repayment. Excluding these repayments, the net reduction in debt during 2004 was approximately $1.0 billion.

In December 2004, Timberlands Capital Corp. II, a former wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of International Paper, redeemed $170 million of 4.5% preferred securities. In August 2004, International Paper repurchased $168 million of limited partnership interests in Georgetown Equipment Leasing Associates, L.P. and Trout Creek Equipment Leasing, L.P. Both of these securities had been reclassified from Minority interest to

Current maturities of long-term debt prior to their repayment.

Also in August 2004, an International Paper wholly-ownedwholly- owned subsidiary issued 500 million euro-denominated long-term debt (equivalent to approximately $619 million at issuance) with an initial interest rate of EURIBOR plus 55 basis points and a maturity in August 2009.

In June 2004, an International Paper wholly-owned subsidiary issued $650 million of long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points and a maturity date of June 2007, which refinanced $650 million of long-term debt having an interest rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points and a maturity date in August 2004. In April 2004, $1.0 billion of 8.125% coupon rate debt was retired using the proceeds from the March 2004 issuance of $400 million of 5.25% notes due in April 2016 and $600 million of 4.00% notes due in April 2010.

In January 2004, approximately $1.0 billion of debt with an 8.05% blended coupon rate was retired, including all of the outstanding $805 million principal amount of International Paper Capital Trust III 7.875% preferred securities, using the proceeds from the two December 2003 issuances of $500 million each of notes discussed below.notes.

In addition to the preceding repayments, various other International Paper borrowings totaling approximately $1.0 billion were repaid in 2004.

Other financing activity in 2004 included the issuance of approximately 3,652,0003.6 million treasury shares and 2,333,0002.3 million common shares under various incentive plans, including stock option exercises that generated $164 million of cash.

2003:Financing activities during 2003 included debt and preferred security issuances of $2.2 billion and retirements totaling $1.2 billion for a net increase of $1.0 billion. The increase reflects the timing of $1 billion of borrowings in December 2003 used to retire approximately $1 billion of debt in early 2004 as discussed below. Other 2003 financing activity included the redemption of $550 million and the issuance of $150 million of preferred securities of International Paper subsidiaries.

In December 2003, $500 million of 4.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due January 2009, and $500 million of 5.50% Senior Unsecured Notes due January 2014, were issued. In January 2004, the proceeds from these issuances were used to redeem $805 million of 7.875% preferred securities of International Paper Capital Trust III that, prior to July 1, 2003, was a subsidiary of International Paper. The remaining proceeds were used for the repayment or early retirement of other debt.


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In March 2003, $300 million of 3.80% notes due in April 2008, and $700 million of 5.30% notes due in April 2015, were issued. The proceeds from these notes were used to repay approximately $450 million of commercial paper and long-term debt and to redeem $550 million of preferred securities of IP Finance (Barbados) Limited, a non-U.S. consolidated subsidiary of International Paper. In the same period, International Paper sold a minority interest in Southeast Timber, Inc., a consolidated subsidiary of International Paper, to a private investor for $150 million with future dividend payments based on LIBOR.

Other financing activity included $26 million for the repurchase of approximately 713,000 shares of International Paper common stock, and the issuance of 2,725,000 treasury shares under various incentive plans, including stock option exercises that generated $80 million of cash.

Refinancing of high coupon rate debt in the last three years is one means the Company uses to manage interest expense. Another method is the use of interest rate swaps to change the mix between fixed and variable rate debt. At December 31, 2005, International Paper had entered into interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $1.7 billion. These swaps reduced 2005 interest expense by $10 million before taxes and minority interest, or 60 basis points, on $1.7 billion of related debt. At December 31, 2005, the swaps reduced the weighted average fixed rate on the debt of 5.5% to an effective rate of 4.9% with maturities ranging from 1 to 11 years.

Dividend payments totaled $485 million in 2006, $490 million in 2005 and $485 million in 2004 and $480 million in 2003.2004. The International Paper common stock dividend remained at $1.00 per share during the three-year period.

At December 31, 2005Common shareholders’ equity decreased by $388 million during 2006, principally reflecting repurchases of common stock ($1.4 billion) and 2004, cashpayments of dividends ($485 million), partially offset by net earnings for the year ($1.1 billion) and the change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment ($220 million).

Cash and temporary investments totaled $1.6 billion at both December 31, 2006 and $2.62005.

Off-Balance Sheet Variable Interest Entities

During 2006 in connection with the sale of approximately 5.6 million acres of forestlands under the Company’s Transformation Plan, the Company exchanged installment notes totaling approximately $4.8 billion respectively.and approximately $400 million of International Paper promissory notes for interests in entities formed to monetize the notes. International Paper determined that it was not the primary beneficiary of these entities, and therefore its investments should be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. During 2006, these entities acquired an additional $4.8 billion of International Paper debt securities for cash, resulting in a total of approximately $5.2 billion of International Paper debt obligations held by these entities at December 31, 2006. Since International Paper has, and intends to affect, a legal right to offset its obligations under these debt instruments with its investments in the entities, International Paper has offset $5.0 billion of interest in the entities against $5.0 billion of International Paper debt obligations held by the entities.

International Paper also holds variable interests in two financing entities that were used to monetize long-term notes received from sales of forestlands in 2002 and 2001.


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See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a further discussion of these transactions.

Capital Resources Outlook for 20062007

International Paper expects to be able to meet projected capital expenditures, service existing debt and meet working capital and dividend requirements during 20062007 through current cash balances and cash from operations and divestiture proceeds, supplemented as required by its various existing credit facilities. International Paper has approximately $3.2$3.0 billion of committed liquidity, which we believe is adequate to cover expected operating cash flow variability during our industry’s economic cycles. This includes aIn March 2006, International Paper replaced its maturing $750 million revolving bank credit agreement with a 364-day $500 million fully committed revolving bank credit agreement that expires in March 2006,2007 and has a facility fee of 0.08% payable quarterly, and replaced its $1.25 billion revolving bank credit agreement with a $1.5 billion fully committed revolving bank credit agreement that expires in March 2009,2011 and has a facility fee of 0.10% payable quarterly. In addition, in October 2006, the Company amended its existing receivables securitization program that provides for up to $1.2 billion of commercial paper-based financings with a facility fee of 0.20% and an expiration date in November 2007, to provide up to $1.0 billion of available commercial paper-based financings underwith a receivables securitization program that expires November 2007.facility fee of 0.10% and an expiration date of October 2009. At

December 31, 2005,2006, there were no outstanding borrowings under these agreements.

The Company is currently ineither of the process of refinancing the $750 million bank credit agreement maturing in March 2006 and the $1.25 billion bank credit agreement maturing in March 2009. The new bank credit agreements are expected to consist of a $500 million bank credit agreement with a maturity in March 2007 and a $1.5 billion bank credit agreement with a maturity in March 2011.or the receivables securitization program.

Additionally, International Paper Kwidzyn S.A., a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary of International Paper, has a PLN 400 million (approximately $123 million) bank credit agreement that expires in May 2006 with no outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2005, and International Paper Investments (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Paper, has a $100 million bank credit agreement that expiresmaturing in November 2006December 2007, with $70$40 million in associated borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2005.2006.

The Company will continue to rely upon debt and capital markets for the majority of any necessary long-term funding not provided by operating cash flow or divestiture proceeds. Funding decisions will be guided by our capital structure planning and liability management practices. The primary goals of the Company’s capital structure planning are to maximize financial flexibility and preserve liquidity while reducing interest expense. The majority of International Paper’s debt is accessed through global public capital markets where we have a wide base of investors.

The Company was well within the requirements forin compliance with all its debt covenants at December 31, 2005.2006. Principal financial covenants include maintenance of a minimum net worth, of $9 billion, defined as the sum of common stock, paid-in capital and retained earnings, less treasury stock, plus any goodwill impairment charges, of $9 billion; and a maximum total debt to capital ratio, defined as total debt divided by total debt plus net worth, of 60%.

Maintaining an investment grade credit rating is an important element of International Paper’s financing strategy. In the third quarter of 2006, Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed the Company’s long-term credit rating of BBB, revised its ratings outlook from negative to stable, and upgraded its short-term credit rating from A-3 to A-2. At December 31, 2005,2006, the Company also held long-term credit ratings of BBB (negative outlook) and Baa3 (stable outlook) by Standard & Poor’s and a short-term credit rating of P-3 from Moody’s Investor Services, respectively. The Company currently has short-term credit ratings by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investor Services of A-3 and P-3, respectively.Services.


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Contractual obligations for future payments under existing debt and lease commitments and purchase obligations at December 31, 2005,2006, were as follows:

 

In millions 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Thereafter 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Thereafter

Total debt(a)

 $1,181 $570 $308 $2,330 $1,534 $6,281 $692 $129 $1,143 $1,198 $381 $3,680

Lease obligations(b)

 172 144    119 76 63 138  144  117  94  74  60  110

Purchase obligations (a)

 3,264 393 280 240 204 1,238

Purchase obligations (c,d)

  2,329  462  362  352  323  1,794

Total

 $4,617 $1,107 $707 $2,646 $1,801 $7,657 $3,165 $708 $1,599 $1,624 $764 $5,584

 

(a)

Total debt includes scheduled principal payments only.

(b)The 2006 amount includes $2.4 billion for contracts made

Included in the ordinary coursethese amounts are $76 million of business to purchase pulpwood, logs and wood chips. The majority of our other purchaselease obligations are take-or-pay or purchase commitments made in the ordinary course of business related to raw material purchasesdiscontinued operations and energy contracts. Other significant items includebusinesses held for sale that are due as follows: 2007 - $23 million; 2008 - $19 million; 2009 - $15 million; 2010 - $7 million; 2011 - $5 million; and thereafter - $7 million.

(c)

Included in these amounts are $1.3 billion of purchase obligations related to contracted services.discontinued operations and businesses held for sale that are due as follows: 2007 - $335 million; 2008 - $199 million; 2009 - $157 million; 2010 - $143 million; 2011 - $141 million; and thereafter - $331 million.

(d)

Includes $2.2 billion relating to fiber supply agreements entered into at the time of the Transformation Plan forestland sales.

TRANSFORMATION PLAN

In July 2005, the Company had announced a plan to focus its business portfolio on two key global platform businesses: Uncoated Papers (including Distribution) and Packaging. The plan also focuses on improving shareholder return through mill realignments in those two businesses, additional cost improvements andPlan’s other elements include exploring strategic options for other businesses, including possible sale or spin-off. spin-off, returning value to shareholders, strengthening the balance sheet, selective reinvestment to strengthen the paper


33


and packaging businesses both globally and in North America, and on improving existing business profitability by targeting an objective of $1.2 billion of non-price improvements over a three-year period.

International Paper had indicated that after-tax proceeds from announced and possible future divestitures, plus additional free cash flow generated from operations, would be used as follows:

Up to $3 billion to return value to shareholders,

$6 to $7 billion to strengthen the balance sheet through debt repayment and possible voluntary cash contributions to its U.S. pension plan,

A range of $2 to $4 billion for selective reinvestment, including possible uncoated papers and packaging options in Brazil and North America, uncoated papers or packaging opportunities in China, and expanded pulp, paper and packaging operations in Russia in addition to current operations at Svetogorsk.

In connection with this process, in the third quarter of 2005, the Company completed the sale of its 50.5% interest in Carter Holt Harvey Limited. Other businesses currently under review include:

Limited for $1.1 billion in proceeds. In the third quarter of 2006, the Company completed the sales of its U.S. Coated and Supercalendered Papers business includingfor approximately $1.4 billion and its Brazilian Coated Papers business for approximately $420 million. Also during 2006, approximately 5.6 million acres of U.S. forestlands were sold in a series of transactions yielding approximately $6.6 billion of proceeds. Additionally during 2006, the coated groundwood millCompany announced definitive agreements for the sales of its Kraft Papers business for approximately $155 million, its Beverage Packaging business for approximately $500 million, its Arizona Chemical business for approximately $485 million, and associated assetsthe majority of its Wood Products business in Brazil,
two separate transactions totaling approximately $560 million. The sales of the Kraft Papers business and the North American portion of the Beverage Packaging business including the Pine Bluff, Arkansas mill,
the Kraft Papers business, including the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina mill,
Arizona Chemical,
the Wood Products business, and
segments or potentially allwere subsequently completed in January 2007. Total estimated proceeds from these transactions are approximately $11.3 billion.

As part of the Company’s 6.5 million acres of U.S. forestlands.

Consistent with this evaluation process, the Company has distributed bid package information for some of these businesses. The exact timing of this evaluation process will vary by business; however, it is anticipated that decisions will be made for some of these businesses during 2006. While the exact use of anyTransformation Plan proceeds from potential future sales is dependent upon various factors affecting future cash flows, such as the amount of any proceeds received and changes in market conditions, input costs and capital spending, the Company remains committed to using its free cash flow in 2006 to pay down debt, to return value to shareholders, during the 2006 third quarter, the Company purchased through a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer, 38,465,260 shares (or approximately 6%) of its common stock at a price of

$36.00 per share, plus costs to acquire the shares, for a total cost of approximately $1.4 billion. Additionally, the Company purchased an additional 1,220,558 shares of its common stock in the open market in December 2006 at an average price of $33.84 per share, plus costs to acquire the shares, for a total cost of approximately $41 million. Following the completion of these share repurchases, International Paper had approximately 454 million shares of common stock outstanding.

To help strengthen the balance sheet, the Company has reduced long-term debt by approximately $6.2 billion since the plan was announced, including $1.0 billion in 2005 and for$5.2 billion during 2006. In addition, the Company made a $1.0 billion voluntary contribution to its U.S. qualified pension fund in December 2006 to begin satisfying projected long-term funding requirements and to lower future pension expense. As a result of this contribution, the pension fund is now approximately 94% funded.

As part of its selective high-return investments.reinvestment plan, the Company has identified opportunities totaling approximately $2.0 billion, including:

 

$110 million of investments in the fourth quarter of 2006 to acquire 50% interests in two joint ventures with Sun Cartonboard Co., Ltd. in a coated board production facility in Yanzhou City, China, and a joint venture to construct an additional coated paperboard machine, targeted to be completed in 2009,

an agreement to exchange pulp and paper assets with Votorantim Celulose e Paper S.A. (VCP) in Brazil, including approximately $1.1 billion of pre-funded project development costs and forestlands, for VCP’s Luiz Antonio uncoated paper and pulp mill and forestlands,

a planned new uncoated free sheet paper machine in Brazil, with an estimated cost of $290 million, and

a potential investment of approximately $400 million in 2007 in a 50-50 joint venture for the operation of four pulp and paper mills and other associated operations in the European and Siberian regions of Russia, subject to the completion of due diligence, receipt of regulatory approvals and the approvals of the respective boards of directors.


34


Finally, during 2006 in the initial year of the three-year period, the Company realized $330 million of non-price improvements to enhance existing business profitability, representing solid progress against the $1.2 billion three-year objective.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” as amended by SFAS Nos. 132 and 132R,132(R), “Employers’ Disclosures About Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits,” SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans,” and SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The following is a discussion of the impact of these accounting policies on International Paper:

Contingent Liabilities.CONTINGENT LIABILITIES.Accruals for contingent liabilities, including legal and environmental matters, are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset impaired and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities accrued for legal matters require judgments regarding projected outcomes and range of loss based on historical experience and recommendations of legal counsel. Additionally, as discussed in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, reserves for projected future claims settlements relating to exterior siding and roofing products previously manufactured by Masonite require judgments regarding projections of future claims rates and amounts. International Paper utilizes an independent third party consultant to assist in developing these estimates. Liabilities for environmental matters require evaluations of relevant environmental regulations and estimates of future

remediation alternatives and costs. International Paper determines these estimates after a detailed evaluation of each site.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill.IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND GOODWILL. An impairment of a long-lived asset exists when the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, and is recorded when the carrying amount is not recoverable through future operations. A goodwill impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Assessments of possible impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill are made when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset


27


may not be recoverable through future operations. Additionally, testing for possible impairment of recorded goodwill and intangible asset balances is required annually. The amount and timing of impairment charges for these assets require the estimation of future cash flows and the fair market value of the related assets.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations.PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS. The charges recorded for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are determined annually in conjunction with International Paper’s consulting actuary, and are dependent upon various assumptions including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates, projected future compensation increases, health care cost trend rates and mortality rates.

Income Taxes.INCOME TAXES. International Paper records its global tax provision based on the respective tax rules and regulations for the jurisdictions in which it operates. Where the Company believes that the deduction of an item is supportable for income tax purposes, the item is deducted in its income tax returns. However, where treatment of an item is uncertain, tax accruals are recorded based upon the expected most probable outcome taking into consideration the specific tax regulations and facts of each matter, the results of historical negotiated settlements, and the results of consultations with outside specialists. These accruals are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet in Other liabilities. Changes to the reserves are only made when an identifiable event occurs that changes the probable outcome, such as settlement with relevant tax authority, the expiration of statutes of limitation for the subject tax year, change in tax laws or a recent court case that addresses the matter.

While International Paper believes that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.


35


SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Accounting.PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT ACCOUNTING. The calculations of pension and postretirement benefit obligations and expenses require decisions about a number of key assumptions that can significantly affect liability and expense amounts, including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate used to calculate plan liabilities, the projected rate of future compensation increases and health care cost trend rates.

Benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets as of December 31, 2005,2006, for International Paper’s pension and postretirement plans are as follows:

 

In millions Benefit
Obligation
  Fair Value of
Plan Assets
 Benefit
Obligation
  Fair Value of
Plan Assets

U.S. qualified pension

 $8,958  $6,944 $8,910  $8,366

U.S. nonqualified pension

 320  —    327   

U.S. postretirement

 703  —    624   

Non-U.S. pension

 276  173  248   179

Non-U.S. postretirement

 21  —    17   

The table below shows the assumptions used by International Paper to calculate U.S. pension expenses for the years shown:

 

  2006 2005 2004 2003   2007 2006 2005 2004 

Discount rate

  5.50% 5.75% 6.00% 6.50%  5.75% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00%

Expected long-term return on plan assets

  8.50% 8.50% 8.75% 8.75%  8.50% 8.50% 8.50% 8.75%

Rate of compensation increase

  3.25% 3.25% 3.25% 3.75%  3.75% 3.25% 3.25% 3.25%

Additionally, the health care cost trend rates used in the calculation of U.S. postretirement obligations for the years shown were:

 

  2006 2005 2004   2007 2006 2005 

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

  10.00% 10.00% 10.00%  10.00% 10.00% 10.00%

Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to

  5.00% 5.00% 5.00%  5.00% 5.00% 5.00%

Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain

  2011  2010  2009   2012  2011  2010 

International Paper determines these actuarial assumptions, after consultation with our actuaries, on December 31 of each year to calculate liability information as of that date and pension and postretirement expense for the following year. The discount rate assumption is determined based on a yield curve that incorporates approximately 500-550 Aa-graded bonds. The plan’s projected cash flows are then matched to this yield curve to develop the discount rate.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects projected returns for an investment mix determined upon completion of a detailed asset/liability study that meets the plans’ investment objectives. Increasing (decreasing) the expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets by an additional 0.25% would decrease (increase) 20062007 pension expense by approximately $16$19 million, while a (decrease) increase of .25%0.25% in the discount rate would (increase) decrease pension expense by approximately $27 million. The effect on net postretirement benefit cost from a 1% increase or decrease in the annual trend rate would be approximately $2 million.


28


Actual rates of return earned on U.S. pension plan assets for each of the last 10 years were:

 

Year Return Year Return  Return Year  Return 

2006

  14.9% 

2001

  (2.4)%

2005

 11.7% 2000 (1.4)%  11.7% 

2000

  (1.4)%

2004

 14.1% 1999 21.4%  14.1% 

1999

  21.4%

2003

 26.0% 1998 10.0%  26.0% 

1998

  10.0%

2002

 (6.7)% 1997 17.2%  (6.7)% 

1997

  17.2%

2001

 (2.4)% 1996 13.3%

The following chart, prepared by International Paper, illustrates the quarterly performance ranking of our pension fund investments compared with approximately 100over 300 other corporate and public pension funds. The peer group, of which International Paper is one, is the “State Street Corporate and Public Master Trusts Universe.” For the last five years, International Paper’s pension fund performance has averaged in the top 75% of this peer group.

Pension Fund

Rolling Three-Year Performance vs. Peers

Percentile Ranking (100%=Best)

SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” provides for delayed recognition of actuarial gains and losses, including amounts arising from changes in the estimated projected plan benefit obligation due to changes in the assumed discount rate, differences between the actual and expected return on plan assets, and other assumption changes. These net gains and losses are recognized in pension expense prospectively over a period that approximates the average remaining service period of


36


active employees expected to receive benefits under the plans (approximately 11 years) to the extent that they are not offset by gains and losses in subsequent years. At December 31, 2005, unrecognizedThe estimated net actuarial losses for International Paper’s U.S. pension plans totaled approximately $3.2 billion. While actual future amortization chargesloss and prior service cost that will be affected by future gains/losses,amortized from OCI into net periodic pension cost over the amortization of cumulative unrecognized losses as of December 31, 2005 is expected to increase U.S. pension expense by approximately $68 million in 2006, while decreasing expense by $24next fiscal year are $186 million and $38$20 million, in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Net periodic pension and postretirement plan expenses, calculated for all of International Paper’s plans were as follows:

 

In millions 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002 

Pension expense (income)

              

U.S. plans (non-cash)

 $243 $111 $60 $(75) $(141) $377  $243  $111  $60  $(75)

Non-U.S. plans

 15 15 12 9  4   17   15   15   12   9 

Postretirement expense

              

U.S. plans

 20 53 55 59  56   7   20   53   55   59 

Non-U.S. plans

 3 2 2 2  —     3   3   2   2   2 
 

Net expense (income)

 $281 $181 $129 $(5) $(81) $404  $281  $181  $129  $(5)
 

The increases in 2006 and 2005 U.S. pension expense were principally due to a change in the mortality assumption to use the Retirement Protection Act 2000 Tables beginning in 2006, increases in the amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses over a shorter average remaining service period, and reductions in the discount rate.

Assuming that discount rates, expected long-term returns on plan assets and rates of future compensation increases remain the same as in 2005,2006, projected future net periodic pension and postretirement plan expenses would be as follows:

 

In millions  2007(a)  2006(a) 2008 (a)  2007 (a)

Pension expense

       

U.S. plans (non-cash)

  $356  $370 $125  $195

Non-U.S. plans

   16   17  6   6

Postretirement expense

       

U.S. plans

   19   20  18   14

Non-U.S. plans

   3   3  2   3

Net expense

  $394  $410 $151  $218

(a) Based on 12/31/06 assumptions.

(a)Based on 12/31/05 assumptions.

The increases in 2005 and 2004 U.S. pension expense were due to increases in the amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses, reductions in the discount rate, a reduction in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, and a reduction in 2004 in the assumed rate of future compensation increase.

For 2006, the Company estimates that it will record net pension expense of approximately $370$195 million for its U.S. defined benefit plans in 2007, with the increasedecrease from expense of $243$377 million in 20052006 principally reflecting a change inearnings on the mortality assumption to use the Retirement Protection Act 2000 Table (RP-2000) in 2006 versus the Group Annuity Mortality Table 1983 (GAM 83) used in 2005,$1.0 billion of voluntary contributions discussed below, lower amortization of unrecognizedprior service costs and actuarial losses, over a shorter average remaining service period, and a decreasean increase in the assumed discount rate to 5.75% in 2007 from 5.50% in 2006 from 5.75% in 2005.2006. The estimated 2006 pension

expense for our non-U.S. plans is $17$6 million. Net postretirement benefit costs in 2007 will increase primarily reflecting the acceleration of prior service cost credits into a one-time gain taken in 2006 will remain at current levels.as a result of multiple divestitures and several plan amendments.

The market value of plan assets for International Paper’s U.S. qualified pension plan at December 31, 20052006 totaled approximately $6.9$8.4 billion, consisting of approximately 61%57% equity securities, 28%34% fixed income securities, and 11%9% real estate and other assets. Plan assets did not includeincluded approximately $430,000 of International Paper common stock.


29


International Paper makes contributions that are sufficient to fully fund its actuarially determined costs, generally equal to the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). While International Paper may elect to makemade voluntary contributions to its U.S. qualified plan upof $1.0 billion to the maximum deductible amount per IRS tax regulations in the coming years, it is unlikely that any contributions to the plan will be required in 2006 unless investment performance is negative or International Paper changes its funding policy to make contributions above the minimum requirements. The U.S. Congress is currently considering various proposals that would change the minimum funding requirements for qualified defined benefit plansplan in future years. While the amountfourth quarter of 2006, and does not expect to make any required contributions after 2006 will depend upon the final rules adopted and other factors, including changes in discount rates and actual2007. The nonqualified plan asset returns, the Company currently estimates that a contribution in 2007 of $40 million to $200 million may be required. The U.S. nonqualified plans areis only funded to the extent of benefits paid, which are expected to be $34$41 million in 2006.2007.

Accounting for Stock Options.ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK OPTIONS. International Paper accountsadopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” to account for stock options in the first quarter of 2006 using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”modified prospective method. Under this method, compensation expense for stock options is recorded over the related service period when the market price exceeds the option price at the measurement date, which is the grant date for International Paper’s options. No compensation expense is recorded as options are issued with an exercise price equal to the market price of International Paper stockbased on the grant date.grant-date fair market value. Had SFAS No. 123(R) been applied in 2005 and 2004, additional expense of $57 million in 2005 and $38 million in 2004 would have been recorded.

During each reporting period, fully diluted earnings per share is calculated by assuming that “in-the-money” options are exercised and the exercise proceeds are used to repurchase shares in the marketplace. When options are actually exercised, option proceeds are credited to equity and issued shares are included in the computation of earnings per common share, with no effect on reported earnings. Equity is also increased by the tax benefit that International Paper will receive in its tax return for income reported by the optionees in their individual tax returns.

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” expense for stockAt December 31, 2006, 36.0 million options is measured at the grant date based on a computed fair value of options granted, and then charged to expense over the related service period. Had this method of accounting been applied, additional expense of $57 million in 2005, $38 million in 2004, and $44 million in 2003 would have been recorded.

During 2003, the Company decided to eliminate its stock option program for all U.S. employeeswere outstanding with the intent of minimizing the use of stock options globally in 2006. In the United States, the stock option program was replaced with a performance-based restricted share program for approximately 1,250 employees to more closely tie long-term incentive compensation to Company performance on two key performance drivers: return on investment (ROI) and total shareholder return (TSR). As part of this shift in focus away from stock options to performance-based restricted stock, the Company accelerated the vesting of all 14 million unvested stock options to July 12, 2005. The Company also considered the benefit to employees and the income statement impact in making its decision to accelerate the vesting of these options. Based on the market value of the Company’s common stock on July 12, 2005, the exercise prices of all such stock options were above the market value and, accordingly, the Company recorded no expense as a result of this action.

ranging from $29.31 to $66.81 per share. At December 31, 2005, 41.6 million options were outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $29.31 to $66.81 per share. At December 31, 2004, 45.4 million options were outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $29.31 to $66.81 per share.


On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective method. No unvested stock options were outstanding as of this date. The Company believes that the adoption will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.37


INCOME TAXES

Before minority interest and discontinued operations, extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes, the Company’s effective income tax rates were (49)%59%, 33%(142)% and (20%)30% for 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, respectively. These effective tax rates include the tax effects of certain special and unusual items that can affect the effective income tax rate in a given year, but may not recur in subsequent years. Management believes that the effective tax rate computed after excluding these special or unusual items may provide a better estimate of the rate that might be expected in future years if no additional special or unusual items were to occur in those years. Excluding these special and unusual items, the effective income tax rate for 20052006 was 27.5%29% of pre-tax earnings compared with 29%20% in 20042005 and 19% in 2003.2004. The decreaseincrease in the rate in 20052006 reflects a higher proportion of earnings in lowerhigher tax rate jurisdictions. We estimate that the 20062007 effective income tax rate will be approximately 30%30-32% based on expected earnings and business conditions, which are subject to change.


30


RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

The following represent recently issued accounting pronouncements that will affect reporting and disclosures in future periods. See Note 4

EMPLOYERS’ ACCOUNTING FOR DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS. In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” This statement requires a calendar year-end company with publicly traded equity securities that sponsors a postretirement benefit plan to fully recognize, as an asset or liability, the overfunded or underfunded status of its benefit plan(s) in its 2006 year-end balance sheet. The Company adopted the provisions of this standard as of December 31, 2006, recording an additional liability of $492 million and an after-tax charge to Other comprehensive income of $350 million for its defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS. In September 2006, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. It also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific

measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied prospectively as of the Notesbeginning of the year in which it is initially applied. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this statement.

ACCOUNTING FOR PLANNED MAJOR MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES. In September 2006, the FASB issued FSP No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities,” which permits the application of three alternative methods of accounting for planned major maintenance activities: the direct expense, built-in-overhaul, and deferral methods. The FSP is effective for the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. International Paper will adopt the direct expense method of accounting for these costs in 2007 with no impact on its annual consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES. In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to Consolidatedbe taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and transition, and significantly expands income tax disclosure requirements. It applies to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. International Paper will apply the provisions of this interpretation beginning in the first quarter of 2007, and currently estimates that the cumulative effect of its initial application on beginning of the year retained earnings will be a charge of approximately $75 million, which is subject to revision as management completes its analysis.

ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN HYBRID FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140,” which provides entities with relief from having to separately determine the fair value of an embedded derivative that would otherwise be required to be bifurcated from its host contract in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Dataaccordance with SFAS No. 133. This statement allows an entity to make an irrevocable


38


election to measure such a hybrid financial instrument at fair value in its entirety, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. This statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued, or subject to a further discussionremeasurement event occurring after the beginning of each item.an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. International Paper believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 155 in 2007 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections:ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND ERROR CORRECTIONS.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” which changes the requirements for the accounting and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. This Statementstatement does not change the transition provisions of any existing accounting pronouncements, including those that are in a transition phase as of the effective date of the Statement.statement.

Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations:ACCOUNTING FOR CONDITIONAL ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS.

In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.” This Interpretationinterpretation clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation”obligation,” as used in FASB Statement No. 143, refers to the fact that a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and (or) method of settlement. Uncertainty about the timing and (or) method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists to make a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the obligation.

International Paper adopted the provisions of this Interpretationinterpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005 with no material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s principal conditional asset retirement obligations relate to the potential future closure or redesign of certain of its production facilities. In connection with any such activity, it is possible that the Company may be required to take steps to remove certain materials from the facilities, or to remediate in accordance with federal and state laws that govern the handling of certain hazardous or potentially hazardous materials. Applicable regulations and standards provide that the removal of certain materials would only be required if the facility were to be demolished or underwent major renovations. At this time, any such obligations have an

indeterminate settlement date, and the Company believes that adequate information does not exist to apply an expected-present-value technique to estimate any such potential obligations. Accordingly, the Company

does not record a liability for such remediation until a decision is made that allows reasonable estimation of the timing of such remediation.

Implicit Variable Interests:IMPLICIT VARIABLE INTERESTS.

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FIN 46(R)-5, “Implicit Variable Interests Under FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” This FSP states that implicit variable interests are implied financial interests in an entity that change with changes in the fair value of the entity’s net assets exclusive of variable interests. An implicit variable interest acts the same as an explicit variable interest except it involves the absorbing and (or) receiving of variability indirectly from the entity (rather than directly). The identification of an implicit variable interest is a matter of judgment that depends on the relevant facts and circumstances. International Paper applied the provisions of FSP FIN 46(R)-5 in the second quarter of 2005, with no material impacteffect on its consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Income Taxes:ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP Financial Accounting Standards 109-1 and 109-2 relating to the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act). The Act provides for a special one-time deduction of 85% of certain foreign earnings that are repatriated. In 2005, International Paper repatriated approximately $2.1 billion in cash from certain of its foreign subsidiaries, including amounts eligible for this special deduction. The CompanyInternational Paper recorded income tax expenses associated with these cash repatriations totaling approximately $142 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Share-Based Payment Transactions:

SHARE-BASED PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS.In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” that will requirerequires compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements. The amount of the compensation cost will beis measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. In addition, liability awards will beare remeasured each reporting period. Compensation cost will beis recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. This Statement will applystatement applies to all awards outstanding on itsgranted after the required effective date orand to awards granted, modified, repurchased, or cancelled after


39


that date. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) deferred the effective date of this Statement until the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. International Paper believes that the adoption ofadopted SFAS No. 123(R) will not have ain the first quarter of 2006 with no material impacteffect on its consolidated financial statements. See Notes 1 and 13 of the Notes to Con - -


31EXCHANGES OF NONMONETARY ASSETS.


solidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a further discussion of stock options.

Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets:

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29,” whichthat replaces the exception from fair value measurement in APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets with a general exception from fair value measurement for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This Statement is to be applied prospectively and is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. International Paper believes thatapplied the adoptionprovisions of SFAS No. 153 prospectively in the first quarter of 2006, will not have awith no material impacteffect on its consolidated financial statements.

Inventory Costs:INVENTORY COSTS.

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.” This Statementstatement requires that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material be recognized as current- periodcurrent-period charges. This Statementstatement also introduces the concept of “normal capacity” and requires the allocation of fixed production overhead to inventory based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Unallocated overhead must be recognized as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. This Statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. International Paper believes that the adoption ofadopted SFAS No. 151 in the first quarter of 2006, will not have awith no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Medicare Benefits:ACCOUNTING FOR MEDICARE BENEFITS.

In May 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003,” that provides guidance on the accounting and required disclosures for the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. International Paper adopted FSP FAS 106-2 prospectively in the third quarter of 2004. See Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a further discussion.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities:

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This Interpretation changed existing consolidation rules for certain entities, those in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance the entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support.

International Paper applied FIN 46(R) to its variable interest entities in 2003 and recorded a non-cash, after-tax charge of $3 million as the cumulative effect of this accounting change.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Environmental Matters

International Paper is subject to extensive federal and state environmental regulationregulations as well as similar regulations in all other jurisdictions in which we

operate. Our continuing objectives are to: (1) control emissions and discharges from our facilities into the air, water and groundwater to avoid adverse impacts on the environment, (2) make continual improvements in environmental performance, and (3) maintain 100% compliance with applicable laws and regulations. A total of $70$161 million was spent in 20052006 for capital projects to control environmental releases into the air and water, and to assure environmentally sound management and disposal of waste. We expect to spend approximately $121$35 million in 20062007 for similar capital projects, including the costs to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cluster Rule and Industrial Boiler MACT regulations. Amounts to be spent for environmental control projects in future years will depend on new laws and regulations and changes in legal requirements and environmental concerns. Taking these uncertainties into account, our preliminary estimate for additional environmental appropriations during the year 20072008 is approximately $40$27 million, and during the year 20082009 is approximately $18$30 million. This reduced capital forecast for 2007, 2008 and 20082009 reflects the reduction in Cluster Rule spending and completion of significant environmental improvement projects in Brazil.Brazil, which accounted for $65 million and $57 million of the 2006 spending, respectively.

On April 15, 1998, the EPA issued final Cluster Rule regulations that established new requirements regarding air emissions and wastewater discharges from pulp and paper mills to be met by 2006.2007. The projected costs included in our spending estimate related to the Cluster Rule regulations for the year 20062007 are $56$6 million. Included in this estimate areThe projected costs associated with pulp and paper industry combustion source standardsIndustrial Boiler MACT regulations, that were issued by the EPA on January 12, 2001. Total


32


projected Cluster Rule costs for 2007 through 2008September 30, 2006 are $23$6 million.

The EPA is continuing the development of new programs and standards such as additional wastewater discharge allocations, water intake structure requirements and national ambient air quality standards. When regulatory requirements for new and changing standards are finalized, we will add any resulting future cost requirements to our expenditure forecast.

International Paper has been named as a potentially responsible party in environmental remediation actions under various federal and state laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Most of these proceedings involve the cleanup of hazardous


40


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 allocated among the many potential responsible parties. International Paper has liability forBased upon previous experience with respect to cleanup of hazardous substances and on presently available information, International Paper believes that its liability is not likely to be significant at 90 sites.41 such sites and that its liability at 46 sites is likely to be significant, but not material to International Paper’s consolidated financial statements. Related costs are recorded in the financial statements when they are probable and reasonably estimable. International Paper believes that the probable liability associated with these proceedings87 matters is approximately $50$40 million.

In addition to the above proceedings, other remediation costs, typically associated with the cleanup of hazardous substances at International Paper’s current or former facilities, are recorded as liabilities in the balance sheet and totaled approximately $50$49 million. Completion of these actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

As of February 2006,2007, there were no other pending judicial proceedings brought by government authorities against International Paper for alleged violations of applicable environmental laws or regulations.

International Paper is involved in other contractual disputes, administrative and legal proceedings and investigations of various types. While any litigation, proceeding or investigation has an element of uncertainty, we believe that the outcome of any proceeding, lawsuit or claim that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Litigation

We routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes of our litigation matters, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is based largely on those assessments. Ultimately, however, the settingdetermination of reservesany reserve balance is based on good faith estimates and judgments which, given the unpredictable nature of litigation, could prove to be inaccurate. As a result, the reserve amounts in any given matter may change at any time in the future due to new

unexpected developments. Analysis of our significant litigation activity is discussed below, and

further details of these and other litigation matters are discussed in Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Antitrust Matters

In recent years, several antitrust class action lawsuits have beenwere filed against companies in our industry. Damages sought in these types of actions are often substantial and, even where no wrongdoing has occurred, companies must often settle rather than risk an adverse jury verdict. The Company has beenwas named as a defendant in severalsome of those lawsuits, and, in fact,but has reached favorable settlements after protracted and expensive litigation. Most recently in 2005, the Company favorably resolved the linerboard antitrust cases which had related to allegations of industry concerted activity in the 1990s.

In light of the Company’sCurrent management has a strong commitment to antitrust compliance, andcompliance. This is evidenced by the Company’s adoption of the cost to defend and resolve these class actions, we have adopted a Code of Business Ethics which applies to employees and executives alike, and we also have strongrobust systems to ensure compliance with antitrust laws, regulations and our own policies. We place a very high priority on training our employees on current antitrust laws around the world and proper conduct under those laws. In this effort, we employ both live and on-line training programs, and distribute the Company’s Antitrust Compliance Manual is required reading for every U.S.-based salaried employee.Manual. In addition, the Company has a toll-free hotline which enables employees to make anonymous reports about suspected violation of law or Company policy. This reporting system is also available to the general public with access information publicized on our Internet site. We believe that these efforts, together with strong leadership about the importance of compliance, will minimize the Company’s exposure in this area.

With respect to our one pending antitrust certified class action, the Company believes that it has valid defenses and is vigorously defending these cases.

EFFECT OF INFLATION

While inflationary increases in certain input costs, such as energy, wood fiber and chemical costs, have an impact on the Company’s operating results, changes in general inflation have had minimal impact on our operating results in each of the last three years. Sales prices and volumes are more strongly influenced by supply and demand factors in specific markets and by exchange rate fluctuations than by inflationary factors.


33


FOREIGN CURRENCY EFFECTS

International Paper has operations in a number of countries. Its operations in those countries also export to, and compete with imports from, other regions. As such, currency movements can have a number of direct and indirect impacts on the Company’s financial statements. Direct impacts include the translation of international operations’ local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars. Indirect impacts include the change in competitivenesscompetitive - -


41


ness of imports into, and exports out of, the United States (and the impact on local currency pricing of products that are traded internationally). In general, a lower U.S. dollar and stronger local currency is beneficial to International Paper. The currencies that have the most impact are the Euro, the Brazilian real, the Polish zloty and the Russian ruble.

MARKET RISK

We use financial instruments, including fixed and variable rate debt, to finance operations, for capital spending programs and for general corporate purposes. Additionally, financial instruments, including various derivative contracts, are used to hedge exposures to interest rate, commodity and foreign currency risks. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes. Information related to International Paper’s debt obligations is included in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. A discussion of derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The fair value of our debt and financial instruments varies due to changes in market interest and foreign currency rates and commodity prices since the inception of the related instruments. We assess this market risk utilizing a sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis measures the potential loss in earnings, fair values and cash flows based on a hypothetical 10% change (increase and decrease) in interest and currency rates and commodity prices.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to short- and long-term debt obligations and investments in marketable securities. We invest in investment gradeinvestment-grade securities of financial institutions and industrial companies and limit exposure to any one issuer. Our investments in marketable securities at December 31, 20052006 are stated at cost, which approximates market due to their short-term nature. Our interest rate risk exposure related to these investments was immaterial.

We issue fixed and floating rate debt in a proportion consistent with International Paper’s optimal capital structure, while at the same time taking advantage of market opportunities to reduce interest expense as appropriate. Derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, may be used to implement the optimal capital structure. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, and 2004, the

net fair value liability of financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk was approximately $8.6$3.8 billion and $10.4$8.6 billion, respectively. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a 10% adverse shift in quoted interest rates would have been approximately $326$133 million and $419$326 million at December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, respectively.

Commodity Price Risk

The objective of our commodity exposure management is to minimize volatility in earnings due to large fluctuations in the price of commodities. Commodity swap and option contracts have been used to manage risks associated with market fluctuations in energy prices. At December 31, 2006, the net fair value of such outstanding energy hedge contracts was approximately a $12 million liability. At December 31, 2005, the net fair value of such outstanding energy hedge contracts was immaterial. AtThe potential loss in fair value resulting from a 10% adverse change in the underlying commodity prices would have been approximately $10 million for December 31, 2004, there were no outstanding energy hedge contracts.2006.

Foreign Currency Risk

International Paper transacts business in many currencies and is also subject to currency exchange rate risk through investments and businesses owned and operated in foreign countries. Our objective in managing the associated foreign currency risks is to minimize the effect of adverse exchange rate fluctuations on our after-tax cash flows. We address these risks on a limited basis through financing a portion of our investments in overseas operations with borrowings denominated in the same currency as the operation’s functional currency, or by entering into cross-currency and interest rate swaps, or foreign exchange contracts. At December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, the net fair value liability of financial instruments with exposure to foreign currency risk was approximately a $95 million asset and a $211 million and $335 million,liability, respectively. The potential loss in fair value for such financial instruments from a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would have been approximately $20$43 million and $65$20 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and 2004, respectively.


34


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See the discussion under Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on page 34,42, and under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 68 and 69.77 through 79.


 

3542


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA

For information about ourInternational Paper’s industry segments, seePrinting Papers, Industrial Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Distribution, Forest Products and Specialty Businesses and Other, are consistent with the “Description of Industry Segments” includedinternal structure used to manage these businesses. All segments are differentiated on pages 17 and 18 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.a common product, common customer basis consistent with the business segmentation generally used in the Forest Products industry.

For management purposes, we reportInternational Paper reports the operating performance of each business based on earnings before interest and income taxes (“EBIT”) excluding special and extraordinary items, gains or losses on sales of businesses and cumulative effects of accounting changes. Intersegment sales and transfers are recorded at current market prices.

External Sales by Major Product is determined by aggregating sales from each segment based on similar products or services. External sales are defined as those that are made to parties outside International Paper’s consolidated group, whereas sales by segment in the Net Sales table are determined by the management approach and include intersegment sales.

Capital Spending by Industry Segment is reported on page 24 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Prior-year industry segment information has been restated to conform to the 20052006 management structure and to reflect the Kraft Papers, Brazilian Coated Papers, Beverage Packaging, Wood Products, Carter Holt Harvey Limited and Weldwood of Canada Limited businesses as discontinued operations.

 

INFORMATION BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT

NET SALES

 

In millions  2005  2004  2003 

Printing Papers

  $7,860  $7,670  $7,280 

Industrial Packaging

   4,935   4,830   4,170 

Consumer Packaging

   2,590   2,605   2,465 

Distribution

   6,380   6,065   5,860 

Forest Products

   2,575   2,395   2,390 

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

   915   1,120   1,235 

Corporate and Intersegment Sales

   (1,158)  (1,326)  (1,262)
  

Net Sales

  $24,097  $23,359  $22,138 
  

ASSETS

In millions  2005  2004  2003 2006   2005   2004 

Printing Papers

  $9,033  $9,171  $8,953 $6,930   $7,170   $7,135 

Industrial Packaging

   4,259   4,184   3,845  4,925    4,625    4,545 

Consumer Packaging

   2,647   2,681   2,649  2,455    2,245    2,295 

Distribution

   1,624   1,515   1,458  6,785    6,380    6,065 

Forest Products (b)

   2,973   3,068   3,324  765    995    875 

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

   652   652   626  935    915    1,120 

Corporate and other (c)

   7,583   12,946   14,670

Assets

  $28,771  $34,217  $35,525

Corporate and Intersegment Sales

  (800)   (630)   (1,314)

Net Sales

 $21,995   $21,700   $20,721 

OPERATING PROFIT

 

In millions  2005  2004  2003 

Printing Papers

  $552  $581  $464 

Industrial Packaging

   230   380   264 

Consumer Packaging

   126   161   183 

Distribution

   84   87   80 

Forest Products

   927   793   720 

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

   4   38   23 
  

Operating Profit

   1,923   2,040   1,734 

Interest expense, net

   (593)  (710)  (705)

Minority interest (d)

   —     5   3 

Corporate items, net

   (597)  (469)  (466)

Restructuring and other charges

   (298)  (166)  (286)

Insurance recoveries

   258   123   —   

Reversals of reserves no longer required

   4   36   39 

Net gains (losses) on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale

   (111)  (135)  (34)
  

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes

  $586  $724  $285 
  

36


In millions 2006   2005   2004 

Printing Papers

 $677   $473   $508 

Industrial Packaging

  399    219    373 

Consumer Packaging

  131    121    155 

Distribution

  128    84    87 

Forest Products

  678    721    542 

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

  61    4    38 

Operating Profit

  2,074    1,622    1,703 

Interest expense, net

  (521)   (595)   (712)

Minority interest (b)

  8        3 

Corporate items, net

  (746)   (607)   (477)

Restructuring and other charges

  (300)   (285)   (164)

Insurance recoveries

  19    258    123 

Gain on sale of forestlands

  4,788         

Impairments of goodwill

  (759)        

Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses

  (1,381)   (111)   (135)

Reversals of reserves no longer required

  6    4    35 

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Minority Interest and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes

 $3,188   $286   $376 

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES (c)

 

In millions  2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Printing Papers

  $26  $  $26 $54  $184  $7

Industrial Packaging

   4      2  7   14   7

Consumer Packaging

   1      28  9   2   5

Distribution

         7  10   4   7

Forest Products (e)

   16      31  15   12   5

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

   13      69     13   11

Corporate

   298   166   123  205   111   122

Restructuring and Other Charges

  $358  $166  $286 $300  $340  $164

43


ASSETS

In millions 2006  2005  2004

Printing Papers

 $7,961  $8,146  $8,321

Industrial Packaging

  4,244   4,042   3,954

Consumer Packaging

  2,578   2,420   2,454

Distribution

  1,596   1,624   1,515

Forest Products

  274   2,234   2,375

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

  498   652   652

Corporate and other (d)

  6,883   9,653   14,946

Assets

 $24,034  $28,771  $34,217

CAPITAL SPENDING

In millions 2006  2005  2004

Printing Papers

 $537  $592  $453

Industrial Packaging

  257   180   161

Consumer Packaging

  116   126   198

Distribution

  6   9   5

Forest Products

  72   66   76

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

        

Subtotal

  988   973   893

Corporate and other

  21   19   32

Total from Continuing Operations

 $1,009  $992  $925

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (f)(e)

 

In millions  2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Printing Papers

  $693  $700  $682 $500  $677  $691

Industrial Packaging

   240   241   230  233   218   219

Consumer Packaging

   166   164   166  212   152   150

Distribution

   19   17   14  18   19   17

Forest Products (g)

   101   111   119  45   51   61

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

   31   27   25  24   31   27

Corporate

   126   97   111  126   126   97

Depreciation and Amortization

  $1,376  $1,357  $1,347 $1,158  $1,274  $1,262

EXTERNAL SALES BY MAJOR PRODUCT

 

In millions  2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Printing Papers

  $6,971  $6,486  $6,069 $6,060  $6,435  $5,961

Industrial Packaging

   4,900   4,617   4,040  5,111   4,591   4,334

Consumer Packaging

   2,796   2,715   2,580  2,638   2,379   2,407

Distribution

   6,389   6,306   6,191  6,743   6,389   6,306

Forest Products

   2,340   2,559   2,522  676   1,205   1,037

Other (h)(f)

   701   676   736  767   701   676

Net Sales

  $24,097  $23,359  $22,138 $21,995  $21,700  $20,721

INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

NET SALES (g)

In millions 2006  2005  2004

United States (h)

 $17,811  $17,934  $16,915

Europe

  3,030   2,809   3,056

Pacific Rim

  308   169   58

Americas, other than U.S.

  846   788   692

Net Sales

 $21,995  $21,700  $20,721

EUROPEAN SALES BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT

In millions 2006  2005  2004

Printing Papers

 $1,440  $1,364  $1,370

Industrial Packaging

  1,001   851   869

Consumer Packaging

  18   21   22

Distribution

  1   1   2

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

  570   572   793

European Sales

 $3,030  $2,809  $3,056

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (i)

In millions 2006  2005  2004

United States

 $6,837  $8,776  $9,229

Europe

  1,481   1,408   1,416

Pacific Rim

  214   90   61

Americas, other than U.S.

  574   644   507

Corporate

  146   282   288

Long-Lived Assets

 $9,252  $11,200  $11,501

 

(a)

Includes Arizona Chemical and certain other smaller businesses identified in the Company’s divestiture program.

(b)Includes $2.2 billion, $2.4 billion and $2.6 billion for Forest Resources, and $739 million, $693 million and $710 million for Wood Products, in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
(c)Includes corporate assets and assets of discontinued operations.
(d)

Operating profits for industry segments include each segment’s percentage share of the profits of subsidiaries included in that segment that are less than wholly-owned. The pre-tax minority interest for these subsidiaries is added here to present consolidated earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, minority interest, extraordinary items, and cumulative effect of accounting changes.

INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

NET SALES (i)

In millions  2005  2004  2003

United States (j)

  $19,886  $19,167  $18,138

Europe

   2,809   3,056   2,928

Pacific Rim

   328   216   208

Americas, other than U.S.

   1,074   920   864
 

Net Sales

  $24,097  $23,359  $22,138
 

EUROPEAN SALES BY INDUSTRY SEGMENT

In millions  2005  2004  2003

Printing Papers

  $1,364  $1,370  $1,291

Industrial Packaging

   851   869   804

Consumer Packaging

   21   22   18

Distribution

   1   2   9

Specialty Businesses and Other (a)

   572   793   806
 

European Sales

  $2,809  $3,056  $2,928
 

LONG-LIVED ASSETS (k)

In millions  2005  2004  2003

United States

  $11,218  $11,764  $12,102

Europe

   1,474   1,489   1,334

Americas, other than U.S.

   875   718   629

Asia

   142   114   98

Corporate

   282   288   307
 

Long-Lived Assets

  $13,991  $14,373  $14,470
 

(e)Includes $10 million for Forest Resources and $6 million for Wood Products in 2005, and $31 million for Wood Products in 2003.
(f)(c)

Includes $55 million of charges in 2005 that were recorded in business segment operating profits.

(d)

Includes corporate assets and assets of discontinued operations.

(e)

Includes cost of timber harvested.

(g)(f)Includes $51 million, $60 million and $74 million for Forest Resources, and $50 million, $50 million and $45 million for Wood Products, in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
(h)

Includes sales of products not included in our major product lines.

(i)(g)

Net sales are attributed to countries based on location of seller.

(j)(h)

Export sales to unaffiliated customers were $1.4 billion in 2006, $1.5 billion in 2005 and $1.5 billion in 2004 and $1.4 billion in 2003.2004.

(k)(i)

Long-Lived Assets includes Forestlands and Plants, Properties and Equipment, net.


 

3744


REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON:

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The management of International Paper Company is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in this annual report and for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America considered appropriate in the circumstances to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a consistent basis. Management has also prepared the other information in this annual report and is responsible for its accuracy and consistency with the consolidated financial statements.

As can be expected in a complex and dynamic business environment, some financial statement amounts are based on estimates and judgments. Even though estimates and judgments are used, measures have been taken to provide reasonable assurance of the integrity and reliability of the financial information contained in this annual report. We have formed a Disclosure Committee to oversee this process.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been audited by the independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP. During their audits, Deloitte & Touche LLP was given unrestricted access to all financial records and related data, including minutes of all meetings of stockholders and the board of directors and all committees of the board. Management believes that all representations made to the independent auditors during their audits were valid and appropriate.

INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of International Paper Company is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting including the safeguarding of assets against unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition. These controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the board of directors regarding preparation of reliable published financial statements and such asset safeguarding. All internal control systems have inherent limitations, including the possibility of circumvention and overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance as to such financial statement preparation and asset safeguarding. The system is supported by

written policies and procedures, contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and is audited by the internal audit function. Appropriate actions are taken by management to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

The Company has assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005.2006. In making this assessment, it used the criteria described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2005,2006, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

International Paper completed the acquisition of a majority share of Compagnie Marocaine des Cartons et des Papiers (CMCP), a leading Moroccan corrugated packaging company, on October 14, 2005. Due to the timing of the acquisition, we have excluded CMCP from our evaluation of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. For the period ended December 31, 2005, sales and assets of CMCP represented less than 1% of total revenues and less than 1% of total assets.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, hashave issued their report on management’s assessment and a report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The report appears on pages 40 and 41.page 48.

INTERNAL CONTROL ENVIRONMENT AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OVERSIGHT

Our internal control environment includes an enterprise-wide attitude of integrity and control consciousness that establishes a positive “tone at the top.” This is exemplified by our ethics program that includes long-standing principles and policies on ethical business conduct that require employees to maintain the highest ethical and legal standards in the conduct of International Paper business, which have been distributed to all employees; a toll-free telephone helpline whereby any employee may anonymously report suspected violations of law or International Paper’s policy; and an office of ethics and business practice. The internal control system further includes careful selection and training of supervisory and management personnel, appropriate delegation of authority and division of responsibility, dissemination of accounting and business policies throughout International Paper, and an extensive program of internal audits with management follow-up.audits. When deficiencies are identified by these internal control activities, appropriate corrective actions are taken by management.

The Board of Directors, assisted by the Audit and Finance Committee (Committee), monitors the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and financial reporting procedures, the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent auditors, and other matters set forth in its charter. The Committee, which currently consists of fourfive independent directors, meets regularly with


45


representatives of management, and with the independent auditors


38


and the Internal Auditor, with and without management representatives in attendance, to review their activities. The Committee’s Charter takes into account the New York Stock Exchange rules relating to Audit Committees and the SEC rules and regulations promulgated as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. A copy of the charter will be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders in 2006. The Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, including critical accounting policies and significant management judg- ments,judgments, with management and the independent auditors. The Committee’s report

recommending the inclusion of

such financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K will be set forth in our Proxy Statement.

JOHN V. FARACI

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MARIANNE M. PARRS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER


 

3946


REPORT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

To the Shareholders of International Paper Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of International Paper Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005.2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesethe financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of International Paper Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, and the results of their operations and their cash

flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005,2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Notes 4, 15 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”, effective December 31, 2006. As discussed in Notes 1, 4 and 17 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (R), “Share-Based Payment”, effective January 1, 2006.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2006February 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Memphis, Tennessee

New York, N.Y.February 26, 2007

March 2, 2006 – TENTATIVE


 

47


REPORT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, ON INTERNAL CONTROLSCONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Shareholders of International Paper Company:

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting, that International Paper Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—IntegratedControl –Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in the Report of Management on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from their assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Compagnie Marocaine des Cartons et des Papiers (CMCP), which was acquired on October 14, 2005, and whose financial statements reflect less than 1% of total assets and total revenues, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at CMCP. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles generally


40


accepted in the United States.principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions

are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States,accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 20052006 of the Company and our reportsreport dated March 2, 2006February 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption of new accounting standards.

Memphis, Tennessee

New York, New YorkFebruary 26, 2007

March 2, 2006 – TENTATIVE



 

4148


International Paper

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

In millions, except per share amounts, for the years ended December 31   2005      2004      2003   2006 2005 2004 

NET SALES

  $24,097     $23,359     $22,138   $21,995  $21,700  $20,721 
 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

              

Cost of products sold

   18,139      17,225      16,443    16,248   16,334   15,204 

Selling and administrative expenses

   1,876      1,935      1,888    1,848   1,784   1,817 

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   1,376      1,357      1,347    1,158   1,274   1,262 

Distribution expenses

   1,087      1,026      954    1,075   1,025   985 

Taxes other than payroll and income taxes

   233      236      235    215   213   220 

Restructuring and other charges

   358      166      286    300   340   164 

Insurance recoveries

   (258)     (123)         (19)  (258)  (123)

Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses
held for sale

   111      139      34 

Gain on sale of forestlands (Note 7)

   (4,788)      

Impairments of goodwill (Note 11)

   759       

Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses

   1,496   111   139 

Reversals of reserves no longer required, net

   (4)     (36)     (39)   (6)  (4)  (35)

Interest expense, net

   593      710      705    521   595   712 
 

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST

   586      724      285    3,188   286   376 

Income tax provision (benefit)

   (285)     242      (56)   1,889   (407)  114 

Minority interest expense, net of taxes

   12      26      83    17   9   24 
 

EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

   859      456      258    1,282   684   238 

Discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest

   241      (491)     57    (232)  416   (273)

Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of taxes:

          

Asset retirement obligations

               (10)

Variable interest entities

               (3)
 

NET EARNINGS (LOSS)

  $1,100     $(35)    $302   $1,050  $1,100  $(35)
 

BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

              

Earnings from continuing operations

  $1.77     $0.94     $0.54   $2.69  $1.41  $0.49 

Discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest

   0.49      (1.01)     0.12    (0.48)  0.85   (0.56)

Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of taxes:

          

Asset retirement obligations

               (0.02)

Variable interest entities

               (0.01)
 

Net earnings (loss)

  $2.26     $(0.07)    $0.63   $2.21  $2.26  $(0.07)
 

DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

              

Earnings from continuing operations

  $1.74     $0.93     $0.53   $2.65  $1.40  $0.49 

Discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest

   0.47      (1.00)     0.13    (0.47)  0.81   (0.56)

Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of taxes:

          

Asset retirement obligations

               (0.02)

Variable interest entities

               (0.01)
 

Net earnings (loss)

  $2.21     $(0.07)    $0.63   $2.18  $2.21  $(0.07)
 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

49


International Paper

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

In millions at December 31  2006  2005 

ASSETS

   

Current Assets

   

Cash and temporary investments

  $1,624  $1,641 

Accounts and notes receivable, less allowances of $85 in 2006 and $94 in 2005

   2,704   2,416 

Inventories

   1,909   1,932 

Assets of businesses held for sale

   1,778   5,382 

Deferred income tax assets

   490   278 

Other current assets

   132   110 

Total Current Assets

   8,637   11,759 

Plants, Properties and Equipment, net

   8,993   9,073 

Forestlands

   259   2,127 

Investments

   641   616 

Goodwill

   2,929   3,621 

Assets Held for Exchange (Note 18)

   1,324    

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

   1,251   1,575 

Total Assets

  $24,034  $28,771 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

Current Liabilities

   

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

  $692  $1,178 

Accounts payable

   1,907   1,771 

Accrued payroll and benefits

   466   351 

Liabilities of businesses held for sale

   333   621 

Other accrued liabilities

   1,243   1,034 

Total Current Liabilities

   4,641   4,955 

Long-Term Debt

   6,531   11,019 

Deferred Income Taxes

   2,233   684 

Other Liabilities

   2,453   3,577 

Minority Interest

   213   185 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 10)

   

Common Shareholders’ Equity

   

Common stock, $1 par value, 2006-493.3 shares, 2005-490.5 shares

   493   491 

Paid-in capital

   6,735   6,627 

Retained earnings

   3,737   3,172 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (1,564)  (1,935)
   9,401   8,355 

Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 2006-39.8 shares and 2005-0.1 shares

   1,438   4 

Total Common Shareholders’ Equity

   7,963   8,351 

Total Liabilities and Common Shareholders’ Equity

  $24,034  $28,771 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

50


International Paper

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

In millions for the years ended December 31  2006   2005   2004 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net earnings (loss)

  $1,050   $1,100   $(35)

Discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest

   232    (416)   273 

Earnings from continuing operations

   1,282    684    238 

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   1,158    1,274    1,262 

Tax benefit – non-cash settlement of tax audits

       (627)    

Deferred income tax provision (benefit), net

   1,619    (29)   (82)

Restructuring and other charges

   300    340    164 

Insurance recoveries

   (19)   (258)   (123)

Payments related to restructuring and legal reserves

   (79)   (184)   (220)

Reversals of reserves no longer required, net

   (6)   (4)   (35)

Periodic pension expense, net

   377    243    111 

Proceeds on Maine timberlands transaction

           242 

Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale

   1,496    111    139 

Gain on sales of forestlands

   (4,788)        

Impairment of goodwill

   759         

Other, net

   265    230    147 

Voluntary pension plan contribution

   (1,000)        

Changes in current assets and liabilities

      

Accounts and notes receivable

   (39)   59    (39)

Inventories

   (43)   8    (84)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (202)   (634)   57 

Other

   (70)   9    (51)

Cash provided by operations – continuing operations

   1,010    1,222    1,726 

Cash provided by operations – discontinued operations

   213    288    662 

Cash Provided by Operations

   1,223    1,510    2,388 

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

      

Invested in capital projects

      

Continuing operations

   (1,009)   (992)   (925)

Businesses sold and held for sale

   (64)   (103)   (194)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (103)   (116)   (186)

Net proceeds from divestitures

   1,833    1,440    867 

Net proceeds from sales of forestlands

   1,635         

Cash deposit for asset exchange

   (1,137)        

Other

   (48)   99    364 

Cash provided by (used for) investment activities – continuing operations

   1,107    328    (74)

Cash (used for) provided by investment activities – discontinued operations

   (73)   (321)   129 

Cash Provided by Investment Activities

   1,034    7    55 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Issuance of common stock

   32    23    164 

Repurchases of common stock

   (1,433)        

Issuance of debt

   223    968    2,536 

Reduction of debt

   (5,391)   (2,669)   (4,217)

Monetization of Timber Notes (Note 8)

   4,850         

Change in book overdrafts

   10    4    (145)

Dividends paid

   (485)   (490)   (485)

Other

   (131)   (39)   (80)

Cash used for financing activities – continuing operations

   (2,325)   (2,203)   (2,227)

Cash provided by (used for) financing activities – discontinued operations

   21    (174)   (208)

Cash Used For Financing Activities

   (2,304)   (2,377)   (2,435)

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash - Continuing Operations

   29    (90)   110 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash - Discontinued Operations

   1    (5)   115 

Change in Cash and Temporary Investments

   (17)   (955)   233 

Cash and Temporary Investments

      

Beginning of the period

   1,641    2,596    2,363 

End of the period

   1,624    1,641    2,596 

Less - Cash, End of Year – Discontinued Operations

           (416)

Cash, End of Year – Continuing Operations

  $1,624   $1,641   $2,180 

Note: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to current year presentation of discontinued operations.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

4251


International Paper Company

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

In millions at December 31   2005      2004 

ASSETS

      

Current Assets

      

Cash and temporary investments

  $1,641     $2,180 

Accounts and notes receivable, less allowances of $110 in 2005 and $124 in 2004

   2,926      2,743 

Inventories

   2,434      2,371 

Assets of businesses held for sale

   14      4,729 

Deferred income tax assets

   279      410 

Other current assets

   115      153 
  

Total Current Assets

   7,409      12,586 
  

Plants, Properties and Equipment, net

   11,801      12,216 

Forestlands

   2,190      2,157 

Investments

   625      655 

Goodwill

   5,043      4,994 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

   1,703      1,609 
  

Total Assets

  $28,771     $34,217 
  

LIABILITIES AND COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current Liabilities

      

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

  $1,181     $222 

Accounts payable

   2,085      2,026 

Accrued payroll and benefits

   425      425 

Liabilities of businesses held for sale

   36      3,165 

Other accrued liabilities

   1,117      1,496 
  

Total Current Liabilities

   4,844      7,334 
  

Long-Term Debt

   11,023      13,632 

Deferred Income Taxes

   726      1,118 

Other Liabilities

   3,616      3,691 

Minority Interest

   211      188 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities – Note 10

      

Common Shareholders’ Equity

      

Common stock, $1 par value, 2005 – 490.5 shares, 2004 – 487.5 shares

   491      487 

Paid-in capital

   6,627      6,562 

Retained earnings

   3,172      2,562 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (1,935)     (1,357)
  
   8,355      8,254 

Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 2005 – 0.1 shares

   4       
  

Total Common Shareholders’ Equity

   8,351      8,254 
  

Total Liabilities and Common Shareholders’ Equity

  $28,771     $34,217 
  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

43


International Paper Company

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSCHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

  
In millions for the years ended December 31   2005      2004      2003 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

          

Net earnings (loss)

  $1,100     $(35)    $302 

Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of taxes

               13 

Discontinued operations, net of taxes and minority interest

   (241)     491      (57)
  

Earnings from continuing operations

   859      456      258 

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

   1,376      1,357      1,347 

Tax benefit—non-cash settlement of tax audits

   (627)            

Deferred income tax benefit, net

   (38)     (78)     (336)

Restructuring and other charges

   358      166      286 

Insurance recoveries

   (258)     (123)      

Payments related to restructuring and legal reserves

   (185)     (220)     (252)

Reversals of reserves no longer required, net

   (4)     (36)     (39)

Periodic pension expense, net

   243      111      60 

Proceeds on Maine timberlands transaction

         242       

Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale

   111      139      34 

Other, net

   234      138      182 

Changes in current assets and liabilities

          

Accounts and notes receivable

   17      (62)     87 

Inventories

   (16)     (69)     51 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (629)     49      (117)

Other

   37      (4)     (32)
  

Cash provided by operations – continuing operations

   1,478      2,066      1,529 

Cash provided by operations – discontinued operations

   32      322      293 
  

Cash Provided by Operations

   1,510      2,388      1,822 
  

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

          

Invested in capital projects

          

Continuing operations

   (1,155)     (1,176)     (993)

Businesses sold and held for sale

   (17)     (37)     (38)

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (116)     (186)      

Proceeds from divestitures

   1,440      867      71 

Other

   73      300      (184)
  

Cash provided by (used for) investment activities – continuing operations

   225      (232)     (1,144)

Cash (used for) provided by investment activities – discontinued operations

   (218)     287      (123)
  

Cash Provided by (Used for) Investment Activities

   7      55      (1,267)
  

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

          

Issuance of common stock

   23      164      80 

Issuance of debt

   968      2,536      2,116 

Reduction of debt

   (2,670)     (4,219)     (641)

Redemption of preferred securities of a subsidiary

               (550)

Change in book overdrafts

   4      (145)     104 

Dividends paid

   (490)     (485)     (480)

Sale of minority interest

               150 

Other

   (40)     (68)     7 
  

Cash (used for) provided by financing activities – continuing operations

   (2,205)     (2,217)     786 

Cash used for financing activities – discontinued operations

   (172)     (218)     (195)
  

Cash (Used For) Provided By Financing Activities

   (2,377)     (2,435)     591 
  

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash – Continuing Operations

   (90)     111      74 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash – Discontinued Operations

   (5)     114      69 
  

Change in Cash and Temporary Investments

   (955)     233      1,289 

Cash and Temporary Investments

          

Beginning of the year

   2,596      2,363      1,074 
  

End of the year

   1,641      2,596      2,363 

Less – Cash, End of Year – Discontinued Operations

         (416)     (105)
  

Cash, End of Year – Continuing Operations

  $1,641     $2,180     $2,258 
  
In millions, except shares in thousands and per share
amounts
 Common Stock
Issued
 

Paid-in

Capital

 

Retained

Earnings

  

Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)(1)

  Treasury Stock  

Total
Common

Shareholders'

Equity

 
 Shares Amount    Shares  Amount  

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2004

 485,162 $485 $6,500 $3,082  $(1,690) 3,668  $140  $8,237 

Issuance of stock for various plans, net

 2,333  2  62       (3,652)  (140)  204 

Cash dividends - Common stock ($1.00 per share)

       (485)          (485)

Comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net loss

       (35)          (35)

Minimum pension liability adjustment:

        

U.S. plans (less tax of $20)

          33        33 

Non-U.S. plans (less tax of $5)

          1        1 

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (less tax of $17)

          255        255 

Net gains on cash flow hedging derivatives:

        

Net gain arising during the period (less tax of $19)

          70        70 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (less tax of $13)

          (26)       (26)
           

Total comprehensive income

                         298 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2004

 487,495  487  6,562  2,562   (1,357) 16      8,254 

Issuance of stock for various plans, net

 3,006  4  65       96   4   65 

Cash dividends - Common stock ($1.00 per share)

       (490)          (490)

Comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net earnings

       1,100           1,100 

Minimum pension liability adjustment:

        

U.S. plans (less tax of $189)

          (304)       (304)

Non-U.S. plans (less tax of $5)

          (1)       (1)

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (less tax of $22)

          (251)       (251)

Net gains on cash flow hedging derivatives:

        

Net gain arising during the period (less tax of $14)

          46        46 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (less tax of $30)

          (68)       (68)
           

Total comprehensive income

                         522 

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2005

 490,501  491  6,627  3,172   (1,935) 112   4   8,351 

Issuance of stock for various plans, net

 2,839  2  108       46   1   109 

Repurchase of stock

            39,686   1,433   (1,433)

Cash dividends - Common stock ($1.00 per share)

       (485)          (485)

Comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net earnings

       1,050           1,050 

Minimum pension liability adjustment:

        

U.S. plans (less tax of $309)

          496        496 

Non-U.S. plans (less tax of $6)

          15        15 

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (less tax of $11)

          220        220 

Net gains on cash flow hedging derivatives:

        

Net gain arising during the period (less tax of $0)

          2        2 

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (less tax of $0)

          (12)       (12)
           

Total comprehensive income

         1,771 

Effect of adoption of SFAS No. 158 (less tax of $309)

          (350)       (350)

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2006

 493,340 $493 $6,735 $3,737  $(1,564) 39,844  $1,438  $7,963 

Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to separately disclose the operating, investing(1) The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (in millions) was $(60), $(280) and financing portions$(29) at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and is included as a component of cash flows attributable to discontinued operations.accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

4452


International Paper Company

INTERNATIONAL PAPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

In millions, except share and per share amounts in thousands 
  Common Stock
Issued
 

Paid-in

Capital

 

Retained

Earnings

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Income
(Loss) (1)

  Treasury Stock  

Total
Common
Shareholders'

Equity

 
  Shares Amount    Shares  Amount  
  

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2003

 484,760 $485 $6,493 $3,260  $(2,645) 5,680  $219  $7,374 

Issuance of stock for various plans, net

 402    7       (2,725)  (105)  112 

Repurchase of stock

            713   26   (26)

Cash dividends – Common stock ($1.00 per share)

       (480)          (480)

Comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net earnings

       302           302 

Minimum pension liability adjustment:

        

U.S. plans (less tax of $94)

          150        150 

Non-U.S. plans (less tax of $2)

          (4)       (4)

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (less tax of $51)

          808        808 

Net gains on cash flow hedging derivatives:

        

Net gain arising during the period (less tax of $38)

          66        66 

Less: Reclassificaton adjustment for gains included in net income (less tax of $36)

          (65)       (65)
           

Total comprehensive income

         1,257 
  

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2003

 485,162  485  6,500  3,082   (1,690) 3,668   140   8,237 

Issuance of stock for various plans, net

 2,333  2  62       (3,652)  (140)  204 

Cash dividends – Common stock ($1.00 per share)

       (485)          (485)

Comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net loss

       (35)          (35)

Minimum pension liability adjustment:

        

U.S. plans (less tax of $20)

          33        33 

Non-U.S. plans (less tax of $5)

          1        1 

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (less tax of $17)

          255        255 

Net gains on cash flow hedging derivatives:

        

Net gain arising during the period (less tax of $19)

          70        70 

Less: Reclassificaton adjustment for gains included in net income (less tax of $13)

          (26)       (26)
           

Total comprehensive income

         298 
  

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2004

 487,495  487  6,562  2,562   (1,357) 16      8,254 

Issuance of stock for various plans, net

 3,006  4  65       96   4   65 

Cash dividends – Common stock ($1.00 per share)

       (490)          (490)

Comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net earnings

       1,100           1,100 

Minimum pension liability adjustment:

        

U.S. plans (less tax of $189)

          (304)       (304)

Non-U.S. plans (less tax of $5)

          (1)       (1)

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (less tax of $22)

          (251)       (251)

Net gains on cash flow hedging derivatives:

        

Net gain arising during the period (less tax of $14)

          46        46 

Less: Reclassificaton adjustment for gains included in net income (less tax of $30)

          (68)       (68)
           

Total comprehensive income

         522 
  

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2005

 490,501 $491 $6,627 $3,172  $(1,935) 112  $4  $8,351 
  

(1)The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (in millions) was $(280), $(29) and $(284) at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE OF OUR BUSINESS

International Paper (the Company) is a global forest products, paper and packaging company that is complemented by an extensive North American merchant distribution system, with primary markets and manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. Substantially all of our businesses have experienced, and are likely to continue to experience, cycles relating to available industry capacity and general economic conditions.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

These 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.

CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of International Paper and its wholly-owned, controlled majority-owned and financially controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated.

Investments in affiliated companies where the Company has significant influence over their operations are accounted for by the equity method, including companies owned 20% to 50%.method. International Paper’s share of affiliates’ earnings totaled $17$38 million, $15 million and $14 million in 2006, 2005 and $4 million2004, respectively.

TRANSFORMATION PLAN

In July 2005, International Paper announced a plan (the Transformation Plan) to focus its business portfolio on two key global platform businesses: Uncoated Papers (including Distribution) and Packaging. The Transformation Plan’s other elements included exploration of strategic options for other businesses, returning value to shareholders, strengthening the balance sheet, selective reinvestment to strengthen the paper and packaging businesses both globally and in North America, and on improving profitability by targeting $1.2 billion of non-price improvements over a three-year period. Actions taken in 2006 and 2005 2004 and 2003, respectively.to implement the Transformation Plan are discussed in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is recognized when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Revenue is recorded at the time of shipment for terms designated f.o.b. (free on board) shipping point. For sales transactions designated f.o.b. destination, revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site, when title and risk of loss are transferred. Timber and timberland sales revenue is generally recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the buyer.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS

Shipping and handling costs, such as freight to our customers’ destinations, are included in distribution expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. When shipping and handling costs are included in the sales price charged for our products, they are recognized in net sales.

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE COSTS

Annual maintenance costs for major planned maintenance shutdowns (in excess of $1 million) are expensed ratably over the year in which the maintenance shutdowns occur since the Company believes that operations benefit throughout the year from the maintenance work performed. These costs, including manufacturing variances and out-of-pocket costs that are directly related to the shutdown, are fully expensed in the year of the shutdown, with no amounts remaining deferred at year-end. Other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

The Company will adopt the direct expense method of accounting for planned major maintenance activities effective January 1, 2007 (see Note 4).

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

Temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less are treated as cash equivalents and are stated at cost, which approximates market.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market and include all costs directly associated with manufacturing products: materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. In the United States, costs of raw materials finished lumber and panels and finished pulp and paper products are generally determined using the last-in, first-out method. Other inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods.


53


PLANTS, PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

Plants, properties and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for betterments are capitalized, whereas normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The units-of-production method of depreciation is used for major pulp and paper mills, and certain wood products facilities, and the straight-line method is used for other plants and equipment. Annual straight-line depreciation rates are, for buildings – 2 1/2% 1/2% to 8 1/2% 1/2%, and for machinery and equipment – 5% to 33%.

FORESTLANDS

At December 31, 2005,2006, International Paper and its subsidiaries owned or managed about 6.5 million500,000 acres of forestlands in the United States, 1.3 millionapproximately 370,000 acres in Brazil, and had, through licenses and forest management agreements, had harvesting rights on approximately 500,000 acres of government-owned forestlands in Russia. Forestlands include owned property as well as certain timber harvesting rights with terms of one or more years, and are stated at cost, less cost of timber harvested (COTH). Costs attributable to timber are charged against income as trees are cut. The rate charged is determined annually based on the relationship of incurred costs to estimated current merchantable volume.


As discussed in Note 7, during 2006 in conjunction with the Company’s Transformation Plan, approximately 5.6 million acres of forestlands in the United States were sold under various agreements for proceeds totaling approximately $6.6 billion of cash and notes.

46


GOODWILL

Goodwill relating to a single business reporting unit is included as an asset of the applicable segment, while goodwill arising from major acquisitions that involve multiple business segments is classified as a corporate asset for segment reporting purposes. For goodwill impairment testing, this goodwill is allocated to business segments. Annual testing for possible goodwill impairment is performed during the fourth quarter as of the end of the third quarter of each year. In the fourth quarter of 2006 in conjunction with annual goodwill impairments testing, the Company recorded charges of $630 million and $129 million related to its coated paperboard business and Shorewood business, respectively. No impairment charges werehad been recorded in 2005 or 2004.2004 (see Note 11) .

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying value of the

assets may not be recoverable, as measured by comparing their net book value to the projected undiscounted future cash flows generated by their use. Impaired assets are recorded at their estimated fair value.value (see Note 6). Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell.

INCOME TAXES

International Paper uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes whereby deferred income taxes are recorded for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are revalued to reflect new tax rates in the periods rate changes are enacted.

International Paper records its worldwide tax provision based on the respective tax rules and regulations for the jurisdictions in which it operates. Where the Company believes that the deduction of an item is supportable for income tax purposes, the item is deducted in its income tax returns. However, where treatment of an item is uncertain, tax accruals are recorded based upon the expected most probable outcome taking into consideration the specific tax regulations and facts of each matter, the results of historical negotiated settlements, and the results of consultations with outside specialists. These accruals are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet in Other liabilities. Changes to the reserves are only made when an identifiable event occurs that changes the probable outcome, such as a settlement with the relevant tax authority, the expiration of statutes of limitation for the subject tax year, a change in tax laws, or a recent court case that addresses the matter.

While the Company believes that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable under current circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.

See Note 4 for a discussion of the adoption in 2007 of a recent accounting pronouncement on accounting for uncertain income tax positions.


54


STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

StockEffective January 1, 2006, International Paper adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” using the modified prospective transition method. As required under this standard, costs resulting from all stock-based compensation transactions are recognized in the financial statements. The amount of compensation cost recorded is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. In addition, liability awards are remeasured each reporting period. Compensation cost is recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. See Note 17 for a further discussion of stock-based compensation plans.

Prior to January 1, 2006, stock options and other stock-based compensation awards arewere accounted for using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations.

Had compensation cost in 2005 and 2004 for International Paper’s stock-based compensation programs been determined consistent with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)SFAS No. 123, its123(R), net earnings, basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share – assuming dilution would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated in the following table:shown below:

 

In millions, except per share amounts  2005  2004 2003  2005  2004 

Net Earnings (Loss)

         

As reported

  $1,100  $(35) $302  $1,100  $(35)

Pro forma

   1,043   (73)  258   1,043   (73)

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

     

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

    

As reported

  $2.26  $(0.07) $0.63  $2.26  $(0.07)

Pro forma

   2.15   (0.15)  0.54   2.15   (0.15)

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share assuming dilution

     

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

    

As reported

  $2.21  $(0.07) $0.63  $2.21  $(0.07)

Pro forma

   2.10   (0.15)  0.54   2.10   (0.15)

The effect on 2005 2004 and 20032004 pro forma net earnings, basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share – assuming dilution of expensing the estimated fair market value of stock options is not necessarily representative of the effect on reported earnings for future years due to the vesting period of stock options and decreases in the number of options outstanding due to the elimination of the Company’s stock option program for all U.S. employees in 2005.

ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION COSTS

Costs associated with environmental remediation obligations are accrued when such costs are probable and reasonably estimable. Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are discounted to their present value when the amount and timing of expected cash payments are reliably determinable.


47


ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”,Obligations,” a liability and an asset are recorded equal to the present value of the estimated costs associated with the retirement of long-lived assets where a legal or contractual obligation exists and the liability can be reasonably estimated. The liability is accreted over time and the asset is depreciated over the life of the related equipment or facility. International Paper’s asset retirement obligations under this standard principally relate to closure costs for landfills. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in the estimated costs or timing of closures, or possible new federal or state regulations affecting these closures.closures (see Note 11).

TRANSLATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Balance sheets of international operations are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates, while statements of operations are translated at average rates. Adjustments resulting from financial statement translations are included as cumulative translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI). See Note 13 related to derivatives and hedging activities.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior-year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. Certain prior-year amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows have been reclassified to separately disclose the operating, investing and financing portions of cash flows attributable to discontinued operations.

NOTE 2 EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

EarningsBasic earnings per common share from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes are computed by dividing earnings from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. EarningsDiluted earnings per common share from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes, assuming dilution, were computed assuming that all potentially dilutive securities, including “in-the-money” stock options, were converted into common shares at the beginning of each year. In addition, the computation of diluted earnings per share reflects the inclusion of contingently convertible securities in periods when dilutive.


55


A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of earnings per common share from continuing operations, before the cumulative effect of accounting changes, and diluted earnings per common share from

continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes, assuming dilution, is as follows:

 

In millions, except per share amounts  2005  2004  2003  2006  2005  2004

Earnings from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes

  $859  $456  $258

Earnings from continuing operations

  $1,282  $684  $238

Effect of dilutive securities

   27         13   27   

Earnings from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes—assuming dilution

  $886  $456  $258

Earnings from continuing operations - assuming dilution

  $1,295  $711  $238

Average common shares outstanding

   486.0   485.8   479.6   476.1   486.0   485.8

Effect of dilutive securities

            

Restricted shares

   0.8      

Restricted performance share plan

   3.0   0.8   

Stock options

   2.9   2.6   1.5   0.2   2.9   2.6

Contingently convertible debt

   20.0         9.4   20.0   

Average common shares outstanding— assuming dilution

   509.7   488.4   481.1

Earnings per common share from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes

  $1.77  $0.94  $0.54

Earnings per common share from continuing operations before the cumulative effect of accounting changes—assuming dilution

  $1.74  $0.93  $0.53

Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution

   488.7   509.7   488.4

Earnings per common share from continuing operations

  $2.69  $1.41  $0.49

Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations

  $2.65  $1.40  $0.49

Note:

Note: If an amount does not appear in the above table, the security was antidilutive for the period presented.

NOTE 3 INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION

Financial information by industry segment and geographic area for 2006, 2005 2004 and 20032004 is presented on pages 3643 and 37.44.

NOTE 4 RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

EMPLOYERS’ ACCOUNTING FOR DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” This statement requires a calendar year-end company with publicly traded equity securities that sponsors a postretirement benefit plan to fully recognize, as an asset or liability, the overfunded or underfunded status of its benefit plan(s) in its 2006 year-end balance sheet. It also requires a company to measure its plan assets and benefit obligations as of its year-end balance sheet date beginning with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted the provisions of this standard as of December 31, 2006, recording an additional liability of $492 million

and an after-tax charge to Other comprehensive income of $350 million for its defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In September 2006, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. It also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the year in which it is initially applied. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this statement.

ACCOUNTING FOR PLANNED MAJOR MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. AUG AIR-1, “Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities,” which permits the application of three alternative methods of accounting for planned major maintenance activities: the direct expense, built-in-overhaul, and deferral methods. The FSP is effective for the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. International Paper will adopt the direct expense method of accounting for these costs in 2007 with no impact on its annual consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and transition, and significantly expands income tax disclosure requirements. It applies to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. International Paper will apply the provisions of this interpretation beginning


56


in the first quarter of 2007, and currently estimates that the cumulative effect of its initial application will be a charge of approximately $75 million to beginning of the year retained earnings, which is subject to revision as management completes its analysis.

ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN HYBRID FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140,” which provides entities with relief from having to separately determine the fair value of an embedded derivative that would otherwise be required to be bifurcated from its host contract in accordance with SFAS No. 133. This statement allows an entity to make an irrevocable election to measure such a hybrid financial instrument at fair value in its entirety, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. This statement is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued, or subject to a remeasurement event occurring after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. International Paper believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 155 in 2007 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND ERROR CORRECTIONS:CORRECTIONS

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” which changes the requirements for the accounting and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. This Statementstatement does not change the transition


48


provisions of any existing accounting pronouncements, including those that are in a transition phase as of the effective date of the Statement.statement.

ACCOUNTING FOR CONDITIONAL ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS:OBLIGATIONS

In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.” This Interpretationinterpretation clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in FASB Statement No. 143 refers to the fact that a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and (or) method of settlement. Uncertainty about the timing and (or) method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement

obligation should be factored into the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists to make a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the obligation.

International Paper adopted the provisions of this Interpretationinterpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005 with no material affecteffect on its consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s principal conditional asset retirement obligations relate to the potential future closure or redesign of certain of its production facilities. In connection with any such activity, it is possible that the Company may be required to take steps to remove certain materials from the facilities, or to remediate in accordance with federal and state laws that govern the handling of certain hazardous or potentially hazardous materials. Applicable regulations and standards provide that the removal of certain materials would only be required if the facility were to be demolished or underwent major renovations. At this time, any such obligations have an indeterminate settlement date, and the Company believes that adequate information does not exist to apply an expected-present-value technique to estimate any such potential obligations. Accordingly, the Company does not record a liability for such remediation until a decision is made that allows reasonable estimation of the timing of such remediation.

IMPLICIT VARIABLE INTERESTS:INTERESTS

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP)FSP FIN 46(R)-5, “Implicit Variable Interests Under FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” This FSP states that implicit variable interests are implied financial interests in an entity that change with changes in the fair value of the entity’s net assets exclusive of variable interests. An implicit variable interest acts the same as an explicit variable interest except it involves the absorbing and (or) receiving of variability indirectly from the entity (rather than directly). The identification of an implicit variable interest is a matter of judgment that depends on

the relevant facts and circumstances. International Paper applied the provisions of FSP FIN 46(R)-5 in the second quarter of 2005, with no material affecteffect on its consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES:TAXES

In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) 109-1 and 109-2 relating to the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act). The Act provides for a special one-time deduction of


57


85% of certain foreign earnings that are repatriated. In 2005, International Paper repatriated $2.1 billion in cash from certain of its foreign subsidiaries, including amounts eligible for this special deduction. International Paper recorded income tax expenses associated with these cash repatriations totaling approximately $142 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS:TRANSACTIONS

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” that will requirerequires compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements. The amount of the compensation cost will beis measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. In addition, liability awards will beare remeasured each reporting period. Compensation cost will beis recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award. This Statement will applystatement applies to all awards granted after the required effective date and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after that date. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) deferred the effective date of this Statement until the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. International Paper believes that the adoption ofadopted SFAS No. 123(R) in the first quarter of 2006 will not have awith no material impacteffect on its consolidated financial statements. See Notes 1 and 17 for a further discussion of stock options.share-based payments.

EXCHANGES OF NONMONETARY ASSETS:ASSETS

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29,” that replaces the exception from fair value measurement in APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets with a general exception from fair value measurement for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This Statement is to be applied prospectively and is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005.


49


International Paper believes thatapplied the adoptionprovisions of SFAS No. 153 prospectively in the first quarter of 2006, will not have awith no material impacteffect on its consolidated financial statements.

INVENTORY COSTS:COSTS

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4.” This Statementstatement requires that abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material be recognized as current-periodcurrent-

period charges. This Statementstatement also introduces the concept of “normal capacity” and requires the allocation of fixed production overhead to inventory based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Unallocated overhead must be recognized as an expense in the period in which it is incurred. This Statement will be effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. International Paper believes that the adoption ofadopted SFAS No. 151 in the first quarter of 2006, will not have awith no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTING FOR MEDICARE BENEFITS:BENEFITS

In May 2004, the FASB issued FSP FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003,” that provides guidance on the accounting and required disclosures for the effects of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. International Paper adopted FSP FAS 106-2 prospectively in the third quarter of 2004. See Note 16 for a further discussion.

CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This Interpretation changed existing consolidation rules for certain entities, those in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance the entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support. International Paper applied FIN 46(R) to its variable interest entities in 2003 and, consequently, recorded a non-cash, after-tax charge of $3 million as the cumulative effect of an accounting change.

NOTE 5 ACQUISITIONS

In October and November 2006, International Paper paid approximately $82 million for a 50% interest in the International Paper & Sun Cartonboard Co., Ltd. joint venture that currently operates two coated paperboard machines in Yanzhou City, China. In December 2006, a 50% interest was acquired in a second joint venture, Shandong International Paper & Sun Coated Paperboard Co., Ltd., for approximately $28 million. This joint venture was formed to construct a third coated paperboard machine, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2009. The operating results of these consolidated joint ventures did not have a material effect on the Company’s 2006 consolidated results of operations.

On July 1, 2004, International Paper completed the acquisition of Box USA Holdings, Inc. (Box USA). The operating results of Box USA are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from that date. International Paper acquired all of the outstanding common and preferred stock of Box USA Holdings, Inc. (Box USA) for

approximately $189 million in cash and a $15 million 6% note payable issued to Box USA’s controlling shareholders. In addition, International Paper assumed approximately $197 million of debt, approximately $193 million of which was repaid by July 31, 2004.

The note payable is required to be paid unless claims for indemnificationoperating results of Box USA are offset against the note. Subsequent claims for indemnification totaling $5.5 million reduced the note payable to $9.5 million plus interest payable. The first installment of $3 million plus interest was paidincluded in the third quarter of 2005. The remaining installments to be paid are $2 million in 2006 and $4.5 million in 2009, subject to any additional claims for indemnification.accompanying consolidated financial statements from that date.

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities assumed at the date of the Box USA acquisition:

In millionsJuly 1, 2004

Current assets

$98

Property, plant and equipment, net

90

Goodwill

260

Other assets

51

Total assets acquired

499

Current liabilities

97

Debt

197

Other liabilities

6

Total liabilities assumed

300

Net assets acquired

$199

The following unaudited pro forma information for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, presents the combined results of the continuing operations of International Paper and Box USA as if the acquisition


58


had occurred as of January 1, 2003.2004. This pro forma information does not purport to represent International Paper’s actual results of operations if the transaction described above would have occurred on January 1, 2003,2004, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results.

 

In millions, except per share amounts, for the years ended
December 31,
  2004 2003
In millions, except per share amounts, for the year ended
December 31,
  2004 

Net sales

  $23,613  $22,631  $20,975 

Earnings from continuing operations

   461   263   243 

Net (loss) earnings

   (30)  307

Net loss

   (30)

Earnings from continuing operations per common share

   0.94   0.55   0.50 

Net (loss) earnings per common share – assuming dilution

   (0.06)  0.64

Net loss per common share-assuming dilution

   (0.06)

OTHER ACQUISITIONS:ACQUISITIONS

In October 2005, International Paper acquired approximately 65% of Compagnie Marocaine des Cartons et des Papiers (CMCP), a leading Moroccan corrugated


50


packaging company, for approximately $80 million in cash plus assumed debt of approximately $40 million.

In 2001, International Paper and Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH) had each acquired a 25% interest in International Paper Pacific Millennium Limited (IPPM). IPPM is a Hong Kong-based distribution and packaging company with operations in China and other Asian countries. On August 1, 2005, pursuant to an existing agreement, International Paper purchased a 50% third-party interest in IPPM (now renamed International Paper Distribution Limited) for $46.1$46 million to facilitate possible further growth in Asia. Finally, in May 2006, the Company purchased the remaining 25% interest from CHH for $21 million.

The financial position and results of operations of these two acquisitions have been included in International Paper’s consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition in 2005. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005 includes preliminary estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired, including approximately $50 million of goodwill.

NOTE 6 RESTRUCTURING, BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AND OTHER CHARGES

This footnote discusses restructuring, business improvement and other charges recorded for each of the three years included in the period ended December 31, 2005.2006. It includes a summary of activity for each year, a roll forward associated with severance and other cash costs arising in each year, a tableand tables presenting details of the 2006, 2005 and 2004 organizational restructuring programs.

2006: During 2006, total restructuring and other charges of $300 million before taxes ($184 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included:

A $157 million charge before taxes ($95 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, principally associated with the Company’s Transformation Plan,

a $165 million charge before taxes ($102 million after taxes) for early debt extinguishment costs,

a $97 million charge before taxes ($60 million after taxes) for litigation settlements and tables showing quarterlyadjustments to legal reserves (see Note 10),

a pre-tax credit of $115 million ($70 million after taxes) for payments received relating to the Company’s participation in the U.S. Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports, and

a $4 million credit before taxes ($3 million after taxes) for other items.

Earnings also included a $19 million pre-tax credit ($12 million after taxes) for net insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a $6 million pre-tax credit ($3 million after taxes) for the reversal of reserves no longer required, and a $6 million pre-tax credit ($4 million after taxes) for interest received from the Canadian government on refunds of prior-year softwood lumber duties, which is included in Interest expense, net, in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

The following table presents a detail of the $157 million corporate-wide organizational restructuring charge by business:

In millions First
Quarter
 Second
Quarter
  Third
Quarter
  Fourth
Quarter
  Total

Printing Papers

 $4 $26(a,b) $12(b) $12(b) $54

Industrial Packaging

  1  2      4   7

Consumer Packaging

  2  3   1   3   9

Forest Products

  1  1   9   4   15

Distribution

  3  2   1   4   10

Corporate

  7  14   34(c)  7   62
  $18 $48  $57  $34  $157

(a)

Includes $15 million of pension and postretirement curtailment charges and termination benefits.

(b)

Includes $7 million, $9 million and $11 million in the 2006 second, third and fourth quarters, respectively, of accelerated depreciation charges related to equipment to be taken out of service as a result of the Transformation Plan.

(c)

Includes $29 million of lease termination and relocation costs relating to the relocation of the Company’s corporate headquarters from Stamford, Connecticut to Memphis, Tennessee.


59


The following table presents the components of the organizational restructuring charge discussed above:

In millions Asset
Write-downs
  Severance
and Other
  Total

Printing Papers

 $27  $27  $54

Industrial Packaging

     7   7

Consumer Packaging

     9   9

Forest Products

     15   15

Distribution

     10   10

Corporate

  5   57   62
  $32  $125  $157

The following table presents a roll forward of the severance and other costs included in the 2006 restructuring plans:

In millions Severance
and Other
 

Opening Balance (first quarter 2006)

 $18 

Additions (second quarter 2006)

  37 

Additions (third quarter 2006)

  47 

Additions (fourth quarter 2006)

  23 

2006 Activity

 

Cash charges

  (50)

Reclassifications:

 

Pension and postretirement curtailments and termination benefits

  (19)

Balance, December 31, 2006

 $56 

The severance charges by business along with explanations for 2003.recorded in 2006 related to 1,669 employees. As of December 31, 2006, 803 employees had been terminated.

2005: During 2005, restructuring and other charges before taxes of $358$340 million ($225213 million after taxes) were recorded. Included in this charge were were:

a pre-tax charge of $274$256 million ($174162 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, principally costs associated with the Company’s previously announced Transformation Plan,

a pre-tax charge of $57 million ($35 million after taxes) for losses on early extinguishment of debt, and

a $27 million pre-tax charge ($16 million after taxes) for legal reserves.

Also recorded were pre-tax credits of $258 million ($151 million after taxes) for net insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, (see Note 10) and a $4 million pre-tax credit ($3 million after taxes) for the net adjustment of previously provided reserves. In addition, a $446$454 million net reduction of

the income tax provision was recorded, including a credit of $627 million from an agreement reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service concerning the 1997 through 2000 U.S. federal income tax audits, a $142 million charge related

to cash repatriations from non-U.S. subsidiaries, and $39$31 million of other tax charges. Interest expense, net, also includes a $43 million pre-tax credit ($26 million after taxes) relating to the tax audit agreement.

The following table presents a detail of the $274$256 million corporate-wide organizational restructuring charge by business:

 

In millions Second
Quarter
 Third
Quarter
 Fourth
Quarter
 Total Second
Quarter
 Third
Quarter
 Fourth
Quarter
 Total

Printing Papers

 $17 (a) $17 (c) $150 (e) $184 $17(a) $17(c) $150(e) $184

Industrial Packaging

   4  10  14     4   10   14

Consumer Packaging

   1  1  2     1   1   2

Forest Products

 14 (b) 2  14 (f) 30  10(b)     2(f)  12

Distribution

     4  4        4   4

Specialty Businesses and Other

   13 (d)   13     13(d)     13

Corporate

   7  20 (g) 27     7   20(g)  27
 $27  $42  $187  $256
 $31  $44  $199  $274

 

(a)

Includes charges for severance and other charges for the indefinite shutdown of three U.S. paper machines.

(b)

Includes charges associated with the relocation of the Forest Products headquarters from Savannah, Georgia to Memphis, Tennessee.

(c)

Includes $6 million of additional severance charges related to the indefinite shutdown of the three U.S. paper machines.

(d)

Represents charges related to the shutdown of a plant in Norway.

(e)

Includes charges of $50 million related to the shutdown of paper machines at Jay, Maine, Bastrop, Louisiana, and Pensacola, Florida, and a charge of $95 million to write down the assets of the Bastrop, Louisiana mill to their estimated net realizable value of $105 million.

(f)

Includes $10 million of charges related to the closure of the Joplin, Missouri facility, and $2 million of charges related to the relocation of the Forest Products headquarters from Savannah, Georgia to Memphis, Tennessee.

(g)

Includes $2 million of charges related to the relocation of International Paper’s headquarters from Stamford, Connecticut to Memphis, Tennessee, and $12 million of transformation costs.


 

5160


The following table presents the components of the organizational restructuring charge discussed above:

 

In millions Asset
Write-
downs
  Severance
and
Other
  Total Asset
Write-downs
  Severance
and Other
  Total

Printing Papers

 $153  $31  $184 $153  $31  $184

Industrial Packaging

 4  10  14  4   10   14

Consumer Packaging

   2  2     2   2

Forest Products

 6  24  30  2   10   12

Distribution

   4  4     4   4

Specialty Businesses and Other

 7  6  13  7   6   13

Corporate

   27  27     27   27
 $166  $90  $256
 $170  $104  $274

The following table presents a roll forward of the severance and other costs included in the 2005 restructuring plans:

 

In millionsSeverance
and
Other

Opening Balance (second quarter 2005)

$29

Additions (third quarter 2005)

25

Additions (fourth quarter 2005)

50

2005 Activity

Cash charges

(54)

Reclassifications:

Pension and postretirement curtailments and special termination benefits

(10)

Balance, December 31, 2005

$40
In millions Severance
and Other
 

Opening Balance (second quarter 2005)

 $26 

Additions (third quarter 2005)

  22 

Additions (fourth quarter 2005)

  42 

2005 Activity

 

Cash charges

  (47)

Reclassifications:

 

Pension and postretirement curtailments and termination benefits

  (10)

2006 Activity

 

Cash charges

  (23)

Reclassifications:

 

Pension and postretirement curtailments and termination benefits

  (3)

Environmental

  (7)

Balance, December 31, 2006

 $ 

The severance charges recorded in 2005 related to 855791 employees. As of December 31, 2005, 6612006, all 791 employees had been terminated.

2004: During 2004, restructuring and other charges before taxes of $166$164 million ($103102 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included included:

a $64$62 million charge before taxes ($4039 million after taxes) for a corporate-wide organizational restructuring program,

a $92 million charge before taxes ($57 million after taxes) for losses on early extinguishment of debt, and

a $10 million charge before taxes ($6 million after taxes) for legal settlements.

In addition, credits of $123 million before taxes ($76 million after taxes) for net insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation and $36$35 million before taxes ($2221 million after taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring reserves no longer needed were recorded. Also, a $32 million charge was recorded for an adjustment of deferred tax balances.

The following table presents a detail of the $64$62 million corporate-wide organizational restructuring program charge in 2004, by business:

 

In millions First
Quarter
  Second
Quarter
  Third
Quarter
  Total First
Quarter
  Second
Quarter
  Third
Quarter
  Total

Printing Papers

 $1  $1  $5  $7 $1  $1  $5  $7

Industrial Packaging

 1  1  5  7  1   1   5   7

Consumer Packaging

 4  2  1  7  4   1      5

Forest Products

 4  1    5  4   1      5

Distribution

 2  2  3  7  2   2   3   7

Specialty Businesses and Other

   11    11     11      11

Administrative Support Groups

 2  14  4  20  2   14   4   20
 $14  $31  $17  $62
 $14  $32  $18  $64

The following table presents a roll forward of the severance and other costs included in the 2004 restructuring plans:

 

In millionsSeverance
and
Other

Opening Balance (first quarter 2004)

$14

Additions (second quarter 2004)

32

Additions (third quarter 2004)

18

2004 Activity

Cash charges

(42)

Reclassifications:

Pension and postretirement curtailments and special termination benefits

(22)

Balance, December 31, 2004

$–
In millions Severance
and Other
 

Opening Balance (first quarter 2004)

 $14 

Additions (second quarter 2004)

  31 

Additions (third quarter 2004)

  17 

2004 Activity

 

Cash charges

  (40)

Reclassifications:

 

Pension and postretirement curtailments and termination benefits

  (22)

Balance, December 31, 2004

 $ 

The severance charges recorded in 2004 related to 744720 employees. As of December 31, 2004, 616592 employees had been terminated and 128 employees retained. Actual pension and postretirement costs exceeded estimates despite the lower number of employees terminated.

2003:During 2003, restructuring and other charges of $286 million before taxes ($180 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included a $224 million charge before taxes ($140 million after taxes) for asset shutdowns of excess internal capacity and cost reduction actions, a $63 million charge before taxes ($39 million after taxes) for legal reserves, and a $1 million credit before taxes ($1 million charge after taxes) for early debt retirement costs. In addition, a $39 million credit before taxes ($24 million after taxes) was recorded for the net reversal of restructuring reserves no longer required.


 

5261


The $224 million charge in 2003 for the asset shutdowns of excess internal capacity and cost reduction actions consisted of a $80 million charge in the fourth quarter, a $71 million charge in the third quarter, a $51 million charge in the second quarter, and a $22 million charge in the first quarter. The fourth-quarter charge included $45 million of asset write-downs and $35 million of severance and other charges.The third-quarter charge included $9 million of asset write-downs and $62 million of severance and other charges. The second-quarter charge consisted of $16 million of asset write-downs and $35 million of severance and other charges. The first-quarter charge included $2 million of asset write-downs and $20 million of severance and other charges.

The following table and discussion present details related to the 2003 fourth-quarter charge:

In millions    Asset
Write-
downs
  Severance
and
Other
  Total

Printing Papers

 (a) $19  $2  $21

Consumer Packaging

 (b) 16  6  22

Forest Products

 (c) 10  1  11

Distribution

 (d)   3  3

Administrative Support Groups

 (e)   23  23
 
  $45  $35  $80
 

(a)The Printing Papers business recorded a charge of $5 million to write off certain assets at the Courtland, Alabama and Franklin, Virginia mills. Management also approved a $14 million charge to write down the assets of the Maresquel, France mill to its net realizable value of approximately $5 million. The Printing Papers business also recorded a charge of $2 million for severance costs relating to 42 employees associated with a manufacturing excellence program.
(b)The Consumer Packaging business recorded an additional charge of $22 million in conjunction with the closure of the Rolark manufacturing facility in Toronto, Canada, and a rationalization plan implemented in the second quarter of 2003. Closure costs for Rolark consisted of an $8 million charge to write down assets to their salvage value, $3 million of severance costs covering the termination of 178 employees and other exit costs of $1 million. The charge also included an additional provision for the previously implemented commercial business rationalization initiative. These charges included $8 million to write down assets to their salvage value and $2 million of severance costs covering the termination of 153 employees.
(c)The Forest Products business approved plans in the fourth quarter of 2003 to shut down the Tuskalusa lumber mill in Moundville, Alabama. Operations at this mill had been temporarily ceased in the second quarter of 2003. Charges associated with this shutdown included $10 million of asset write-downs to salvage value and $1 million of other exit costs.
(d)The Distribution business(xpedx) recorded a charge of $3 million to cover lease termination costs related to the Nationwide San Francisco, California facility that was vacated in the fourth quarter of 2003.
(e)During the fourth quarter of 2003, International Paper implemented the second phase of the previously announced Overhead Reduction Program to improve competitive performance. Charges associated with this initiative included $23 million of severance costs covering the termination of 557 employees. The $23 million charge included: Printing Papers – $6 million; Industrial and Consumer Packaging – $7 million; Forest Products – $5 million; Specialty Businesses and Other – $1 million; and Corporate – $4 million.

The following table and discussion present details related to the 2003 third-quarter charge:

In millions    Asset
Write-
downs
  Severance
and
Other
  Total

Administrative Support Groups

 (a) $–  $38  $38

Specialty Businesses and Other

 (b) 9  24  33
 
  $9  $62  $71
 

(a)During the third quarter of 2003, International Paper implemented the initial phase of an Overhead Reduction Program to improve competitive performance. Charges associated with this initiative included $37 million of severance costs covering the termination of 744 employees and other cash costs of $1 million. The $38 million charge included: Printing Papers – $12 million; Industrial and Consumer Packaging – $11 million; Distribution – $2 million; Forest Products – $6 million; Specialty Businesses – $2 million; and Corporate – $5 million.
(b)Specialty Businesses recorded an additional charge of $33 million in connection with the July 15, 2003 shutdown of the Natchez, Mississippi mill. The charge included $9 million of asset write-downs to salvage value, $1 million of severance costs covering the termination of 20 employees, $20 million of environmental closure costs and other cash costs of $3 million.

The following table and discussion present details related to the 2003 second-quarter charge:

In millions    Asset
Write-
downs
  Severance
and
Other
  Total

Printing Papers

 (a) $3  $2  $5

Consumer Packaging

 (b)   6  6

Forest Products

 (c) 13  7  20

Distribution

 (d)   4  4

Specialty Businesses and Other

 (e)   16  16
 
  $16  $35  $51
 

(a)

The Printing Papers business recorded a charge of $2 million for severance costs relating to 19 employees associated with an


53


organizational restructuring initiative. The business also recorded an additional charge of $3 million to write off obsolete equipment.

(b)The Consumer Packaging business implemented a rationalization plan at the Clifton and Englewood, New Jersey plants as a result of increased competition and slowing growth rates in key market segments. Management also approved a plan to exit leased space at the Montvale, New Jersey office in connection with the realignment of the Beverage Packaging and Foodservice businesses. Additionally, the Consumer Packaging business initiated an organizational restructuring program at several of its Bleached Board facilities. Charges associated with the programs included $2 million to cover the termination of 79 employees, lease termination costs of $3 million, and other cash costs of $1 million.
(c)The Forest Products business approved plans to shut down the Springhill, Louisiana lumber facility and the Slaughter Industries Distribution Center in Portland, Oregon, and to temporarily cease operations at the Tuskalusa lumber mill in Moundville, Alabama. Charges associated with the shutdowns included $12 million of asset write-downs to salvage value at Springhill and Slaughter, $5 million of severance costs covering the termination of 198 employees at all three facilities, and $1 million of other exit costs. Management also approved the closure of the Madison, New Hampshire lumber mill. Charges associated with this plan included $1 million to write down assets to their net realizable value and other cash costs of $1 million.
(d)The Distribution business(xpedx) recorded a severance charge of $4 million covering the termination of 176 employees in a continuing effort to consolidate duplicative facilities and reduce ongoing operational expenses.
(e)Specialty Businesses recorded a severance charge of $16 million associated with the termination of 447 employees in connection with the July 15th shutdown of the Natchez, Mississippi mill.

The following table and discussion present details related to the 2003 first-quarter charge:

In millions    Asset
Write-
downs
  Severance
and
Other
  Total

Industrial Packaging

 (a) $–  $2  $2

Specialty Businesses and Other

 (b) 2  18  20
 
  $2  $20  $22
 

(a)The Industrial Packaging business implemented a plan to reorganize the Creil and Mortagne locations in France into a single complex. Charges associated with the reorganization included $1 million for severance costs covering the termination of 31 employees and other cash costs of $1 million.
(b)Arizona Chemical recorded a charge of $1 million for severance costs of 51 employees associated with the Valkeakoski, Finland plant closure. Chemical Cellulose implemented a plan

to shut down the Natchez, Mississippi dissolving pulp mill by mid-2003. Charges associated with this shutdown included a $1 million charge to write down assets to their salvage value and $12 million of severance costs covering the termination of 141 employees in April and other employees to be terminated upon closure. Additional shutdown charges for severance and closure costs were recorded in the second and third quarters of 2003. Additionally, Industrial Papers approved a plan to restructure converting operations at the Kaukauna, Wisconsin facility, modify its release products organization and implement division-wide productivity improvement actions. Charges associated with these plans included $1 million to write down assets to their salvage value and $5 million of severance costs covering the termination of 130 employees.

The following table presents a roll forward of the severance and other costs included in the 2003 restructuring plans:

In millionsSeverance
and
Other

Opening Balance (first quarter 2003)

$20

Additions (second quarter 2003)

35

Additions (third quarter 2003)

62

Additions (fourth quarter 2003)

35

2003 Activity

Cash charges

(64)

Reclassifications:

Pension and postretirement curtailments and special termination benefits

(4)

Reversals of reserves no longer required

(3)

2004 Activity

Cash charges

(57)

Reclassifications:

Pension and postretirement curtailments and special termination benefits

(9)

Environmental

(13)

Reversals of reserves no longer required

(2)

Balance, December 31, 2004

$–

The severance charges recorded in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2003 related to 2,966 employees. As of December 31, 2004, 2,955 employees had been terminated and 11 employees retained.

NOTE 7 BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DIVESTITURES AND DIVESTITURESIMPAIRMENTS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

2006: During the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its Beverage Packaging business to Carter Holt Harvey Limited for approximately $500 million, subject to certain adjustments. The sale of the North American Beverage Packaging operations subsequently closed on January 31, 2007, with the sale of the remaining non-U.S. operations expected to close later in the 2007 first quarter.

Also during the fourth quarter, the Company entered into separate agreements for the sale of 13 lumber mills for approximately $325 million, expected to close in the first quarter of 2007, and five wood products plants for approximately $237 million, expected to close in the first half of 2007, both subject to various adjustments at closing.

Based on the fourth-quarter commitments to sell the Beverage Packaging and Wood Products businesses, the Company determined that the accounting requirements under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS No. 144) as discontinued operations were met. Accordingly, net pre-tax charges of $18 million ($11 million after taxes) for the Beverage Packaging business and $104 million ($69 million after taxes) for the Wood Products business (including $58 million for pension and postretirement benefit termination benefits) were recorded in the fourth quarter as discontinued operations charges to adjust the carrying value of these businesses to their estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Revenues, earnings and earnings per share related to the Beverage Packaging business for 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

In millions, except per share amounts 2006   2005   2004 

Revenues

 $816   $820   $763 

Earnings from discontinued operation

     

Earnings from operation

 $52   $40   $51 

Income tax expense

  (16)   (18)   (17)

Earnings from operation, net of taxes

  36    22    34 

Loss on sales and impairments

  (121)        

Income tax benefit

  31         

Loss on sales and impairments, net of taxes

  (90)        

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 $(54)  $22   $34 

Earnings per common share from discontinued operation - assuming dilution

     

Earnings from operation

 $0.07   $0.04   $0.07 

Loss on sales and impairments

  (0.18)        

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation, net of taxes and minority interest - assuming dilution

 $(0.11)  $0.04   $0.07 

Revenues, earnings and earnings per share related to the Wood Products business for 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

In millions, except per share amounts 2006   2005   2004 

Revenues

 $1,017   $1,135   $1,522 

Earnings from discontinued operation

     

Earnings (loss) from operation

 $(15)  $197   $258 

Income tax benefit (expense)

  5    (77)   (100)

Earnings (loss) from operation, net of taxes

  (10)   120    158 

Loss on sales and impairments

  (269)        

Income tax benefit

  35         

Loss on sales and impairments, net of taxes

  (234)        

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 $(244)  $120   $158 

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation - assuming dilution

     

Earnings (loss) from operation

 $(0.02)  $0.24   $0.32 

Loss on sales and impairments

  (0.47)        

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation, net of taxes and minority interest - assuming dilution

 $(0.49)  $0.24   $0.32 

62


Additionally during the fourth quarter, a $38 million pre-tax credit ($23 million after taxes) was recorded for refunds received from the Canadian government of duties paid by the Company’s former Weldwood of Canada Limited business, and a pre-tax charge of $1 million ($1 million after taxes) was recorded for smaller adjustments of prior discontinued operation estimates.

During the third quarter of 2006, management determined there was a current expectation that, more likely than not, the Beverage Packaging and Wood Products businesses would be sold. Based on the resulting impairment testing, pre-tax impairment charges of $115 million ($82 million after taxes) and $165 million ($165 million after taxes) were recorded to reduce the carrying values of the net assets of the Beverage Packaging and Wood Products businesses, respectively, to their estimated fair values.

Also during the 2006 third quarter, International Paper completed the sale of its interests in a Beverage Packaging operation in Japan for a pre-tax gain of $12 million ($3 million after taxes), and the sale of its Brazilian Coated Papers business to Stora Enso Oyj for approximately $420 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. This business included a coated paper mill and lumber mill in Aropoti, Parana State, Brazil, as well as 50,000 hectares (approximately 124,000 acres) of forestlands in Parana. As the Company determined that the accounting requirements under SFAS No. 144 for reporting this business as a discontinued operation were met, the resulting $100 million pre-tax gain ($79 million after taxes) was recorded as a gain on sale of a discontinued operation.

Revenues, earnings and earnings per share related to the Brazilian Coated Papers business for 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

In millions, except per share amounts 2006   2005   2004 

Revenues

 $127   $218   $165 

Earnings from discontinued operation

     

Earnings from operation

 $20   $49   $38 

Income tax expense

  (9)   (23)   (11)

Earnings from operation, net of taxes

  11    26    27 

Gain on sale

  100         

Income tax expense

  (21)        

Gain on sale, net of taxes

  79         

Earnings from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 $90   $26   $27 

Earnings per common share from discontinued operation - assuming dilution

     

Earnings from operation

 $0.02   $0.05   $0.05 

Gain on sale

  0.16         

Earnings per common share from discontinued operation, net of taxes and minority interest - assuming dilution

 $0.18   $0.05   $0.05 

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company determined that the accounting requirements under SFAS No. 144 for reporting the Kraft Papers business as a discontinued operation were met. Accordingly, a $100 million pre-tax charge ($61 million after taxes) was recorded to reduce the carrying value of the net assets of this business to their estimated fair value. During the 2006 second quarter, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell this business for approximately $155 million in cash, subject to certain closing and post-closing adjustments, and two additional payments totaling up to $60 million payable five years from the date of closing, contingent upon business performance. A $16 million pre-tax charge ($11 million after taxes) was recorded during the second quarter to further reduce the carrying value of the assets of the Kraft Papers business based on the terms of this definitive agreement. The sale of this business was subsequently completed on January 2, 2007.


63


Revenues, earnings and earnings per share related to the Kraft Papers business for 2006, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

In millions, except per share amounts 2006   2005   2004 

Revenues

 $231   $224   $188 

Earnings from discontinued operation

     

Earnings from operation

 $41   $11   $(1)

Income tax expense

  (15)   (4)    

Earnings from operation, net of taxes

  26    7    (1)

Loss on sales and impairments

  (116)        

Income tax benefit

  44         

Loss on sales and impairments, net of taxes

  (72)        

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 $(46)  $7   $(1)

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation - assuming dilution

     

Earnings from operation

 $0.05   $0.01   $ 

Loss on sales and impairments

  (0.14)        

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation, net of taxes and minority interest - assuming dilution

 $(0.09)  $0.01   $ 

The accompanying financial statements, and the respective accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements, have been revised to retroactively reclassify the operating results of Kraft Papers, Brazilian Coated Papers, Beverage Packaging and Wood Products as Discontinued operations for all periods presented.

2005:In the third quarter of 2005, International Paper completed the sale of its 50.5% interest in CHH to Rank Group Investments Ltd. for approximately U.S. $1.14 billion to be used principally to reduce debt. The pre-tax gain on the sale of $29 million ($361 million


54


after taxes and minority interest), including a $186 million pre-tax credit from cumulative translation adjustments, was included in Discontinued operations, together with CHH’s operating results prior to the sale. Additionally, in May 2004, CHH sold its Tissue business. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” International Paper has restated all prior periods to presentretroactively reclassified the operating results of CHH for all periods to present CHH as a discontinued operation.

Revenues, associated with the discontinued operation were $1.7 billion, $2.3 billion and $2.3 billion for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Earningsearnings and earnings per share for 2005 and 2004 related to CHH were as follows:

 

In millions, except per share amounts 2005 2004 2003  2005   2004 

Revenues

 $1,700   $2,300 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation

      

Earnings (loss) from operation

 $(32) $35  $46  $(32)  $35 

Income tax (expense) benefit

 (96) 33  42   (96)   33 

Minority interest (expense) benefit, net of taxes

 8  (41) (40)
 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 (120) 27  48 
 

Minority interest benefit (expense), net of taxes and minority interest

  8    (41)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation, net of taxes and minority interest

  (120)   27 

Gain on sale of CHH

 29       29     

Gain on sale of CHH Tissue business

   268         268 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 332  (69)    332    (69)

Minority interest expense, net of taxes

   (109)        (109)
 

Gain on sale, net of taxes and minority interest

 361  90     361    90 
 

Earnings from discontinued operation, net of taxes and minority interest

 $241  $117  $48  $241   $117 
 

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation – assuming dilution

   

Earnings (loss) from operation, net of taxes

 $(0.24) $0.06  $0.11 

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation - assuming dilution

   

Earnings (loss) from operation, net of taxes and minority interest

 $(0.24)  $0.06 

Gain on sale, net of taxes and minority interest

 0.71  0.19     0.71    0.19 
 

Earnings per common share from discontinued operation, net of taxes and minority interest – assuming dilution

 $0.47  $0.25  $0.11 
 

Earnings per common share from discontinued operation, net of taxes and minority interest - assuming dilution

 $0.47   $0.25 

Assets and liabilities of CHH, included in International Paper’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2004, as Assets and Liabilities of businesses held for sale, were as follows:

In millions2004

Cash and temporary investments

$416

Accounts receivable, net

251

Inventories

347

Plants, properties and equipment, net

1,216

Forestlands

1,779

Other assets

491

Assets of business held for sale

$4,500

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

$284

Accounts payable

253

Accrued payroll and benefits

67

Other accrued liabilities

17

Long-term debt

500

Other liabilities

602

Minority interest

1,360

Liabilities of business held for sale

$3,083

2004:In the third quarter of 2004, International Paper entered into an agreement to sell its Weldwood of Canada Limited (Weldwood) business to West Fraser Timber Co., Ltd. of Vancouver, Canada (West Fraser), for approximately C$1.26 billion in cash, subject to certain adjustments at closing. Accordingly, a $323 million pre-tax loss on impairment ($711 million after taxes), including $182 million of pre-tax credits from cumulative translation adjustments, was recorded in Discontinued operations to write down the assets of Weldwood to their estimated net realizable value upon sale, including the related tax effect. The Company completed the sale of Weldwood in the fourth quarter for C$1.23 billion. International Paper’s net cash proceeds received from the sale were approximately U.S. $1.1 billion. All periods presented have been restated to present theThe operating results of Weldwood as ain 2004 are presented in discontinued operation.

Revenues associated with this discontinued operation were $1.0 billion and $791 million for 2004 and 2003, respectively.operations.


 

5564


EarningsRevenues, earnings and earnings per share related to Weldwood for 2004 were as follows:

 

In millions, except per share amounts 2004 2003  2004 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation

  

Revenues

 $1,000 

Earnings from discontinued operation

 

Earnings from operation

 $153  $15  $153 

Income tax expense

 (50) (6)  (50)
 

Earnings from operation, net of taxes

 103  9   103 
 

Asset impairment

 (323)    (323)

Income tax expense (a)

 (388)    (388)
 

Asset impairment, net of taxes

 (711)    (711)
 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 $(608) $9 
 

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation

  

Loss from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 $(608)

Earnings per common share from discontinued operation

 

Earnings from operation, net of taxes

 $0.22  $0.02  $0.22 

Asset impairment, net of taxes

 (1.47)    (1.47)
 

Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 $(1.25) $0.02 
 

Loss per common share from discontinued operation, net of taxes

 $(1.25)

 

(a)

Reflects the low historic tax basis in Weldwood that was carried over in connection with the acquisition of Champion in June 2000.

FORESTLANDS:

During 2006, in connection with the previously announced Transformation Plan, the Company completed sales totaling approximately 5.6 million acres of forestlands for proceeds of approximately $6.6 billion, including $1.8 billion in cash and $4.8 billion of installment notes supported by irrevocable letters of credit (see Note 8). Additionally, the Company entered into fiber supply agreements with certain purchasers of these forestlands providing for the future delivery of pulpwood to specified Company facilities at market prices at time of delivery (see Note 11). The first of these transactions in the second quarter included approximately 76,000 acres sold for cash proceeds of $97 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $62 million. During the third quarter, 476,000 acres of forestlands were sold for $401 million, including $265 million in cash and $136 million of installment notes, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $304 million. Finally, in the fourth quarter, the Company completed sales of 5.1 million acres of forestlands for $6.1 billion, including $1.4 billion in cash and $4.7 billion of installment notes, resulting in pre-tax gains totaling $4.4 billion. These transactions represent a permanent reduction in the Company’s forestland asset base and are not a part of the normal, ongoing operations of the Forest Resources business. Thus, the net gains resulting from these sales are separately presented in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations under the caption Gain on sale of forestlands.

OTHER DIVESTITURES:DIVESTITURES AND IMPAIRMENTS:

2006: During the fourth quarter of 2006, a pre-tax charge of $149 million ($84 million after taxes) was recorded for losses on sales and impairments of businesses. This charge included a $128 million pre-tax impairment charge ($84 million after taxes) to reduce the carrying value of the fixed assets of the Company’s Saillat mill in France (included in the Printing Papers segment) to their estimated fair value, a pre-tax loss of $18 million ($6 million after taxes) relating to the sale of certain box plants in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and $3 million of pre-tax charges (a $6 million credit after taxes) for other small asset sales.

During the third quarter of 2006, a net pre-tax gain of $74 million ($44 million after taxes) was recorded for gains (losses) on sales and impairments of businesses. This net gain included the recognition of a previously deferred $110 million pre-tax gain ($68 million after taxes) related to a 2004 sale of forestlands in Maine, a pre-tax charge of $38 million ($23 million after taxes) to reflect the completion of the sale of the Company’s Coated and Supercalendered Papers business in the 2006 third quarter, and a net pre-tax gain of $2 million (a $1 million loss after taxes) related to other smaller sales.

During the second quarter of 2006, a pre-tax charge of $138 million ($90 million after taxes) was recorded, including a pre-tax charge of $85 million ($52 million after taxes) recorded to adjust the carrying value of the assets of the Company’s Coated and Supercalendered Papers business to their estimated fair value based on the terms of a definitive sales agreement signed in the second quarter, a pre-tax charge of $52 million ($37 million after taxes) recorded to reduce the carrying value of the assets of the Company’s Amapa wood products operations in Brazil to their estimated fair value based on estimated sales proceeds since a sale of these assets, which was completed in the third quarter, was considered more likely than not at June 30, 2006, and a net charge of $1 million before and after taxes related to other smaller items.

During the first quarter of 2006, a pre-tax charge of $1.3 billion was recorded to write down the assets of the Company’s Coated and Supercalendered Papers business to their estimated fair value, as management had committed to a plan to sell this business. In addition, other pre-tax charges totaling $3 million ($2 million after taxes) were recorded to adjust estimated losses of certain smaller operations that are held for sale.

At the end of the 2006 first quarter, the Company reported its Coated and Supercalendered Papers


65


business as a discontinued operation based on a plan to sell the business. In the second quarter of 2006, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell this business for approximately $1.4 billion, subject to certain post-closing adjustments, and agreed to acquire a 10% limited partnership interest in CMP Investments L.P., the company that will own this business. Since this limited partnership interest represents significant continuing involvement in the operations of this business under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the operating results for Coated and Supercalendered Papers were required to be included in continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accordingly, the operating results for this business, including the charge in the first quarter of $1.3 billion before and after taxes to write down the assets of the business to their estimated fair value, are now included in continuing operations for all periods presented.

The net 2006 pre-tax losses totaling approximately $1.5 billion ($1.4 billion after taxes) discussed above are included in Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

2005: In the fourth quarter of 2005, a pre-tax charge of $46 million ($30 million after taxes) was recorded for adjustments of losses of businesses held for sale, principally $45 million to write down the carrying value of the Company’s Polyrey business in France to its estimated net realizable value.

In the second quarter of 2005, a net pre-tax credit of $19 million ($12 million after taxes) was recorded, including a $25 million credit before taxes ($15 million after taxes) from the collection of a note receivable from the 2001 sale of the Flexible Packaging business and final charges related to the salesales of Fine Papers and Industrial Papers. In addition, interest income of $11 million before taxes ($7 million after taxes) was collected on the Flexible Packaging business note, which is included in Interest expense, net.

net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. During the first quarter of 2005, International Paper had announced an agreement to sell its Fine Papers business to Mohawk Paper Mills, Inc. of Cohoes, New York. A $24 million pre-tax loss ($13 million after taxes) was recorded in the first quarter to write down the net assets of the Fine Papers business to their estimated net realizable value. The sale of Fine Papers was completed in the second quarter of 2005.

Also during the first quarter of 2005, International Paper announced that it had signed an agreement to sell its Industrial Papers business to an affiliate of

Kohlberg and Company, LLC. A $49 million pre-tax loss ($35 million after taxes) was recorded in the first quarter to

write down the net assets of the Industrial Papers business and related corporate assets to their estimated net realizable value. The sale of Industrial Papers was completed in the second quarter of 2005.

Also in 2005, pre-tax charges totaling $11 million ($7 million after taxes) were recorded to adjust previously estimated gains/losses of businesses previously sold.

The net 2005 pre-tax losses totaling $111 million discussed above are included in Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

2004: In December 2004, International Paper committed to plans for the sale in 2005 of its Fine Papers business and its Maresquel mill and Papeteries de France distribution business in Europe. As a result, charges of $11 million before taxes ($8 million after taxes), $34 million before and after taxes, and $11 million before taxes ($12 million after taxes), respectively, were recorded to write down the assets of these entities to their estimated fair values less costs to sell. In October 2004, International Paper sold two box plants located in China to International Paper Pacific Millennium, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $14 million ($4 million after taxes).

In the third quarter of 2004, International Paper signed an agreement to sell Scaldia Papier B.V., and its subsidiary, Recom B.V. in the Netherlands, to Stora Enso for approximately $36 million in cash. This sale was completed in the third quarter and resulted in a loss of $34 million (no impact from taxes or minority interest). In addition, a $4 million loss (no impact from taxes or minority interest) was recorded to adjust the estimated loss on sale of Papeteries de Souche L.C. in France. This sale was completed in the second quarter of 2005 for approximately $14 million in proceeds.

In the second quarter of 2004, a $27 million loss before and after taxes was recorded to write down the assets of Papeteries de Souche L.C. in France to their estimated realizable value. In addition, a $4 million loss before taxes ($2 million after taxes) was recorded to write down the assets of Food Pack S.A. in Chile to their estimated realizable value.

The net 2004 pre-tax losses totaling $139 million discussed above are included in Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

2003:In December 2006, the fourthCompany entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Arizona Chemical


66


business for approximately $485 million, subject to certain adjustments. As part of the transaction, International Paper will acquire a minority interest of approximately 10 percent in, and is expected to have significant influence in the operations of, the new entity. The transaction subsequently closed in the first quarter of 2003, International Paper recorded a $34 million charge ($34 million after taxes) to write down the2007.

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, assets of its Polyrey business in France to their estimated fair value. This pre-tax loss is included in Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale intotaling approximately $1.8 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively, and liabilities of businesses held for sale totaling approximately $333 million and $621 million, respectively, included the accompanying consolidated statementKraft Papers business, the Beverage Packaging business, the Wood Products business, the Arizona Chemical business, the Coated and Supercalendered Papers business, the Brazilian Coated Papers business, and certain smaller businesses, and consisted of:

In millions 2006 2005

Accounts receivable, net

 $298 $511

Inventories

  401  515

Plants, properties and equipment, net

  995  2,728

Forestlands

    63

Goodwill

  10  1,422

Other assets

  74  143

Assets of businesses held for sale

 $1,778 $5,382

Accounts payable

 $184 $336

Accrued payroll and benefits

  50  83

Other accrued liabilities

  32  89

Other liabilities

  67  113

Liabilities of businesses held for sale

 $333 $621

Assets and liabilities of operations.businesses held for sale by business were:


 

56


TRANSFORMATION PLAN:

On July 19, 2005, International Paper announced a plan to focus its business portfolio on two key global platform businesses: Uncoated Papers (including Distribution) and Packaging. Subsequently, as discussed above, the Company completed the sale of CHH. Consistent with the previously announced plan, the Company continues to evaluate strategic options for specific businesses, including the possible sale or spin-off of the businesses identified in the plan, and has distributed bid package information for many of these businesses. As this Transformation Plan is executed, it is expected that additional one-time implementation charges will be incurred in future periods.

In millions 2006    2005   
   Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities

Kraft Papers

 $148 $16 $266 $17

Beverage Packaging

  572  107  787  179

Wood Products

  562  51  864  69

Arizona Chemical

  496  159  396  135

Coated and Supercalendered Papers

      2,736  142

Brazilian Coated Papers

      319  43

Other businesses

      14  36

Totals

 $1,778 $333 $5,382 $621

NOTE 8 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES:

In March 2003, Southeast Timber, Inc. (Southeast Timber), a consolidated subsidiary of International Paper, issued $150 million of preferred securities to a private investor with future dividend payments based on LIBOR. Southeast Timber, which through a subsidiary initially held approximately 1.5 million acres of forestlands in the southern United States, is International Paper’s primary vehicle for ongoing future sales of southern forestlands. The preferred securities may be put back to International Paper by the private investor upon the occurrence of certain events, and have a liquidation preference that approximates their face amount. The $150 million preferred third-party interest is included in Minority interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Distributions paid to the third-party investor were $10 million, $7 million and $5 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The expense related to these preferred securities is shown in minority interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

The agreement with the private investor also places certain limitations on International Paper’s ability to sell forestlands in the southern United States outside of Southeast Timber. In addition, because Southeast Timber is a separate legal entity, the assets of Southeast Timber and its subsidiaries, consisting principally of forestlands having a book value of approximately $215 million at December 31, 2005, will not be available to satisfy future liabilities and obligations of International Paper, although the value of International Paper’s interests in Southeast Timber and its subsidiaries will be available for these purposes.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:

In connection with the 2006 sale of approximately 5.6 million acres of forestlands, International Paper received installment notes (the Timber Notes) totaling approximately $4.8 billion. The Timber Notes,

which do not require principal payments prior to their August 2016 maturity, are supported by irrevocable letters of credit obtained by the buyers of the forestlands. During the 2006 fourth quarter, International Paper contributed the Timber Notes to newly formed entities (the Borrower Entities) in exchange for Class A and Class B interests in these entities. Subsequently, International Paper contributed its Class A interests in the Borrower Entities, along with approximately $400 million of International Paper promissory notes, to other newly formed entities (the Investor Entities) in exchange for Class A and Class B interests in these entities. International Paper then sold its Class A membership interest in the Investor Entities to a third party investor. As a result, at December 31, 2006, International Paper holds Class B interests in the Borrower Entities and Class B interests in the Investor Entities valued at approximately $5.0 billion. International Paper has no obligation to make any further capital contributions to these entities. Based on an analysis of these entities under the provisions of FIN 46(R), International Paper determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of these newly formed entities and therefore its investments should be accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

Also during 2006, the Borrower Entities acquired approximately $4.8 billion of International Paper debt obligations for cash, resulting in a total of approximately $5.2 billion of International Paper debt obligations held by the Borrower and Investor Entities at December 31, 2006. The various agreements entered into in connection with these transactions provide that International Paper has, and International Paper intends to affect, a legal right to offset its obligation under these debt instruments with its investments in the entities. Accordingly for financial reporting purposes, as allowed under the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 39, International Paper has offset $5.0 billion of Class B interests in the entities against $5.0 billion of International Paper debt obligations held by these entities. The remaining $200 million of debt obligations is included in floating rate notes due 2007 – 2016 in the summary of long-term debt in Note 12.

International Paper also holds variable interests in two financing entities that were used to monetize long-term notes received from the sale of forestlands in 2002 and 2001. International Paper transferred notes and cash having a value of approximately $1.0 billion to these entities in exchange for preferred interests, and accounted for the transfers as a sale of the notes with no associated gain or loss. In the same period, the entities acquired approximately $1.0 billion of International Paper debt obligations for


67


cash. International Paper has not consolidated the entities because it is not the primary beneficiary of the entities. At December 31, 2005,2006, International Paper’s $540$545 million preferred interest in one of the entities has been offset against related debt obligations since International Paper has, and intends to effect,affect, a legal right of offset to net-settle these two amounts. The remaining $455 million of debt obligations are included in floating rate notes due 2007 – 2016 in the summary of long-term debt in Note 12.

PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES:

In March 2003, Southeast Timber, Inc. (Southeast Timber), a consolidated subsidiary of International Paper, issued $150 million of preferred securities to a private investor with future dividend payments based on LIBOR. Southeast Timber, which through a subsidiary initially held approximately 1.5 million acres of forestlands in the southern United States, was International Paper’s primary vehicle for sales of southern forestlands. As of December 31, 2006, substantially all of these forestlands have been sold. These preferred securities may be put back to International Paper by the private investor upon the occurrence of certain events, and have a liquidation preference that approximates their face amount. The $150 million preferred third-party interest is included in Minority interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Distributions paid to the third-party investor were $13 million, $10 million and $7 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The expense related to these preferred securities is shown in Minority interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

Prior to 2006, the agreement with the private investor placed certain limitations on International Paper’s ability to sell forestlands in the southern United States. In 2006, the proceeds generated by International Paper’s sales of forestlands resulted in the elimination of any limitations on future forestland sales.

NOTE 9 INCOME TAXES

The components of International Paper’s earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest by taxing jurisdiction were:

 

In millions 2005  2004  2003  2006  2005  2004 

Earnings (loss)

          

U.S.

 $276  $271  $(249) $3,166  $53  $(19)

Non-U.S.

 310  453  534   22   233   395 
 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

 $586  $724  $285  $3,188  $286  $376 
 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes by taxing jurisdiction was:

 

In millions 2005 2004 2003  2006   2005   2004 

Current tax provision (benefit)

        

U.S. federal

 $(301) $161  $173  $125   $(391)  $49 

U.S. state and local

 (52) 24  11   38    (52)   24 

Non-U.S.

 106  135  96   107    65    123 
  $270   $(378)  $196 
 $(247) $320  $280 
 

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

        

U.S. federal

 $(5) $(34) $(262) $1,583   $(5)  $(34)

U.S. state and local

 (10) 5  (72)  172    (10)   5 

Non-U.S.

 (23) (49) (2)  (136)   (14)   (53)
  $1,619   $(29)  $(82)
 $(38) $(78) $(336)
 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 $(285) $242  $(56) $1,889   $(407)  $114 
 

The Company’s net deferred income tax provision (benefit) includes a $3$1 million benefit,provision, a $2$3 million benefit and a $1$2 million provision for 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, respectively, for the effect of changes in non-U.S. and state tax rates.


57


International Paper made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $457$249 million, $254$440 million and $255$238 million in 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, respectively.

A reconciliation of income tax expense using the statutory U.S. income tax rate compared with actual income tax expense (benefit) follows:

 

In millions 2005 2004 2003  2006 2005 2004 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

 $586  $724  $285  $3,188  $286  $376 

Statutory U.S. income tax rate

 35% 35% 35%  35%  35%  35%
 

Tax expense using statutory
U.S. income tax rate

 205  253  100 

Tax expense using statutory

   

U.S. income tax rate

  1,116   100   132 

State and local income taxes

 (41) 19  (41)  136   (41)  19 

Tax rate and permanent differences on non-U.S. earnings

 (25) (41) (105)  (19)  (30)  (36)

Net U.S. tax on non-U.S. dividends

 169  44  26   33   169   44 

Tax benefit on export sales

 (9) (7) (12)  (6)  (9)  (7)

Non-deductible business expenses

 13  12  14   15   13   12 

Permanent differences on sales of non-strategic assets

     11 

Sales and impairments of non-strategic assets

  646   (8)  (11)

Minority interest

   (9) (12)        (9)

Retirement plan dividends

 (6) (7) (7)  (7)  (6)  (7)

Tax credits

 (19) (37) (56)  (14)  (19)  (37)

Tax audit settlements

 (560)         (560)   

Other, net

 (12) 15  26   (11)  (16)  14 
 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 $(285) $242  $(56) $1,889  $(407) $114 
 

Effective income tax rate

 -49% 33% -20%  59%  (142)%  30%
 

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The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, were as follows:

 

In millions 2005 2004  2006   2005 

Deferred tax assets:

     

Postretirement benefit accruals

 $339  $348  $381   $339 

Prepaid pension costs

 589  320   258    588 

Alternative minimum and other tax credits

 300  519   400    300 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 1,807  1,518   1,156    1,786 

Compensation reserves

 211  186   285    211 

Legal reserves

 40  98   59    40 

Other

 349  457   446    343 
 

Gross deferred tax assets

 3,635  3,446   2,985    3,607 

Less: valuation allowance

 (139) (129)  (111)   (118)
 

Net deferred tax assets

 $3,496  $3,317  $2,874   $3,489 
 

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Plants, properties, and equipment

 $(2,599) $(2,731)

Forestlands

 (753) (749)

Plants, properties and equipment

 $(1,965)  $(2,580)

Forestlands and related installment sales

  (2,095)   (753)

Other

 (298) (282)  (192)   (281)
 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 $(3,650) $(3,762) $(4,252)  $(3,614)
 

Net deferred tax liabilities

 $(154) $(445) $(1,378)  $(125)
 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under the

captions Deferred income tax assets, Deferred charges and other assets, Other accrued liabilities and Deferred income taxes. The decreaseincrease in 20052006 in Deferred income taxes principally reflects installment sales treatment of certain forestland sales during the generationyear. Other contributing factors include the utilization of U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, the utilizationgeneration of income tax credits and an increasea decrease in deferred tax assets relating to pension costs.

The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of January 1, 2005,2006, was $129$118 million. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, was an increasea decrease of $10$7 million.

The 2005Company recorded an income tax provision for 2006 of $1.9 billion, consisting of a $1.6 billion deferred tax provision (principally reflecting deferred taxes on the 2006 Transformation Plan forestland sales) and a $300 million current tax provision. The provision also included an $11 million provision related to a net $446special tax adjustment. Excluding the impact of special items, the tax provision was $272 million, reduction,or 29% of pre-tax earnings before minority interest.

The Company recorded an income tax benefit for 2005 of $407 million, including a $454 million net tax benefit related to special tax adjustment items, consisting of a tax benefit of $627 million reduction resulting from an agreement reached with the U.S. federal taxing authoritiesInternal Revenue Service concerning the 1997 through 2000 U.S.

federal income tax audits,audit, a $142 million charge for deferred taxes related to earnings repatriatedrepatriations under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and $39$31 million of other tax charges. Excluding the impact of special items, the tax provision was $83 million, or 20% of pre-tax earnings before minority interest.

DuringThe income tax provision for 2004 International Paper recordedwas $114 million, or 30% of pre-tax earnings from continuing operations before minority interest, including a $32 million increase inprovision related to special items. Excluding the impact of this special tax adjustment item, the tax provision for income taxes reflecting an adjustmentwas $98 million, or 19% of deferred tax balances.

During 2003, decreases totaling $110 million in the provision for income taxes were recorded for significant tax items, including a $60 million reduction for a favorable revision of estimated tax accruals upon filing the 2002 federal income tax return and increased research and development credits, and a $50 million reduction reflecting a favorable tax audit settlement and benefits from an overseas tax program.pre-tax earnings before minority interest.

International Paper has federal and non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards that expire as follows: 20062007 through 20152016$147$161 million, 20162017 through 20252026$3.4$1.8 billion, and indefinite carryforwards of $700$890 million. International Paper has tax benefits from net operating loss carryforwards for state taxing jurisdictions of approximately $397$338 million that expire as follows: 20062007 through 20152016$102$96 million and 20162017 through 20252026$295$243 million. International Paper also has federal, non-U.S. and state tax credit carryforwards that expire as follows: 20062007 through 20152016—$80 million, 2017 through 2026$66 million, 2016 through 2025 – $116$90 million, and indefinite carryforwards – $182$304 million. Further, International Paper has state capital loss carryforwards that expire as follows: 20062007 through 20152016$40 million and 2016 through 2025 – $1$10 million.

Deferred income taxes are not provided for temporary differences of approximately $2.7 billion, $2.4 billion $2.7 billion and $2.5$2.7 billion as of December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, respectively, representing earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries intended to be permanently reinvested. Computation of the potential deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings and other basis differences is not practicable.


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International Paper is currently being audited by various federal, state and non-U.S. taxing authorities for tax periods from 19941996 through 2004.2005. While the Company believes that it is adequately accrued for possible audit adjustments, the final resolution of these examinations cannot be determined at this time and could result in final settlements that differ from current estimates.

In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act provides for a special one-time deduction of 85% of certain foreign earnings that are repatriated. International Paper applied this provision to qualifying earnings repatriations in 2005 totaling $2.1 billion and recorded a deferred tax charge of $142 million related to these repatriations.

NOTE 10 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Certain property, machinery and equipment are leased under cancelable and non-cancelable agreements. At December 31, 2005, total future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases were $712 million, due as follows: 2006 – $172 million; 2007 – $144 million; 2008 – $119 million; 2009 – $76 million; 2010 – $63 million; and thereafter – $138 million. Rent expense was $216 million, $225 million and $236 million for 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.


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Unconditional purchase obligations have been entered into in the ordinary course of business, principally for capital projects and the purchase of certain pulpwood, logs, wood chips, raw materials, energy and services. services, including fiber supply agreements to purchase pulpwood that were entered into concurrently with the 2006 Transformation Plan forestland sales (see Note 7).

At December 31, 2005,2006, total future minimum commitments under existing non-cancelable leases and purchase obligations were $5.6 billion due as follows:

In millions 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Thereafter

Lease obligations (a)

 $144 $117 $94 $74 $60 $110

Purchase obligations (b,c)

  2,329  462  362  352  323  1,794

Total

 $2,473 $579 $456 $426 $383 $1,904

(a)

Included in these amounts are $76 million of lease obligations related to discontinued operations and businesses held for sale that are due as follows: 2007 – $23 million; 2008 – $19 million; 2009 – $15 million; 2010 – $7 million; 2011 – $5 million; and thereafter – $7 million.

(b)

Included in these amounts are $1.3 billion of purchase obligations related to discontinued operations and businesses held for sale that are due as follows: 2007 – $335 million; 2008 – $199 million; 2009 – $157 million; 2010 – $143 million; 2011 – $141 million; and thereafter – $331 million.

(c)

Includes $2.2 billion relating to fiber supply agreements entered into at the time of the Transformation Plan forestland sales.

Rent expense was $217 million, $216 million and $225 million for 2006, – $3.3 billion; 2007 – $393 million; 2008 – $280 million; 2009 – $240 million; 2010 – $204 million;2005 and thereafter – $1.2 billion.2004, respectively.

International Paper entered into an agreement in 2000 to guarantee, for a fee, an unsecured contractual credit agreement between a financial institution and an unrelated third-party customer. The guarantee, which expires in 2008, was made in exchange for a ten-year contract asIn the exclusive paper supplier to the customer. Both the loan from the financial institution tofourth quarter of 2006, the customer cancelled the agreement and paid the Company’s guarantee are unsecured. UnderCompany a fee of $11 million, which is included in Cost of products sold in the termsaccompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accordingly, the guarantee, International Paper could be required to makeCompany has no future payments up to a maximum of $110 million if the customer were to default under the credit agreement. There is no liability recorded on International Paper’s books for the guarantee. It is possible that payments may be requiredobligations under this guarantee arrangement in the future, although it is uncertain how much or when such payments, if any, might be required.agreement.

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 enter into indemnification arrangementsagree to indemnify buyers with respect to tax and environmental liabilities, breaches of representationsrepre-sentations and warranties, and other matters. Where any liabilities for such matters are determined to be

probable and subject to reasonable estimation, accrued liabilities are recorded at the time of sale as a cost of the transaction.

Under the terms of the sale agreement for the Beverage Packaging business, the purchase price received by the Company is subject to a post-closing adjustment if adjusted annualized earnings of the Beverage Packaging business for the first six months of 2007 are less than a targeted amount. The adjustment, if any, would equal five times the shortfall from the targeted amount. While management does not currently believe that such adjustment is probable based upon current projections, it is reasonably possible that an adjustment could be required in 2007.

International Paper believesdoes not currently believe that it is reasonably possible that future unrecorded liabilities for theseother such matters, if any, would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

EXTERIOR SIDING AND ROOFING SETTLEMENTS

Three nationwide class action lawsuits against the Company and Masonite Corp., a formerly wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, relating to exterior siding and roofing products manufactured by Masonite were settled in 1998 and 1999. Masonite was sold to Premdor Inc. in 2001. The liability for these settlements, as well as the corresponding insurance recoveries (each as further described below), were retained by the Company.

The first suit, entitledJudy Naef v. Masonite and International Paper, was filed in December 1994 and settled on January 15, 1998 (the Hardboard Settlement). The plaintiffs alleged that hardboard siding manufactured by Masonite failed prematurely, allowing moisture intrusion that in turn caused damage to the structure underneath the siding. The class consisted of all U.S. property owners having Masonite hardboard siding installed on and incorporated into buildings between January 1, 1980, and January 15, 1998. For siding that was installed between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1989, the deadline for filing claims expired January 18, 2005, and for siding installed between January 1, 1990, through January 15, 1998, claims must be made by January 15, 2008.

The second suit, entitledCosby, et al. v. Masonite Corporation, et al.al., was filed in 1997 and settled on January 6, 1999 (the Omniwood Settlement). The plaintiffs made allegations with regard to Omniwood


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siding manufactured by Masonite that were similar to those alleged with respect to hardboard siding. The class consisted of all U.S. property owners having Omniwood siding installed on and incorporated into buildings from January 1, 1992, to January 6, 1999. Claims relating to Omniwood siding must be made by January 6, 2009.

The third suit, entitledSmith, et alal. v. Masonite Corporation, et al., was filed in 1995 and settled on January 6, 1999 (the Woodruf Settlement). The plaintiffs alleged that Woodruf roofing manufactured by Masonite was defective and caused damage to the structure underneath the roofing. The class consisted of all U.S. property owners who had incorporated and installed Woodruf roofing from January 1, 1980, to January 6, 1999. For roofing that was installed between January 1,


59


1980, and December 31, 1989, the deadline for filing claims expired January 6, 2006, and for roofing installed between January 1, 1990, and January 6, 1999, claims must be made by January 6, 2009.

All of the settlements provide for monetary compensation to class members meeting the settlement requirements on a claims-made basis, which requires a class member to individually submit proof of damage to, or caused by, Masonite product, proof of square footage involved and proofs of various other matters. All of the settlements also provide for payment of attorneys’ fees equaling 15% (in the case of the Hardboard Settlement) and 13% (in the case of the Omniwood and Woodruf Settlements) of the settlement amounts paid to class members.

CLAIMS FILING AND EVALUATION

For all of the settlements, once a claim is determined to be valid, the amount of the claim is determined by reference to a negotiated compensation formula designed to compensate the homeowner for product damage to the structure. The compensation formula is based on (1) the average cost per square foot for product replacement, including material and labor as calculated by industry standards, in the area in which the structure is located, adjusted for inflation, or (2) the cost of appropriate refinishing as determined by industry standards in such area. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, these costs are determined by reference to “Mean’s Price Data,” as published by R.S. Means Company and updated annually for inflation. Persons receiving compensation pursuant to this formula also agree to release the Company and Masonite from all other property damage claims relating to the product in question.

In connection with the products involved in the settlements described above, where there is damage, the process of degradation, once begun, continues until repairs are made. The Company estimates that approximately four million structures have installed products that are the subject of the Hardboard Settlement, 300,000 structures have installed products that are the subject of the Omniwood Settlement and 86,000 structures have installed products that are the subject of the

Woodruf Settlement. Masonite stopped selling the products involved in the Hardboard Settlement in May 2001, the products involved in the Woodruf Settlement in May 1996 and the products involved in the Omniwood Settlement in September 1996.

Persons who are class members under the settlements who do not pursue remedies may have recourse to warranties, if any, in existence at the expiration of the respective terms established under the settlement agreements for making claims. The warranty period generally extends for 25 years following the installation of the product in question and, although the warranties vary from product to product, they generally provide for a payment of up to two times the purchase price.

CLAIMS PAYMENT DATA

Through December 31, 2005,2006, net settlement payments totaled approximately $1.0$1.1 billion ($831883 million for the Hardboard Settlement, $128$153 million for the Omniwood Settlement and $52$54 million for the Woodruf Settlement), including $51$159 million of non-refundable attorneys’ advances.fees.

The average settlement cost per claim for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 20032004 for the Hardboard, Omniwood and Woodruf Settlements are set forth in the table below:

AVERAGE SETTLEMENT COST PER CLAIM

 

 Hardboard Omniwood Woodruf Hardboard Omniwood Woodruf
In thousands Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
 Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
 Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
 Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
 Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
 Single
Family
 Multi-
Family

December 31, 2006

 $2.2 $3.4 $4.6 $3.0 $4.4 $3.7

December 31, 2005

 $2.5 $2.2 $4.6 $6.1 $4.3 $0.5  2.5  2.2  4.6  6.1  4.3  0.5

December 31, 2004

 2.3 3.1 4.3 4.2 4.2 4.0  2.3  3.1  4.3  4.2  4.2  4.0

December 31, 2003

 2.2 3.0 3.8 5.4 3.9 1.2

The above information is calculated by dividing the aggregate amount of claims paid during the specified period by the number of claims paid during such period.


 

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The following table shows an analysis of claims activity related to the Hardboard, Omniwood and Woodruf

Settlements for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003:2004:


CLAIMS ACTIVITY

 

  Hardboard   Omniwood   Woodruf  Total    
In thousands Hardboard Omniwood Woodruf  Total      Single
Family
   Multi-
Family
   Single
Family
   Multi-
Family
   Single
Family
   Multi-
Family
  Single
Family
   Multi-
Family
   Total 
 Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
 Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
 Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
  Single
Family
 Multi-
Family
 Total 

December 31, 2002

 28.6  4.0  1.9  0.4  1.1  0.3  31.6  4.7  36.3 

No. of Claims Filed

 45.0  9.2  4.9  0.3  1.0    50.9  9.5  60.4 

No. of Claims Paid

 (30.9) (7.1) (4.1) (0.2) (0.9)   (35.9) (7.3) (43.2)

No. of Claims Dismissed

 (16.3) (3.3) (0.9)   (0.4)   (17.6) (3.3) (20.9)
                   

December 31, 2003

 26.4  2.8  1.8  0.5  0.8  0.3  29.0  3.6  32.6   26.4   2.8   1.8   0.5   0.8   0.3  29.0   3.6   32.6 

No. of Claims Filed

 56.0  8.0  5.2    0.6    61.8  8.0  69.8   56.0   8.0   5.2      0.6     61.8   8.0   69.8 

No. of Claims Paid

 (28.6) (3.7) (4.0) (0.1) (0.4)   (33.0) (3.8) (36.8)  (28.6)  (3.7)  (4.0)  (0.1)  (0.4)    (33.0)  (3.8)  (36.8)

No. of Claims Dismissed

 (14.9) (2.1) (0.6)   (0.1)   (15.6) (2.1) (17.7)  (14.9)  (2.1)  (0.6)     (0.1)    (15.6)  (2.1)  (17.7)
                   

December 31, 2004

 38.9  5.0  2.4  0.4  0.9  0.3  42.2  5.7  47.9   38.9   5.0   2.4   0.4   0.9   0.3  42.2   5.7   47.9 

No. of Claims Filed

 27.3  5.6  4.6  0.4  0.6    32.5  6.0  38.5   27.3   5.6   4.6   0.4   0.6     32.5   6.0   38.5 

No. of Claims Paid

 (30.7) (5.3) (4.1) (0.3) (0.5)   (35.3) (5.6) (40.9)  (30.7)  (5.3)  (4.1)  (0.3)  (0.5)    (35.3)  (5.6)  (40.9)

No. of Claims Dismissed

 (15.3) (2.1) (0.5)   (0.2)   (16.0) (2.1) (18.1)  (15.3)  (2.1)  (0.5)     (0.2)    (16.0)  (2.1)  (18.1)
                   

December 31, 2005

 20.2  3.2  2.4  0.5  0.8  0.3  23.4  4.0  27.4   20.2   3.2   2.4   0.5   0.8   0.3  23.4   4.0   27.4 
 

No. of Claims Filed

  18.3   0.6   5.4   0.3   0.6     24.3   0.9   25.2 

No. of Claims Paid

  (12.7)  (1.6)  (4.3)  (0.2)  (0.4)    (17.4)  (1.8)  (19.2)

No. of Claims Dismissed

  (4.0)  (0.1)  (0.8)     (0.2)    (5.0)  (0.1)  (5.1)

December 31, 2006

  21.8   2.1   2.7   0.6   0.8   0.3  25.3   3.0   28.3 

 

At December 31, 2005,2006, there were $18$19 million of payments due for claims that have been determined to be valid ($1213 million for Hardboard, $5 million for Omniwood and $1 million for Woodruf) and an estimated $14$8 million of payments associated with claims currently under evaluation ($96 million for claims related to the Hardboard, Settlement, $3 million for claims related to the Omniwood Settlement and $2 million for claims related to the Woodruf Settlement)Omniwood and none for claims related to Woodruf). In addition, there was approximately $9$4 million of costs associated with administrative and legal fees incurred but not paid prior to year-end.

RESERVE FOR SIDING AND ROOFING SETTLEMENTS

At December 31, 2005,2006, net reserves for the settlements discussed above totaled $113$124 million, of which $34$72 million is attributable to the Hardboard Settlement, $74$49 million to the Omniwood Settlement and $5$3 million to the Woodruf Settlement.

The following table presents an analysis of the net reserve activity related to the Hardboard, Omniwood and Woodruf Settlements for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003:2004:


 

In millions Hard-
board
 Omni-
wood
 Woodruf Total   Hard-
board
   Omni-
wood
   Woodruf   Total 

Balance, December 31, 2002

 $357  $138  $12  $507 

Payments

 (129) (21) (3) (153)

Insurance collections

 33      33 
 

Balance, December 31, 2003

 261  117  9  387   $261   $117   $9   $387 

Payments

 (111) (20) (5) (136)   (111)   (20)   (5)   (136)

Insurance collections

 8      8    8            8 
 

Balance, December 31, 2004

 158  97  4  259    158    97    4    259 

Payments

 (119) (23) (4) (146)   (119)   (23)   (4)   (146)

Reclassification

 (5)   5   
 

Insurance collections

   (5)       5     

Balance, December 31, 2005

 $34  $74  $5  $113    34    74    5    113 
 

Additional provision

   90            90 

Payments

   (52)   (25)   (2)   (79)

Balance, December 31, 2006

  $72   $49   $3 �� $124 

While, for tracking purposes, the Company maintains three reserve accounts for each of the Hardboard, Omniwood and Woodruf Settlements, we evaluate the adequacy of the aggregate reserve due to their similar and related nature. In making a determination as to the adequacy of the aggregate reserve,

we employ a third-party consultant to conduct statistical studies of future costs utilizing recent claims experience data. In 2002, projections were prepared of the anticipated claims activity and payments through the end of the claims period for each of the settlements. These projections are updated annually using recent claims activity and other factors typically considered in projecting future

claims and costs.


 

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Throughout 2006, Omniwood and costs. IfWoodruf claims activity were in line with projections. However, during the projections werefirst three quarters of 2006, claims activity for Hardboard claims was in excess of projected amounts as both the number and average cost per claim exceeded projections. In the first quarter, the Company was advised by its third-party consultant that most of the 1980’s Hardboard Claims had been processed and a reasonable estimate could be made of the amount necessary to indicatesettle the remaining claims. Accordingly, a charge of $15 million was recorded in the first quarter to increase the reserve to management’s best estimate of the amount required for future payments. At the end of the third quarter, the Company determined that, aggregatepending completion of an updated projection by the third-party consultant, an additional $35 million charge was required to increase the reserve balance to reflect the higher claims activity for the 1990’s Hardboard claims. This updated projection was completed in the fourth quarter taking into account claims data through December 31, 2006. As a result, an additional pre-tax charge of $40 million was recorded in the fourth quarter to increase the reserve to management’s best estimate of projected future claims and expense payments thoughthrough the end of the claims period would be materially over or under the aggregate forecasted payments, the aggregate reserve would be appropriately adjusted. Since 2002, our actual claims experience has been in line with projected forecasts and therefore there have been no adjustments of the aggregate reserve balance for these settlements.(January 15, 2008).

A number of factors could cause actual results to vary from our projections, including a higher than projected cost per claim (due to higher construction, wood, energy and replacement costs, all of which affect the inflation factor for the Means Price Data discussed above), and increased claims from geographic locations where previously there had been few or no claims..

In January 2005, the Company received over 21,000 Hardboard claims (compared to 8,000 claims received in December 2004, and 3,000 claims received in January 2004). This significant increase in claim volume coincided with the January 18, 2005 deadline for filing claims in the Hardboard Settlement for siding installed in the 1980s. Claims are processed by the Independent Claims Administrator and only those claims which meet the requirements of the Hardboard Settlement are paid. Following the January deadline, the Independent Claims Administrator could not immediately determine how many of the 21,000 claims would meet the requirements for payment as set forth in the Hardboard Settlement. In addition to this significant volume increase, the Company experienced a higher average cost per claim due, in part, to a 2005 increase in the Means Price Data compared to prior years. At the end of the third quarter, the Company’s third-party consultant advised the Company that payments relating to 1980s Hardboard siding would be largely concluded by the end of the third quarter 2005. Payments through the end of the third quarter totaled $99 million, which were approximately $30 million more than projected for the year. However, during the fourth quarter, the number of valid 1980s Hardboard claims and approved payments exceeded the third-party consultant’s projection by $12 million. As a result of these unforeseen factors, the Company made aggregate payments of $118 million in 2005 for Hardboard Settlement claims.

Despite the higher than anticipated number of valid 1980s Hardboard claims and the slightly higher cost per claim, theThe Company believes that, as of the end of 2005,2006, the aggregate reserve balance for the Hardboard, Omniwood and Woodruf Settlements is adequate. However, if new claims filed for products involved in these settlements, or the average cost per claim, were to be higher than projected in 2006, the Company might increase its aggregate reserve to cover claims for these settlements. The amount of an increase, if any, could range from zero to $20 million and would

depend on a number of factors, including the likelihood that, and the extent to which, our 2005 experience is indicative of future activity. The Company will continue to evaluate the relevant data through the end of the claims period in order to determine if an increase inany further adjustments to its aggregate reserve will be warranted.

HARDBOARD INSURANCE MATTERS

The Company commenced a number of lawsuits and arbitration proceedings against various insurance carriers relating to their refusal to indemnify and/or defend the Company and Masonite for, among other things, the Hardboard Settlement.

These matters (with the exception of one arbitration proceeding further discussed below) have been favorably resolved resulting in the execution of settlement agreements that require the insurance carriers to pay the Company an aggregate of approximately $625 million. Of this amount, approximately $603 million in insurance settlements were reached with carriers through December 31, 2005.

 

In millions  2005  2004  2003 2006  2005  2004

Insurance settlements

  $334  $174  $33 $22  $334  $174

Income recognized

   258   123     19   258   123

Cash settlements received, net

   114   96   33  80   114   96
         

Including collections received prior to 2003, cumulative net cash settlements received totaled $304$384 million through December 31, 2005.2006. Approximately $230$111 million of additional cash will be collected in 2006 through2007 and 2008 under current settlement agreements. The Company also entered into a settlement in the first quarter of 2006 for approximately $22 million. The only remaining proceeding to recover insurance is an arbitration that the Company commenced against ACE Insurance Company, Ltd. That proceeding is scheduled for June 2006 in London.

In 2004, the Company settled a dispute with a third party relating to an alternative risk-transfer agreement. Under that agreement, the Company received $100 million for certain costs relating to the Hardboard Settlement and other hardboard siding cases. As part of the settlement, the Company agreed to pay the third party a portion of certain insurance recoveries received by the Company after January 1, 2004, up to a maximum of $95 million. As of December 31, 2005,2006, approximately $48$66 million had been paid to the third party under this settlement.

ANTITRUST MATTERS

On May 14, 1999, and May 18, 1999, two lawsuits were filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against the Company, the former Union Camp Corporation (acquired by the Company in 1999), and other manufacturers of linerboard (the Defendants). These suits alleged that the Defendants conspired to fix prices for corrugated sheets and containers during the


62


period from October 1, 1993, through November 30, 1995. These lawsuits, which sought injunctive relief as well as treble damages and other costs associated with the litigation, were consolidated and, on September 4, 2001, certified as a class action. On September 22, 2003, the Company, along with Weyerhaeuser Co. and Georgia-Pacific Corp., agreed with the class plaintiffs to settle the litigation for an aggregate amount of $68 million. The settlement, of which the Company’s and Union Camp’s share totaled $24.4 million, was approved by the court in an order dismissing the cases on December 10, 2003.

While court approval of the class action settlements was pending in 2003, 12 new complaints each with multiple plaintiffs who opted out of the class action, described above, were filed in various federal district courts around the country. These suits alleged that the defendants conspired to fix prices for corrugated sheets and containers during the period from October 1, 1993, through February 28, 1997. One opt-out plaintiff voluntarily dismissed its complaint on October 10, 2003. In 2005, the Company settled all of the claims of the remaining opt-out plaintiffs, except for one claimant who had purchased a small amount of corrugated containers from the Company, for payments which aggregated $27.5 million. As a consequence of those settlements, all but one of the lawsuits have been dismissed. The amount involved in the one remaining lawsuit is de minimus.

In 2004, the Company settled a number of purported federal and state class actions alleging price-fixing relating to high pressure laminates by its former Nevamar business (which was part of the Company’s Decorative Products division) for a total of $38.5 million. The federal settlement has been approved by the court, and the Company has been dismissed from the case. The state settlements have all received approval as well, and the judgments dismissing the Company from the cases are final in all but one state (Tennessee) in which four settlement class members have appealed the trial court’s rejection of their objection to the settlement. The amount involved in the Tennessee matter is de minimus.

On September 16, 2002, the Company was served in Federal District Court in Columbia, South Carolina with a class action lawsuit by a group of private landowners alleging that the Company and certain of its fiber suppliers, known as Quality Suppliers, engaged in an unlawful conspiracy to artificially depress the prices at which the Company procures fibers for its mills. The suit seeks injunctive relief as well as treble damages and other costs associated with the litigation. On March 31, 2004, the case was certified as a class action. Discovery and issues concerning class notice are ongoing. The

Company believes it has valid defenses and is vigorously defending this case.

A number of private plaintiffs filed purported class actions on behalf of purchasers of coated publication papers in various U.S. federal and state courts. These class actions, based on investigations of possible cartel activity relating to coated publication papers that were commenced in 2004 by European, U.S. and Canadian antitrust authorities, allege that manufacturers of coated publication papers, including the Company, participated in a price-fixing conspiracy from 1993 to the present. The cases filed in federal court asserted a violation of the federal antitrust laws, while the cases filed in the state court alleged violations of state antitrust and consumer protection statutes. These lawsuits seek injunctive relief as well as treble damages and other costs associated with the litigation. The federal cases were consolidated for pre-trial purposes in December 2004 in the federal court for the District of Connecticut. The state cases in all states except California were removed to federal court and transferred to the District of Connecticut, and on November 15, 2005, a consolidated indirect purchaser class action complaint was filed in the District of Connecticut on behalf of indirect purchasers in all states except California. While discovery is in the earliest stages, the Company believes it is not a proper party defendant to this litigation and intends to vigorously defend its position.

PATENT MATTER

In connection with its former Nevamar business, the Company retained liability for a patent dispute pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The case was commenced in 1988 as a declaratory judgment action by Nevamar for non-infringement and invalidity of a static dissipative laminate patent held by Charleswater Products, Inc. (Charleswater). Charleswater counterclaimed, asserting that certain Nevamar products infringed its patent and seeking damages of approximately $24 million for lost profits and royalty payments (which could be trebled if Nevamar were found to have willfully infringed the patent), plus substantial pre-judgment interest as Charleswater’s claims have existed since 1986. Because the Nevamar business is no longer owned by the Company, the outcome of the case would have no impact on the Company’s business except to the extent of monetary damages. The proceedings have been protracted by an extended preliminary injunction hearing; a summary judgment ruling in favor of Nevamar which was then reversed after an appeal; a claim construction proceeding; extensive fact and expert discovery; and a further summary judgment motion that is pending. Trial for this


63


matter is scheduled to commence on March 13, 2006. The Company believes that it has valid defenses and is vigorously defending this case.

SUMMARY

The Company is also involved in various other inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to contracts, sales of property, environmental protection, tax, antitrust, personal injury and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. While any proceeding or litigation has the element of uncertainty, the Company believes that the outcome of any of the lawsuits or claims that are pending or threatened (other than those that cannot be assessed due to their preliminary nature), or all of them combined, including the preceding antitrust matters, will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 11 SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

Inventories by major category were:

 

In millions at December 31 2005  2004 2006    2005

Raw materials

 $404  $321 $265    $249

Finished pulp, paper and packaging products

 1,611  1,650 1,341    1,383

Finished lumber and panel products

 33  38

Operating supplies

 317  298 271    259

Other

 69  64 32    41

Inventories

 $2,434  $2,371 $1,909    $1,932

The last-in, first-out inventory method is used to value most of International Paper’s U.S. inventories. Approximately 70% of total raw materials and finished products inventories were valued using this method. If the first-in, first-out method had been used, it would have increased total inventory balances by approximately $239$252 million and $170$239 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and 2004, respectively.


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Plants, properties and equipment by major classification were:

 

In millions at December 31 2005  2004

Pulp, paper and packaging facilities

   

Mills

 $19,865  $20,895

Packaging plants

 5,685  5,633

Wood products facilities

 978  974

Other plants, properties and equipment

 1,886  1,824
 

Gross cost

 28,414  29,326

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 16,613  17,110
 

Plants, properties and equipment, net

 $11,801  $12,216
 

In millions at December 31 2006    2005

Pulp, paper and packaging facilities

     

Mills

 $16,665    $15,968

Packaging plants

 5,093    5,068

Other plants, properties and equipment

 1,285    1,450

Gross cost

 23,043    22,486

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 14,050    13,413

Plants, properties and equipment, net

 $8,993    $9,073

Interest costs related to the development of certain long-term assets are capitalized and amortized over the related assets’ estimated useful lives. Capitalized net interest costs were $21 million in 2006, $14 million in 2005 and $10 million in 2004 and $8 million in 2003.2004. Interest payments made during 2006, 2005 and 2004 and 2003 were $822$734 million, $774$819 million and $806$773 million, respectively. The 2005 interest payments include a $52 million payment to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service related to the settlement of the 1997 – 2000 U.S. federal income tax audits. Total interest expense was $683$651 million in 2006, $681 million in 2005, net of a $46 million credit related to the settlement of the tax audits discussed above and $782 million in 2004 and $804 million in 2003.2004. Interest income was $90$130 million, $73$86 million and $100$70 million in 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, respectively.

The following tables present changes in the goodwill balances as allocated to each business segment for the years ended December 31, 20052006 and 2004.2005.

 

In millions Balance
January 1,
2005
 Other(a) Additions /
Reductions
    Balance
December 31,
2005
 Balance
January 1,
2006 (a)
 Reclassifi-
cations
and
Other (b)
 Additions/
Reductions
 Balance
December 31,
2006

Printing Papers

 $2,876 $3  $–   $2,879 $1,674 $(174) $  $1,500

Industrial Packaging

 591 18  67  (b) 676  677  4   (11)(c)  670

Consumer Packaging

 1,014 (28) 1  (c) 987  960  179   (688)(d)  451

Distribution

 299      299  299  9      308

Forest Products

 190 1     191

Corporate

 24   (13) (d) 11  11  (11)     

Total

 $4,994 $(6) $55   $5,043 $3,621 $7  $(699) $2,929

 

(a)

Restated to show the Kraft Papers, Beverage Packaging, Wood Products and Brazil Coated Papers businesses as discontinued operations and Arizona Chemical and Coated and Supercalendered Papers as businesses held for sale.

(b)Includes reclassifications and

Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications, principally $179 million relating to the movement of the coated bristols business from Printing Papers to Consumer Packaging.

(c)

Reflects a $3 million decrease from the sale of International Paper Containers (UK) Limited and International Paper Ireland, a $1 million increase from the completion of the accounting for the 50% interest in IPPM acquired August 1, 2005, a $5 million increase from the purchase of an additional 25% interest in IPPM on May 1, 2006, a $9 million decrease representing the completion of the purchase accounting for a 66.5% interest acquired in Compagnie Marocaine des Cartons et des Papiers in October 2005, and a $5 million decrease from the completion of the purchase accounting for the Box USA acquisition.

(b)(d)

Represents charges of $630 million and $129 million related to the annual impairment testing of the coated paperboard business and Shorewood packaging business, respectively, and a $71 million increase related to the accounting for certain joint ventures in China.

In millions Balance
January 1,
2005 (a)
 Reclassifi-
cations
and
Other (b)
  Additions/
Reductions
  Balance
December 31,
2005

Printing Papers

 $1,672 $3  $  $1,675

Industrial Packaging

  591  18   67(c)  676

Consumer Packaging

  987  (28)  1(d)  960

Distribution

  299        299

Corporate

  24     (13)(e)  11

Total

 $3,573 $(7) $55  $3,621

(a)Includes

Restated to show the Kraft Papers, Beverage Packaging, Wood Products and Brazil Coated Papers businesses as discontinued operations and Arizona Chemical and Coated and Supercalendered Papers as businesses held for sale.

(b)

Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.

(c)

Reflects the completion of the accounting for the acquisition of Box USA ($23 million),of $23 million, the acquisition of Compagnie Marocaine des Cartons et des Papiers ($12 million)of $12 million and the acquisition of a 50% interest in International Paper Distribution Limited ($38 million),IPPM of $38 million, offset by the effects of the sale of the Industrial Papers business ($6 million)of $6 million.

(c)(d)Includes

Reflects a $5 million adjustment resulting from the effects of the acquisitionsacquisition of a 20% minority interest in Shorewood EPC Europe Ltd. ($5 million),Limited and $1 million related to the acquisition of a 20% minority interest in IP Korea ($1 million)Ltd., offset by $5 million related to the reclassification of IP Pty Australia Ltd. to equity method investments ($5 million)investments.

(d)(e)Includes the effects of

Reflects the sale of theInternational Paper’s Fine Papers businessbusiness.

Excluded from the above tables is goodwill totaling approximately $1.2 billion at December 31, 2005 relating to the Company’s Coated and Supercalendered Papers business included in Assets of businesses held for sale that was written off in connection with the 2006 first-quarter $1.3 billion pre-tax charge to reduce the net assets of that business to estimated fair value.


 

6474


In millions

 

Balance

January 1,

2004

  

Other(b)

  

Additions/

Reductions

  

Balance

December 31,

2004

Printing Papers

 $2,878  $1  $(3)(c) $2,876

Industrial Packaging

 345  8  238(d) 591

Consumer Packaging

 1,016  1  (3)(e) 1,014

Distribution

 334  1  (36)(f) 299

Forest Products

 190(a)     190

Corporate

 30  (6)   24
 

Total

 $4,793  $5  $196  $4,994
 

In the fourth quarter of 2006, in conjunction with annual testing for possible goodwill impairments, the Company recorded charges of $630 million and $129 million related to its coated paperboard business and Shorewood business, respectively, based on the estimated fair values of these businesses determined using projected future operating cash flows.

(a)Restated for the reclassification of Weldwood to Discontinued operations
(b)Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications from other long-term assets
(c)Represents the reclassification of the goodwill of Fine Papers to Assets of businesses held for sale
(d)Includes the effects of the acquisition of Box USA ($238 million) offset by the sale of Food Pack S.A. ($3 million)
(f)Includes the effects of the sale of Food Pack S.A.
(g)Represents the effects of the sale of Scaldia Papier B.V. ($23 million) and the reclassification of the goodwill of Papeteries de France to Assets of businesses held for sale ($12 million)

The following table presents an analysis of activity related to asset retirement obligations since January 1, 2004:2005:

 

In millions 2005 2004  2006   2005 

Asset retirement obligation at January 1

 $41  $48  $33   $30 

New liabilities

 12  6   1    9 

Liabilities settled

 (6) (8)  (4)   (5)

Net adjustments to existing liabilities

 (2) (6)  (1)   (2)

Accretion expense

 2  1   1    1 
 

Asset retirement obligation at December 31

 $47  $41  $30   $33 
 

This liability is included in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

The following table presents changes in minority interest balances for the years ended December 31, 20052006 and 2004:2005:

 

In millions 2005  2004 

Balance, beginning of year

 $188  $528 

Reclassification of limited partnership interests to debt

   (338)

Interest of CHH in an IP consolidated subsidiary

 17   

Dividends paid

 (11) (25)

Minority interest expense

 12  26 

Other, net

 5  (3)
  

Balance, end of year

 $211  $188 
  
In millions 2006   2005 

Balance, beginning of year

 $185   $152 

Interest of CHH in an IP consolidated subsidiary

      17 

Purchase of CHH’s interest in an IP consolidated subsidiary

  (15)    

Minority interest of acquired entities

  33    15 

Dividends paid

  (12)   (11)

Minority interest expense

  17    9 

Other, net

  5    3 

Balance, end of year

 $213   $185 

In December 2004, International Paper completed the sale of 1.1 million acres of forestlands in Maine and New Hampshire to a private forest investment company for $244 million. Since International Paper hashad some continuing interest in these forestlands through a long-term fiber supply agreement, no gain was recognized in 2004 on this transaction. However, the net cash proceeds from the transaction of approximately $242 million are included as a source of cash in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows. The deferred gain on the transaction totaling $112 million and $114 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively,was included in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, is being amortized to earnings in future periods oversheet. In the termthird quarter of 2006, the remaining deferred gain was recognized upon the sale of the fiber supply agreement.Company’s Coated and Super

calendered business (see Note 7).

NOTE 12 DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT

During 2006, International Paper used proceeds from divestitures and cash from operations to retire approximately $5.2 billion of long-term debt.

In December 2006, International Paper retired approximately $2.2 billion of notes with interest rates ranging from 3.8% to 10.0% and original maturities from 2008 to 2029. Also in the fourth quarter of 2006, International Paper Investments (Luxembourg) S.ar.l, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Paper, repaid $343 million of long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 40 basis points and a maturity date in November 2010.

In August 2006, International Paper used approximately $320 million of cash to repay its maturing 5.375% euro-denominated notes that were designated as a hedge of euro functional currency net investments. Other debt activity in the third quarter included the repayments of $143 million of 7.875% notes and $96 million of 7% debentures, all maturing within the quarter.

In June 2006, International Paper paid approximately $1.2 billion to repurchase substantially all of its zero-coupon convertible debentures at a price equal to their accreted principal value plus interest, using proceeds from divestitures and $730 million of third-party commercial paper issued under the Company’s receivables securitization program. As of December 31, 2006, International Paper had repaid all of the commercial paper borrowed under this program.

In February 2006, International Paper repurchased $195 million of 6.4% debentures with an original maturity date of February 2026. Other reductions in the first quarter of 2006 included early payment of approximately $495 million of notes with coupon rates ranging from 4% to 8.875% and original maturities from 2007 to 2029.

Pre-tax early debt retirement costs of $165 million related to the above 2006 debt reductions are included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

In November and December of 2005, International Paper Investments (Luxembourg) S.ar.l, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Paper, issued $700 million of long-term debt with an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus 40 basis points that can vary dependingdepend - -


75


ing upon the credit rating of the Company and a maturity date in November 2010. Additionally, the subsidiary borrowed $70 million under a bank credit agreement with an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus 40 basis points that can vary depending on the credit rating of the Company, and with a maturity date in November 2006.

In December 2005, International Paper used a portion of the proceeds from the above borrowings, and from the sale of CHH in the third quarter of 2005, to repay approximately $190 million of notes with coupon rates ranging from 3.8% to 10% and original maturities from 2008 to 2029. The remaining proceeds from the borrowings and CHH sale will be used for other debt reductions in the first quarter of 2006.

In September 2005, International Paper used a portion of the proceeds from the CHH sale to repay the remaining $250 million portion of a subsidiary’s $650 million long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points and a maturity date of June 2007, and $312 million of commercial paper that had been issued in the same quarter. Other reductions in the third quarter included $662 million of notes with coupon rates ranging from 4% to 7.35% and original maturities from 2009 to 2029, and the repayment of $150 million of 7.10% notes with a maturity date of September 2005.

In June 2005, International Paper repaid approximately $400 million of a subsidiary’s long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points and a maturity date of June 2007.


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In February 2005, International Paper redeemed the outstanding $464 million aggregate principal amount of International Paper Capital Trust 5.25% convertible subordinated debentures originally due in July 2025 at 100.5% of par plus accrued interest. Other reductions in the first quarter of 2005 included early payment of approximately $295 million of principal on notes with coupon rates ranging from 4% to 7.875% and original maturities from 2006 to 2015.

Pre-tax early debt retirement expense of $57 million related to the above 2005 redemptions is included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

In December 2004, Timberlands Capital Corp. II, Inc., a former wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of International Paper, redeemed $170 million of 4.5% preferred securities. In November 2004, these preferred securities were reclassified from Minority interest to Current maturities of long-term debt, pursuant to SFAS No. 150. Additionally during the fourth quarter of 2004, International Paper redeemed approximately $295 million of mostly domestic debt, including $108 million of 9.77% notes with a maturity date in December 2009 and $88 million of 6.9% industrial development bonds with a maturity date in August 2022.

In August 2004, an International Paper wholly-owned subsidiary issued 500 million euro-denominated long-term debt (equivalent to approximately $619 million at issuance) with an initial interest rate of EURIBOR plus 55 basis points that can vary depending upon the credit rating of the Company and a maturity date in August 2009. Also in August 2004, International Paper repurchased $168 million of limited partnership interests in Georgetown Equipment Leasing Associates, L.P. and Trout Creek Equipment Leasing, L.P. In June 2004, these partnership interests had been reclassified from Minority interest to Current maturities of long-term debt pursuant to SFAS No. 150. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2004, approximately $500 million of debt was redeemed, including $150 million of 8.125% notes with a maturity date in June 2024 and $193 million of debt assumed in connection with the Box USA acquisition.

In June 2004, an International Paper wholly-owned subsidiary issued $650 million of long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 62.5 basis points that can vary depending upon the credit rating of the Company and a maturity date in June 2007, which refinanced $650 million of long-term debt with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points and a maturity date in August 2004.

In March 2004, International Paper issued $600 million of 4.00% notes due April 2010 and $400 million of 5.25% notes due April 2016. The proceeds from these

issuances were used in April 2004 to retire approximately $1.0 billion of 8.125% coupon rate debt with an original maturity date in July 2005.

In January 2004, approximately $1.0 billion of debt with an 8.05% blended coupon rate was retired using $1.0 billion of proceeds from 4.875% coupon rate debt issued in December 2003.

A pre-tax early debt retirement expense of $92 million related to the above 2004 redemptions is included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

A summary of long-term debt follows:

 

In millions at December 31 2005  2004

8 7/8% to 10% notes – due 2011 – 2012

 $136  $175

9.25% debentures – due 2011

 125  125

7% to 7 7/8% notes – due 2006 – 2007

 437  649

6 7/8% notes – due 2023 – 2029

 351  394

6.75% notes – due 2011

 819  1,000

6.65% notes – due 2037

 98  97

6.4% notes to 6.5% notes – due 2006 – 2007

 344  149

6.4% to 7.75% debentures – due 2025 – 2027

 571  797

5.85% notes – due 2012

 969  1,202

5 1/4% convertible subordinated debentures

   464

5.25% to 5.5% notes – due 2014 – 2016

 1,296  1,596

5 3/8% euro notes – due 2006

 296  334

5 1/8% debentures – due 2012

 106  102

3.8% to 4.25% notes – due 2008 – 2010

 1,152  1,399

Zero-coupon convertible debentures – due 2021

 1,185  1,141

Medium-term notes – due 2006 – 2009 (a)

 43  43

Floating rate notes – due 2006 – 2010 (b)

 1,764  1,794

Environmental and industrial development

   

bonds – due 2006 – 2033 (c,d)

 2,005  2,150

Commercial paper and bank notes (e)

 417  65

Other (f)

 90  178
 

Total (g)

 12,204  13,854

Less: Current maturities

 1,181  222
 

Long-term debt

 $11,023  $13,632
 
In millions at December 31 2006  2005

8 7/8% to 10% notes - due 2011 - 2012

 $19  $136

9.25% debentures - due 2011

  44   125

7% to 7 7/8% notes - due 2007

  198   437

6 7/8% notes - due 2023 - 2029

  130   351

6.75% notes - due 2011

  195   819

6.65% notes - due 2037

  99   98

6.4% notes to 6.5% notes - due 2007

  147   344

6.4% to 7.75% debentures - due 2025 - 2027

  254   571

5.85% notes - due 2012

  284   969

5.25% to 5.5% notes - due 2014 - 2016

  839   1,296

5 3/8% euro notes - due 2006

     296

5 1/8% debentures - due 2012

  110   106

3.8% to 4.25% notes - due 2008 - 2010

  913   1,152

Zero-coupon convertible debentures - due 2021

  2   1,185

Medium-term notes - due 2009 (a)

  30   43

Floating rate notes - due 2007 - 2016 (b)

  1,690   1,764

Environmental and industrial development bonds - due 2007 - 2033 (c)

  1,934   2,005

Commercial paper and bank notes (d)

  246   415

Other (e)

  89   85

Total (f)

  7,223   12,197

Less: Current maturities

  692   1,178

Long-term debt

 $6,531  $11,019

 

(a)

The weighted average interest rate on these notes was 8.1% in 20052006 and 2004.2005.

(b)

The weighted average interest rate on these notes was 5.0% in 2006 and 4.2% in 2005 and 2.9% in 2004.2005.

(c)

The weighted average interest rate on these bonds was 5.4% in 2006 and 5.5% in 2005 and 5.6% in 2004.2005.

(d)Includes $22 million of bonds at December 31, 2004, which could be tendered at various dates and/or under certain circumstances. These bonds were redeemed in 2005.
(e)

The weighted average interest rate was 5.4% in 2006 and 4.9% in 2005 and 4.6% in 2004.2005. Includes $283$150 million of non-U.S. denominated borrowings with a weighted average interest rate of 4.8%5.1% in 2005.2006.


66


(f)(e)

Includes $3 million at December 31, 2006, and $6 million at December 31, 2005, and $54 million at December 31, 2004, related to interest rate swaps treated as fair value hedges (see Note 13).

(g)(f)

The fair market value was approximately $7.3 billion at December 31, 2006 and $12.3 billion at December 31, 2005, and $14.4 billion at December 31, 2004.2005.

Total maturities of long-term debt over the next five years are 2006—$1.22007 - $692 million; 2008 - $129 million; 2009 - $1.1 billion; 2007—$570 million; 2008—$308 million; 2009—$2.32010 - $1.2 billion; and 2010—$1.5 billion.2011 - $381 million.

At December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, International Paper classified $100 million and $1.25 billion, and $87 million, respectively, of tenderable bonds, contingently convertible securities, commercial paper and bank notes, and Current maturities of long-term debt as Long-term debt. International Paper has the intent and ability to renew or convert these obligations, as evidenced by the available bank credit agreements described below.


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At December 31, 2005,2006, International Paper’s unused contractually committed bank credit agreements amounted to $3.2totaled $3.0 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 aIn March 2006, International Paper replaced its maturing $750 million revolving bank credit agreement with a 364-day $500 million fully committed revolving bank credit agreement that expires in March 20062007 and has a facility fee of 0.08% payable quarterly, and replaced its $1.25 billion revolving bank credit agreement with a $1.5 billion fully committed revolving bank credit agreement that expires in March 2009. These agreements have2011 and has a facility fee of 0.15% that is0.10% payable quarterly. These agreements also includeIn addition, in October 2006, the Company amended its existing receivables securitization program that provides for up to $1.2 billion of commercial paper-based financings with a facility fee of 0.20% and an expiration date in November 2007, to provide up to $1.0 billion of available commercial paper-based financings under a receivables securitization program that expires in November 2007 with a facility fee of 0.20%.0.1% and an expiration date of October 2009. At December 31, 2005,2006, there were no outstanding borrowings under these agreements.

The Company is currently ineither the process of refinancing the $750 million bank credit agreement maturing in March 2006 and the $1.25 billion bank credit agreement maturing in March 2009.agreements or receivables securitization program.

Additionally, International Paper Kwidzyn S.A., a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary of International Paper, has a PLN 400 million (approximately $123 million) bank credit agreement maturing in May 2006, with no outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2005, and International Paper Investments (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Paper, has a $100 million bank credit agreement maturing in November 2006,December 2007, with $70$40 million in borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2005.2006.

At December 31, 2005,2006, outstanding debt included approximately $417$246 million of commercial paper and bank notes with interest rates that fluctuate based on market conditions and the Company’s credit rating.

Maintaining a strong investment-gradean investment grade credit rating is an important element of International Paper’s corporate financefinancing strategy. In the third quarter of 2006, Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed the Company’s long-term credit rating of BBB, revised its ratings outlook from negative to stable, and upgraded its short-term credit rating from A-3 to A-2. At December 31, 2005,2006, the Company

also held long-term credit ratings of BBB (negative outlook) and Baa3 (stable outlook) by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and a short-term credit rating of P-3 from Moody’s Investor Services (Moody’s), respectively. The Company currently has short-term credit ratings by S&P and Moody’s of A-3 and P-3, respectively.Services.

Contingently Convertible Securities

Included in debt at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were $2.1 billion principal amount at maturity of zero-coupon convertible senior debentures with a 20-year term. This debt accretes to face value at maturity at a rate of 3.75% per annum. Beginning on June 20, 2004, and every June 20th until maturity, the debentures are subject to an increased accretion rate if the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock is equal to or less than 60% of the then-current conversion price of the notes for any 20 trading days out of the last 30 consecutive trading days ending six business days prior to June 20, 2004, or later annual date. The conversion price of the notes was $59.11 as of December 31, 2005. At June 20, 2005, the bonds were subject to an increased accretion rate; however, the adjusted rate remained at 3.75% per the terms of the agreement.

These debentures may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion ratio of 9.5111 shares per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of debentures, which was equal to an initial conversion price of $50.01 per share of the Company’s common stock. The debenture holders may convert their debentures into the Company’s common stock prior to maturity under any of the following circumstances: (1) the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the day prior to the surrender date is more than 120% (declining by .256% at the end of each semi-annual period over the life of the debentures to 110%) of the then-current conversion price; (2) International Paper’s credit rating is downgraded by each of Moody’s and S&P to below Baa3 and BBB-, respectively; (3) the Company has called the notes for redemption; (4) the Company distributes to all holders of the Company’s common stock certain rights entitling them to purchase, for a period expiring within 60 days, common stock at less than the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock at the time; or (5) the Company distributes to all holders of its common stock, the assets, debt securities or certain rights to purchase the Company’s debt securities, which distribution has a per share value exceeding 12.5% of the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock on the day preceding the declaration for such distribution.

Security holders have the right to require repurchase of these securities on June 20th in each of the years 2006, 2011 and 2016, at a repurchase price equal to the accreted principal amount to the repurchase date.


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The repurchase may be for International Paper common stock or cash, or a combination of both, at the Company’s option. International Paper also has the option to redeem the securities for cash after June 19, 2006. On or after June 20, 2006, and prior to June 20, 2008, the redemption may only occur if the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock exceeds 120% of the then-current conversion price for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the date redemption notice is given. On or after June 20, 2008, the redemption price will be equal to the then-accreted principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid cash interest to the redemption date.

NOTE 13 DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

International Paper periodically uses derivatives and other financial instruments to hedge exposures to interest rate, commodity and currency risks. For hedges that meet the criteria under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging

Activities,” International Paper, at inception, formally designates and documents the instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking each hedge transaction. Because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the value or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. Derivatives are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, determined using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies, in Other current or noncurrent assets or liabilities. The earnings impact resulting from the change in fair value of the derivative instruments is recorded in the same line item in the consolidated statement of operations as the underlying exposure being hedged. The financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are assessed both at inception and quarterly thereafter to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the related underlying exposures. The ineffective portion of a financial instrument’s change in fair value, if any, would be recognized currently in earnings together with the changes in fair value of any derivatives not designated as hedges.

INTEREST RATE RISK

Interest rate swaps may be used to manage interest rate risks associated with International Paper’s debt. Some of theseThese instruments are evaluated at inception to determine if they qualify for hedge accounting, in accordance with SFAS No. 133, and others do not.

133. Interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount at December 31, 2005,2006, of approximately $500 million and maturities ranging from onetwo to 18 years do not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 133. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, the change in fair value of these swaps was immaterial. The fair value of the swap contracts as of December 31, 2005,2006, is a $7 million liability.

The remainder of International Paper’s interest rate swap agreements qualify as fully effective fair value hedges under SFAS No. 133. At December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, outstanding notional amounts for its interest rate swap fair value hedges amounted to approximately $1.7$1.9 billion and $2.2$1.7 billion, respectively. The fair values of these swaps were net assets of approximately $7$2 million and $70$7 million at December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, respectively.

In 2006 and 2005, interest rate swap hedges with a notional value of $1.4 billion and $313 million,


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respectively, were terminated, or undesignated as an effective fair value hedge, in connection with various early retirements of debt. The resulting gaingains of approximately $17 million and $6 million, isrespectively, are included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations (see Note 6).

In 2004,connection with International Paper cash settled interestPaper’s debt tender during the fourth quarter of 2006, reverse treasury rate swaption contracts forlocks were used to offset changes in the redemption price of tendered notes due to movements in treasury rates prior to the tender pricing date. These instruments resulted in a loss of $10approximately $9 million, which was recorded in earnings.

In April 2004, interest rate swaps with a notional value of $500 million were terminated in connection with the early retirement of International Paper’s $1.0 billion notes due in July 2005. The resulting gain of approximately $14 million is included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations (see Note 6).

COMMODITY RISK

To minimize volatility in earnings due to large fluctuations in the price of commodities, International Paper may use swap and option contracts to manage risks associated with market fluctuations in energy prices. Such cash flow hedges are accounted for by deferring the after-tax quarterly change in fair value of the outstanding contracts in OCI. On the date a contract matures, the gain or loss is reclassified into cost of products sold concurrent with the recognition of the commodity purchased. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the reclassification to earnings was an after-tax loss of $7 million, representing the after-tax cash settlements on maturing energy hedge contracts. In 2005, there was no reclassification from OCI to earnings related to commodity hedging, and in 2004, the reclassification to earnings was immaterial. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the reclassification to earnings was an after-tax gain of $24 million, representing the after-tax cash settlements on maturing energy hedge contracts. Unrealized after-tax losses of $13 million for 2006 and $2 million for 2005 and 2004 and after-tax gains of $12 million for 2003 were recorded to OCI. After-tax losses of approximately $2$5 million as of December 31, 2005,2006, are expected to be reclassified to earnings in 2006.2007. The


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net fair value of energy hedge contracts as of December 31, 2005,2006, is a $1$12 million assetliability recorded in Other assetsliabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

International Paper’s policy has been to hedge certain investments in non-U.S. operations through borrowings denominated in the same currency as the operation’s functional currency, or by entering into cross-currency and interest rate swaps or foreignforward exchange contracts. These financial instruments are effective as hedges against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Gains or losses from changes in the fair value of these instruments, which

are offset in whole or in part by translation gains and losses on the non-U.S. operation’s net assets hedged, are recorded as translation adjustments in OCI. Upon liquidation or sale of the foreign investments, the accumulated gains or losses from the revaluation of the hedging instruments, together with the translation gains and losses on the net assets, are included in earnings. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, net gains and losses included in the cumulative translation adjustment relating to derivative and debt instruments hedging foreign net investments amounted to a $11 million loss, a $19 million gain and a $74 million loss and an $89 million loss after taxes and minority interest, respectively. The 2004 loss includes $50 million relating to net investment hedges that were included in the loss on sale of Weldwood in Discontinued operations in 2004.

Foreign exchange contracts (including forward, swap and purchase option contracts) are also used to hedge certain transactions, primarily trade receipts and payments denominated in foreign currencies, to manage volatility associated with these transactions and to protect International Paper from currency fluctuations between the contract date and ultimate settlement. These contracts, most of which have been designated as cash flow hedges, had maturities of fourthree years or less as of December 31, 2005.2006. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, net unrealized gains after taxes and minority interest totaling $18 million, $48 million $72 million and $53$72 million, respectively, were recorded to OCI. Net after-tax gains of $20 million, $14 million $4 million and $10$4 million were reclassified to earnings. Gains relating to CHH, after taxes and minority interest, totaling $14 million $22 million and $31$22 million are included in Discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, respectively. Cumulative OCI after-tax and minority interest gains of $40 million are included in the gain on sale of CHH in Discontinued operations in 2005. As of December 31, 2005,2006, gains of $19$24 million after taxes are expected to be reclassified to earnings in 2006.2007. Other contracts are used to offset the earnings impact relating to the variability in

exchange rates on certain short-term monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies and are not designated as hedges. Changes in the fair value of these instruments, recognized currently in earnings to offset the remeasurement of the related assets and liabilities, were not significant.

International Paper does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. The counterparties to swap agreements and foreign exchange contracts consist of a number of major international financial


78


institutions. International Paper continually monitors its positions with and the credit quality of these financial institutions and does not expect nonperformance by the counterparties.

NOTE 14 CAPITAL STOCK

The authorized capital stock at both December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, consisted of 990,850,000 shares of common stock, $1 par value; 400,000 shares of cumulative $4 preferred stock, without par value (stated value $100 per share); and 8,750,000 shares of serial preferred stock, $1 par value. The serial preferred stock is issuable in one or more series by the Board of Directors without further shareholder action.

In July 2006, in connection with the planned use of projected proceeds from the Company’s Transformation Plan, International Paper’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire up to $3.0 billion of the Company’s stock. In a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer completed in September 2006, International Paper purchased 38,465,260 shares of its common stock at a price of $36.00 per share, plus costs to acquire the shares, for a total cost of approximately $1.4 billion. In addition, in December 2006, the Company purchased an additional 1,220,558 shares of its common stock in the open market at an average price of $33.84 per share, plus costs to acquire the shares, for a total cost of approximately $41 million. Following the completion of these share repurchases, International Paper had approximately 454 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

NOTE 15 RETIREMENT PLANS

U.S. DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

International Paper maintains pension plans that provide retirement benefits to substantially all domestic employees hired prior to July 1, 2004. These employees generally are eligible to participate in the plans upon completion of one year of service and attainment of age 21. Employees hired after June 30, 2004, who are not eligible for thisthese pension planplans receive an additional company contribution to their savings plan (see “Other Plans” on page 73)83).

The plans provide defined benefits based on years of credited service and either final average earnings (salaried employees), hourly job rates or specified benefit rates (hourly and union employees).

For its qualified defined benefit pension plan, International Paper makes contributions that are sufficient

to fully fund its actuarially determined costs, generally equal to the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). In addition, International Paper made novoluntary contributions of $1.0 billion to the qualified defined benefit plan in 2005 or 2004,2006, and does not expect to make any contributions in 2006 unless International Paper changes its funding policy to make contributions above the minimum requirements. 2007.

The U.S. Congress is currently considering various proposals that would change the minimum funding requirements for qualifiedCompany also has two unfunded nonqualified defined benefit pension plans: a Pension Restoration Plan available to employees hired prior to July 1, 2004 that provides retirement benefits based on eligible compensation in excess of limits set by the Internal Revenue Service, and a supplemental retirement plan for senior managers (SERP), which is an alternative retirement plan for senior vice presidents and above who are designated by the chief executive officer as participants. These nonqualified plans in future


69


years. While the amount of any required contributions after 2006 will depend upon the final rules adopted and other factors, including changes in discount rates and actual plan asset returns, the Company currently estimates that a contribution in 2007 of $40 million to $200 million may be required.

The nonqualified plan isare only funded to the extent of benefits paid, which are expected to be $34$41 million in 2006.2007.

Net Periodic Pension Expense

Service cost is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the plans’ benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the year. Interest cost represents the increase in the projected benefit obligation, which is a discounted amount, due to the passage of time. The expected return on plan assets reflects the computed amount of current year earnings from the investment of plan assets using an estimated long-term rate of return.

Net periodic pension expense for qualified and nonqualified U.S. defined benefit plans comprised the following:

 

In millions 2005 2004 2003  2006   2005   2004 

Service cost

 $129  $115  $107  $141   $129   $115 

Interest cost

 474  467  469   506    474    467 

Expected return on plan assets

 (556) (592) (598)  (540)   (556)   (592)

Actuarial loss

 167  94  57   243    167    94 

Amortization of prior service cost

 29  27  25   27    29    27 
 

Net periodic pension expense (a)

 $243  $111  $60  $377   $243   $111 
 

 

(a)

Excludes $9.1 million, $6.5 million and $3.4 million in 2006, 2005 and $8.3 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively, in curtailment losses, and $8.7 million, $3.6 million and $1.4 million in 2006, 2005 and $6.3 million in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively, of special termination benefits, in connection with cost reduction programs and facility rationalizations that were recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the consolidated statement of operations. Also excludes $77.2 million and $14.3 million in 2006 and $0.3 million in 2005, and 2003, respectively, in curtailment losses, and $18.6 million and $7.6 million of special termination benefits in 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to certain divestitures recorded in Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale in the consolidated statement of operations.


79


The increase in 2006 pension expense was principally due to a change in the mortality assumption to use the RP 2000 Table and the use of a lower assumed discount rate. The increases in 2005 expense reflects a lower assumed discount rate, a decrease in the assumed long-term return on plan assets, and 2004 U.S. pension expense were due to increasesan increase in the amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses, reductions in the discount rate and a reduction in 2005 in the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, net of a reduction in 2004 in the assumed rate of future compensation increase.losses.

International Paper evaluates its actuarial assumptions annually as of December 31 (the measurement

date) and considers changes in these long-term factors based upon market conditions and the requirements of SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions.” These assumptions are used to calculate benefit obligations as of December 31 of the current year, and pension expense to be recorded in the following year.

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension expense for 2006, 2005 2004 and 20032004 were as follows:

 

  2005 2004 2003  2006 2005 2004 

Discount rate

  5.75% 6.00% 6.50% 5.50% 5.75% 6.00%

Expected long-term return on plan assets

  8.50% 8.75% 8.75% 8.50% 8.50% 8.75%

Rate of compensation increase

  3.25% 3.25% 3.75% 3.25% 3.25% 3.25%

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, were as follows:

 

  2005 2004  2006 2005 

Discount rate

  5.50% 5.75% 5.75% 5.50%

Rate of compensation increase

  3.25% 3.25% 3.75% 3.25%

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on projected rates of return for current and planned asset classes in the plan’s investment portfolio. Projected rates of return are developed through an asset/liability study in which projected returns for each of the plan’s asset classes are determined after analyzing historical experience and future expectations of returns and volatility of the various asset classes. Based on the target asset allocation for each asset class, the overall expected rate of return for the portfolio is developed considering the effects of active portfolio management and expenses paid from plan assets. The discount rate assumption is determined based on a yield curve that incorporates approximately 500-550 Aa-graded bonds. The plan’s projected cash flows are then matched to the yield curve to develop the discount rate. To calculate pension expense for 2006,2007, the Company will use an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 8.50%, a discount rate of 5.50%5.75% and an assumed rate of compensation

increase of 3.25%3.75%. The Company estimates that it will record net pension expense of approximately $370$195 million for its U.S. defined benefit plans in 2006,2007, with the increasedecrease from expense of $243$377 million in 20052006 principally reflecting expected earnings on a change$1.0 billion contribution made to the plan in the mortality assumption to usefourth quarter of 2006 as part of the Retirement Protection Act 2000 table (RP-2000) in 2006 versus the Group Annuity Mortality Table 1983 (GAM83) used in 2005,Company’s Transformation Plan, and an increase in the amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses over a shorter average remaining service period, and a decrease in the assumed discount rate to 5.75% in 2007 from 5.50% in 2006 from 5.75% in 2005.2006.


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The following illustrates the effect on pension expense for 20062007 of a 25 basis point decrease in the above assumptions:

 

In millions2006

Expense/(Income):

Discount rate

$27

Expected long-term return on plan assets

16

Rate of compensation increase

(6)
In millions 2007 

Expense/(Income):

 

Discount rate

 $27 

Expected long-term return on plan assets

  19 

Rate of compensation increase

  (6)

Investment Policy / Strategy

Plan assets are invested to maximize returns within prudent levels of risk. The target allocations by asset class are summarized in the following table. Investments are diversified across classes and within each class to minimize risk. TheIn 2006, International Paper modified its investment policy permitsto use interest rate swap agreements to extend the useduration of swaps, options, forwards and futures contracts.the Plan’s bond portfolio to better match the duration of the pension obligation, thus helping to stabilize the ratio of assets to liabilities when interest rates change. Thus, when interest rates fall, the value of the swap agreements increases directionally with increases in the pension obligation. The current portfolio is hedged at approximately 35% of the plan’s liability, with plans to increase this ratio to 50% by no later than the end of 2008. This new strategy is not expected to alter the long-term rate of return on plan assets. Periodic reviews are made of investment policy objectives and investment manager performance.

International Paper’s pension plan asset allocations by type of fund at December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, and target allocations by asset category are as follows:

 

     Percentage of
Plan Assets at
December 31,
    Percentage of
Plan Assets
at December 31,
 
Asset Category Target
Allocations
  2005 2004   Target
Allocations
 2006 2005 

Equity securities

 52% – 63%  61% 62%  52% - 63% 57% 61%

Debt securities

 26% – 34%  28% 27%  26% - 34% 34% 28%

Real estate

 5% – 10%  9% 8%  5% - 10% 7% 9%

Other

 2% –  8%  2% 3%  2% - 8% 2% 2%
 

Total

   100% 100%   100% 100%
 

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At December 31, 2006, plan assets included 12,800 shares of International Paper common stock with a market value of approximately $430,000. No plan assets were invested in International Paper common stock at December 31, 2005 or 2004.2005.

At December 31, 2005,2006, projected future pension benefit payments are as follows:

 

In millions      

2006

 $525

2007

 515 $547

2008

 517  528

2009

 523  533

2010

 536  543

2011 – 2015

 2,932

2011

  556

2012 - 2016

  3,018

Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment

At December 31, 2002, International Paper’s qualified defined benefit pension plan had a prepaid benefit cost of approximately $1.7 billion. At thisthat date, the market value of the plan assets was less than the accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for this plan. In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 87, the prepaid asset was reversed and an additional minimum liability of $2.7 billion was established equal to the

shortfall of the market value of plan assets below the ABO plus the prepaid benefit cost. This resulted in an after-tax direct charge to Accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) of $1.5 billion, with no impact on earnings, earnings per share or cash. This reduction to Shareholders’ equity had no adverse affect on International Paper’s debt covenants.

Strong actual returns on plan assets in the fourth quarter of 2004 increased the market value of plan assets by more than the increase in the ABO, resulting in a reduction in the required additional minimum pension liability. As a result, a credit to after-tax OCI was recognized in the amount of $41 million at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2005, the change in the mortality assumption increased the ABO by more than plan assets requiring an after-tax charge to OCI of $290 million. At December 31, 2006, an after-tax credit to OCI of $484 million was recorded. International Paper also incurred adjustments to the nonqualified plan additional minimum liabilities and recorded an after-tax chargescredit to OCI of $12 million in 2006 and an after-tax charge of $14 million in 2005.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and $8 million, atOther Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)”. This Statement requires that the funded status of benefit plans be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. International Paper adopted SFAS No. 158 as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.2006. The effect of the adoption of this Statement on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet for the U.S. defined benefit plans is shown below.

In millions  Before
Adoption
  Adjustments  After
Adoption
 

Intangible asset

  $176  $(176) $ 

Liability

   (435)  (436)  (871)

Deferred tax

   749   235   984 

Accumulated OCI

   1,204   377   1,581 

The following table summarizes the projected and accumulated benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets for the qualified and nonqualified defined benefit plans at December 31, 20052006 and 2004:2005:

 

In millions 2005  2004  2006 2005

Projected benefit obligation

 $9,278  $8,294  $9,237  $9,278

Accumulated benefit obligation

 8,855  7,927   8,801   8,855

Fair value of plan assets

 6,944  6,745   8,366(a)  6,944

(a)

Reflects a $1.0 billion voluntary contribution in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Unrecognized Actuarial Losses

SFAS No. 87 provides for delayed recognition of actuarial gains and losses, including amounts arising from changes in the estimated projected plan benefit obligation due to changes in the assumed discount rate, differences between the actual and expected return on plan assets and other assumption changes. These net gains and losses are recognized prospectively over a period that approximates the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under the plans (approximately 11 years as of December 31, 2005)2006) to the extent that they are not offset by gains and losses in subsequent years. Unrecognized actuarial losses shown in the following table were $3.2 billionThe estimated net loss and $2.6 billion in 2005 and 2004, respectively. While actual future amortization chargesprior service cost that will be affected by future gains/losses,amortized from OCI into net periodic pension cost during the amortization of cumulative unrecognized losses as of December 31, 2005, is expected to increase pension expense by $68next fiscal year are $186 million in 2006, while decreasing expense by $24and $20 million, in 2007 and $38 million in 2008.respectively.


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The following table shows the changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets for 2006 and 2005, and 2004, and the


71


plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005 and 2004.status. The benefit obligation as of December 31, 2005, increased2006 decreased by $984$41 million, principally as a result of the change in the mortality assumption with a smaller impact from a decreasean increase in the discount rate assumption used in computing the estimated benefit obligation. Plan assets increased by $199 million, principally$1.4 billion, reflecting higher actual market returns.the $1.0 billion contribution made in 2006 and favorable investment results.

 

In millions 2005 2004   2006 2005 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

     

Benefit obligation, January 1

 $8,294  $7,899   $9,278  $8,294 

Service cost

 129  115    141   129 

Interest cost

 474  467    506   474 

Actuarial loss

 833  288    (118)  833 

Benefits paid

 (515) (537)   (540)  (515)

Acquisitions

   1 

Divestitures

 (4)     (31)  (4)

Restructuring

 4  1    2   4 

Special termination benefits

 11  1    27   11 

Plan amendments

 52  59    (28)  52 
 

Benefit obligation, December 31

 $9,278  $8,294   $9,237  $9,278 
 

Change in plan assets:

     

Fair value of plan assets, January 1

 $6,745  $6,436   $6,944  $6,745 

Actual return on plan assets

 694  797    935   694 

Company contributions

 20  49    1,027   20 

Benefits paid

 (515) (537)   (540)  (515)

Fair value of plan assets, December 31

  $8,366  $6,944 

Funded status, December 31

  $(871) $(2,334)

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:

   

Intangible asset

  $  

Current liability

   (41) 

Non-current liability

   (830) 
   $(871) 

Fair value of plan assets, December 31

 $6,944  $6,745 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income under SFAS 158 (pre-tax):

   

Net actuarial loss

  $2,389  

Prior service cost

   175  
   $2,564  

Funded status

 $(2,334) $(1,549)

Unrecognized actuarial loss

 3,181  2,632 

Unamortized prior service cost

 310  330 
 

Prepaid benefit costs

 $1,157  $1,413 
 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:

  

Accrued benefit liability

 $(1,911) $(1,182)

Intangible asset

 310  330 

Minimum pension liability adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income

 2,758  2,265 
 

Net amount recognized

 $1,157  $1,413 
 

Unrecognized actuarial losses totaled $3.2 billion at December 31, 2005. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2005 included an accrued benefit liability of $1.9 billion and a $2.8 billion minimum pension liability adjustment included in Other comprehensive income.

 

NON-U.S. DEFINED BENEFIT PLANSNon-U.S. Defined Benefit Plans

Generally, International Paper’s non-U.S. pension plans are funded using the projected benefit as a target, except in certain countries where funding of benefit plans is not required. Net periodic pension expense for non-U.S. plans was as follows:

 

In millions 2005 2004 2003   2006 2005 2004 

Service cost

 $11  $10  $9   $13  $11  $10 

Interest cost

 12  11  9    15   12   11 

Expected return on plan assets

 (10) (8) (6)   (13)  (10)  (8)

Actuarial loss

 2  1  1    2   2   1 

Curtailment gain

     (1)

Estimated expenses

   1            1 
 

Net periodic pension expense (a)

 $15  $15  $12   $17  $15  $15 
 

 

(a)

Excludes $10 million of curtailment losses in 2006 related to multiple divestitures to include the sale of Beverage Packaging, Coated Papers, Polyrey and U.K. Container recorded in Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale in the consolidated statement of operations. Also excludes $1.7 million of curtailment gains in 2005 related to the divestiture of Maresquel recorded in Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale in the consolidated statement of operations.

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net pension expense for 2006, 2005 2004 and 20032004 were as follows:

 

 2005 2004 2003   2006 2005 2004 

Discount rate

 5.11% 5.43% 5.58%  4.86% 5.11% 5.43%

Expected long-term return on plan assets

 6.68% 6.66% 6.75%  6.80% 6.68% 6.66%

Rate of compensation increase

 3.32% 3.50% 3.64%  3.39% 3.32% 3.50%

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, were as follows:

 

   2005  2004 

Discount rate

 4.86% 5.55%

Rate of compensation increase

 3.39% 3.58%

The difference between the assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and the assumptions used to determine net pension expense is due to Carter Holt Harvey and Weldwood divestitures being disclosed in the benefit obligation rollforward and not in the net pension expense assumptions.

    2006  2005 

Discount rate

  5.21% 4.86%

Rate of compensation increase

  3.35% 3.39%

 

7282


The following table shows the changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets for 20052006 and 20042005 and the plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004.2005.

 

In millions 2005 2004   2006 2005 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

     

Benefit obligation, January 1

 $365  $587   $276  $365 

Obligations for additional plans

 1  9    5   1 

Service cost

 11  10    13   11 

Interest cost

 12  11    14   12 

Participants’ contributions

 3  7    3   3 

Plan amendments

   (3)

Divestitures

 (121) (247)   (61)  (121)

Curtailment gains

 (2)        (2)

Actuarial loss

 40  10 

Actuarial (gain) loss

   (23)  40 

Benefits paid

 (12) (41)   (9)  (12)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate movements

 (21) 22    30   (21)
 

Benefit obligation, December 31

 $276  $365   $248  $276 
 

Change in plan assets:

     

Fair value of plan assets, January 1

 $255  $423   $173  $255 

Assets for additional plans

   2 

Actual return on plan assets

 30  36    18   30 

Administrative expenses

   (3)

Company contributions

 16  47    36   16 

Benefits paid

 (12) (40)   (9)  (12)

Participants’ contributions

 3  7    3   3 

Divestitures

 (108) (230)   (62)  (108)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate movements

 (11) 13    20   (11)
 

Fair value of plan assets, December 31

 $173  $255   $179  $173 
 

Funded status

 $(103) $(110)  $(69) $(103)

Unrecognized actuarial loss

 57  68 

Unrecognized transition asset

 (1) (1)

Unamortized prior service cost

 (1) 2 
 

Prepaid benefit costs

 $(48) $(41)
 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet consist of:

  

Prepaid benefit cost

 $2  $22 

Accrued benefit liability

 (93) (111)

Intangible asset

   1 

Minimum pension liability adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income

 43  47 
 

Net amount recognized

 $(48) $(41)
 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:

   

Non-current assets

  $10  

(Liabilities)

   (79) 

Total asset/(liability) recognized

  $(69) 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other

   

comprehensive income (pre-tax):

   

Transition (asset)/obligation

  $  

Prior service cost

   1  

Net (gain)/loss

   22  

Total accumulated other comprehensive income at end of year

  $23  

The reductionsIn 2005, excluding a $57 million unrecognized net actuarial loss, a $1 million unrecognized transition asset, and $1 million of unamortized prior service costs, prepaid benefit costs of $2 million, an accrued benefit liability of $93 million, and a $43 million minimum pension liability adjustment included in Other comprehensive income were included in the benefit obligation and in plan assets in 2005 are mainly due to the sale of CHH. accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

For non-U.S. plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligations and fair

values of plan assets totaled $232$206 million, $207$180 million and $127 million, respectively, at December 31, 2005.2006. Plan assets consist principally of common stock and fixed income securities. Adjustments to the non-U.S. plans’ additional minimum liabilities at December 31, 2005,2006, resulted in a debit to OCI of $12 million after taxes, less a credit of $11 million after taxes and minority interest related to the sale of CHH, for a net charge to OCI of $1 million. A credit of $1$15 million after taxes was recorded to OCItaxes.

The effect of the adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 158 on the balance sheet at December 31, 2004.2006 for the non-U.S. defined benefit plans is shown below.

In millions  Before
Adoption
  Adjustments  After
Adoption
 

Prepaid benefit cost

  $2  $8  $10 

Liability

   (70)  (9)  (79)

Deferred tax

   7      7 

Accumulated OCI

   22   1   23 

OTHER PLANS

International Paper sponsors defined contribution plans (primarily 401(k) plans) to provide substantially all U.S. salaried and certain hourly employees of International Paper an opportunity to accumulate personal funds and to provide additional benefits to employees hired after June 30, 2004, for their retirement. Contributions may be made on a before-tax basis to substantially all of these plans.

As determined by the provisions of each plan, International Paper matches the employees’ basic voluntary contributions and, for employees hired after June 30, 2004, contributes an additional percentage of pay. Such contributions to the plans totaled approximately $96 million, $88 million $87 million and $95$87 million for the plan years ending in 2006, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively. The net assets of these plans were approximately $4.3 billion as of the 2005 plan year-end, including approximately $666 million (15.5%) in International Paper common stock.

NOTE 16 POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

U.S. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

International Paper provides certain retiree health care and life insurance benefits covering a majority of U.S. salaried and certain hourly employees. These employees are generally eligible for benefits upon retirement and completion of a specified number of years of creditable service. Excluded from company-provided medical benefits are salaried employees whose age plus years of employment with the Company totaled less than 60 as of January 1, 2004. International Paper does not fund these benefits prior to payment and has the right to modify or terminate certain of these plans in the future.


83


On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Medicare Act) was signed into law. This Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.


73


In accordance with FSP FAS 106-2, the effects of the Medicare Act on International Paper’s plans have been recorded prospectively beginning July 1, 2004. This resulted in a reduction of net postretirement benefit cost of approximately $8 million and a reduction of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) of approximately $110 million in 2004, which is treated as a reduction of unrecognized actuarial losses that are amortized to expense over the average remaining service period of employees eligible for postretirement benefits. The final regulations for the implementation of the Medicare Act were released on January 21, 2005. This resulted in a remeasurement of the plan that reduced net postretirement benefit costs by $14 million and reduced the APBO by $59 million in 2005.

The components of postretirement benefit expense in 2006, 2005 2004 and 20032004, were as follows:

 

In millions 2005 2004 2003   2006 2005 2004 

Service cost

 $2  $6  $7   $2  $2  $6 

Interest cost

 38  52  54    33   38   52 

Actuarial loss

 20  35  23    22   20   35 

Amortization of prior service cost

 (40) (40) (29)   (50)  (40)  (40)
 

Net postretirement benefit cost (a)

 $20  $53  $55 
 

Net postretirement benefit expense (a)

  $7  $20  $53 

 

(a)

Excludes $1.3 million, $1.8 million $1.0 million and $5.3$1.0 million of curtailment gains in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and 2003, respectively,$2.6 million and $0.8 million in 2005 and 2004, and $1.3 million in 2003respectively, of special termination benefits, related to cost reduction programs and facility rationalizations that were recorded in Restructuring and other charges in the consolidated statement of operations. Also excludes $0.2 million and $4.1 million in curtailment gains in 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $13.7 million and $1 million of special termination benefits in 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to certain divestitures recorded in Net losses on sales and impairments of businesses held for sale in the consolidated financial statements.

International Paper evaluates its actuarial assumptions annually as of December 31 (the measurement date) and considers changes in these long-term factors based upon market conditions and the requirements of SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.”

The discount rates used to determine net cost for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004 were as follows:

 

   2005  2004  2003 

Discount rate

 5.50% 6.00% 6.38%

    2006  2005  2004 

Discount rate

  5.50% 5.50% 6.00%

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, were as follows:

 

 2005 2004   2006 2005 

Discount rate

 5.50% 5.75%  5.75% 5.50%

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

 10.00% 10.00%  10.00% 10.00%

Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to

 5.00% 5.00%  5.00% 5.00%

Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain

 2010  2009   2011  2010 

A 1% increase in the assumed annual health care cost trend rate would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2005,2006, by approximately $35$33 million. A 1% decrease in the annual trend rate would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2005,2006, by approximately $32$29 million. The effect on net postretirement benefit cost from a 1% increase or decrease would be approximately $2 million.


84


The plan is only funded in an amount equal to benefits paid. The following table presents the changes in benefit obligation and plan assets for 20052006 and 2004:2005:

 

In millions 2005  2004 

Change in benefit obligation:

  

Benefit obligation, January 1

 $838  $1,000 

Service cost

 2  6 

Interest cost

 38  52 

Participants' contributions

 42  38 

Actuarial gain

 (100) (118)

Benefits paid

 (136) (138)

Plan amendments

 13  (5)

Divestitures

 1   

Restructuring

 3  2 

Special termination benefits

 2  1 
  

Benefit obligation, December 31

 $703  $838 
  

Change in plan assets:

  

Fair value of plan assets, January 1

 $–  $– 

Company contributions

 94  100 

Participants' contributions

 42  38 

Benefits paid

 (136) (138)
  

Fair value of plan assets, December 31

 $–  $– 
  

Funded status

 $(703) $(838)

Unamortized prior service cost

 (167) (229)

Unrecognized actuarial loss

 238  357 
  

Accrued benefit cost

 $(632) $(710)
  

In millions  2006  2005 

Change in benefit obligation:

   

Benefit obligation, January 1

  $703  $838 

Service cost

   2   2 

Interest cost

   33   38 

Participants’ contributions

   46   42 

Actuarial (loss)/gain

   12   (100)

Benefits paid

   (133)  (136)

Less Federal subsidy

   11    

Plan amendments

   (88)  13 

Divestitures

   16   1 

Restructuring

   6   3 

Special termination benefits

   16   2 

Benefit obligation, December 31

  $624  $703 

Change in plan assets:

   

Fair value of plan assets, January 1

  $  $ 

Company contributions

   87   94 

Participants' contributions

   46   42 

Benefits paid

   (133)  (136)

Fair value of plan assets, December 31

  $  $ 

Funded status

  $(624) $(703)

Amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet under SFAS 158:

   

Current liability

   (59) 

Non-current liability

   (565)    
   $(624)    

Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income under SFAS 158:

   

Net actuarial loss

   227  

Prior service credit

   (182)    
   $45     

In 2005, excluding $238 million of unrecognized net actuarial losses and $167 million of unamortized prior service costs, accrued benefit costs of $632 million were included in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

The estimated amount of net loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from OCI into net postretirement benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $21 million and $(43) million, respectively.

 

74

The effect of the adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 158 on the balance sheet at December 31, 2006 for U.S. postretirement benefit plans is shown below:


In millions  Before
Adoption
  Adjustments  After
Adoption
 

Current liability

  $(59) $  $(59)

Noncurrent liability

   (520)  (45)  (565)

Deferred tax

      74   74 

Accumulated OCI

      (29)  (29)

At December 31, 2005,2006, estimated total future postretirement benefit payments, net of participant contributions and estimated future Medicare Part D subsidy receipts are as follows:

 

In millions Benefit
Payments
  Subsidy
Receipts
   Benefit
Payments
  Subsidy
Receipts

2006

 $87  $(13)

2007

 86  (14)  $73  $13

2008

 83  (15)   73   14

2009

 81  (16)   71   15

2010

 79  (17)   68   15

2011 – 2015

 352  (90)

2011

   65   15

2012 - 2016

   281   75

NON-U.S. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

In addition to the U.S. plan, certain Canadian and Brazilian employees are eligible for retiree health care and life insurance. Net postretirement benefit cost for our non-U.S. plans was $3 million for 2006, $3 million for 2005 and $2 million for 2004. The benefit obligation for these plans was $17 million in 2006 and $21 million in 20052005. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 158 on the balance sheet at December 31, 2006 for the Company’s Non-U.S. postretirement benefit plans was an increase in the non-current benefit liability of $2 million and $20 million in 2004.a charge to Accumulated other comprehensive income of approximately $1 million.

NOTE 17 INCENTIVE PLANS

International Paper currently has a Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (LTICP) that includes a Stock Option Program,stock option program, a Restricted Performance Share Programperformance share program, a service-based restricted stock award program, and a Continuity Award Program,an executive continuity award program that provides for tandem grants of restricted stock and stock options. The LTICP is administered by a committee of nonemployee members ofthe Management Development and Compensation Committee the Board of Directors (Committee) who are not eligible for awards. Also, stock appreciation rights (SAR’s) have been awarded to employees of a non-U.S. subsidiary, with 4,225 and 5,135 and 5,435 rights


85


outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Additionally, restricted stock, which may be deferred into restricted stock units (RSUs), may be awarded under a Restricted Stock and 2004, respectively. We also have other performance-based restricted share/unit programs available to senior executives and directors.Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

Effective January 1, 2006, International Paper appliesadopted the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations and the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” in accounting for our plans. SFAS No. 123(R) will be adopted effective January 1, 2006., “Share-Based Payment” using the modified prospective method. As no unvested stock options were outstanding at this date, the Company believes that the adoption willdid not have a material impact on itsthe consolidated financial statements.

STOCK OPTION PROGRAM

International Paper accounts for stock options using the intrinsic value method under APB OpinionSFAS No. 25. Under this method, compensation123(R), “Share-Based Payment.” Compensation expense is recorded over the related service period when the market price exceeds the option price at the measurement date, which is the grant date for International Paper’s options. No compensation expense is recorded as options are issued with an exercise price equal to the market price of International Paper stockbased on the grant date.grant-date fair market value. Since all outstanding options were vested as of July 14, 2005, only replacement option grants were expensed in 2006.

During each reporting period, fully diluted earnings per share is calculated by assuming that “in-the-money” options are exercised and the exercise proceeds are used to repurchase shares in the marketplace. When options are actually exercised, option proceeds are credited to equity and issued shares are included in the computation of earnings per common share, with no effect on reported earnings. Equity is also increased by the tax benefit that International Paper will receive in its tax return for income reported by the optionees in their individual tax returns.

Under the program, officers and certain other employees may be granted options to purchase International Paper common stock. The option price is the market price of the stock on the close of business on the day prior to the date of grant. Options must be vested before they can be exercised. Uponupon exercise of an option, a replacement option may be granted under certain circumstances with an exercise price equal to the market price at the time of exercise and with a term extending to the expiration date of the original option.

The Company discontinued its stock option program in 2004 for members of executive management, and in 2005 for all other eligible U.S. and non-U.S. employees. In the United States, the stock option program was replaced with a performance-based restricted share program for approximately 1,250 employees to more closely tie long-term incentive compensation to Company performance on two key performance drivers: return on investment (ROI) and total shareholder return (TSR). As part of this shift in focus away from stock options to performance-based restricted stock, the Company accelerated the

vesting of all 14 million unvested stock options to July 12, 2005. The Company also considered the benefit to employees and the income statement impact in making its decision to accelerate the vesting of these options. Based on the market value of the Company’s common stock on July 12, 2005, the exercise prices of all such stock options were above the market value and, accordingly, the Company recorded no expense as a result of this action.


75


For pro forma disclosure purposes (see Note 1), the fair market value of each option grant has been estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, respectively:

 

   2005  2004  2003 

Initial Options (a)

   

Risk-Free Interest Rate

 3.82% 3.23% 2.46%

Price Volatility

 22.65% 24.41% 24.06%

Dividend Yield

 2.53% 2.53% 2.71%

Expected Term in Years

 3.50  3.50  3.50 

Replacement Options (b)

   

Risk-Free Interest Rate

 2.99% 2.14% 1.59%

Price Volatility

 21.78% 22.83% 23.70%

Dividend Yield

 2.42% 2.30% 2.57%

Expected Term in Years

 0.32  1.60  1.75 
    2006  2005  2004 

Initial options (a)

    

Risk-free interest rate

  N/A  3.82% 3.23%

Price volatility

  N/A  22.65% 24.41%

Dividend yield

  N/A  2.53% 2.53%

Expected term in years

  N/A  3.50  3.50 

Replacement options (b)

    

Risk-free interest rate

  4.97% 2.99% 2.14%

Price volatility

  19.70% 21.78% 22.83%

Dividend yield

  2.70% 2.42% 2.30%

Expected term in years

  2.00  0.32  1.60 

 

(a)

The average fair market values of initial option grants during 2005 2004 and 20032004 were $6.78 and $6.90, and $5.86, respectively.

(b)

The average fair market values of replacement option grants during 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $4.63, $2.05 and 2003 were $2.05, $4.76, and $4.39, respectively.


 

86


The following summarizes the status of the Stock Option Program and the changes during the three years ending December 31, 2005:2006:

 

 Options (a,b) Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

 37,154,020  $40.11

Granted

 11,315,401  37.08

Exercised

 (2,778,038) 31.87

Forfeited

 (1,823,244) 41.19

Expired

 (1,062,311) 51.71
 Options
(a,b)
 Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
(years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(thousands)

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

 42,805,828  39.51 42,805,828  $39.51  

Granted

 9,663,303  39.70 9,663,303   39.70  

Exercised

 (4,726,957) 34.60 (4,726,957)  34.60  

Forfeited

 (1,059,215) 40.86 (1,059,215)  40.86  

Expired

 (1,248,052) 51.40 (1,248,052)  51.40 

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

 45,434,907  39.70 45,434,907   39.70 6.80 $1,804

Granted

 861,827  39.64 861,827   39.64  

Exercised

 (602,746) 33.74 (602,746)  33.74  

Forfeited

 (1,607,979) 41.44 (1,607,979)  41.44  

Expired

 (2,504,411) 43.52 (2,504,411)  43.52 

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

 41,581,598  $39.49 41,581,598  $39.49 6.00 $1,642

Granted

 997   37.06  

Exercised

 (964,744)  32.67  

Forfeited

 (850,949)  44.21  

Expired

 (3,784,204)  39.90 

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

 35,982,698  $39.52 5.08 $1,422

 

(a)

The table does not include Continuity Award tandem stock options described below. No fair market value is assigned to these options under SFAS No. 123. The tandem restricted shares accompanying these options are expensed over their vesting period.

(b)

The table includes options outstanding under an acquired company plan under which options may no longer be granted.


The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005:

    Options Outstanding      Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices  Options
Outstanding
as of
12/31/05
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Options
Outstanding
as of
12/31/05
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$29.31 – $33.80

  6,264,472  5.6  $31.77  6,264,472  $31.77

$33.81 – $39.77

  19,514,939  6.7  $37.25  19,514,939  $37.25

$39.78 – $45.74

  11,113,806  5.9  $41.34  11,113,806  $41.34

$45.75 – $51.71

  1,746,895  2.9  $47.42  1,746,895  $47.42

$51.72 – $57.68

  213,192  0.8  $54.23  213,192  $54.23

$57.69 – $63.65

  2,550,094  3.8  $59.14  2,550,094  $59.14

$63.66 – $66.81

  178,200  4.0  $64.70  178,200  $64.70
 
  41,581,598  6.0  $39.49  41,581,598  $39.49
 

76


PERFORMANCE – BASEDPERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED SHARES

Under the Restricted Performance Share Program (PSP), contingent awards of International Paper common stock are granted by the Committee. Shares are earned onUnder the basis of International Paper’s financial performance over a period of consecutive calendar years as determined by the Committee. Under a Restricted Performance Share ProgramPSP approved during 2001 and amended in 2004, awards vesting over a three-year period were granted in 2003 and 2004. In 2005, the plan was amended to provide for segmentation in which one-fourth of the award vestsvested during each twelve-month period, with the final one-fourth segment vesting over the full three-year period. CompensationPSP awards are earned based on the achievement of defined performance rankings of return on investment (ROI) and total shareholder return (TSR) compared to ROI and TSR peer groups of companies. Awards are weighted 75% for ROI and 25% for TSR for all participants except for certain members of senior management for whom the awards are weighted 50% for ROI and 50% for TSR. The ROI component of the PSP awards is valued at the closing stock price on the day prior to the grant

date. As the ROI component contains a performance condition, compensation expense, for this variable plannet of estimated forfeitures, is recorded over the applicablerequisite service period based on the most probable number of awards expected to vest. The TSR component of the PSP awards is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation as the TSR component contains a market condition. The Monte Carlo simulation estimates the fair value of the TSR component based on the expected term of the award, risk-free rate, expected dividends, and the expected volatility for the Company and its competitors. The expected term was estimated based on the vesting period.period of the awards, the risk-free rate was based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities matching the vesting period, the expected dividends were assumed to be zero for all companies, and the volatility was based on the Company’s historical volatility over the expected term.

PSP awards issued to the senior management group are liability awards, which are remeasured at fair value at each balance sheet date. The valuation of these PSP liability awards is computed based on the same methodology as the PSP equity awards.

The following summarizestable sets forth the activity of all performance-based programsassumptions used to determine compensation cost for the three years ending December 31, 2005:market condition component of the PSP plan:

 

    Shares

Outstanding at Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2002

1,277,340

Granted (a)

658,155

Issued

(586,237)

Forfeited

(164,803)

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

1,184,455

Granted (a)

1,581,442

Issued

(391,691)

Forfeited

(128,957)

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

2,245,249

Granted (a)

2,831,5662006 

Issued (b)Expected volatility

  (519,53320.4% - 20.6)%

ForfeitedRisk-free interest rate

  (361,9654.30% - 5.30)%

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

4,195,317

The following summarizes PSP activity for the three years ending December 31, 2006:

    Shares  Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

  1,184,455  $38.16

Granted

  1,581,442   42.95

Shares issued

  (391,691)  40.88

Forfeited

  (128,957)  41.01

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

  2,245,249   40.90

Granted

  2,831,566   41.56

Shares issued

  (519,533)  40.68

Forfeited

  (361,965)  41.81

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

  4,195,317   41.29

    Granted

  2,320,858   33.58

    Shares issued (a)

  (638,541)  37.78

    Forfeited

  (373,176)  38.97

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

  5,504,458  $38.61

 

(a)The weighted average fair value of performance shares granted was $41.56, $42.95 and $35.34 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
(b)

Includes 114,177267,467 shares held for payout at the end of the performance period.


87


EXECUTIVE CONTINUITY AND RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PROGRAMPROGRAMS

The Executive Continuity Award Programprogram provides for the granting of tandem awards of restricted stock and/or nonqualified stock options to key executives. Grants are restricted and awards conditioned on attainment of a specified age and years of service requirements. Awardingage. The awarding of a tandem stock option results in the cancellation of the related restricted shares.

The Continuityservice-based Restricted Stock Award Programprogram (RSA), designed for recruitment, retention and special recognition purposes, also provides for awards of restricted stock to key employees.

The following summarizes the activity of the Executive Continuity Award Programprogram and RSA program for the three years ending December 31, 2005:2006:

    Shares  Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

  304,160  $37.63

Granted

  31,500   43.20

Shares issued

  (22,700)  39.46

Forfeited (a)

  (26,461)  30.60

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

  286,499   38.75

Granted

  8,000   43.10

Shares issued

  (13,000)  43.05

Forfeited (a)

  (31,124)  40.19

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

  250,375   38.49

    Granted

  78,000   34.43

Shares issued

  (89,458)  38.80

Forfeited (a)

  (61,667)  36.59

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

  177,250  $37.21

 

(a)
Shares

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

238,072

Granted (a)

149,500

Issued

(60,912)

Forfeited (b)

(22,500)

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

304,160

Granted (a)

31,500

Issued

(22,700)

Forfeited (b)

(26,461)

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

286,499

Granted (a)

8,000

Issued

(13,000)

Forfeited (b)

(31,124)

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

250,375

(a)The weighted average fair value of restricted shares granted was $43.10, $43.20 and $37.20 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
(b)Also includes restricted shares canceled when tandem stock options were awarded. No participant elected to receive tandem options were awarded in 2006, 2005 2004 or 2003.2004.

At December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, a total of 24.5 million, 21.1 million and 20.3 million shares, respectively, were available for grant under the LTICP. In 2004, shareholders had approved an additional 14 million shares to be used for grant. In 2003, shareholders had approved an additional 10 million shares to be made available for grant, with 100,000 of these shares reserved specifically for the granting of restricted stock. A total of 11.0 million shares, 12.5 million shares 14.9 million shares and 2.314.9 million shares were available for the granting of restricted stock as of December 31, 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003,2004, respectively.

TheTotal stock-based compensation cost charged to earningsrecognized in Selling and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for all the incentive plans under the LTICPyears ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $106 million, $53 million for 2005 and $29 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for stock-based compensation costs was $3 million for both 2004of the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2003.2005, and $40 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2006, $84 million, net of estimated forfeitures, of compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares and continuity awards attributable to future performance had not yet been recognized. This amount will be recognized in expense over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

NOTE 18 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 1, 2007, the Company completed the exchange of pulp and paper assets in Brazil with Votorantim Celulose e Papel S.A. (VCP) that had been announced in the fourth quarter of 2006. The Company exchanged its in-progress pulp mill project and approximately 100,000 hectares of surrounding forestlands in Tres Lagoas, Brazil, for VCP’s Luiz Antonio uncoated paper and pulp mill and approximately 55,000 hectares of forestlands in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The net assets exchanged, consisting principally of approximately $1.1 billion of pre-funded project development costs and $134 million of forestlands, are included as Assets held for exchange in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2006.


 

7788


International Paper CompanyINTERNATIONAL PAPER

INTERIM FINANCIAL RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (a)

 

In millions, except per share amounts and stock prices  1st
Quarter
     2nd
Quarter
   3rd
Quarter
   4th
Quarter
  Year 

2005

           

Net Sales

  $6,011     $5,916   $6,036   $6,134  $24,097 

Gross Margin (b)

  1,545     1,501   1,504   1,408  5,958 

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest

  120(c)    259(e)  372(g)  (165)(i) 586(c,e,g,i)

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

  (31)(d)    (14)(d)  281(d)  5(d) 241(d)

Net Earnings (Loss)

  77(c,d)    77(d,e,f)  1,023(d,g,h)  (77)(d,i,j) 1,100(c-j)

Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

           

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations

  $0.22(c)    $0.19(e,f)  $1.53(g,h)  $(0.17)(i,j) $1.77(c,d-j)

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

  (0.06)(d)    (0.03)(d)  0.58(d)  0.01(d) 0.49(d)

Net Earnings (Loss)

  0.16(c,d)    0.16(d,e,f)  2.11(d,g,h)  (0.16)(d,i,j) 2.26(c-j)

Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

           

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations

  $0.22(c)    $0.19(e,f)  $1.48(g,h)  $(0.17)(i,j) $1.74(c,d-j)

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

  (0.06)(d)    (0.03)(d)  0.55(d)  0.01(d) 0.47(d)

Net Earnings (Loss)

  0.16(c,d)    0.16(d,e,f)  2.03(d,g,h)  (0.16)(d,i,j) 2.21(c-j)

Dividends Per Share of Common Stock

  0.25     0.25   0.25   0.25  1.00 

Common Stock Prices

           

High

  $42.59     $37.92   $35.05   $34.90  $42.59 

Low

  35.67     30.16   29.45   26.97  26.97 

2004

           

Net Sales

  $5,623     $5,703   $6,016   $6,017  $23,359 

Gross Margin (b)

  1,412     1,515   1,604   1,603  6,134 

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest

  85(k)    112(m)  333(o)  194(p) 724(k,m,o,p)

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

  25(l)    156(l)  (685)(l)  13(l) (491)(l)

Net Earnings (Loss)

  73(k,l)    193(l,m,n)  (470)(l,o)  169(l,p) (35)(k-p)

Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

           

Earnings From Continuing Operations

  $0.10(k)    $0.08(m,n)  $0.44(o)  $0.32(p) $0.94(k,m-p)

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

  0.05(l)    0.32(l)  (1.41)(l)  0.03(l) (1.01)(l)

Net Earnings (Loss)

  0.15(k,l)    0.40(l,m,n)  (0.97)(l,o)  0.35(l,p) (0.07)(k-p)

Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

           

Earnings From Continuing Operations

  $0.10(k)    $0.08(m,n)  $0.44(o)  $0.32(p) $0.93(k,m-p)

Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations

  0.05(l)    0.32(l)  (1.35)(l)  0.03(l) (1.00)(l)

Net Earnings (Loss)

  0.15(k,l)    0.40(l,m,n)  (0.91)(l,o)  0.35(l,p) (0.07)(k-p)

Dividends Per Share of Common Stock

  0.25     0.25   0.25   0.25  1.00 

Common Stock Prices

           

High

  $45.01     $44.81   $44.65   $42.52  $45.01 

Low

  39.80     37.91   38.22   37.12  37.12 
In millions, except per share amounts and stock
prices
    1st
Quarter
   2nd
Quarter
   3rd
Quarter
  4th
Quarter
  Year 

2006

          

Net sales

    $5,526   $5,716   $5,429  $5,324  $21,995 

Gross margin (b)

    1,359   1,480   1,494  1,414  5,747 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

    (1,222)(c)  134 (e)  565 (g) 3,711 (i) 3,188 (c,e,g,i)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

    (26)(d)  28 (f)  (163)(h) (71)(j) (232)(d,f,h,j)

Net earnings (loss)

    (1,237)(c,d)  114 (e,f)  202 (g,h) 1,971 (i,j) 1,050 (c-j)

Basic earnings per share of common stock

          

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

    $(2.49)(c)  $0.18 (e)  $0.76 (g) $4.55 (i) $2.69 (c,e,g,i)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

    (0.05)(d)  0.05 (f)  (0.34)(h) (0.16)(j) (0.48)(d,f,h,j)

Net earnings (loss)

    (2.54)(c,d)  0.23 (e,f)  0.42 (g,h) 4.39 (i,j) 2.21 (c-j)

Diluted earnings per share of common stock

          

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

    $(2.49)(c)  $0.18 (e)  $0.75 (g) $4.53 (i) $2.65 (c,e,g,i)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

    (0.05)(d)  0.05 (f)  (0.33)(h) (0.16)(j) (0.47)(d,f,h,j)

Net earnings (loss)

    (2.54)(c,d)  0.23 (e,f)  0.42 (g,h) 4.37 (i,j) 2.18 (c-j)

Dividends per share of common stock

    0.25   0.25   0.25  0.25  1.00 

Common stock prices

          

High

    $36.39   $37.98   $36.05  $35.63  $37.98 

Low

    32.10   30.69   31.52  31.85  30.69 

2005

          

Net sales

    $5,454   $5,341   $5,402  $5,503  $21,700 

Gross margin (b)

    1,412   1,345   1,342  1,267  5,366 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest

    48 (k)  170 (m)  280 (o) (212)(r) 286 (k,m,o,r)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

    13 (l)  37 (l)  337 (l,p) 29 (l) 416 (l,p)

Net earnings (loss)

    77 (k,l)  77 (l-n)  1,023 (l,p,q) (77)(l,r,s) 1,100 (k-s)

Basic earnings per share of common stock

          

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

    $0.13 (k)  $0.08 (m)  $1.41 (o) $(0.22)(r) $1.41 (k,m,o,r)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

    0.03 (l)  0.08 (l)  0.70 (l,p) 0.06 (l) 0.85 (l,p)

Net earnings (loss)

    0.16 (k,l)  0.16 (l-n)  2.11 (l,p,q) (0.16)(l,r,s) 2.26 (k-s)

Diluted earnings per share of common stock

          

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

    $0.13 (k)  $0.08 (m)  $1.36 (o) $(0.22)(r) $1.40 (k,m,o,r)

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

    0.03 (l)  0.08 (l)  0.67 (l,p) 0.06 (l) 0.81 (l,p)

Net earnings (loss)

    0.16 (k,l)  0.16 (l-n)  2.03 (l,p,q) (0.16)(l,r,s) 2.21 (k-s)

Dividends per share of common stock

    0.25   0.25   0.25  0.25  1.00 

Common stock prices

          

High

    $42.59   $37.92   $35.05  $34.90  $42.59 

Low

    35.67   30.16   29.45  26.97  26.97 

Note: Since basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently for each period and category, full year per share amounts may not equal the sum of the four quarters.

 

7889


Footnotes to Interim Financial Results

 

(a)

All periods presented have been restated to reflect the Kraft Papers business, Beverage Packaging business, Wood Products business, Brazilian Coated Papers business, Carter Holt Harvey Limited business, and the Weldwood of Canada Limited business as Discontinued operations.

(b)

Gross margin represents net sales less cost of products sold.

(c)

Includes a charge of $1.3 billion before taxes ($1.2 billion after taxes) to reduce the carrying value of the net assets of the Coated and Supercalendered Papers business to their estimated fair value, an $18 million charge before taxes ($11 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring charges associated with the Company’s previously announced Transformation Plan, an $8 million charge before taxes ($5 million after taxes) for losses on early debt extinguishment, and an $18 million charge before taxes ($11 million after taxes) for legal reserves.

(d)

Includes a charge of $100 million before taxes ($61 million after taxes) to reduce the carrying value of the net assets of the Kraft Papers business to their estimated fair value, and the operating results of the Kraft Paper, Brazilian Coated Papers, Wood Products and Beverage Packaging businesses.

(e)

Includes a pre-tax credit of $62 million ($39 million after taxes) for gains on sales of U.S. forestlands included in the Transformation Plan, a pre-tax charge of $85 million ($53 million after taxes) to adjust the carrying value of the assets of the Company’s Coated and Supercalendered Papers business to their estimated fair value, a pre-tax charge of $52 million ($37 million after taxes) to write down the carrying value of certain assets in Brazil to their estimated fair value, a pre-tax charge of $48 million ($29 million after taxes) for severance and other charges associated with the Company’s Transformation Plan, and a $4 million charge ($3 million after taxes) for a legal settlement.

(f)

Includes a pre-tax charge of $16 million ($11 million after taxes) to reduce the carrying value of the net assets of the Kraft Papers business to their estimated fair value, and the

operating results of the Kraft Papers, Wood Products, Beverage Packaging, and Brazilian Coated Papers businesses.

(g)

Includes a pre-tax gain of $304 million ($185 million after taxes) from sales of U.S. forestlands included in the Transformation Plan, the recognition of a previously deferred $110 million pre-tax gain ($68 million after taxes) related to a 2004 sale of forestlands in Maine, a pre-tax charge of $38 million ($23 million after taxes) to reflect the completion of the sales of the Company’s U.S. Coated and Supercalendered Papers business, a pre-tax charge of $57 million ($35 million after taxes) for charges associated with the Company’s Transformation Plan, a pre-tax charge of $35 million ($21 million after taxes) for legal reserves, and a net pre-tax gain of $2 million (a loss of $5 million after taxes) related to other smaller items.

(h)

Includes a pre-tax credit of $101 million ($80 million after taxes) for the gain on the sale of the Company’s Brazilian Coated Papers business, pre-tax losses of $115 million and $165 million ($82 million and $165 million after taxes) to adjust the carrying values of the Company’s Beverage Packaging and Wood Products businesses to their estimated fair values, a net pre-tax gain of $12 million ($3 million after taxes) related to smaller items, and the operating results of the Kraft Papers, Brazilian Coated Papers, Wood Products and Beverage Packaging businesses.

(i)

Includes a pre-tax gain of $4.4 billion ($2.7 billion after taxes) from sales of U.S. forestlands included in the Company’s Transformation Plan, a $759 million charge (before and after taxes) for the impairment of goodwill in the Company’s coated paperboard and Shorewood businesses, a $128 million pre-tax charge ($84 million after taxes) to reduce the carrying value of the fixed assets of the Company’s Saillat mill in France to their estimated fair value, a net $21 million pre-tax charge (zero after taxes) relating to smaller asset sales, a $34 million pre-tax charge ($21 million after taxes) for severance and other charges associated with the Company’s Transformation Plan, a pre-tax gain of $115 million ($70 million after taxes) for payments received relating to the Company’s participation in the U.S. Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports, a pre-tax charge of $157 million


90


($97 million after taxes) for losses on early debt extinguishment, a $40 million pre-tax charge ($25 million after taxes) for increases to legal reserves, a $6 million pre-tax credit ($4 million after taxes) for interest received from the Canadian government on refunds of prior-year softwood lumber duties, and a $5 million pre-tax credit ($4 million after taxes) for other items.

(j)

Includes pre-tax charges of $104 million ($69 million after taxes) for the Wood Products business and $18 million ($11 million after taxes) for the Beverage Packaging business to adjust the carrying value of these businesses based on the terms of the definitive agreements to sell these businesses, a $38 million pre-tax credit ($23 million after taxes) for refunds received from the Canadian government of duties paid by the Company’s Weldwood of Canada Limited business, a pre-tax charge of $1 million ($2 million after taxes) for adjustments of prior discontinued operations estimates, and the quarterly operating results of the Company’s Kraft Papers, Wood Products and Beverage Packaging businesses.

(k)

Includes a $24 million charge before taxes ($15 million after taxes) for losses on early extinguishment of debt and a $79 million charge before taxes ($52 million after taxes) for estimated losses of businesses held for sale.

(d)(l)

Includes net income of the Kraft Papers, Brazilian Coated Papers, Wood Products, Beverage Packaging businesses, and of CHH prior to its sale in the third quarter of 2005. Also included in the 2005 third quarter is a gain of $29 million before taxes ($361 million after taxes) from the sale of CHH.

(e)(m)

Includes a $31$27 million charge before taxes ($1917 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring charges, a pre-tax credit of $35 million ($21 million after taxes) for insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a $19 million pre-tax credit ($12 million after taxes) for net adjustments of losses on businesses previously sold, and interest income of $11 million before taxes ($7 million after taxes) related to the collection of a note receivable from a 2001 sale.

(f)(n)

Includes an $82 million increase in the income tax provision, including approximately $79 million for deferred taxes related to earnings repatriated during the quarter under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

(g)(o)

Includes a $44$42 million charge before taxes ($3230 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring charges, a pre-tax charge of $26 million ($16 million after taxes) for losses on early extinguishment of debt, a pre-tax credit of $188 million ($109 million after taxes) for insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a net charge of $5 million before taxes ($3 million after taxes) for adjustments of losses on businesses previously sold, a $3 million pre-tax credit ($2 million after taxes) for the net adjustment of previously provided reserves, and interest income of $43 million before taxes ($26 million after taxes) relating to a tax audit agreement.

(h)(p)

Includes a gain of $29 million before taxes ($361 million after taxes) from the sale of CHH.

(q)

Includes a $517 million net reduction of the income tax provision, including a credit of $553 million from an agreement reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service concerning the 1997 through 2000 U.S. federal income tax audits, a charge of $21 million related to cash repatriations from non-U.S. subsidiaries, and a charge of $15 million relating to a change in Ohio state tax laws.

(i)(r)

Includes a $199$187 million charge before taxes ($123115 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring charges associated with the Company’s previously announced Transformation Plan, a $27 million charge before taxes ($16 million after taxes) for legal reserves, a $7 million charge before taxes ($4 million after taxes) for losses on early debt extinguishment, a $35 million pretaxpre-tax credit ($21 million after taxes) for insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a pretaxpre-tax charge of $46 million ($30 million after taxes) for adjustments of estimated losses on businesses sold or held for sale, and a $1 million credit for adjustments of previously provided reserves.

(j)(s)

Includes an $11a $19 million tax benefit, reflecting a $74 million favorable adjustment from the finalization of the Company’s 1997 through 2000 U.S. federal income tax audit, a $43 million provision for deferred taxes related to earnings being repatriated under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and $20$12 million of other tax charges.

(k)Includes a $14 million charge before taxes ($9 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, a $16 million charge before taxes ($10 million after taxes) for losses on early debt extinguishment, a credit of $9 million before taxes ($6 million after taxes) to adjust estimated gains/losses of businesses previously sold, and a credit of $7 million before taxes ($4 million after taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring and realignment reserves no longer required.
(l)Includes net income of Weldwood of Canada, Limited, and CHH prior to their sales. Also included in the 2004 second quarter is a gain of $268 million before taxes and minority interest ($90 million after taxes and minority interest) from the sale of the CHH Tissue business in the 2004 third quarter, and a charge of $306 million before taxes ($716 million after taxes) to write down the assets of Weldwood to their estimated net realizable value. The 2004 fourth quarter also includes a charge of $17 million before taxes ($5 million credit after taxes) to adjust the loss on the sale of Weldwood.
(m)Includes a $32 million charge before taxes ($20 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, a $65 million charge before taxes ($40 million after taxes) for losses on early debt extinguishment, a charge of $31 million before taxes ($29 million after taxes) for estimated losses of businesses held for sale, and a credit of $6 million before taxes ($3 million after taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring and realignment reserves no longer required.


 

7991


(n)Includes a $32 million increase in the income tax provision reflecting an adjustment of deferred tax balances.
(o)Includes an $18 million charge before taxes ($11 million after taxes) for organizational restructuring programs, a charge of $8 million before taxes ($5 million after taxes) for losses on early debt extinguishment, a credit of $103 million before taxes ($64 million after taxes) for insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a net charge of $38 million before and after taxes for estimated losses of businesses sold or held for sale, and a credit of $6 million before taxes ($4 million after taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring and realignment reserves no longer required.
(p)Includes a $10 million charge before taxes ($6 million after taxes) for litigation settlements, a $3 million charge before taxes ($2 million after taxes) for losses on early debt extinguishment, a credit of $20 million before taxes ($12 million after taxes) for insurance recoveries related to the hardboard siding and roofing litigation, a charge of $79 million before taxes ($64 million after taxes) for estimated losses of businesses sold or held for sale, and a credit of $17 million before taxes ($11 million after taxes) for the net reversal of restructuring and realignment reserves no longer required.

80


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Controls and Procedures:EVALUATION OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES:

As of December 31, 2005,2006, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported by the management of the Company on a timely basis in order to comply with the Company’s disclosure obligations under the Exchange Act and the SEC rules thereunder.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial ReportingMANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over our financial reporting, including the safeguarding of assets against unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition. These controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding preparation of reliable published financial statements and such asset safeguarding, and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded properly to allow for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors;

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements; and

could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements; and

provide reasonable assurance as to the detection of fraud.

All internal control systems have inherent limitations, including the possibility of circumvention and overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance as to such financial statement preparation and asset safeguarding. The system is supported by written policies and procedures, contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and is audited by the internal audit function. Appropriate actions are taken by management to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

As of December 31, 2005,2006, management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. In a report included on page 38,pages 45 and 46, management concluded that, based on its assessment, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2005.2006.

In making this assessment, we used the criteria described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, with direct access to our Board of Directors through our Audit Committee, have audited the consolidated financial statements prepared by us. Their report on the consolidated financial statements is included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Our management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, as stated in their report included herein.

Management’s Process to Assess the Effectiveness of Internal Control Over Financial ReportingMANAGEMENT’S PROCESS TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we followed a comprehensive compliance process across the enterprise to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, engaging employees at all levels of the organization. Our internal control environment includes an enterprise-wide attitude of integrity and


92


control consciousness that establishes a positive “tone at the top.” This is exemplified by our ethics program that includes long-standing principles and policies on ethical business conduct that require employees to maintain the highest ethical and legal standards in the conduct of our business, which have been distributed to all employees; a toll-free telephone helpline whereby any employee may report suspected violations of law or our policy; and an office of ethics and business practice. The internal control system further includes careful selection and training of super - -


81


visorysupervisory and management personnel, appropriate delegation of authority and division of responsibility, dissemination of accounting and business policies throughout the Company, and an extensive program of internal audits with management follow-up. Our Board of Directors, assisted by the Audit and Finance Committee, monitors the integrity of our financial statements and financial reporting procedures, the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors, and other matters set forth in its charter. The Committee, which currently consists of fourfive independent directors, meets regularly with representatives of management, and with the independent auditors and the Internal Auditor, with and without management representatives in attendance, to review their activities.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial ReportingCHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company has ongoing initiatives to standardize and upgrade its financial, operating and supply chain systems. The system upgrades will be implemented in stages, by business, over the next several years. Management believes the necessary procedures are in place to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting as these initiatives continue.

During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company transitioned certain support activities for selected mainframe and AS400 legacy information systems to a third-party service provider. Based on post-transition testing, management believes the necessary procedures areThere have been no changes in place to maintain effectiveour internal controlscontrol over financial reporting for these support services.during the quarter ended December 31, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


 

82


PART III.


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTAND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information concerning our directors is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement that will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year. The Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors has at least one member who is a financial expert, as that term is defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K. Further information concerning the composition of the Audit and Finance Committee and our audit committee financial experts is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year. Information with respect to our executive officers is set forth on pages 34 and 45 in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption, “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

Executive officers of International Paper are elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors following the annual meeting of shareholders and until the election of successors, subject to removal by the Board.

The Company’s Code of Business Ethics (Code) is applicable to all employees of the Company, including the chief executive officer and senior financial officers, as well as the Board of Directors. No amendments or waivers of the Code have occurred. We intend to disclose any amendments to our Code and any waivers from a provision of our Code granted to our directors, chief executive officer and senior financial officers on our Internet Web site within five business days following such amendment or waiver.

We make available free of charge on our Internet Web site atwww.internationalpaper.com, and in print to any shareholder who requests them, our Corporate Governance Principles, our Code of Business Ethics and the Charters of our Audit and Finance Committee, Management Development and Compensation Committee, Governance Committee and Public Policy and Environment Committee. Requests for copies may be directed to the corporate secretary at our corporate headquarters.

Information with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and our corporate governance is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year.


93


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information with respect to the compensation of executives and directors of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

A description of the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and equity compensation plan information is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

A description of certain relationships and related transactions is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information with respect to fees paid to, and services rendered by, our principal accountant, and our policies and procedures for pre-approving those services, is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement that will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year.


83


PART IV.


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)

 

(1)

Financial Statements – See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(2)
 

(2)

Financial Statement Schedules – The following additional financial data

should be read in conjunction with the financial statements in Item 8. Schedules not included with this additional financial data have been omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

Additional Financial Data

2006, 2005 2004 and 20032004

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule for 2005, 2004 and 2003 . . . 88

Consolidated Schedule: II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. . . . . . . . . . .89

 

(3)

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule for 2006, 2005 and 2004

  Exhibits:99

Consolidated Schedule: II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

100

 

(3.1) Form

(3)

Exhibits:

(3.1)

Composite copy of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of International Paper Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated November 20, 1990, File No. 1-3157).Company.*

(3.2) Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation

(3.2)

By-laws of International Paper Company, (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (3) (i) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, File No. 1-3157).

(3.3)Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of International Paper Companyas amended through October 10, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of theto Company’s QuarterlyCurrent Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001,8-K dated October 16, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(3.4)By-laws of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, File No. 1-3157).

(4.1)

  

Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-A to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-7, No. 2-56588, dated June 10, 1976).

(4.2) 

(4.2)

Indenture, dated as of April 12, 1999, between International Paper and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to International Paper’sthe Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed ondated June 29,16, 2000, File No. 1-3157).

(4.3)Floating Rate Notes Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2000, between International Paper and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to International Paper’s Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2000, File No. 1-3157).
(4.4)8% Notes Due July 8, 2003 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2000, between International Paper and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to International Paper’s Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2000, File No. 1-3157).
(4.5)8 1/8% Notes Due July 8, 2005 Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 14, 2000, between International Paper and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to International Paper’s Report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2000, File No. 1-3157).
(4.6)Form of new 8 1/8% Notes due July 8, 2005, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to International Paper Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 dated October 23, 2000, as amended November 15, 2000, File No. 333-48434).
(4.7)Zero Coupon Convertible Senior Debentures due June 20, 2021, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to International Paper Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated June 20, 2001, as amended September 7, 2001, October 31, 2001, and January 16, 2002, File No. 333-69082).

84


(4.8)

(4.3)

  6.75% Notes due 2011 Supplemental Indenture between International Paper Company and The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, File No. 1-3157).
(4.9)4.25% Notes due 2009 and 5.50% Notes due 2014 Supplemental Indenture dates as of December 15, 2003, between International Paper Company and The Bank of New York (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 1-3157).
(4.10)4.00% Notes due 2010 and 5.25% Notes due 2016 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2004, between International Paper Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 19, 2004, File No. 1-3157).
(4.11)

In accordance with Item 601 (b) (4) (iii) (A) of Regulation S-K, certain instruments respecting long-term debt of the Company have been omitted but will be furnished to the Commission upon request.


94


(10.1) 

(10.1)

Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan,Purchase Agreement dated as of February 2, 2005May 26, 2006, Among Red Mountain Timberlands LLC, Forest Investment Associates L.P, Red Mountain Investments LLC, FIA Investments LLC, RMS Texas Timberlands I LP, Red Mountain Operations LLC, International Paper Company, and The Other Selling Parties Listed on Schedule A (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 1-3157.

(10.2)

Amendment, dated November 3, 2006, to Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 26, 2006, among Red Mountain Timberlands LLC, Forest Investment Associates L.P., Red Mountain Investments LLC, FIA Investments LLC, RMS Timberlands LLC, RMS Texas Timberlands I LP, Red Mountain Operations LLC, International Paper Company and the other selling parties listed on Schedule A thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the10.4 to Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 8-Q dated February 11, 2005,10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.2) Form

(10.3)

Purchase Agreement dated as of ConfidentialityApril 4, 2006, among TimberStar Southwest Parent LLC, TimberStar Southwest LLC, International Paper Company and Non-Competition Agreement entered intoother selling parties named therein (incorporated by Company employees who may receive restricted stock awards pursuantreference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Long-Term Incentive Compensation PlanCompany’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.4)

First Amendment, dated October 30, 2006, to Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 4, 2006, among TimberStar Southwest Parent LLC, TimberStar Southwest LLC, International Paper Company and the other selling parties listed on Schedule A thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.5)

Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and between International Paper Company, CMP Investments LP and CMP Holdings, LLC, dated as of June 4, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.6)

Amendment No.1 to Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and among International Paper Company, CMP Investments L.P. and CMP Holdings LLC, dated and effective as of August 1, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003,2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.3) 

(10.7)

Exchange Agreement dated September 19, 2006, by and between Votorantim Celulose E Papel S.A. and International Paper Investments (Holland) B.V. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 25, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.8)

Closing Memorandum, dated February 1, 2007, entered into between International Paper Investments (Holland) B.V. and Votorantim Celulose E Papel S.A.*

(10.9)

Purchase Agreement, dated December 7, 2006, by and between Sustainable Forests L.L.C. and RBIP, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.10)

IP Debt Security, dated December 7, 2006, issued by International Paper Company to Basswood Forests LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.11)

IP Hickory Note, dated December 7, 2006, issued by International Paper Company to Hickory Forests LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.12)

Lock-in agreement in relation to a full takeover offer for Carter Holt Harvey Limited dated August 17, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 22, 2005, File No. 1-3157).

(10.13)

2006 Management Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of January 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 16, 2007, File No. 1-3157).†


95


(10.14)

Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, as of February 7, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to99.1 of the Company’s QuarterlyCurrent Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,8-K dated February 11, 2005, File No. 1-3157).

(10.4)

(10.15)

  

Form of individual non-qualified stock option agreement under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, File No. 1-3157).

(10.5) 

(10.16)

Form of individual executive continuity award under the Company Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, File No. 1-3157).

(10.6a) 

(10.17)

Form of Change of Control Agreement—Tier IRestricted Stock Award.*†

(10.18)

International Paper Company Deferred Compensation Savings Plan (unfunded savings plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8b10.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2005,10-K for the year fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3157).

(10.6b) Form of Change of Control Agreement—Tier II

(10.19)

International Paper Company Pension Restoration Plan for Salaried Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.410.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2005,10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3157).

(10.7) 

(10.20)

Unfunded Supplemental Retirement Plan for Senior Managers, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, File No. 1-3157).

(10.8) 

(10.21)

Amendment to Unfunded Supplemental Retirement Plan for Senior Managers, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.9)International Paper Company Deferred Compensation Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Form 10K/A for the year 2000 dated January 16, 2002, File No. 1-3157).
(10.10)International Paper Company Pension Restoration Plan for Salaried Employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Form 10K/A for the year 2000 dated January 16, 2002, File No. 1-3157).

85


(10.11)

(10.22)

  $1.5 Billion 3-Year Credit Agreement dated

Amendment No. 2, effective January 1, 2007, to Unfunded Supplemental Retirement Plan for Senior Managers, as of March 6, 2003 between amended and restated.*†

(10.23)

International Paper Company Restricted Stock and Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, effective January 1, 2007.*†

(10.24)

Form of Non-Competition Agreement entered into by certain Company employees (including named executive officers) who may receive performance share awards or restricted stock awards pursuant to the Lenders Party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, BankLong-Term Incentive Compensation Plan of America, N.A., BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Documentation Agents and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunnersthe Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, File No. 1-3157).†

(10.25)

Form of Non-Solicitation Agreement entered into by certain Company employees (including named executive officers) who may receive performance share awards or restricted stock awards pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, File No. 1-3157).†

(10.26)

Form of Change of Control Agreement—Tier I (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 17, 2005, File No. 1-3157).†

(10.27)

Form of Change of Control Agreement—Tier II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 17, 2005, File No. 1-3157).†

(10.28)

Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 1-3157).

(10.12) 5-Year

(10.29)

Retirement Agreement dated March 21, 2006, between Robert M. Amen and International Paper Company (incorporated by reference to


96


Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 5, 2007, File No. 1-3157).†

(10.30)

Board Policy on Severance Agreements with Senior Executives (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 17, 2005, File No. 1-3157).†

(10.31)

Board Policy on Change of Control Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 17, 2005, File No. 1-3157).†

(10.32)

364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2004, between International Paper31, 2006, among the Company, the lenders, party thereto, BankCitibank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, Banc of America N.A., as syndication agent,Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Citibank, N.A. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Co-DocumentationDocumentation Agents, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., and Banc of America Securities LLC,Citicorp Global Markets, Inc. as Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 2, 2004,3, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.13) 

(10.33)

Consent dated as of December 7, 2006, to the 364-Day Credit Agreement, among the Company, the lenders party thereto, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.*

(10.34)

5-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2006, among the Company, the lenders party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Documentation Agents, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Citibank Global Markets, Inc. as Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 3, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(10.35)

Consent dated as of December 7, 2006, to the 5-year Credit Agreement, among the Company, the lenders party thereto, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.*

(10.36)

Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated as of November 17, 2004, among Red Bird Receivables, Inc., as Borrower, International Paper Financial Services, Inc., as Servicer, International Paper Company, as Performance Guarantor, The Conduits from Time to Time Party thereto, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., New York Branch, as Gotham Agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Prefco Agent, BNP Paribas, Acting through its New York Branch, as StarBird Agent, Citicorp North America, Inc., as CAFCO Agent and Wachovia Bank, National Association as Blue Ridge Agent and as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated December 9, 2004, File No. 1-3157).

(10.14)

(10.37)

  EUR500 million 5-year credit facility,

First Amendment, dated as of August 6, 2004,December 30, 2005, to the Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, by and among theRed Bird Receivables, Inc., as Borrower, International Paper Financial Services, Inc., as Servicer, International Paper Company, as Performance Guarantor, International Paper Investments (France) S.A.S., a French wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as Borrower, BNP Paribas, Barclays Capital, and ABN AMRO N.V., as mandated lead arrangers, certain financial institutions named therein and BNP Paribas, as facility agent.

(10.15)Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 1-3157).
(10.16)Agreement dated November 21, 2005, U.S. $800,000,000 Credit Facilities for International Paper Investments (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., arranged by ABN AMRO Bank N.V., The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., New York Branch, as a Co-Agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as a Co-Agent, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets LimitedActing through its New York Branch, as a Co-Agent, StarBird Funding Corporation, Citicorp North America, Inc., as a Co-Agent, and DeutscheWachovia Bank, AG, LondonNational Association as Co-Agent and as Administrative Agent.*

(10.38)

Second Amendment, dated as of October 25, 2006, to the Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, by and among Red Bird Receivables, Inc., as Borrower, International Paper Financial Services, Inc., as Servicer, International Paper Company, as Performance Guarantor, The Bank of Tokyo—Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., New York Branch with(formerly known as The Bank of Tokyo—Mitsubishi Ltd., New York Branch), as a Co-Agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as a Co-Agent, BNP Paribas, New York Branch, as Facilitya Co-Agent,


97


StarBird Funding Corporation, Citicorp North America, Inc., as a Co-Agent and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as a Co-Agent and as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.110.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 8-K dated November 23, 2005,10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 1-3157).

(11) 

(10.39)

Third Amendment, dated as of December 15, 2006, to the Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, by and among Red Bird Receivables, Inc., as Borrower, International Paper Financial Services, Inc., as Servicer, International Paper Company, as Performance Guarantor, The Bank of Tokyo—Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd., New York Branch (formerly known as The Bank of Tokyo—Mitsubishi Ltd., New York Branch), as a Co-Agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as a Co-Agent, BNP Paribas, New York Branch, as a Co-Agent, Starbird Funding Corporation, Citicorp North America, Inc., as a Co-Agent and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as a Co-Agent and as Administrative Agent.*

(10.40)

Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of December 26, 2001, between International Paper Company, as originator, and International Paper Financial Services, Inc., as buyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(2) of the Company’s Schedule TO filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2006).

(10.41)

First Amendment to Receivables Sale Agreement dated November 19, 2003.*

(10.42)

Second Amendment to Receivables Sale Agreement dated November 17, 2004.*

(10.43)

Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated as of December 26, 2001, between International Paper Financial Services, Inc., and Red Bird Receivables, Inc., as Buyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(3) of the Company’s Schedule TO filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2006).

(10.44)

First Amendment to Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated February 28, 2002.*

(10.45)

Second Amendment to Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated December 23, 2002.*

(10.46)

Third Amendment to Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated December 3, 2003.*

(10.47)

Fourth Amendment to Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement dated November 17, 2004.*

(10.48)

Omnibus Amendment [Amendment No. 3 to Receivables Sale Agreement, Amendment No. 5 to Receivables Sale and Contribution Agreement Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement] dated August 7, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(4) of the Company’s Schedule TO filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2006).

(11)

Statement of Computation of Per Share Earnings.*

(12) 

(12)

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.*

(21)List of Subsidiaries of Registrant.

86


(23)

(21)

  

List of Subsidiaries of Registrant.*

(23)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.*

(24) 

(24)

Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page)page to the Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2007, File No. 1-3157).

(31.1) 

(31.1)

Certification by John V. Faraci, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

(31.2) 

(31.2)

Certification by Marianne M. Parrs, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

(32)

  

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(99.1)Board Policy on Severance Agreements with Senior Executives (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2005, File No. 1-3157).
(99.2)Board Policy on Change of Control Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2005, File No. 1-3157).*

† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

* filed herewith


 

8798


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

The BoardTo the Shareholders of Directors and Shareholders of

International Paper Company

Stamford, ConnecticutCompany:

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of International Paper Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20052006 and 2004,2005, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005,2006, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, and have issued our reports thereon dated March 2, 2006; suchFebruary 26, 2007 (which report on the consolidated financial statements expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption of new accounting standards); such reports are included in your 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders and are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company listed in Item 15. This consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

Memphis, Tennessee

New York, New York

March 2, 2006 – Tentative DateFebruary 26, 2007

 

8899


SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE II

INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(In millions)

 

   For the Year Ended December 31, 2006
 For the Year Ended December 31, 2005   
 
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   
 
 
Additions
Charged to
Earnings
   
 
 
 
Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
   
 
 
Deductions
from
Reserves
 
 
 
  
 
 
Balance
at End of
Period
Description Balance at
Beginning
of Period
  Additions
Charged to
Earnings
  Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
  Deductions
from
Reserves
 Balance at
End
of Period
         

Reserves Applied Against Specific Assets Shown on Balance Sheet:

        

Reserves Applied Against Specific Assets

         

Shown on Balance Sheet:

         

Doubtful accounts – current

 $124  $18  $–  $(32)(a) $110  $94  $19  $  $(28)(a) $85

Restructuring reserves

   106    (66)(b) 40   33   125      (102)(b)  56
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2005
   
 
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   
 
 
Additions
Charged to
Earnings
   
 
 
 
Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
   
 
 
Deductions
from
Reserves
 
 
 
  
 
 
Balance
at End of
Period

Description

         

Reserves Applied Against Specific Assets

         

Shown on Balance Sheet:

         

Doubtful accounts – current

  $108  $17  $  $(31)(a) $94

Restructuring reserves

      90      (57)(b)  33
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
   
 
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
   
 
 
Additions
Charged to
Earnings
   
 
 
 
Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
   
 
 
Deductions
from
Reserves
 
 
 
  
 
 
Balance
at End of
Period

Description

         

Reserves Applied Against Specific Assets

         

Shown on Balance Sheet:

         

Doubtful accounts – current

  $110  $18  $  $(20)(a) $108

Restructuring reserves

   75   62      (137)(b)  

(a) Includes write-offs, less recoveries, of accounts determined to be uncollectible and other adjustments.

  
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Description Balance at
Beginning
of Period
  Additions
Charged to
Earnings
  Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
  Deductions
from
Reserves
  Balance at
End
of Period

Reserves Applied Against Specific Assets Shown on Balance Sheet:

        

Doubtful accounts – current

 $132  $18  $–  $(26)(a) $124

Restructuring reserves

 81  64    (145)(b) 

(b) Includes payments and deductions for reversals of previously established reserves that were no longer required.

  
   For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
Description Balance at
Beginning
of Period
  Additions
Charged to
Earnings
  Additions
Charged to
Other
Accounts
  Deductions
from
Reserves
  Balance at
End
of Period

Reserves Applied Against Specific Assets Shown on Balance Sheet:

        

Doubtful accounts – current

 $163  $19  $–  $(50)(a) $132

Restructuring reserves

 104  152    (175)(b) 81

(a)Includes write-offs, less recoveries, of accounts determined to be uncollectible and other adjustments.
(b)Includes payments and deductions for reversals of previously established reserves that were no longer required.

 

89100


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

March 6, 2006INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY

February 28, 2007

INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY

By:

 /S/    MAURA A.ABELN SMITH
 

Maura A.Abeln Smith

Senior Vice President, General Counsel

and Corporate Secretary

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Maura A.Abeln Smith and Nicole S. Jones, jointly and severally, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this annual report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    JOHN V. FARACI      

John V. Faraci

  

Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and
Director

February 28, 2007

/S/    DAVID J. BRONCZEK      

David J. Bronczek

  March 6, 2006DirectorFebruary 28, 2007

/S/    MARTHA FINN BROOKS

Martha Finn Brooks

  

Director

 March 6, 2006February 28, 2007

/S/    SAMIR G. GIBARA

Samir G. Gibara

  

Director

 March 6, 2006

/S/    JAMES A. HENDERSON

James A. Henderson

Director

March 6, 2006

/S/    W. CRAIG MCCLELLAND

W. Craig McClelland

Director

March 6, 2006February 28, 2007

/S/    DONALD F. MCHENRY       

Donald F. McHenry

  DirectorFebruary 28, 2007

Director/S/    JOHN L. TOWNSEND III      

John L. Townsend III

  March 6, 2006DirectorFebruary 28, 2007

/S/    JOHN F. TURNER

John F. Turner

  

Director

 March 6, 2006

90


Signature

Title

Date

February 28, 2007

/S/    WILLIAM G. WALTER

William G. Walter

  

Director

 March 6, 2006February 28, 2007

/S/    ALBERTO WEISSER

Alberto Weisser

  

Director

 March 6, 2006February 28, 2007

/S/    MARIANNE M. PARRS

Marianne M. Parrs

  

Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

 March 6, 2006February 28, 2007

/S/    ROBERT J. GRILLET

Robert J. Grillet

  

Vice President – Finance
and Controller

 March 6, 2006February 28, 2007

 

91101


Appendix I

2006 Listing of Facilities

(all facilities are owned except noted otherwise)

2005 Listing of Facilities

(all facilities are owned except noted otherwise)

PRINTING PAPERS

  

Terre Haute, IndianaCorrugated Container

  

King’s Mountain, NorthLaurens, South Carolina

  

Mansfield, LouisianaU.S.:

  

Statesville, NorthSpartanburg, South Carolina

BusinessUncoated Papers Coated Papers,

Pineville, Louisiana

Bethesda, Ohioleased

and Pulp

  

Vicksburg, MississippiBay Minette, Alabama

  

Cincinnati, OhioLavergne, Tennesseeleased

U.S.:

  

International:

Newark, Ohio

Courtland, Alabama

Hong Kong, China

Solon, Ohio

Selma, Alabama

Arles, France

Wooster, Ohio

(Riverdale Mill)

Kenitra, Morocco

Eighty-four, Pennsylvania

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Ontario, Californialeased

Corrugated Container

Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania

(C & D Center)

U.S.:

Washington, Pennsylvania

Cantonment, Florida

Bay Minette, Alabama

Georgetown, South Carolina

(Pensacola Mill)

Decatur, Alabama

  

Laurens, South CarolinaMorristown, Tennessee

Augusta, GeorgiaCourtland, Alabama

  

Dothan, Alabamaleased

  

Spartanburg, South CarolinaMurfreesboro, Tennessee

Bastrop, LouisianaSelma, Alabama

  

Conway, Arkansas

  

Morristown, TennesseeDallas, Texas

(LouisianaRiverdale Mill)

Fordyce, Arkansasleased

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Springhill, Louisiana

  

Jonesboro, Arkansas

  

Dallas,Edinburg, Texas (2 locations)

Ontario, Californialeased

Russellville, Arkansas

El Paso, Texas

(C & D Center)

  

Russellville, Arkansas

Edinburg, Texas (2 locations)

Bucksport, Maine

Carson, California

El Paso, Texas

Jay, Maine

Hanford, California

  

Ft. Worth, Texas

Cantonment, Florida

Hanford, California

San Antonio, Texas

(AndroscogginPensacola Mill)

  

Modesto, California

  

San Antonio, TexasChesapeake, Virginia

Quinnesec, MichiganAugusta, Georgia

  

San Leandro, Californialeased

  

Chesapeake,Richmond, Virginia

Sturgis, MichiganBastrop, Louisiana

  

Stockton, California

  

Richmond, VirginiaCedarburg, Wisconsin

(Louisiana Mill)

Vernon, California

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Springhill, Louisiana

Putnam, Connecticut

International:

(C & D Center)

  

Vernon, California

Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Sartell, Minnesota

Putnam, Connecticut

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Ticonderoga, New York

Auburndale, Florida

International:

Riegelwood, North Carolina

Jacksonville, Floridaleased

  

Las Palmas, Canary Islands

Hazleton, PennsylvaniaSturgis, Michigan

  

Lake Wales,Jacksonville, Floridaleased

  

Tenerife, Canary Islands

(C & D Center)

  

Forest Park, GeorgiaLake Wales, Florida

  

Rancagua, Chile

Eastover, SouthTiconderoga, New York

Forest Park, Georgia

Beijing, China

Riegelwood, North Carolina

  

Savannah, Georgia

  

Beijing,Chengdu, China

Georgetown, South CarolinaHazleton, Pennsylvania

  

Stockbridge, Georgialeased

Chengdu, China

Sumter, South Carolina

Bedford Park, Illinoisleased

  

Dalian, China

(C & D Center)

  

Bedford Park, Illinoisleased

Dongguan, China

Eastover, South Carolina

Chicago, Illinois

  

Guangzhou, China

Franklin, Virginia (2 locations)Georgetown, South Carolina

  

Des Plaines, Illinois

  

Shenyang, China

International:Sumter, South Carolina

  

Litchfield, Illinoisleased

  

Tianjin, China

Arapoti, Parana, Brazil(C & D Center)

  

Northlake, Illinois

  

Wuxi, China

McKinney, Texas

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Arles, France

(C & D Center)

Hartford City, Indiana

Chalon-sur-Saone, France

Franklin, Virginia (2 locations)

Portland, Indianaleased

Creil, France

International:

Lexington, Kentucky

LePuy, France

Mogi Guacu, São Paulo, Brazil

  

Fort Wayne, IndianaLafayette, Louisiana

  

Chalon-sur-Saone, France

Maresquel, France

Hartford City, Indiana

Creil,Mortagne, France

Saillat, France

  

Portland, Indianaleased

LePuy, France

Kwidzyn, Poland

Lexington, Kentucky

Mortagne, France

Svetogorsk, Russia

Lafayette,Shreveport, Louisiana

  

Guadeloupe, French West Indies

Inverurie, ScotlandKwidzyn, Poland

Shreveport, Louisiana

Asbourne, Ireland

  

Springhill, Louisiana

  

Bellusco, Italy

INDUSTRIAL AND CONSUMER

Svetogorsk, Russia

  

Auburn, Maine

  

Catania, Italy

PACKAGINGInverurie, Scotland

  

Brownstown, Michigan (3 locations)

  

Pomezia, Italy

  

Howell, Michigan

  

San Felice, Italy

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGINGAND CONSUMER

  

Kalamazoo, Michigan

  

Agadir, Morocco

PACKAGING

  

Minneapolis,Arden Hills, Minnesota

  

(2 locations)

Containerboard  

Houston, MississippiMinneapolis, Minnesota

  

1 leased

U.S.:INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING

Houston, Mississippi leased

Casablanca, Morocco

  

Kansas City, Missouri

  

Casablanca,Kenitra, Morocco

Prattville, AlabamaContainerboard

  

North Kansas City, Missourileased

  

Kenitra, Morocco

Savannah, Georgia

Geneva, New York

Alcala, Spainleased

A-1


Almeria, Spain

D.N. Ashrat, Israel

International:

Barcelona, Spain

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico (20 locations)

Bilbao, Spain

all leased

Gandia, Spain

Shorewood Packaging

Valladolid, Spain

U.S.:

FOREST PRODUCTS

Chonburi, Thailand

Waterbury, Connecticut

Thrapston, United Kingdom

Indianapolis, Indiana

Forest Resources

Winsford, United Kingdom

Louisville, Kentucky

U.S.:

Edison, New Jersey

Approximately 6.5 million acres

Kraft Paper

Harrison, New Jerseyleased

in the South and North

Courtland, Alabama

West Deptford, New Jersey

International:

Bastrop, Louisiana

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Approximately 1.3 million

Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina

Weaverville, North Carolina

acres in Brazil

Franklin, Virginia

Springfield, Oregon

Danville, Virginia

Wood Products
CONSUMER PACKAGING

Newport News, Virginia

U.S.:

Roanoke, Virginia

Chapman, Alabama

Bleached Board

International:

Citronelle, Alabama

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Brockville, Ontario, Canada

Maplesville, Alabama

Augusta, Georgia

Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada

Opelika, Alabama

Riegelwood, North Carolina

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Thorsby, Alabama

Prosperity, South Carolina

Guangzhou, China

Gurdon, Arkansas

Texarkana, Texas

Sacheon, South Korea

Leola, Arkansas

Ebbw Vale, Wales, United Kingdom

McDavid, Florida

Beverage Packaging

Whitehouse, Florida

U.S.:

  DISTRIBUTION

Augusta, Georgia

Turlock, California

Folkston, Georgia

Plant City, Florida

xpedx

Meldrim, Georgia

Cedar Rapids, IowaGeneva, New York

  

U.S.:Almeria, Spain

Prattville, Alabama

  

Springhill, Louisiana

Framingham, Massachusetts

Stores Group

Wiggins, Mississippi

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Chicago, Illinois

Joplin, Missouri

Raleigh,Statesville, North Carolina

  

137 locations nationwideBarcelona, Spain

Savannah, Georgia

  

Armour, North CarolinaByesville, Ohio

Bilbao, Spain

International:Terre Haute, Indiana

Cincinnati, Ohio

Gandia, Spain

Mansfield, Louisiana

Newark, Ohio

Valladolid, Spain

Pineville, Louisiana

Solon, Ohio

Chonburi, Thailand

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Wooster, Ohio

  

128 leased

Seaboard, North Carolina

London, Ontario, Canada

South Central Region

Johnston, South Carolina

Longueuil, Quebec, Canadaleased

Greensboro, North Carolina

Newberry, South Carolina

Shanghai, China

34 branches in the Southeast States

Sampit, South Carolina

Santiago, Dominican Republic

and Ohio

Camden, Texas

San Salvador, El Salvadorleased

21 leased

Corrigan, Texas

Ashrat, Israel

Midwest Region

Henderson, Texas

Fukusaki, Japan

Denver, Colorado

New Boston, Texas

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

33 branches in the Great Lakes,

Franklin, Virginia

Seoul, South Korea

Mid-America, Rocky Mountain

Taipei, Taiwan

and South Plain States

International:

Guacara, Venezuela

20 leased

Santana, Amapa, Brazil

West Region

Arapoti, Parana, Brazil

Foodservice

Downey, California

U.S.:

25 branches in the

SPECIALTY BUSINESSES AND OTHER

Visalia, California

Northwest and Pacific States

Shelbyville, Illinois

19 leased

Chemicals

Kenton, Ohio

Northeast Region

U.S.:Kraft Paper

International:

  

Hartford, ConnecticutEighty-four, Pennsylvania

  

Panama City, FloridaCourtland, Alabama

Brisbane, Australia

21 branches in the New England

Pensacola, Florida

Shanghai,Yanzhou City, China

  

and Middle Atlantic StatesLancaster, Pennsylvania

  

Port St. Joe, FloridaBastrop, Louisiana

Bogota, ColumbiaArles, France

  

16 leasedMount Carmel, Pennsylvania

  

Savannah, GeorgiaFranklin, Virginia

Chesire, EnglandKenitra, Morocco

  

Valdosta, GeorgiaGeorgetown, South Carolina

Dover, Ohio

A-2


International:

Oulu, Finland

Niort, France

Sandarne, Sweden

Bedlington, United Kingdom

Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom

  
    

A-1


Appendix I

Chocolate Bayou Water Company

Alvin,CONSUMER PACKAGING

Coated Paperboard

Ontario, California leased

(C & D Center)

Augusta, Georgia

Springhill, Louisiana

(C & D Center)

Sturgis, Michigan

(C & D Center)

Riegelwood, North Carolina

Hazleton, Pennsylvania

(C & D Center)

Prosperity, South Carolina

Texarkana, Texas

Franklin, Virginia

Beverage Packaging

U.S.:

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Turlock, California

Plant City, Florida

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Framingham, Massachusetts

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Raleigh, North Carolina

International:

London, Ontario, Canada

Longueuil, Quebec, Canadaleased

Shanghai, China

Santiago, Dominican Republic

San Salvador, El Salvadorleased

Ashrat, Israel

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Seoul, South Korea

Taipei, Taiwan

Guacara, Venezuela

Foodservice

U.S.:

Visalia, California

Shelbyville, Illinois

Kenton, Ohio

International:

Brisbane, Australia

Shanghai, China

Bogota, Columbia

Chesire, Englandleased

D.N. Ashrat, Israel

Mexico City, Mexico leased

Shorewood Packaging

U.S.:

Waterbury, Connecticut

Indianapolis, Indiana

Louisville, Kentucky

Edison, New Jersey

  

Harrison, New Jerseyleased

West Deptford, New Jersey

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Weaverville, North Carolina

Springfield, Oregon

Danville, Virginia

Newport News, Virginia

Roanoke, Virginia

International:

Brockville, Ontario, Canada

Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Guangzhou, China

Sacheon, South Korea

Ebbw Vale, Wales, United Kingdom

DISTRIBUTION

xpedx

U.S.:

Stores Group

Chicago, Illinois

135 locations nationwide

127 leased

South Central Region

Greensboro, North Carolina

42 branches in the Southeast States and Mid-western States

29 leased

West Region

Denver, Colorado

35 branches in the Rocky Mountain, Northwest, and Pacific States

22 leased

North Central Region

Hartford, Connecticut

30 branches in New England, Upper Mid-west and Middle Atlantic States

22 leased

National Group

Loveland, Ohio

6 locations in Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, New York, and Missouri

all leased

International:

Mexico (20 locations)

all leased

FOREST PRODUCTS

Forest Resources

U.S.:

Approximately 0.5 million acres

in the South and North

International:

Approximately 0.37 million

acres in Brazil

  

Wood Products

U.S.:

Chapman, Alabama

Citronelle, Alabama

Maplesville, Alabama

Opelika, Alabama

Thorsby, Alabama

Gurdon, Arkansas

Leola, Arkansas

McDavid, Florida

Whitehouse, Florida

Augusta, Georgia

Folkston, Georgia

Meldrim, Georgia

Springhill, Louisiana

Wiggins, Mississippi

Joplin, Missouri

Armour, North Carolina

Seaboard, North Carolina

Johnston, South Carolina

Newberry, South Carolina

Sampit, South Carolina

Camden, Texas

Corrigan, Texas

Henderson, Texas

New Boston, Texas

Franklin, Virginia

SPECIALTY BUSINESSES AND OTHER

Chemicals

U.S.:

Panama City, Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Port St. Joe, Florida

Savannah, Georgia

Valdosta, Georgia

Dover, Ohio

International:

Oulu, Finland

Niort, France

Sandarne, Sweden

Bedlington, United Kingdom

Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom

IP Mineral Resources

Houston, Texasleased

A-2


Appendix II

2006 CAPACITY INFORMATION

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

(in thousands of short tons)  U.S.  Europe  Americas,
other
than U.S.
  Asia  Total

Printing Papers

          

Uncoated Freesheet

  3,600  1,351  435    5,386

Bristols

  360        360

Uncoated Papers and Bristols

  3,960  1,351  435    5,746

Dried Pulp

  1,075  167      1,242

Newsprint

    125      125

Total Printing Papers

  5,035  1,643  435    7,113

Industrial Packaging

          

Containerboard

  4,748  180      4,928

Bleached Kraft Paper

  95        95
  4,843  180      5,023

Consumer Packaging

          

Coated Paperboard

  1,859  331    430  2,190

Total Packaging

  6,702  511    430  7,213

Polyrey

Couze, FranceForest Resources

  
We own, manage or have an interest in more than 1.4 million acres of forestlands worldwide. These forestlands and associated acres are located in the following regions:(M Acres)

Ussel, FranceSouth

520

North

6

Total U.S.

526

Brazil

370

Total

896

We have harvesting rights in:

  

Russia

516

Total

1,412

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

(in thousands of short tons) U.S.  Europe  Americas,
other
than U.S.
  Asia  Total

Kraft Paper (Unbleached)

 405        405

Beverage Packaging Board

 445        445

Total Packaging

 850        850

U.S. Wood Business

(Units – MM)

21 Lumber mills (board ft.)

2,576

5 Plywood mills (sq. ft. 3/8” basis)

1,596

1 Laminated Veneer Lumber mill (cubic ft.)

3

1 Pole plant (cubic ft.)

1

 

A-3


2005 CAPACITY INFORMATION

(in thousands of short tons) U.S.  Europe  Americas,
other
than U.S
  Total

Printing Papers

      

Uncoated Freesheet (1)

 3,700  1,290  447  5,437

Bristols

 835      835

Uncoated Papers and Bristols

 4,535  1,290  447  6,272

Coated Freesheet

 700      700

Coated Groundwood

 1,200    221  1,421

Total Coated Papers

 1,900    221  2,121

Uncoated Groundwood (SC Paper)

 100      100

Total Coated & SC Papers

 2,000    221  2,221

Dried Pulp

 1,325  228  13  1,566

Newsprint

   123    123
 

Total Printing Papers

 7,860  1,641  681  10,182
 

Industrial Packaging

      

Containerboard

 4,600  180    4,780

Kraft Paper

 515      515
 
 5,115  180    5,295

Consumer Packaging

      

Bleached Board

 1,800  252    2,052
 

Total Packaging

 6,915  432    7,347

Forest Products

      
 

U.S. Wood Business

 (Units - MM)     

21 Lumber mills (bd. ft.)

 2,507      

5 Plywood mills (sq. ft. 3/8" basis)

 1,587      

1 Laminated Veneer Lumber mill (cubic ft.)

 3      

2 Pole plants (cubic ft.)

 4      
 

Forest Resources

 (M Acres)     

We own, manage or have an interest in more than 8 million

      

acres of forestlands worldwide. These forestlands and

      

associated acres are located in the following regions:

      

South

 5,701      

North

 826      
 

Total U.S.

 6,527      

Brazil

 1,282      
 

Total

 7,809      

We have harvesting rights in:

      

Russia

 502      
 

Total

 502      

(1)Reflects the shutdown of paper machines in Bastrop, Louisiana, Pensacola, Florida and Jay, Maine.

A-4