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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q 

�� QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31,September 30, 2021
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From              to             
 _________________________________________
Commission File Number 001-03157
INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


New York13-0872805
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee38197
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (901) 419-7000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common SharesIPNew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (paragraph 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒   No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13 (a) of the Exchange
Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ☐    No  ☒
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share, as of April 23,October 21, 2021 was 391,739,284.387,263,169.


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INDEX
  PAGE NO.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations - Three Months and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - Three Months and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet - March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020



Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20212020 2021202020212020
Net SalesNet Sales$5,363 $5,352 Net Sales$5,714 $5,123 $16,693 $15,341 
Costs and ExpensesCosts and ExpensesCosts and Expenses
Cost of products soldCost of products sold3,847 3,746 Cost of products sold3,924 3,541 11,684 10,714 
Selling and administrative expensesSelling and administrative expenses361 418 Selling and administrative expenses434 360 1,255 1,110 
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvestedDepreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested309 323 Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested318 320 933 955 
Distribution expensesDistribution expenses406 407 Distribution expenses446 377 1,272 1,149 
Taxes other than payroll and income taxesTaxes other than payroll and income taxes44 44 Taxes other than payroll and income taxes42 44 131 129 
Restructuring and other charges, netRestructuring and other charges, net30 Restructuring and other charges, net39 105 243 131 
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businessesNet (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses2 344 Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses(360)(5)(367)347 
Net (gains) losses on sales of equity method investmentsNet (gains) losses on sales of equity method investments(74)(33)Net (gains) losses on sales of equity method investments(1)(2)(205)(35)
Net (gains) losses on sales of fixed assetsNet (gains) losses on sales of fixed assets(86)— (86)— 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net92 117 Interest expense, net93 112 242 345 
Non-operating pension expense (income)Non-operating pension expense (income)(53)(6)Non-operating pension expense (income)(51)(11)(156)(31)
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity EarningsEarnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings399 (16)Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings916 282 1,747 527 
Income tax provision (benefit)Income tax provision (benefit)99 94 Income tax provision (benefit)146 50 347 211 
Equity earnings (loss), net of taxesEquity earnings (loss), net of taxes49 (31)Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes94 (28)247 13 
Net Earnings (Loss)Net Earnings (Loss)$864 $204 $1,647 $329 
Less: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsLess: Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — 2 — 
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper CompanyNet Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$349 $(141)Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$864 $204 $1,645 $329 
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common ShareholdersBasic Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common ShareholdersBasic Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders
Net earnings (loss)Net earnings (loss)$0.89 $(0.36)Net earnings (loss)$2.22 $0.52 $4.21 $0.84 
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common ShareholdersDiluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common ShareholdersDiluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders
Net earnings (loss)Net earnings (loss)$0.88 $(0.36)Net earnings (loss)$2.20 $0.52 $4.16 $0.83 
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding – assuming dilutionAverage Shares of Common Stock Outstanding – assuming dilution394.8 392.6 Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding – assuming dilution392.6 394.6 395.3 394.5 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
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INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 20212020
Net Earnings (Loss)$349 $(141)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Amortization of pension and post-retirement prior service costs and net loss:
U.S. plans34 46 
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment(143)(544)
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period(6)(30)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (loss)3 11 
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax(112)(517)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)237 (658)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests1 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$238 $(657)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2021202020212020
Net Earnings (Loss)$864 $204 $1,647 $329 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Amortization of pension and post-retirement prior service costs and net loss:
U.S. plans31 42 101 127 
Non-U.S. plans  
       Pension and postretirement adjustments:
U.S. plans826 — 826 — 
           Non-U.S. plans5 — 6 — 
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment(70)(28)99 (515)
Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Net gains (losses) arising during the period(4)(4)3 (34)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (loss)(8)(9)26 
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax780 17 1,026 (395)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)1,644 221 2,673 (66)
Net (earnings) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — (2)— 
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — 2 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$1,644 $221 $2,673 $(64)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
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INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(In millions)
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
 (unaudited) 
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and temporary investments$787 $595 
Accounts and notes receivable, net3,342 3,064 
Contract assets437 355 
Inventories1,828 2,050 
Current financial assets of variable interest entities (Note 16)4,850 4,850 
Assets held for sale695 138 
Other current assets228 184 
Total Current Assets12,167 11,236 
Plants, Properties and Equipment, net11,667 12,217 
Forestlands285 311 
Investments711 1,178 
Long-Term Financial Assets of Variable Interest Entities (Note 16)2,261 2,257 
Goodwill3,242 3,315 
Right of Use Assets415 459 
Deferred Charges and Other Assets729 745 
Total Assets$31,477 $31,718 
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt$31 $29 
Current nonrecourse financial liabilities of variable interest entities (Note 16)4,220 4,220 
Accounts payable2,354 2,320 
Accrued payroll and benefits363 466 
Liabilities held for sale334 181 
Other current liabilities1,088 1,068 
Total Current Liabilities8,390 8,284 
Long-Term Debt7,954 8,064 
Long-Term Nonrecourse Financial Liabilities of Variable Interest Entities (Note 16)2,094 2,092 
Deferred Income Taxes2,756 2,743 
Pension Benefit Obligation968 1,055 
Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligation246 251 
Long-Term Lease Obligations276 315 
Other Liabilities1,022 1,046 
Equity
Common stock, $1 par value, 2021 – 448.9 shares and 2020 – 448.9 shares449 449 
Paid-in capital6,267 6,325 
Retained earnings8,214 8,070 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(4,453)(4,342)
10,477 10,502 
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 2021 – 57.2 shares and 2020 – 55.8 shares2,719 2,648 
Total International Paper Shareholders’ Equity7,758 7,854 
Noncontrolling interests13 14 
Total Equity7,771 7,868 
Total Liabilities and Equity$31,477 $31,718 
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
 (unaudited) 
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and temporary investments$2,122 $595 
Restricted cash1,499 — 
Accounts and notes receivable, net3,549 3,064 
Contract assets427 355 
Inventories2,053 2,050 
Current financial assets of variable interest entities (Note 16) 4,850 
Assets held for sale 138 
Other current assets246 184 
Total Current Assets9,896 11,236 
Plants, Properties and Equipment, net11,360 12,217 
Forestlands303 311 
Investments713 1,178 
Long-Term Financial Assets of Variable Interest Entities (Note 16)2,270 2,257 
Goodwill3,274 3,315 
Pension Assets545 
Right of Use Assets405 459 
Deferred Charges and Other Assets705 740 
Total Assets$29,471 $31,718 
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt$233 $29 
Current nonrecourse financial liabilities of variable interest entities (Note 16) 4,220 
Accounts payable2,704 2,320 
Accrued payroll and benefits489 466 
Liabilities held for sale 181 
Other current liabilities1,272 1,068 
Total Current Liabilities4,698 8,284 
Long-Term Debt8,241 8,064 
Long-Term Nonrecourse Financial Liabilities of Variable Interest Entities (Note 16)2,098 2,092 
Deferred Income Taxes2,728 2,743 
Pension Benefit Obligation418 1,055 
Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligation235 251 
Long-Term Lease Obligations263 315 
Other Liabilities1,167 1,046 
Equity
Common stock, $1 par value, 2021 – 448.9 shares and 2020 – 448.9 shares449 449 
Paid-in capital6,371 6,325 
Retained earnings9,103 8,070 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,314)(4,342)
12,609 10,502 
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 2021 – 61.7 shares and 2020 – 55.8 shares2,987 2,648 
Total International Paper Shareholders’ Equity9,622 7,854 
Noncontrolling interests1 14 
Total Equity9,623 7,868 
Total Liabilities and Equity$29,471 $31,718 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
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INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(In millions)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 20212020
Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss)$349 $(141)
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested309 323 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit), net20 35 
Restructuring and other charges, net30 
Net (gains) losses on sales of equity method investments(74)(33)
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses2 344 
Equity method dividends received4 
Equity (earnings) losses, net(49)31 
Periodic pension (income) expense, net(28)11 
Other, net25 166 
Changes in current assets and liabilities
Accounts and notes receivable(186)(107)
Contract assets(83)(33)
Inventories93 60 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities68 (31)
Interest payable15 (12)
Other17 23 
Cash Provided By (Used For) Operations512 649 
Investment Activities
Invested in capital projects, net of insurance recoveries(89)(286)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(61)
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments397 250 
Proceeds from sales of businesses, net of cash divested11 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets0 
Cash Provided By (Used For) Investment Activities258 (35)
Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock tax withholding(155)(41)
Issuance of debt2 560 
Reduction of debt(111)(136)
Change in book overdrafts(19)(9)
Dividends paid(202)(202)
Net debt tender premiums paid(19)(7)
Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities(504)165 
Cash Included in Assets Held for Sale(54)(9)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash(20)(42)
Change in Cash and Temporary Investments192 728 
Cash and Temporary Investments
Beginning of period595 511 
End of period$787 $1,239 

 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20212020
Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss)$1,647 $329 
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested933 955 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit), net(151)(5)
Restructuring and other charges, net243 131 
Net (gains) losses on sales of equity method investments(205)(35)
Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses(367)347 
Net (gains) losses on sales of fixed assets(86)— 
Equity method dividends received149 158 
Equity (earnings) losses, net(247)(13)
Periodic pension (income) expense, net(84)24 
Other, net129 212 
Changes in current assets and liabilities
Accounts and notes receivable(510)96 
Contract assets(74)
Inventories(133)74 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities716 — 
Interest payable9 (26)
Other(46)25 
Cash Provided By (Used For) Operations1,923 2,274 
Investment Activities
Invested in capital projects, net of insurance recoveries(348)(657)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(80)(64)
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments843 500 
Proceeds from sales of businesses, net of cash divested827 — 
Proceeds from settlement of Variable Interest Entity installment notes4,850 — 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets95 
Other(3)18 
Cash Provided By (Used For) Investment Activities6,184 (200)
Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock tax withholding(425)(42)
Issuance of debt1,511 692 
Reduction of debt(1,132)(1,795)
Change in book overdrafts29 16 
Dividends paid(602)(605)
Reduction of Variable Interest Entity loans(4,220)— 
Net debt tender premiums paid(221)(124)
Other(14)(1)
Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities(5,074)(1,859)
Cash Included in Assets Held for Sale (11)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Temporary Investments and Restricted Cash(7)(37)
Change in Cash and Temporary Investments and Restricted Cash3,026 167 
Cash and Temporary Investments and Restricted Cash
Beginning of period595 511 
End of period$3,621 $678 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
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INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of International Paper Company’s (International Paper’s, the Company’s or our) financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Except as disclosed herein, such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Results for the first threenine months of the year may not necessarily be indicative of full year results. It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which have previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide. Since that time, mostDuring the third quarter of 2021, the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths increased in the United States and numerous other countries, and restrictive measures, including mask and vaccine requirements, have been implemented or reinstituted by various governmental authorities and private businesses. Economic recovery in the United States has continued but may be threatened by the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and other factors. Most of our manufacturing and converting facilities have remained open and operational during the pandemic.pandemic and at the current time our manufacturing and converting facilities are generally operational.

We have seenThe pandemic has had a mixed impact on demand for our products. DemandInitially, demand for printing papers products was significantly impacted by the pandemic, although demand recoveredbut has seen a bit insteady increase over the first quarternine months of 2021. Demand for our pulp, containerboard and corrugated box products has not been negatively impacted and in some cases has been positively impacted by COVID-19 to date, butdate. However, all of our operations in Industrial Packaging experiencedcontinue to experience higher supply chain costs and a constrained transportation environment due in part to the impacts of COVID-19.

There continue to be significant uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including with respect to the various economic reopening plans and the resurgence of the virus including new variants of the virus in many areas globally; the additional actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and private businesses, including mask and vaccine requirements, to attempt to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or to mitigate its impact; the efficacy, acceptance and availability of various vaccines and efficiencybooster shots, as well as the possibility that strains of the distribution of variousvirus may be resistant to current available vaccines; and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on unemployment,economic conditions, including with respect to labor market conditions, economic activity, consumer behavior, supply shortages and consumer confidence.disruptions and inflationary pressures. COVID-19 has significantly adversely affectedhad a significant adverse effect on portions of our business, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows particularly if negativepublic health and/or global economic conditions persistdeteriorate.

Printing Papers Spinoff

On October 1, 2021, the Company completed the previously announced spin-off of its Printing Papers segment along with certain mixed-use coated paperboard and pulp businesses in North America, France and Russia into a standalone, publicly-traded company, Sylvamo Corporation. The transaction was implemented through the distribution of shares of the standalone company to International Paper's shareholders (the "Distribution"). As a result of the Distribution, Sylvamo Corporation is an independent public company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SLVM".

The Distribution was made to the Company's stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 15, 2021 (the "Record Date"), and such stockholders received one share of Sylvamo Corporation common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock held as of the close of business on the Record Date. The Company retained 19.9% of the shares of Sylvamo at the time of the separation, with the intent to monetize its investment and to provide additional proceeds to the Company. The Company is accounting for its ownership interest in Sylvamo at fair value as an investment in equity securities. In the third quarter of 2021, Sylvamo incurred $1.5 billion in debt in anticipation of a significant periodnet cash distribution of time or deteriorate.$1.4 billion to be made to the Company as part of the spin-off. See Note 17 – Debt for further details regarding the Sylvamo debt.

All current and historical operating results of the Sylvamo Corporation businesses will be presented as Discontinued Operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of operations in the fourth quarter of 2021. The spin-off was tax-free for the Company and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In connection with the Distribution, on September 29, 2021, the Company and Sylvamo Corporation entered into a separation and distribution agreement as well as various other agreements that govern the relationships between the parties following the Distribution, including a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement and an employee matters agreement. These
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agreements provide for the allocation between International Paper Company and Sylvamo Corporation of assets, liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Distribution and govern certain relationships between International Paper and Sylvamo Corporation after the Distribution.


NOTE 2 - RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." This guidance provides companies with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. This guidance is effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.

NOTE 3 - REVENUE RECOGNITION

Generally, the Company recognizes revenue on a point-in-time basis when the customer takes title to the goods and assumes the risks and rewards for the goods. For customized goods where the Company has a legally enforceable right to payment for the goods, the Company recognizes revenue over time which, generally, is as the goods are produced.










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Disaggregated Revenue

A geographic disaggregation of revenues across our company segmentation in the following tables provides information to assist in evaluating the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows and how they may be impacted by economic factors.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
In millionsIndustrial PackagingGlobal Cellulose FibersPrinting PapersCorporate and Inter-segment SalesTotal
Primary Geographical Markets (a)
United States$3,257 $483 $363 $47 $4,150 
EMEA491 70 263 (3)821 
Pacific Rim and Asia18 28 9 4 59 
Americas, other than U.S.187 0 146 0 333 
Total$3,953 $581 $781 $48 $5,363 
Operating Segments
North American Industrial Packaging$3,485 $ $ $ $3,485 
EMEA Industrial Packaging396    396 
European Coated Paperboard98    98 
Global Cellulose Fibers 581   581 
North American Printing Papers  366  366 
Brazilian Papers  168  168 
European Papers  250  250 
Intra-segment Eliminations(26) (3) (29)
Corporate & Inter-segment Sales   48 48 
Total$3,953 $581 $781 $48 $5,363 
(a) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the seller.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
In millionsIn millionsIndustrial PackagingGlobal Cellulose FibersPrinting PapersCorporate & IntersegmentTotalIn millionsIndustrial PackagingGlobal Cellulose FibersPrinting PapersCorporate and Inter-segment SalesTotal
Primary Geographical Markets (a)
Primary Geographical Markets (a)
Primary Geographical Markets (a)
United StatesUnited States$3,130 $494 $444 $58 $4,126 United States$3,514 $623 $425 $50 $4,612 
EMEAEMEA440 56 302 (2)796 EMEA383 69 232 (1)683 
Pacific Rim and AsiaPacific Rim and Asia12 18 41 Pacific Rim and Asia12 37 8 3 60 
Americas, other than U.S.Americas, other than U.S.237 154 (2)389 Americas, other than U.S.178  181  359 
TotalTotal$3,819 $568 $908 $57 $5,352 Total$4,087 $729 $846 $52 $5,714 
Operating SegmentsOperating SegmentsOperating Segments
North American Industrial PackagingNorth American Industrial Packaging$3,355 $— $— $— $3,355 North American Industrial Packaging$3,738 $ $ $— $3,738 
EMEA Industrial PackagingEMEA Industrial Packaging350 — — — 350 EMEA Industrial Packaging331   — 331 
Brazilian Industrial Packaging54 — — — 54 
European Coated PaperboardEuropean Coated Paperboard92 — — — 92 European Coated Paperboard52   — 52 
Global Cellulose FibersGlobal Cellulose Fibers— 568 — — 568 Global Cellulose Fibers 729  — 729 
North American Printing PapersNorth American Printing Papers— — 446 — 446 North American Printing Papers  425 — 425 
Brazilian PapersBrazilian Papers— — 176 — 176 Brazilian Papers  200 — 200 
European PapersEuropean Papers— — 287 — 287 European Papers  218 — 218 
Intra-segment EliminationsIntra-segment Eliminations(32)— (1)— (33)Intra-segment Eliminations(34) 3  (31)
Corporate & Inter-segment SalesCorporate & Inter-segment Sales— — — 57 57 Corporate & Inter-segment Sales   52 52 
TotalTotal$3,819 $568 $908 $57 $5,352 Total$4,087 $729 $846 $52 $5,714 
(a) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the seller.

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
In millionsIndustrial PackagingGlobal Cellulose FibersPrinting PapersCorporate and Inter-segment SalesTotal
Primary Geographical Markets (a)
United States$10,125 $1,682 $1,195 $139 $13,141 
EMEA1,371 209 765 (6)2,339 
Pacific Rim and Asia44 90 25 10 169 
Americas, other than U.S.556  488  1,044 
Total$12,096 $1,981 $2,473 $143 $16,693 
Operating Segments
North American Industrial Packaging$10,810 $ $ $ $10,810 
EMEA Industrial Packaging1,121    1,121 
European Coated Paperboard252    252 
Global Cellulose Fibers 1,981   1,981 
North American Printing Papers  1,201  1,201 
Brazilian Papers  557  557 
European Papers  723  723 
Intra-segment Eliminations(87) (8) (95)
Corporate & Inter-segment Sales   143 143 
Total$12,096 $1,981 $2,473 $143 $16,693 
(a) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the seller.


Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
In millionsIndustrial PackagingGlobal Cellulose FibersPrinting PapersCorporate & IntersegmentTotal
Primary Geographical Markets (a)
United States$3,169 $479 $362 $44 $4,054 
EMEA394 59 244 (3)694 
Pacific Rim and Asia15 26 10 57 
Americas, other than U.S.190 — 131 (3)318 
Total$3,768 $564 $743 $48 $5,123 
Operating Segments
North American Industrial Packaging$3,351 $— $— $— $3,351 
EMEA Industrial Packaging306 — — — 306 
Brazilian Industrial Packaging52 — — — 52 
European Coated Paperboard90 — — — 90 
Global Cellulose Fibers— 564 — — 564 
North American Printing Papers— — 362 — 362 
Brazilian Papers— — 150 — 150 
European Papers— — 232 — 232 
Intra-segment Eliminations(31)— (1)— (32)
Corporate & Inter-segment Sales— — — 48 48 
Total$3,768 $564 $743 $48 $5,123 
(a) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the seller.

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
In millionsIndustrial PackagingGlobal Cellulose FibersPrinting PapersCorporate & IntersegmentTotal
Primary Geographical Markets (a)
United States$9,364 $1,507 $1,069 $146 $12,086 
EMEA1,213 175 765 (11)2,142 
Pacific Rim and Asia43 55 20 20 138 
Americas, other than U.S.600 — 380 (5)975 
Total$11,220 $1,737 $2,234 $150 $15,341 
Operating Segments
North American Industrial Packaging$9,947 $— $— $— $9,947 
EMEA Industrial Packaging953 — — — 953 
Brazilian Industrial Packaging148 — — — 148 
European Coated Paperboard266 — — — 266 
Global Cellulose Fibers— 1,737 — — 1,737 
North American Printing Papers— — 1,073 — 1,073 
Brazilian Papers— — 434 — 434 
European Papers— — 728 — 728 
Intra-segment Eliminations(94)— (1)— (95)
Corporate & Inter-segment Sales— — — 150 150 
Total$11,220 $1,737 $2,234 $150 $15,341 
(a) Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the seller.

Revenue Contract Balances

A contract asset is created when the Company recognizes revenue on its customized products prior to having an unconditional right to payment from the customer, which generally does not occur until title and risk of loss passes to the customer.

A contract liability is created when customers prepay for goods prior to the Company transferring those goods to the customer. The contract liability is reduced once control of the goods is transferred to the customer. The majority of our customer prepayments are received during the fourth quarter each year for goods that will be transferred to customers over the following twelve months. Contract liabilities of $41$25 million and $31 million are included in Other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. During the second quarter of 2021, the Company also recorded a contract liability of $115 million related to the April 2021 acquisition disclosed in Note 8.

The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Company's contract assets and contract liabilities primarily results from the difference between the price and quantity at comparable points in time for goods for which we have an unconditional right to payment or receive pre-paymentprepayment from the customer, respectively.
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NOTE 4 - EQUITY

A summary of the changes in equity for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 is provided below:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
In millions, except per share amountsIn millions, except per share amountsCommon Stock IssuedPaid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Common Stock Held In Treasury, At CostTotal
International
Paper
Shareholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
In millions, except per share amountsCommon Stock IssuedPaid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Common Stock Held In Treasury, At CostTotal
International
Paper
Shareholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Balance, January 1$449 $6,325 $8,070 $(4,342)$2,648 $7,854 $14 $7,868 
Balance, July 1Balance, July 1$449 $6,330 $8,442 $(4,094)$2,775 $8,352 $2 $8,354 
Issuance of stock for various plans, netIssuance of stock for various plans, net (58)  (84)26  26 Issuance of stock for various plans, net 41    41  41 
Repurchase of stockRepurchase of stock    155 (155) (155)Repurchase of stock    212 (212) (212)
Common stock dividends
$0.5125 per share)
  (205)  (205) (205)
Transactions of equity method investees 0    0  0 
Common stock dividends
($0.5125 per share)
Common stock dividends
($0.5125 per share)
  (203)  (203) (203)
Divestiture of noncontrolling interestsDivestiture of noncontrolling interests      (1)(1)
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)  349 (111) 238 (1)237 Comprehensive income (loss)  864 780  1,644  1,644 
Ending Balance, March 31$449 $6,267 $8,214 $(4,453)$2,719 $7,758 $13 $7,771 
Ending Balance, September 30Ending Balance, September 30$449 $6,371 $9,103 $(3,314)$2,987 $9,622 $1 $9,623 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
In millions, except per share amountsIn millions, except per share amountsCommon Stock IssuedPaid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Common Stock Held In Treasury, At CostTotal
International
Paper
Shareholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
In millions, except per share amountsCommon Stock IssuedPaid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Common Stock Held In Treasury, At CostTotal
International
Paper
Shareholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Balance, January 1Balance, January 1$449 $6,297 $8,408 $(4,739)$2,702 $7,713 $$7,718 Balance, January 1$449 $6,325 $8,070 $(4,342)$2,648 $7,854 $14 $7,868 
Adoption of ASU 2016-13 measurement of credit losses on financial instruments— — (2)— — (2)— (2)
Issuance of stock for various plans, netIssuance of stock for various plans, net— (51)— — (92)41 — 41 Issuance of stock for various plans, net 27   (86)113  113 
Repurchase of stockRepurchase of stock— — — — 41 (41)— (41)Repurchase of stock    425 (425) (425)
Common stock dividends ($0.5125 per share)— — (203)— — (203)— (203)
Common stock dividends
($1.5375 per share)
Common stock dividends
($1.5375 per share)
  (612)  (612) (612)
Transactions of equity method investeesTransactions of equity method investees— — — — — Transactions of equity method investees 19    19  19 
Divestiture of noncontrolling interestsDivestiture of noncontrolling interests      (13)(13)
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)— — (141)(516)— (657)(1)(658)Comprehensive income (loss)  1,645 1,028  2,673  2,673 
Ending Balance, March 31$449 $6,252 $8,062 $(5,255)$2,651 $6,857 $$6,861 
Ending Balance, September 30Ending Balance, September 30$449 $6,371 $9,103 $(3,314)$2,987 $9,622 $1 $9,623 

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
In millions, except per share amountsCommon Stock IssuedPaid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Common Stock Held In Treasury, At CostTotal
International
Paper
Shareholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Balance, July 1$449 $6,283 $8,123 $(5,149)$2,649 $7,057 $$7,060 
Issuance of stock for various plans, net— 18 — — (2)20 — 20 
Repurchase of stock— — — — (1)— (1)
Common stock dividends ($0.5125 per share)— — (205)— — (205)— (205)
Transactions of equity method investees— — — — — 
Comprehensive income (loss)— — 204 17 — 221 — 221 
Ending Balance, September 30$449 $6,302 $8,122 $(5,132)$2,648 $7,093 $$7,096 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
In millions, except per share amountsCommon Stock IssuedPaid-in CapitalRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Common Stock Held In Treasury, At CostTotal
International
Paper
Shareholders’
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
Balance, January 1$449 $6,297 $8,408 $(4,739)$2,702 $7,713 $$7,718 
Adoption of ASU 2016-13 measurement of credit losses on financial instruments— — (2)— — (2)— (2)
Issuance of stock for various plans, net— (31)— — (96)65 — 65 
Repurchase of stock— — — — 42 (42)— (42)
Common stock dividends
($1.5375 per share)
— — (613)— — (613)— (613)
Transactions of equity method investees— 36 — — — 36 — 36 
Comprehensive income (loss)— — 329 (393)— (64)(2)(66)
Ending Balance, September 30$449 $6,302 $8,122 $(5,132)$2,648 $7,093 $$7,096 




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NOTE 5 - OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement AdjustmentsDefined Benefit Pension and Postretirement AdjustmentsDefined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Adjustments
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$(1,880)$(2,277)Balance at beginning of period$(1,809)$(2,192)$(1,880)$(2,277)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassificationsOther comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications831 — 832 — 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive incomeAmounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income34 46 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income31 43 101 128 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period(1,846)(2,231)Balance at end of period(947)(2,149)(947)(2,149)
Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsChange in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsChange in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period(2,457)(2,465)Balance at beginning of period(2,286)(2,950)(2,457)(2,465)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassificationsOther comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(143)(544)Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(114)(28)(85)(515)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive incomeAmounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income44 — 184 — 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestOther comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest1 Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest — 2 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period(2,599)(3,008)Balance at end of period(2,356)(2,978)(2,356)(2,978)
Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging DerivativesNet Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging DerivativesNet Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period(5)Balance at beginning of period1 (7)(5)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassificationsOther comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(6)(30)Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(4)(4)3 (34)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive incomeAmounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income3 11 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income(8)(9)26 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period(8)(16)Balance at end of period(11)(5)(11)(5)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of PeriodTotal Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of Period$(4,453)$(5,255)Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of Period$(3,314)$(5,132)$(3,314)$(5,132)

The following table presents details of the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
In millions:Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeLocation of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
Prior-service costs$(5)$(5)$(17)$(15)(a)Non-operating pension expense
Actuarial gains (losses)(36)(52)(118)(155)(a)Non-operating pension expense
Total pre-tax amount(41)(57)(135)(170)
Tax (expense) benefit10 14 34 42 
Total, net of tax(31)(43)(101)(128)
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments:
Business acquisitions/divestitures(44)— (184)— Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses and Cost of products sold
Tax (expense) benefit —  — 
Net of tax(44)— (184)— 
Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts10 (8)12 (39)(b)Cost of products sold
Total pre-tax amount10 (8)12 (39)
Tax (expense)/benefit(2)(3)13 
Net of tax8 (6)9 (26)
Total reclassifications for the period$(67)$(49)$(276)$(154)
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In millions:Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeLocation of Amount Reclassified from AOCI
Three Months Ended
March 31,
20212020
Defined benefit pension and postretirement items:
Prior-service costs$(6)$(5)(a)Non-operating pension expense
Actuarial gains (losses)(40)(56)(a)Non-operating pension expense
Total pre-tax amount(46)(61)
Tax (expense) benefit12 15 
Total, net of tax(34)(46)
Net gains and losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts(4)(17)(b)Cost of products sold
Total pre-tax amount(4)(17)
Tax (expense)/benefit1 
Net of tax(3)(11)
Total reclassifications for the period$(37)$(57)

(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 19 for additional details).
(b)This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in our derivatives and hedging activities (see Note 18 for additional details).
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NOTENOTE 6 - EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed assuming that all potentially dilutive securities were converted into common shares. There are no adjustments required to be made to net income for purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings per share. A reconciliation of the amounts included in the computation of basic earnings (loss) per share and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows:
 
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions, except per share amounts20212020
Earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders$349 $(141)
Weighted average common shares outstanding392.8 392.6 
Effect of dilutive securities (a)
Restricted performance share plan2.0 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution394.8 392.6 
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders$0.89 $(0.36)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders$0.88 $(0.36)

(a) Securities are not included in the table in periods when antidilutive
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millions, except per share amounts2021202020212020
Earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders$864 $204 $1,645 $329 
Weighted average common shares outstanding388.8 393.1 391.0 392.9 
Effect of dilutive securities
Restricted performance share plan3.8 1.5 4.3 1.6 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution392.6 394.6 395.3 394.5 
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders$2.22 $0.52 $4.21 $0.84 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders$2.20 $0.52 $4.16 $0.83 

NOTE 7 - RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES, NET

2021: During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a $35 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs and a $4 million pre-tax charge in Corporate for severance. The majority of the severance is expected to be paid over the next twelve months.

During the three months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recorded a $170 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs and a $4 million pre-tax charge in Corporate for severance. The majority of the severance is expected to be paid over the next twelve months.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recorded an $18 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs and a $12 million pre-tax charge in the Industrial Packaging segment for severance related to the optimization of our EMEA Packaging business. The majority of the severance is expected to be paid over the next twelve months.

In connection with our Building a Better IP initiative, we expect to incur additional restructuring charges over the course of the initiative, which could be material. At this time, the plans have not been finalized.

2020: During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a $105 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs.

During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded an $18 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded an $8 million pre-tax charge in Corporate related to early debt extinguishment costs.

NOTE 8 - ACQUISITIONS

2021: On April 1, 2021, the Company acquiredclosed on the previously announced acquisition of two box plants located in Spain for an aggregateSpain. The total purchase priceconsideration, inclusive of €72working capital adjustments, was approximately €71 million (approximately $85$83 million based on the March 31,April 1, 2021 exchange rate), subject to final working capitalpost-closing adjustments.
The following table summarizes the provisional fair value assigned to assets and net debt adjustments. Prior to March 31, 2021,liabilities acquired as of April 1, 2021:
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In millions
Cash and temporary investments$
Accounts and notes receivable10 
Inventories
Plants, properties and equipment38 
Goodwill30 
Intangible assets14 
Total assets acquired$100 
Short-term debt
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Other current liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Total liabilities assumed17 
Net assets acquired$83 

Since the Company made initial down payments on these acquisitions totaling $56date of acquisition, Net sales of $9 million which isand $18 million and Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings of $0 and $1 million have been included in Acquisitions, netthe Company's consolidated statement of cashoperations for the three months and year to date ended September 30, 2021, respectively.

The purchase price and related allocation are preliminary and could be revised as a result of adjustments made to the purchase price, additional information obtained regarding assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and revisions of provisional estimates of fair values, including, but not limited to, the completion of independent appraisals and valuations related to inventory, property, plant and equipment and acquired intangible assets. Adjustments to provisional amounts will be finalized as new information becomes available, but within the adjustment period of up to one year from the acquisition date.

Pro forma information has not been included as it is impracticable to obtain the information due to the lack of availability of historical U.S. GAAP financial data. The results of the operations of these businesses do not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations.

The Company has accounted for the above acquisition under ASC 805, "Business Combinations" and the results of operations have been included in International Paper's financial statements beginning with the condensed consolidated stateme ntdate of cash flows as of March 31, 2021.acquisition.

In April 2021, the Company received a noncontrolling interest in a U.S-based corrugated packaging producer. In the second quarter, the Company expects to recordrecorded its investment of $115 million based on the preliminary fair value of the noncontrolling interest, and a corresponding contract liability that is expected to be amortized over 15 years. The Company is party to various agreements with the entity which includes a containerboard supply agreement. The Company will accountis accounting for its interest as an equity method investment.

2020: In May 2020, the Company increased its noncontrolling interest in an entity that produces corrugated sheets. The equity purchase price was $56 million. The Company is party to various agreements with the entity which includes a containerboard supply agreement. The Company is accounting for its interest as an equity method investment.

NOTE 9 - DIVESTITURES AND IMPAIRMENTS

Kwidzyn Mill

2021: On February 12, August 6,2021, the Company entered into an agreement to sell ourcompleted the sale of its Kwidzyn, Poland mill for €670€669 million (approximately $786$794 million using the MarchJuly 31, 2021 exchange rate) in cash, subject to final working capital and net debt adjustments. The business includes the pulp and paper mill in Kwidzyn and supporting functions. The transaction is expectedDuring the third quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a net gain of $360 million ($350 million after taxes) including a gain of $404 million ($394 million after taxes) related to closethe sale of net assets and a loss of $44 million (before and after taxes) related to the cumulative foreign currency translation loss. These charges are included in the second halfNet (gains) losses on sales and impairments of 2021, subject to customary closing conditionsbusinesses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and regulatory approvals.are included in the results of the Printing Papers segment. All current year and historical operating results for Kwidzyn will be presented as Discontinued Operations, net of tax, in the consolidated statement of operations in the fourth quarter of 2021.



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At March 31, 2021, all assets and liabilities related to the Kwidzyn mill are classified as current assets held for sale and current liabilities held for sale in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The following summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities of this business reconciled to Assets held for sale and Liabilities held for sale in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In millionsMarch 31, 2021
Cash and temporary investments$54
Accounts and notes receivable41
Inventories75
Other current assets9
Plants, properties and equipment271
Goodwill56
Right of use assets38
Deferred charges and other assets14
Total Assets Held for Sale558
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$57
Other current liabilities14
Deferred income taxes22
Long-term lease obligations35
Other liabilities16
Total Liabilities Held for Sale144

Printing Papers Spinoff

2020: On December 3, 2020, the Company announced a plan to pursue a spin-off of the Company's Printing Papers segment into a standalone, publicly-traded company. The transaction will be implemented through the distribution of shares of the standalone company to International Paper shareholders. International Paper will retain up to 19.9% of the shares of the standalone company at the time of the separation, with the intent to monetize its investment and to provide additional proceeds to the Company. The Company expects the separation to be tax-free for the Company and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes and plans to complete the spin-off late in the third quarter of 2021, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Olmuksan International Paper

2021:On January 5,May 31, 2021, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with Mondi Group to sellcompleted the sale of its 90.38% ownership interest in Olmuksan International Paper, a corrugated packaging business in Turkey, to Mondi Group for €66 million (approximately $78$81 million using the MarchMay 31, 2021 exchange rate). The transaction is expected to be completed inDuring the second quarter of 2021, subjectthe Company recorded a gain of $6 million ($0 after taxes) related to customary closing conditionsthe business working capital adjustment. This charge is included in the Net (gains) losses on sales and regulatory approvals.impairments of businesses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and is included in the results for the Industrial Packaging segment.

In conjunction with the announced agreement in the fourth quarter of 2020, a determination was made that the current book value of the Olmuksan International Paper disposal group exceeded its estimated fair value of $79 million which was based on the agreed upon transaction price. As a result, a preliminary charge of $123 million (before and after taxes) was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2020. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company recorded an additional charge of $2 million (before and after taxes) related to the cumulative foreign currency translation loss. This charge is included in the Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and is included in the results for the Industrial Packaging segment.

At March 31, 2021, all assets and liabilities related to Olmuksan International Paper are classified as current assets held for sale and current liabilities held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

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The following summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities of Olmuksan International Paper reconciled to total Assets held for sale and total Liabilities held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

In millionsMarch 31, 2021
Cash and temporary investments$2
Accounts and notes receivable71
Inventories13
Other current assets5
Plants, properties and equipment (net of impairment)34
Goodwill6
Deferred charges and other assets6
Total Assets Held for Sale137
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities36
Other current liabilities24
Deferred income taxes1
Other liabilities4
Impairment reserve125
Total Liabilities Held for Sale190

Brazil Industrial Packaging

2020: On October 14, 2020, the Company closed the previously announced sale of its Brazilian Industrial Packaging business for R$330 million ($58.5 million U.S. dollars), with R$280 million ($49.6 million U.S. dollars) paid at closing and R$50 million ($8.9 million U.S. dollars) to be paid one year from closing. This business includes 3 containerboard mills and 4 box plants and the agreement follows International Paper's previously announced strategic review of the Brazilian Industrial Packaging business.

In conjunction with the announced agreement, net pre-tax charges of $347 million ($340 million after taxes) were recorded in 2020. These charges included $327 million related to the cumulative foreign currency translation loss and a $20 million loss related to the write down of the long-lived assets of the Brazilian Industrial Packaging business to their estimated fair value. These charges are included in Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations and are included in the results for the Industrial Packaging segment.


NOTE 10 - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

Temporary Investments 

Temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less and money market funds with greater than three month maturities but with the right to redeem without notices are treated as cash equivalents and are stated at cost. Temporary investments totaled $491 million$3.2 billion and $358 million at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Restricted Cash

A reconciliation of cash and temporary investments and restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheet to cash and temporary investments and restricted cash in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:

Nine Months Ended September 30,
In millions20212020
Cash and Temporary Investments$2,122 $678 
Restricted Cash1,499 — 
Total Cash and Temporary Investments and Restricted Cash$3,621 $678 

The Company's restricted cash consists of the cash proceeds from the debt incurred by Sylvamo Corporation as part of the Printing Papers segment spin-off that was completed on October 1, 2021. Of this amount, approximately $1.4 billion was remitted to the Company in the form of a cash distribution. See Note 17 - Debt for further details regarding the Sylvamo debt and the use of the cash proceeds from the debt issuances.
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Accounts and Notes Receivable
In millionsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Accounts and notes receivable, net:
Trade$2,873 $2,776 
Other469 288 
Total$3,342 $3,064 

In millionsSeptember 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Accounts and notes receivable, net:
Trade$3,222 $2,776 
Other327 288 
Total$3,549 $3,064 

The allowance for expected credit losses was $70$64 million and $76 million at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Based on the Company's accounting estimates and the facts and circumstances available as of the reporting date, we believe our allowance for expected credit losses is adequate.

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Inventories 
In millionsIn millionsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020In millionsSeptember 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Raw materialsRaw materials$214 $268 Raw materials$241 $268 
Finished pulp, paper and packagingFinished pulp, paper and packaging993 1,091 Finished pulp, paper and packaging1,156 1,091 
Operating suppliesOperating supplies571 627 Operating supplies569 627 
OtherOther50 64 Other87 64 
TotalTotal$1,828 $2,050 Total$2,053 $2,050 

Plants, Properties and Equipment  

Accumulated depreciation was $20.7$21.2 billion and $21.4 billion at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Depreciation expense was $294$302 million and $309$300 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $888 million and $902 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Non-cash additions to plants, property and equipment included within accounts payable were $40$61 million and $41 million at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Amounts invested in capital projects in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of cash flows are presented net of insurance recoveries of $2$6 million received during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and $30$40 million received during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020.

Interest

Interest payments made during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 were $112$357 million and $184$520 million, respectively.

Amounts related to interest were as follows: 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Interest expenseInterest expense$124 $163 Interest expense$117 $148 $358 $467 
Interest incomeInterest income32 46 Interest income24 36 116 122 
Capitalized interest costsCapitalized interest costs2 Capitalized interest costs3 8 27 

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company had recorded liabilities of $113$135 million and $116 million related to asset retirement obligations at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

NOTE 11 - LEASES

International Paper leases various real estate, including certain operating facilities, warehouses, office space and land. The Company also leases material handling equipment, vehicles, and certain other equipment. The Company's leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 33 years. Total lease cost was $72 million and $67 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.












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remaining lease term of up to 32 years. Total lease cost was $73 million and $68 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $216 million and $202 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases

In millionsIn millionsClassificationMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020In millionsClassificationSeptember 30, 2021December 31, 2020
AssetsAssetsAssets
Operating lease assetsOperating lease assetsRight-of-use assets$415 $459 Operating lease assetsRight-of-use assets$405 $459 
Finance lease assetsFinance lease assetsPlants, properties and equipment, net (a)93 95 Finance lease assetsPlants, properties and equipment, net (a)87 95 
Total leased assetsTotal leased assets$508 $554 Total leased assets$492 $554 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
CurrentCurrentCurrent
OperatingOperatingOther current liabilities$143 $148 OperatingOther current liabilities$146 $148 
FinanceFinanceNotes payable and current maturities of long-term debt12 13 FinanceNotes payable and current maturities of long-term debt12 13 
NoncurrentNoncurrentNoncurrent
OperatingOperatingLong-term lease obligations276 315 OperatingLong-term lease obligations263 315 
FinanceFinanceLong-term debt80 82 FinanceLong-term debt75 82 
Total lease liabilitiesTotal lease liabilities$511 $558 Total lease liabilities$496 $558 
(a)Finance leases are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $55$62 million and $53 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

NOTE 12 - EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

The Company accounts for the following investments under the equity method of accounting.

Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC

The Company completed the transfer of its North American Consumer Packaging business in exchange for an initial 20.5% ownership interest (79,911,511(79,911,591 units) in Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC (GPIP) in 2018. On January 29, 2020, theThe Company exchanged 15,150,784 units of the aggregate units owned by the Company for an aggregated price of $250 million, resultinghas since fully monetized its investment in a pre-tax gain of $33 million ($25 million after taxes) which was recordedGPIP with transactions beginning in the first quarter of 2020. On August 7, 2020 through the Company exchanged 17,399,414 units of the aggregate units owned by the Company for an aggregated price of $250 million, resulting in an immaterial gain which was recorded in the thirdsecond quarter of 2020. On February 16, 2021, the Company exchanged 15,307,000 units of the aggregate units owned by the Company for 15,307,000 shares of Graphic Packaging stock. The Company sold the shares in open market transactions for approximately $247 million. Additionally, on February 16, 2021, the Company exchanged 9,281,316 units of the aggregate units owned by the Company for an aggregated price of $150 million. These transactions resulted in a pre-tax gain of $74 million ($56 million after taxes) which was recorded in the first quarter of 2021 and are comprised of a pre-tax gain of $33 million related to the units and shares transactions and a pre-tax gain of $41 million related to the 2018 Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") with GPIP.2021.

GPIP Monetization Transactions
DateTransaction TypeUnitsProceedsPre-tax GainAfter-Tax Gain
In millions except units
2020 First QuarterUnits exchange15,150,784$250 $33 $25 
2020 Third QuarterUnits exchange17,399,414250 — — 
2021 First QuarterUnits exchange and open market sale24,588,316397 33 25 
2021 First QuarterTRA41 31 
2021 Second QuarterUnits exchange and open market sale22,773,077402 64 48 
2021 Second QuarterTRA (a)66 50 

(a) The TRA entitles the Company to 50% of the amount of any tax benefits projected to be realized by GPIP upon the Company's exchange of its units. This amount is recorded in other receivables and is expected to be received within the next 12 months. Additional exchanges of our units will most likely result in additional gains being recognized related to this TRA, but the timing and amounts of those gains are dependent upon the timing of future exchanges.

As of March 31,June 30, 2021, the Company'sCompany no longer had an ownership interest in GPIP was 7.4%.GPIP. The Company recorded equity earnings of $1 million and $7$11 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2020 and $4 million and $29 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were no equity earnings recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The Company received cash dividends from GPIP of $4$5 million and $5$16 million during the first threenine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company's investment in GPIP was $336 million and $702 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, which was $167 million and $345 million, respectively, more than the Company's proportionate share of the entity's underlying net assets. The difference primarily relates to the basis difference between the fair value of our investment and the underlying net assets, and is generally amortized in equity earnings over a period consistent with the underlying long-lived assets. The Company is party to various agreements with GPI under which it sells fiber and other products to GPI. Sales under these agreements were $56 million and $70 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.




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Summarized financial information for GPIP is presented in the following tables:

Balance Sheet
In millionsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Current assets$1,904 $2,011 
Noncurrent assets5,835 5,784 
Current liabilities1,241 1,827 
Noncurrent liabilities4,224 3,594 

Income Statement
Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20212020
Net sales$1,649 $1,599 
Gross profit249 321 
Income (loss) from continuing operations77 (24)
Net income (loss)77 (24)

Ilim S.A.

The Company has a 50% equity interest in Ilim S.A. (Ilim), which has subsidiaries whose primary operations are in Russia. The Company recorded equity earnings (losses), net of taxes, of $49$95 million and $(35)$(33) million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $245 million and $(5) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Equity earningsForeign exchange gains (losses) included an after-tax foreign exchange loss of $2 million and $51 millionin equity earnings for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, were not material and JSC Ilim Group had no U.S. dollar-denominated debt outstanding as of September 30, 2021. Equity earnings (losses) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2020, included after-tax foreign exchange losses of $55 million and $72 million, respectively, primarily on the remeasurement of U.S. dollar-denominated net debt. The Company received cash dividends from the joint venture of $144 million and $141 million during the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company's investment in Ilim was $291$517 million and $393 million, respectively, which was $125$131 million and $127 million, respectively, more than the Company's proportionate share of the joint venture's underlying net assets. The differences primarily relate to currency translation adjustments and the basis difference between the fair value of our investment at acquisition and the underlying net assets. ThePrior to the spin-off of the Printing Papers segment on October 1, 2021, the Company iswas party to a joint marketing agreement with JSC Ilim Group, a subsidiary of Ilim, under which the Company purchases, marketspurchased, marketed and sellssold paper produced by JSC Ilim Group. Purchases under this agreement were $41$42 million and $51$41 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $125 million and $131 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The joint marketing agreement was conveyed to Sylvamo Corporation as part of the spin-off transaction on October 1, 2021.

Summarized financial information for Ilim is presented in the following tables:

Balance Sheet
In millionsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Current assets$925 $739 
Noncurrent assets2,737 2,733 
Current liabilities856 674 
Noncurrent liabilities2,456 2,249 
Noncontrolling interests19 17 
In millionsSeptember 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Current assets$935 $739 
Noncurrent assets3,069 2,733 
Current liabilities711 674 
Noncurrent liabilities2,487 2,249 
Noncontrolling interests34 17 

Income Statement
Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20212020
Net sales$531 $482 
Gross profit248 195 
Income (loss) from continuing operations103 (61)
Net income (loss)100 (58)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millions2021202020212020
Net sales$729 $498 $1,993 $1,474 
Gross profit393 191 1,051 597 
Income (loss) from continuing operations190 (62)498 
Net income (loss)182 (60)481 

The Company's remaining equity method investments are not material.




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NOTE 13 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill

The following table presents changes in goodwill balances as allocated to each business segment for the three-monthsnine-months ended March 31,September 30, 2021:

In millionsIndustrial
Packaging
Global Cellulose Fibers Printing
Papers
 Total
Balance as of January 1, 2021
Goodwill$3,410 $52   $1,966   $5,428 
Accumulated impairment losses(296)(52)  (1,765)(2,113)
3,114 0   201   3,315 
Currency translation and other (a)(3)0 (14)(17)
Goodwill additions/reductions0 0 (56)(b)(56)
Accumulated impairment loss additions / reductions0 0 0 0 
Balance as of March 31, 2021
Goodwill3,407 52   1,896   5,355 
Accumulated impairment losses(296)(52)  (1,765) (2,113)
Total$3,111 $0   $131   $3,242 
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In millionsIndustrial
Packaging
Global Cellulose Fibers Printing
Papers
 Total
Balance as of January 1, 2021
Goodwill$3,410 $52   $1,966   $5,428 
Accumulated impairment losses(296)(52)  (1,765)(2,113)
3,114 —   201   3,315 
Currency translation and other (a)(5) (8)(13)
Goodwill additions/reductions29 (b) (57)(c)(28)
Accumulated impairment loss additions / reductions    
Balance as of September 30, 2021
Goodwill3,434 52   1,901   5,387 
Accumulated impairment losses(296)(52)  (1,765) (2,113)
Total$3,138 $   $136   $3,274 
 
(a)Represents the effects of foreign currency translations.
(b)RepresentsReflects the box plant acquisitions in EMEA.
(c)Reflects the Kwidzyn held for sale in EMEA.sale.

Other Intangibles

Identifiable intangible assets comprised the following: 

March 31, 2021December 31, 2020 September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
In millionsIn millionsGross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Intangible AssetsGross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Intangible AssetsIn millionsGross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Intangible AssetsGross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net Intangible Assets
Customer relationships and listsCustomer relationships and lists$535 $296 $239 $542 $294 $248 Customer relationships and lists$552 $314 $238 $542 $294 $248 
Tradenames, patents and trademarks, and developed technologyTradenames, patents and trademarks, and developed technology170 120 50 170 117 53 Tradenames, patents and trademarks, and developed technology170 128 42 170 117 53 
Land and water rightsLand and water rights8 2 6 Land and water rights8 2 6 
SoftwareSoftware17 17 0 25 24 Software17 17  25 24 
OtherOther15 11 4 19 10 Other14 10 4 19 10 
TotalTotal$745 $446 $299 $764 $447 $317 Total$761 $471 $290 $764 $447 $317 

The Company recognized the following amounts as amortization expense related to intangible assets: 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Amortization expense related to intangible assetsAmortization expense related to intangible assets$12 $10 Amortization expense related to intangible assets$12 $17 $35 $43 

NOTE 14 - INCOME TAXES

International Paper made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $17$389 million and $16$203 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The Company currently estimates, that as a result of ongoing discussions, pending tax settlements and expirations of statutes of limitations, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by approximately $5$11 million during the next 12 months.
The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service has challenged the deductibility of goodwill amortization generated in a 2007 acquisition by International PaperSylvamo do Brasil Ltda., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company received assessments for the tax years 2007-2015 totaling approximately $105$107 million in tax, and $338$351 million in interest, penalties, and
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fees as of March 31,September 30, 2021 (adjusted for variation in currency exchange rates). After a previous favorable ruling challenging the basis for these assessments, we received other subsequent unfavorable decisions from the Brazilian Administrative Council of Tax Appeals. The Company has appealed and intends to further appeal these and any future unfavorable administrative judgments to the Brazilian federal courts; however, this tax litigation matter may take many years to resolve. The Company believes that it has appropriately evaluated the transaction underlying these assessments, and has concluded based on Brazilian tax law, that its position would be sustained.
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The Company intends to vigorously defend its position against the current assessments and any similar assessments that may be issued for tax years subsequent to 2015. This assessment pertains to a business that was conveyed to Sylvamo Corporation as of October 1, 2021, as part of our spin-off transaction. Pursuant to the terms of the tax matters agreement entered into between the Company and Sylvamo Corporation, the Company will pay 60% and Sylvamo will pay 40%, on up to $300 million of any assessment related to this matter, and the Company will pay all amounts of the assessment over $300 million. The Brazilian government may enact a tax amnesty program that would allow Sylvamo do Brasil Ltda. to resolve this dispute for less than the assessed amount. In addition, all decisions concerning the conduct of the litigation related to this matter, including strategy settlement, pursuit and abandonment, will continue to be made by the Company. Sylvamo will thus have no control over any decision related to this ongoing litigation. As of October 1, 2021, in connection with the recording of the distribution of assets and liabilities resulting from the spin-off transaction, International Paper will establish a liability on the Company's balance sheet representing the initial fair value of the contingent obligation under the tax matters agreement. The Company's fair value estimate is in process and the Company is currently unable to quantify the liability to be recognized in the fourth quarter. It is possible the amount could be material.

NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental

International PaperThe Company has been named as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in environmental remediation actions under various federal and state laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Many of these proceedings involve the cleanup of hazardous substances at large commercial landfills that received waste from many different sources. While joint and several liability is authorized under CERCLA and equivalent state laws, as a practical matter, liability for CERCLA cleanups is typically allocated among the many PRPs. There are other remediation costs typically associated with the cleanup of hazardous substances at the Company’s current, closed or formerly-owned facilities, and recorded as liabilities in the balance sheet.

Remediation costs are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they become probable and reasonably estimable. International PaperThe Company has estimated the probable liability associated with these environmental remediation matters, including those described herein, to be approximately $189$187 million ($198195 million undiscounted) in the aggregate as of March 31,September 30, 2021. Other than as described below, completion of required remedial actions is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Cass Lake: One of the matters included above arises out of a closed wood-treatment facility located in Cass Lake, Minnesota. In June 2011, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected and published a proposed soil remedy at the site with an estimated cost of $46 million. In April 2020, the EPA issued a final plan concerning clean-up standards at a portion of the site, the estimated cost of which is included within the reserve referenced above. In October 2012, the Natural Resource Trustees for this site provided notice to International Paper and other PRPs of their intent to perform a Natural Resource Damage Assessment. It is premature to predict the outcome of the assessment or to estimate a loss or range of loss, if any, in excess of the applicable reserve referenced above, which may be incurred.

Kalamazoo River: The Company is a PRP with respect to the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site in Michigan. The EPA asserts that the site is contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) primarily as a result of discharges from various paper mills located along the Kalamazoo River, including a paper mill (the Allied Paper Mill) formerly owned by St. Regis Paper Company (St. Regis). The Company is a successor in interest to St. Regis.

Operable Unit 5, Area 1: In March 2016, the Company and other PRPs received a special notice letter from the EPA (i) inviting participation in implementing a remedy for a portion of the site known as Operable Unit 5, Area 1, and (ii) demanding reimbursement of EPA past costs totaling $37 million, including $19 million in past costs previously demanded by the EPA. The Company responded to the special notice letter. In December 2016, the EPA issued a unilateral administrative order to the Company and other PRPs to perform the remedy. The Company responded to the unilateral administrative order, agreeing to comply with the order subject to its sufficient cause defenses.

Operable Unit 1: In October 2016, the Company and another PRP received a special notice letter from the EPA inviting participation in the remedial design component of the landfill remedy for the Allied Paper Mill, which is also known as Operable Unit 1. The Record of Decision establishing the final landfill remedy for the Allied Paper Mill was issued by the EPA in September 2016. The Company responded to the Allied Paper Mill special notice letter in December 2016. In February 2017, the EPA informed the Company that it would make other arrangements for the performance of the remedial design.

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In addition, in December 2019, the United States published notice in the Federal Register of a proposed consent decree with NCR Corporation (one of the parties to the allocation/apportionment litigation described below), the State of Michigan and natural resource trustees under which NCR would make payments of more than $100 million and perform work in Operable Unit 5, Areas 2, 3, and 4 at an estimated cost of $135.7 million. In December 2020, the Federal District Court approved the proposed consent decree.

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The Company’s CERCLA liability has not been finally determined with respect to these or any other portions of the site, and except as noted above, the Company has declined to perform any work or reimburse the EPA at this time. As noted below, the Company is involved in allocation/apportionment litigation with regard to the site. Accordingly, it is premature to predict the outcome or estimate our maximum reasonably possible loss or range of loss with respect to this site. We have recorded a liability for future remediation costs at the site that are probable and reasonably estimable, and it remains reasonably possible that additional losses in excess of this recorded liability could be material.

The Company was named as a defendant by Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP, Fort James Corporation and Georgia Pacific LLC in a contribution and cost recovery action for alleged pollution at the site. NCR Corporation and Weyerhaeuser Company are also named as defendants in the suit. The suit seeks contribution under CERCLA for costs purportedly expended by plaintiffs ($79 million as of the filing of the complaint) and for future remediation costs. In June 2018, the Court issued its Final Judgment and Order, which fixed the past cost amount at approximately $50 million (plus interest to be determined) and allocated to the Company a 15% share of responsibility for those past costs. The Court did not address responsibility for future costs in its decision. In July 2018, the Company and each of the other parties filed notices appealing the Final Judgment and prior orders incorporated into that Judgment. The Company appeal is pending.
Harris County: International Paper and McGinnis Industrial Maintenance Corporation (MIMC), a subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc. (WMI), are PRPs at the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site in Harris County, Texas. The PRPs have been actively participating in the activities at the site and share the costs of these activities.
In October 2017, the EPA issued a Record of Decision (ROD) selecting the final remedy for the site: removal and relocation of the waste material from both the northern and southern impoundments. The EPA did not specify the methods or practices needed to perform this work. The EPA’s selected remedy was accompanied by a cost estimate of approximately $115 million ($105 million for the northern impoundment, and $10 million for the southern impoundment). Subsequent to the issuance of the ROD, there have been numerous meetings between the EPA and the PRPs, and the Company continues to work with the EPA and MIMC/WMI to develop the remedial design.
To this end, in April 2018, the PRPs entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the EPA, agreeing to work together to develop the remedial design for the northern impoundment. That remedial design work is ongoing. The AOC does not include any agreement to perform waste removal or other construction activity at the site. Rather, it involves adaptive management techniques and a pre-design investigation, the objectives of which include filling data gaps (including but not limited to post-Hurricane Harvey technical data generated prior to the ROD and not incorporated into the selected remedy), refining areas and volumes of materials to be addressed, determining if an excavation remedy is able to be implemented in a manner protective of human health and the environment, and investigating potential impacts of remediation activities to infrastructure in the vicinity.
During the first quarter of 2020, through a series of meetings among the Company, MIMC/WMI, our consultants, the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), progress was made to resolve key technical issues previously preventing the Company from determining the manner in which the selected remedy for the northern impoundment would be feasibly implemented. As a result of these developments, as of September 30, 2020, the Company has reserved the following amounts in relation to remediation at this site: (a) $10 million for the southern impoundment; and (b) $55 million for the northern impoundment, which represents the Company's 50% share of our estimate of the low end of the range of probable remediation costs.
AlthoughWe have submitted the Final Design Package for the southern impoundment to the EPA, and the EPA approved this plan May 7, 2021. With respect to the northern impoundment, although several key technical issues have been resolved, we still face significant challenges remediating the northern impoundmentthis area in a cost-efficient manner and without a release to the environment and therefore our discussions with the EPA on the best approach to remediation will continue. Because of ongoing questions regarding cost effectiveness, timing and gathering other technical data, additional losses in excess of our recorded liability are possible. We have submitted the Final Design Package for the southern impoundment to EPA, and EPA approval of this plan is anticipated shortly. We are currently unable to reasonably estimate any further adjustment to our recorded liability or any loss or range of loss in excess of such liability; however, we believe it is unlikely any adjustment would be material.

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Asbestos-Related Matters

We have been named as a defendant in various asbestos-related personal injury litigation, in both state and federal court, primarily in relation to the prior operations of certain companies previously acquired by the Company. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company's total recorded liability with respect to pending and future asbestos-related claims was $114$112 million, net of estimated insurance recoveries. While it is reasonably possible that the Company may incur losses in excess of its recorded liability with respect to asbestos-related matters, we do not believe additional material losses are probable.
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Antitrust

Italy:In March 2017, the Italian Competition Authority (ICA) commenced an investigation into the Italian packaging industry to determine whether producers of corrugated sheets and boxes violated the applicable European competition law. In April 2019, the ICA concluded its investigation and issued initial findings alleging that over 30 producers, including our Italian packaging subsidiary (IP Italy), improperly coordinated the production and sale of corrugated sheets and boxes. On August 6, 2019, the ICA issued its decision and assessed IP Italy a fine of €29 million (approximately $32 million at current exchange rates) which was recorded in the third quarter of 2019. We appealed the ICA decision and our appeal was denied on May 25, 2021. However, we are vigorously appealing this decision of the ICAcontinue to the Italian courts andbelieve we have numerous and strong bases for our appeal.to challenge the ICA decision, and we have further appealed the decision to the Italian Council of State.

Taxes Other Than Payroll Taxes

In 2017, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court decided that the state value-added tax (VAT) should not be included in the basis of federal VAT calculations. In 2018 and 2019, the Brazilian tax authorities published both an internal consultation and a normative ruling with a narrow interpretation of the effects of the case. We have determined that any related federal VAT refunds should be recognized when they are both probable and reasonably estimable. Based upon the best information available to us at that time, we have determined that the amount ofan estimated refund that iswas probable of being realized is limited to that determined by the tax authorities' narrow interpretation, for whichrealized. As of March 31, 2021, we havehad recognized a receivable of $11 million based upon the authorities narrow interpretation. On May 13, 2021, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court ruled again on the case. This ruling provides a much broader definition of the state VAT, which increased the exclusion amount from the Federal VAT calculations. Therefore, we recognized an additional receivable of $70 million during the three months ended June 30, 2021, which brought the total receivable to $81 million as of March 31,June 30, 2021. ItThe $70 million of income recognized during the second quarter of 2021 included income of $42 million in Cost of Products sold and income of $28 million in Interest expense, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. A portion of this receivable has been consumed by offsetting various taxes payable. After giving effect to this offset, the ending balance of the total receivable is possible that future court decisions$48 million as of September 30, 2021. The issue is now considered fully resolved, and guidance fromno further ruling by either the Brazilian Supreme Court or the Brazilian tax authorities could expand the scopeis expected. This receivable pertains to a business that was conveyed to Sylvamo Corporation as of the federal VAT refunds.October 1, 2021, as part of our spin-off transaction.

General

The Company is involved in various other inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to environmental and safety matters, personal injury, product liability, labor and employment, contracts, sales of property, intellectual property, tax, and other matters, some of which allege substantial monetary damages. See Note 14 for details regarding a tax matter. Assessments of lawsuits and claims can involve a series of complex judgments about future events, can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions, and are otherwise subject to significant uncertainties. As a result, there can be no certainty that the Company will not ultimately incur charges in excess of presently recorded liabilities. The Company believes that loss contingencies arising from pending matters including the matters described herein, will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or liquidity of the Company. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in pending or threatened legal matters, some of which are beyond the Company's control, and the large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, a future adverse ruling, settlement, unfavorable development, or increase in accruals with respect to these matters could result in future charges that could be material to the Company's results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period.

NOTE 16 - VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Variable Interest Entities

As of March 31,In August 2021, the fair value of the Timber Notes and Extension Loans was $4.9 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively, for the 2015 Financing Entities. The Timber Notes and Extension Loans are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 17 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The Timber Notes of $4.8 billion mature in August 2021. Theand the Extension Loans of $4.2 billion were extended inrelated to the fourth quarter of 2020 to extend2015 Financing Entities both matured. We settled the maturity dates to August 2021. The Timber Notes and Extension Loans are shown in Current nonrecourse financial assets of variable interest entities and Current nonrecourse financial liabilities of variable interest entities, respectively, on the accompanying balance sheet. We will settle the third-party loans at their maturity in August 2021 with the proceeds from the installment notes which also matureTimber Notes. This resulted in August 2021 resulting in expected cash proceeds of approximately $0.6 billion$630 million representing our equity in the variable interest entities. Maturity of the installment notes and termination of the monetization structure also resulted in a $72 million tax liability that is expected to resultbe paid in a $75 million cash tax payment inthe fourth quarter of 2021.








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As of September 30, 2021, the Company's remaining deferred tax liability associated with the 2015 Financing Entities was $815 million. The nature and timing of the income tax due related to these transactions is currently under review by the Internal Revenue Service.

Activity between the Company and the 2015 Financing Entities was as follows:
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20212020
Revenue (a)$24 $24 
Expense (a)13 32 
Cash receipts (b)47 47 
Cash payments (c)14 64 

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millions2021202020212020
Revenue (a)$14 $24 $61 $71 
Expense (a)8 32 34 96 
Cash receipts (b)48 48 95 95 
Cash payments (c)24 64 38 128 
 
(a)The revenue and expense are included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying statement of operations.
(b)The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
(c)The cash payments represent interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.


As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the fair value of the Timber Notes and Extension Loans for the 2007 Financing Entities was $2.3 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, for the 2007 Financing Entities.respectively. The Timber Notes and Extension Loans are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 17 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The Timber Notes of $2.3 billion and the Extension Loans of $2.1 billion both mature in 2027 and are shown in Long-term nonrecourse financial assets of variable interest entities and Long-term nonrecourse financial liabilities of variable interest entities, respectively, on the accompanying balance sheet.

Activity between the Company and the 2007 Financing Entities was as follows:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Revenue (a)Revenue (a)$7 $16 Revenue (a)$5 $$18 $35 
Expense (b)Expense (b)6 16 Expense (b)6 18 36 
Cash receipts (c)Cash receipts (c)2 12 Cash receipts (c)1 4 28 
Cash payments (d)Cash payments (d)4 15 Cash payments (d)4 12 34 
 
(a)The revenue is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying statement of operations and includes approximately $5 million and $14 million for both of the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of accretion income for the amortization of the basis difference adjustment on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
(b)The expense is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying statement of operations and includes approximately $2 million and $5 million for both the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of accretion expense for the amortization of the basis difference adjustment on the Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.
(c)The cash receipts are interest received on the Financial assets of special purpose entities.
(d)The cash payments are interest paid on Nonrecourse financial liabilities of special purpose entities.

NOTE 17 - DEBT

The borrowing capacity of the Company's commercial paper program is $1.0 billion. Under the terms of the program, individual maturities on borrowings may vary, but not exceed one year from the date of issue. Interest bearing notes may be issued either as fixed or floating rate notes. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the program.

At March 31,September 30, 2021, International Paper’s credit facilities totaled $2.1 billion. The Agreements generally provide for interest rates at a floating rate index plus a pre-determined margin dependent upon International Paper’s credit rating. The Agreements include a $1.5 billion contractually committed bank facility. In June 2021, the Company extended the maturity date of the $1.5 billion credit facility that expires infrom December 2022.2022 to June 2026. The liquidity facilities also include up to $550 million of uncommitted financings based on eligible receivables balances under a receivables securitization program. In February of 2021, after considering the Company’s liquidity position in relation to COVID-19 and the current macroeconomic environment at such time, the Company
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amended the receivable securitization program from a committed financing arrangement to an uncommitted financing arrangement. In August of 2021, the Company amended the receivable securitization program to remove receivable balances related to Sylvamo. The borrowing limit of up to $550 million based on eligible receivables balances and the expiration date in April 2022 remainedwere unchanged fromby the previous agreement.February 2021 and August 2021 amendments. At March 31,September 30, 2021, there were no borrowings under either the bank facility or receivables securitization program.

In March 2020, the Company entered into a $750 million contractually committed 364-day revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of banks and other financial institutions which augmented the Company's access to liquidity due to the macroeconomic conditions related to COVID-19 and supplemented the Company's $1.5 billion credit agreement. After considering the Company’s liquidity position in relation to COVID-19 and the current macroeconomic environment at such time, the companyCompany determined not to extend the $750 million credit agreement after its expiration on March 24, 2021.

19In anticipation of the spin-off, Sylvamo incurred $1.5 billion in debt during the third quarter of 2021 with the proceeds to be used for a distribution to the Company and other expenses associated with the transaction. The Company was an obligor of the debt prior to the spin-off as Sylvamo was a wholly-owned subsidiary. Subsequent to the distribution of the net assets, the Company was no longer an obligor of the Sylvamo debt. The $1.5 billion of borrowings is comprised of $450 million of 7.00% senior unsecured notes due 2029 issued in September 2021. It is also comprised of the senior secured credit facility that Sylvamo entered into in September 2021 which consisted of $450 million of borrowings related to its term loan “B” facility, $520 million of borrowings related to its term loan “F” facility, and the $100 million draw on its revolving credit facility which has a capacity of $450 million.

Table
The Company's early debt reductions in the third quarter of Contents2021 were a debt tender in August 2021 of approximately $200 million related to debt with an interest rate of 3.55% and a maturity date of 2029.

The Company’s early debt reductions in the second quarter of 2021 were a debt tender in June 2021 of approximately $558 million related to debt with interest rates ranging from 4.35% to 4.40% and maturity dates ranging from 2047 to 2048 and open market repurchases of approximately $232 million related to debt with interest rates ranging from 3.00% to 5.15% and maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2046.

The Company’s early debt reductions in the first quarter of 2021 were open market repurchases of approximately $107 million related to debt with interest rates ranging from 3.00% to 4.80% and maturities dates from 2027 to 2048.

The Company’s financial covenants require the maintenance of a minimum net worth, as defined in our debt agreements, of $9 billion and a total debt-to-capital ratio of less than 60%. Net worth is defined as the sum of common stock, paid-in capital and retained earnings, less treasury stock plus any cumulative goodwill impairment charges. The calculation also excludes accumulated other comprehensive income/loss and both the current and long-term Nonrecourse Financial Liabilities of Variable Interest Entities. The total debt-to-capital ratio is defined as total debt divided by the sum of total debt plus net worth. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.

At March 31,September 30, 2021, the fair value of International Paper’s $8.0$8.5 billion of debt was approximately $9.6$10.2 billion. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. International Paper’s long-term debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 17 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

NOTE 18 - DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

As a multinational company, International Paper is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices.

The notional amounts of qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:

In millionsIn millionsMarch 31, 2021 December 31, 2020In millionsSeptember 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contracts (USD)Foreign exchange contracts (USD)$112 $85 Foreign exchange contracts (USD)$108 $85 
Foreign exchange contracts (EUR)Foreign exchange contracts (EUR)192 187 Foreign exchange contracts (EUR) 187 
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contracts (EUR)670
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Electricity contract (MWh)Electricity contract (MWh)0.2 0.2 Electricity contract (MWh)0.3 0.2 

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The following table shows gains or losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax, related to derivative instruments: 

Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contractsForeign exchange contracts$(6)$(30)Foreign exchange contracts$(4)$(4)$3 $(34)
TotalTotal$(6)$(30)Total$(4)$(4)$3 $(34)
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships:Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships:Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contractsForeign exchange contracts$17 $0 Foreign exchange contracts$6 $— $18 $ 
Interest rate contractsInterest rate contracts0 20 Interest rate contracts —  24 
TotalTotal$17 $20 Total$6 $— $18 $24 

During the next 12 months, the amount of the March 31,September 30, 2021 AOCI balance, after tax, that is expected to be reclassified to earnings is a loss of $5$2 million.







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The amounts of gains and losses recognized in the statement of operations on qualifying and non-qualifying financial instruments used in hedging transactions were as follows:
 Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI Into Income (Effective Portion)Location of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI
(Effective Portion)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
In millions20212020 
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contracts$(3)$(11)Cost of products sold
Total$(3)$(11)

 Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI Into Income (Effective Portion)Location of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI
(Effective Portion)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
In millions2021202020212020 
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contracts$8 $(6)$9 $(26)Cost of products sold
Total$8 $(6)$9 $(26)
 Gain (Loss) Recognized in IncomeLocation of Gain (Loss)
In 
Statement
of Operations
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
In millions2021202020212020 
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
Interest rate contracts$ $— $ $38 Interest expense, net
Debt —  (38)Interest expense, net
Total$ $— $ $— 
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging Relationships:
Foreign exchange contracts— — Net (gain) losses on sales and impairments of businesses
Total$— $$— $
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Electricity contract$6 $$13 $(2)Cost of products sold
Foreign exchange contracts5 — (1)— Cost of products sold
Total$11 $$12 $(2)

 Gain (Loss) Recognized in IncomeLocation of Gain (Loss)
In 
Statement
of Operations
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
In millions20212020 
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
Interest rate contracts$0 $38 Interest expense, net
Debt0 (38)Interest expense, net
Total$0 $
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Electricity contract$2 $(3)Cost of products sold
Total$2 $(3)

Fair Value Measurements

The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during the year. Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the end of the reporting period.

The following table provides a summary of the impact of our derivative instruments in the balance sheet:

Fair Value Measurements

The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during the year. Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
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The following table provides a summary of the impact of our derivative instruments in the balance sheet:

Fair Value Measurements
Level 2 – Significant Other Observable Inputs
 Assets Liabilities 
In millionsMarch 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts – cash flow$3 $$13 $
Foreign exchange contracts - net investment28 0 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments31 13 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Electricity contract1 0 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments1   0 
Total derivatives$32 (a)$(a)$13 (b)$(c)
 Assets Liabilities 
In millionsSeptember 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Foreign exchange contracts – cash flow$3 $$5 $
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments3 5 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Electricity contract11 —  
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments11   —  
Total derivatives$14 (a)$(b)$5 (c)$(d)
 
(a)Includes $13 million recorded in Other current assets and $1 million recorded in Deferred charges and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(b)Included in Other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(b)(c)Includes $11$4 million recorded in Other current liabilities and $2$1 million recorded in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
(c)(d)Includes $7 million recorded in Other current liabilities and $2 million recorded in Other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
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The above contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that provide rights of offset with each counterparty when amounts are payable on the same date in the same currency or in the case of certain specified defaults. Management has made an accounting policy election to not offset the fair value of recognized derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the balance sheet. The amounts owed to the counterparties and owed to the Company are considered immaterial with respect to each counterparty and in the aggregate with all counterparties.
NOTE 19 - RETIREMENT PLANS

International Paper sponsors and maintains the Retirement Plan of International Paper Company (the Pension Plan), a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan that provides retirement benefits to substantially all U.S. salaried and hourly and union employees who work at a participating business unit.

The Pension Plan provides defined pension benefits based on years of credited service and either final average earnings (salaried employees and hourly employees receiving salaried benefits), hourly job rates or specified benefit rates (hourly and union employees).

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company froze participation, including credited service and compensation, for salaried employees under the Pension Plan, the Pension Restoration Plan and the SERP plan. This change does not affect benefits accrued through December 31, 2018. For service after December 31, 2018, employees affected by the freeze receive a company contribution to their individual Retirement Savings Account.

In advance of the spin-off of the Printing Papers segment into a standalone, publicly-traded company, Sylvamo, a legally separate Sylvamo Pension Plan was established to transfer both pension liabilities and qualified pension assets for the approximately 900 active qualified pension participants who transitioned to Sylvamo. Effective September 1, 2021, the Retirement Plan of International Paper (“IP Pension Plan”) and the Sylvamo Pension Plan were legally separated and remeasured as of that date. The remeasurement resulted in a net asset balance of $520 million for the IP Pension Plan, which has been classified as part of the Pension Assets balance on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Based on the September 1, 2021 remeasurement, the IP Pension Plan completed the transfer of approximately $286 million in projected benefit obligation and approximately $263 million in qualified pension assets to the Sylvamo Pension Plan.
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Net periodic pension (income) expense for our qualified and nonqualified U.S. defined benefit plans comprised the following: 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Service costService cost$27 $20 Service cost$26 $21 $78 $64 
Interest costInterest cost83 98 Interest cost84 98 251 294 
Expected return on plan assetsExpected return on plan assets(183)(167)Expected return on plan assets(177)(167)(543)(501)
Actuarial lossActuarial loss39 55 Actuarial loss35 51 114 152 
Amortization of prior service costAmortization of prior service cost6 Amortization of prior service cost5 16 15 
Net periodic pension (income) expenseNet periodic pension (income) expense$(28)$11 Net periodic pension (income) expense$(27)$$(84)$24 

The components of net periodic pension (income) expense other than the Service cost component are included in Non-operating pension (income) expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The Company’s funding policy for our pension plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet legal funding requirements, plus any additional amounts that the Company may determine to be appropriate considering the funded status of the plan, tax deductibility, the cash flows generated by the Company, and other factors. The Company made 0no voluntary cash contributions to the qualified pension plan in the first threenine months of 2021 or 2020. The nonqualified defined benefit plans are funded to the extent of benefit payments, which totaled $5$16 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021.

NOTE 20 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

International Paper has an Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) which is administered by the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee). The ICP authorizes the grants of restricted stock, restricted or deferred stock units, performance awards payable in cash or stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals, dividend equivalents, stock options, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards at the discretion of the Committee. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, 7.27.6 million shares were available for grant under the ICP.
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Stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefits were as follows: 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)$14 $26 Total stock-based compensation expense (selling and administrative)$42 $17 $103 $48 
Income tax benefits related to stock-based compensationIncome tax benefits related to stock-based compensation17 17 Income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation(2)13 18 

At March 31,September 30, 2021, $125$107 million, net of estimated forfeitures, of compensation cost related to unvested restricted performance shares, executive continuity awards and restricted stock attributable to future service had not yet been recognized. This amount will be recognized in expense over a weighted-average period of 2.21.9 years.

Performance Share Plan

During the first threenine months of 2021, the Company granted 2.0 million performance units at an average grant date fair value of $53.15.

NOTE 21 - BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

International Paper’s business segments, Industrial Packaging, Global Cellulose Fibers and Printing Papers, 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. On October 1, 2021, the Company completed the previously announced spin-off of its Printing Papers segment into a standalone, publicly-traded company, Sylvamo Corporation. As a result of the spin-off, the Company no longer operated this Printing Papers segment effective October 1, 2021, and all current and historical financial results will be adjusted to reflect the Printing Papers segment as a discontinued operation in the fourth quarter of 2021. In addition, certain limited historical and ongoing business activities will be included in our Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers segments.

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Business segment operating profits are used by International Paper's management to measure the earnings performance of its businesses. Management believes that this measure allows a better understanding of trends in costs, operating efficiencies, prices and volumes. Business segment operating profits are defined as earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings, but including the impact of noncontrolling interests, and excluding interest expense, net, corporate items,expenses, net, corporate net special items, business net special items and non-operating pension expense.

Net sales by business segment for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Industrial PackagingIndustrial Packaging$3,953 $3,819 Industrial Packaging$4,087 $3,768 $12,096 $11,220 
Global Cellulose FibersGlobal Cellulose Fibers581 568 Global Cellulose Fibers729 564 1,981 1,737 
Printing PapersPrinting Papers781 908 Printing Papers846 743 2,473 2,234 
Corporate and Intersegment SalesCorporate and Intersegment Sales48 57 Corporate and Intersegment Sales52 48 143 150 
Net SalesNet Sales$5,363 $5,352 Net Sales$5,714 $5,123 $16,693 $15,341 

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Operating profit (loss) by business segment for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Industrial PackagingIndustrial Packaging$447 $470 Industrial Packaging$429 $469 $1,284 $1,388 
Global Cellulose FibersGlobal Cellulose Fibers(82)(54)Global Cellulose Fibers96 (59)24 (123)
Printing PapersPrinting Papers80 96 Printing Papers106 63 262 148 
Business Segment Operating ProfitsBusiness Segment Operating Profits$445 $512 Business Segment Operating Profits$631 473$1,570 $1,413 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity earningsEarnings (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings$399 $(16)Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings$916 $282 $1,747 $527 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net92 117 Interest expense, net93 112 242 345 
Noncontrolling interests adjustmentNoncontrolling interests adjustment(1)Noncontrolling interests adjustment(1)— (3)— 
Corporate expenses, netCorporate expenses, net25 32 Corporate expenses, net12 (20)44 
Corporate net special itemsCorporate net special items(31)33 Corporate net special items11 108 81 195 
Business net special itemsBusiness net special items14 352 Business net special items(349)(385)368 
Non-operating pension expense (income)Non-operating pension expense (income)(53)(6)Non-operating pension expense (income)(51)(11)(156)(31)
Business Segment Operating ProfitsBusiness Segment Operating Profits$445 $512 Business Segment Operating Profits$631 $473 $1,570 $1,413 

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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Form 10-Q") and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (our "Annual Report"). In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include those discussed below and in our Annual Report, particularly in "Risk Factors" andunder "Forward-Looking Statements" of this Form 10-Q and "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" of our Annual Report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper common shareholders were $349$864 million ($0.882.20 per diluted share) in the firstthird quarter of 2021, compared with $153$432 million ($0.391.09 per diluted share) in the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and $(141)$204 million ($(0.36)0.52 per diluted share) in the firstthird quarter of 2020. International Paper generated Adjusted Operating Earnings Attributableoperating earnings attributable to International Paper Common Shareholderscommon shareholders (a non-GAAP measure defined below) of $299$532 million ($0.761.35 per diluted share) in the firstthird quarter of 2021, compared with $296$421 million ($0.751.06 per diluted share) in the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and $226$280 million ($0.570.71 per diluted share) in the firstthird quarter of 2020.

During the firstthird quarter 2021, International Paper delivered solidgrew revenue, margins and earnings, and generated strong cash generation. Our mill and converting system performed well to mitigate the significant impact of the winter storm and supportfrom operations. The strong customer demand across all our packaging channels. The winter stormenvironment in the United States impacted pre-tax earnings by $80 million, primarily affecting operations and input costs. Input costs and transportation were a headwindsecond quarter 2021 continued in the firstthird quarter, especially for energy which was impacted by the duration of the severe cold temperatures in the southern United States. Momentum continued to build in the first quarter across our three businesses with very strong demand for corrugated packaging and containerboard and solid demand for absorbent pulp. InOur Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses made strong progress on price realization from prior price increases in the third quarter to mitigate the impact of a very challenging supply chain and input cost environment. Input costs affected results much more than anticipated in the third quarter, mostly due to higher fiber and energy costs. The widespread supply chain constraints limited our ability to capture the full opportunity that comes with the strong demand environment. Our mills performed well; however, stretched supply chains constrained volumes in our Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses. Additionally, due to labor market constraints, we have had to increase overtime while we try to hire additional permanent employees. This has led to higher labor costs, particularly at our converting facilities. Containerboard inventories in our packaging network improved in the latter part of the third quarter, putting us in a much healthier position as we enter the seasonally stronger fourth quarter. With respect to capital allocation, in the third quarter, we reduced debt by approximately $235 million and returned $411 million to shareholders through dividends of $199 million and share repurchases of $212 million.

Finally, the Printing Papers business we saw an improved supply/demand backdropdelivered strong performance and carried good momentum in allthe third quarter, ahead of our key geographies. Our performance again demonstrates the agility and resilience of International Paper to perform well across many different circumstances. Additionally, we made solid progress on the spin-off of ourthe business, which was completed on October 1, 2021. In consideration for the Printing Papers business spin-off, International Paper received a payment of $1.4 billion from Sylvamo and retained a 19.9% interest in the new company, which we expectintend to complete late in the third quarter.monetize within one year.

Comparing our performance in the firstthird quarter 2021 to the fourthsecond quarter 2020,2021, price and mix increased significantly,improved, driven by pricestrong realization of our prior period price increases across the three businesses. Input costs were a significant headwind in the third quarter, increasing by more than two times what we had anticipated, mostly due to higher fiber and energy costs. Volumes decreased sequentially. Supply chain constraints limited our North Americanability to capture the full benefit of a strong demand backdrop. In our Global Cellulose Fibers business, demand for absorbent pulp remains solid; however, shipments were constrained by significant port congestion. Our mills performed well and we also benefited from one-time items in the third quarter, including insurance recovery in the Industrial Packaging business related to the winter storms early in the year and the sale of nitrogen credits in the Global Cellulose Fibers business. These one-time benefits were largely offset by higher unplanned maintenance in Industrial Packaging and higher supply chain costs in Global Cellulose Fibers businesses. Volumes were essentially flat comparedFibers. We continue to the fourth quarter 2020, as strong demand for corrugated packaging and pulp was offsetbe impacted by a seasonal decline in demand in our Brazil Printing Papers business. Operationshighly stressed supply chain environment that is affecting both inbound materials and costs were favorable as our millsoutbound shipments. Every mode of transportation is tight, and converting plants performed well, which partly mitigatedis expected to remain so for the impact of the winter storm in the first quarter 2021.foreseeable future. Planned maintenance outage costs increaseddecreased sequentially driven by higher planned maintenance in our North American Industrial Packaging and North American Printing Papers businesses. Input costs were unfavorable driven by higher energy and chemicals costs. Overall, we’re seeing higher costs for recovered fiber, energy, chemicals and distribution, which we expect to continue in the second quarter 2021. Additionally, transportation conditions are challenging and we’re experiencing significant rail, truck and ocean transportation congestion. Equity earnings decreased from the fourth quarter 2020 primarily due to lower earnings from our Graphic Packaging investment, which reflects our lower ownership interest following our first quarter 2021 monetization. Subsequent to the first quarter, we received a $144 million cash dividend from ouras expected. Our Ilim joint venture interest.delivered another strong performance with equity earnings of $95 million.

Looking ahead to the secondfourth quarter 2021, as compared to the firstthird quarter of 2021, in our Industrial Packaging business, we expect higher price and mix primarily on the flow-throughrealization of our MarchAugust 2021 price increaseincreases in North America.America, partially offset by mix as we start to recover some export backlogs. Volume is expected to decrease modestlyimprove sequentially on lowerhigher seasonal demand despite three fewer shipping days in Morocco and Spain.the fourth quarter. Operations and costs are expected to improve duemoderately. Supply chains are expected to the non-repeat of winter storm costs in the first quarter 2021, partially offset by higher incentive compensation accruals related to a stronger outlook in 2021.remain stretched, however, our North America packaging network will benefit from improved containerboard inventory levels, as planned. Maintenance outage expense is expected to be higher.relatively flat. Input costs are also expected to be higherincrease, driven primarily by higher recoveredaverage costs for fiber costs, energy, raw materials and distribution costs.energy. In our Global Cellulose Fibers business, we expect price and mix to improve significantly on price realization of our prior period increases.be stable. Volume is expected to be flat sequentially. Maintenance outage expenses are expecteddecrease modestly, primarily due to decrease and input costs are expected to be stable. In our Printing Papers business, we expect price and mix to increase. Volumepersistent port congestion, which is expected to be essentially flat toimpact absorbent pulp shipments again in the priorfourth quarter. Operations and costs are expected to lower earnings mostlybe unfavorable due to the non-repeat of a favorable foreign currency gain in Brazilthe previously mentioned nitrogen credit sales in the first quarter 2021.third quarter. Maintenance outage expenses are expected to increase and while
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input costs are expected to rise moderately.increase on higher wood fiber and energy costs. Equity earnings from our Ilim joint venture are expected decrease modestly.

Finally, following the completion of the Printing Papers spin-off on October 1, 2021, the historical results of the business will be treated as a discontinued operation with a full recast of previously presented periods to reflect this treatment. Third quarter earnings included $134 million of Business Segment Operating Profit attributed to the Sylvamo spin-off and Kwidzyn mill, which are no longer part of International Paper in the fourth quarter.

On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide. Since that time, mostDuring the third quarter of 2021, the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths increased in the United States and numerous other countries, and restrictive measures, including mask and vaccine requirements, have been implemented or reinstituted by various governmental authorities and private businesses. Economic recovery in the United States has continued but may be threatened by the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and other factors. Most of our manufacturing and converting facilities have remained open and operational during the pandemic.
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pandemic and at the current time our manufacturing and converting facilities are generally operational.

We have seenThe pandemic has had a mixed impact on demand for our products. DemandInitially, demand for printing papers products was significantly impacted by the pandemic, although demand recoveredbut has seen a bit insteady increase over the first quarternine months of 2021. Demand for our pulp, containerboard and corrugated box products has not been negatively impacted and in some cases has been positively impacted by COVID-19 to date, butdate. However, all of our operations in Industrial Packaging experiencedcontinue to experience higher supply chain costs and a constrained transportation environment due in part to the impacts of COVID-19.

There continue to be significant uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including with respect to the various economic reopening plans and the resurgence of the virus including new variants of the virus in many areas globally; the additional actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and private businesses, including mask and vaccine requirements, to attempt to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or to mitigate its impact; the efficacy, acceptance and availability of various vaccines and efficiencybooster shots, as well as the possibility that strains of the distribution of variousvirus may be resistant to current available vaccines; and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on unemployment,economic conditions, including with respect to labor market conditions, economic activity, consumer behavior, supply chain shortages and consumer confidence.disruptions and inflationary pressures. COVID-19 has significantly adversely affectedhad a significant adverse effect on portions of our business, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows particularly if negativepublic health and/or global economic conditions persist for a significant period of time or deteriorate.

Adjusted operating earnings and Adjusted operating earnings per share are non-GAAP measures and are defined as net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper (a GAAP measure) excluding net special items and non-operating pension expense (income). Net earnings (loss) and Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders are the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The Company calculates Adjusted operating earnings by excluding the after-tax effect of non-operating pension expense (income) and items considered by management to be unusual (net special items) from the earnings reported under GAAP. Adjusted operating earnings per share is calculated by dividing Adjusted operating earnings by diluted average shares of common stock outstanding. Management uses this measurethese measures to focus on on-going operations, and believes that it isthese measures are useful to investors because it enables themsuch measures enable investors to perform meaningful comparisons of past and present consolidated operating results. The Company believes that using this information, along with the most directly comparable GAAP measure, providesmeasures, provide for a more complete analysis of the results of operations.

The following are reconciliations of Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders to Adjusted operating earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders.shareholders on a total and per share basis. Additional detail is provided later in this Form 10-Q regarding the net special items referenced in the charts below.
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended December 31,
In millions202120202020
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$349 $(141)$153 
Add Back - Non-operating pension expense (income)(53)(6)(10)
Add Back - Net special items expense (income)(17)384 201 
Income tax effect - Non-operating pension and net special items expense20 (11)(48)
Adjusted Operating Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$299 $226 $296 

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
In millions202120202021
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$864 $204 $432 
Add Back - Non-operating pension expense (income)(51)(11)(52)
Add Back - Net special items expense (income)(330)109 23 
Income tax effect - Non-operating pension and net special items expense49 (22)18 
Adjusted Operating Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$532 $280 $421 

 Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended December 31,
In millions202120202020
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders$0.88 $(0.36)$0.39 
Add Back - Non-operating pension expense (income) per share(0.13)(0.01)(0.03)
Add Back - Net special items expense (income) per share(0.04)0.97 0.51 
Income tax effect per share - Non-operating pension and net special items expense0.05 (0.03)(0.12)
Adjusted Operating Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders$0.76 $0.57 $0.75 
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 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended June 30,
In millions202120202021
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders$2.20 $0.52 $1.09 
Add Back - Non-operating pension expense (income) per share(0.13)(0.03)(0.13)
Add Back - Net special items expense (income) per share(0.84)0.28 0.06 
Income tax effect per share - Non-operating pension and net special items expense0.12 (0.06)0.04 
Adjusted Operating Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to International Paper Company Common Shareholders$1.35 $0.71 $1.06 

Cash provided by operations totaled $512 million$1.9 billion and $649 million$2.3 billion for the first threenine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company generated free cash flow of approximately $423 million and $363 million$1.6 billion in each of the first threenine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively.2020. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure and the most directly comparable GAAP measure is cash provided by operations. Management utilizes this measure in connection with managing our business and believes that free cash flow is useful to investors as a liquidity measure because it measures the amount of cash generated that is available, after reinvesting in the business, to maintain a strong balance sheet, pay dividends, repurchase stock, service debt and make investments for future growth. It should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. By adjusting
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for certain items that are not indicative of the Company's ongoing performance, we believe that free cash flow also enables investors to perform meaningful comparisons between past and present periods.

The following is a reconciliation of cash provided by operations to free cash flow: 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions20212020
Cash provided by operationsCash provided by operations$512 $649 Cash provided by operations$1,923 $2,274 
Adjustments:Adjustments:Adjustments:
Cash invested in capital projects, net of insurance recoveriesCash invested in capital projects, net of insurance recoveries(89)(286)Cash invested in capital projects, net of insurance recoveries(348)(657)
Free Cash FlowFree Cash Flow$423 $363 Free Cash Flow$1,575 $1,617 

The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this Form 10-Q as referenced above have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of our results calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because not all companies utilize identical calculations, the Company's presentation of non-GAAP measures in this Form 10-Q may not be comparable to similarly titled measures disclosed by other companies, including companies in the same industry as the Company.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the firstthird quarter of 2021, International Paper Company reported net sales of $5.4$5.7 billion, compared with $5.2$5.6 billion in the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and $5.4$5.1 billion in the firstthird quarter of 2020.
Net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper totaled $349$864 million, or $0.88$2.20 per diluted share, in the firstthird quarter of 2021. This compared with $153$432 million, or $0.39$1.09 per diluted share, in the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and $(141)$204 million, or $(0.36)$0.52 per diluted share, in the firstthird quarter of 2020.


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Compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020,2021, earnings benefited from higher average sales prices net of an unfavorableand a favorable mix ($108171 million), lower operating costs ($419 million), lower net interest expensemill maintenance outage costs ($5134 million), and lower tax expense ($9 million) and lower non-operating pension expense ($3215 million). These benefits were offset by lower sales volumes ($824 million), higher raw material and freight costs ($64182 million), higher corporate and other items ($2 million) and higher non-operating pension expense ($1 million). Net interest expense was flat. Equity earnings, net of taxes, relating to International Paper’s investments in Ilim S.A., Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC, and other investments were $10 million lower than in the second quarter of 2021. Net special items in the third quarter of 2021 were a gain of $294 million compared with a loss of $28 million in the second quarter of 2021.
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Compared with the third quarter of 2020, the third quarter of 2021 reflects higher average sales prices and a favorable mix ($478 million), higher sales volumes ($2 million), lower mill maintenance outage costs ($4354 million), lower net interest expense ($23 million), lower tax expense ($6 million) and lower non-operating pension expense ($31 million). These benefits were offset by higher operating costs ($83 million), higher raw material and freight costs ($325 million) and higher corporate and other itemscosts ($3025 million). Equity earnings, net of taxes, relating to International Paper’s investments in Ilim S.A., Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC, and other investments were $15$122 million lowerhigher in the third quarter of 2021 than in the fourththird quarter of 2020. Net special items in the firstthird quarter of 2021 were a gain of $10$294 million compared with a loss of $151$83 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.
ip-20210331_g2.jpg


Compared with the first quarter of 2020, the first quarter of 2021 reflects higher average sales prices and a favorable mix ($106 million), lower corporate and other costs ($6 million), lower net interest expense ($18 million), lower tax expense ($16 million) and lower non-operating pension expense ($35 million). These benefits were offset by lower sales volumes ($10 million), higher operating costs ($45 million), higher raw material and freight costs ($89 million) and higher mill maintenance outage costs ($9 million). Equity earnings, net of taxes, relating to International Paper’s investments in Ilim S.A., Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC, and other investments were $80 million higher in the first quarter of 2021 than in the first quarter of 2020. Net special items in the first quarter of 2021 were a gain of $10 million compared with a loss of $372 million in the firstthird quarter of 2020.
Business Segment Operating Profitssegment operating profits are used by International Paper's management to measure the earnings performance of its businesses. Management uses this measure to focus on on-going operations, and believes that it is useful to investors because it enables them to perform meaningful comparisons of past and present operating results. International Paper believes that using this information, along with net earnings, provides a more complete analysis of the results of operations by quarter. Business Segment Operating Profitssegment operating profits are defined as earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity earnings, but including the impact of noncontrolling interests, and excluding interest expense, net, corporate expenses, net, corporate net special items, business net special items and non-operating pension expense. Business Segment Operating Profitssegment operating profits is a measure reported to our management for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to our business segments and assessing the performance of our business segments and is presented in our financial statement footnotes in accordance with ASC 280.

In the third quarter, International Paper operatesoperated in three segments: Industrial Packaging, Global Cellulose Fibers and Printing Papers. As of October 1, 2021, the Company completed the spin-off of its Printing Papers segment into a standalone, publicly- traded company, Sylvamo Corporation.











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The following table presents a reconciliation of Net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper Company to its Total business segment operating profit: 

 Three Months Ended
 March 31,December 31,
In millions202120202020
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$349 $(141)$153 
Add back (deduct):
Income tax provision (benefit)99 94 34 
Equity (earnings) loss, net of taxes(49)31 (64)
Noncontrolling interests, net of taxes — — 
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings399 (16)123 
Interest expense, net92 117 99 
Noncontrolling interests included in operations(1)— — 
Corporate expenses, net25 32 (16)
Corporate net special items(31)33 79 
Business net special items14 352 122 
Non-operating pension expense (income)(53)(6)(10)
Adjusted Operating Profit$445 $512 $397 
Business Segment Operating Profit (Loss):
Industrial Packaging$447 $470 $431 
Global Cellulose Fibers(82)(54)(114)
Printing Papers80 96 80 
Total Business Segment Operating Profit$445 $512 $397 

 Three Months Ended
 September 30,June 30,
In millions202120202021
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company$864 $204 $432 
Add back (deduct):
Income tax provision (benefit)146 50 102 
Equity (earnings) loss, net of taxes(94)28 (104)
Noncontrolling interests, net of taxes — 
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings916 282 432 
Interest expense, net93 112 57 
Noncontrolling interests included in operations(1)— (1)
Corporate expenses, net12 (20)
Corporate net special items11 108 101 
Business net special items(349)(50)
Non-operating pension expense (income)(51)(11)(52)
Adjusted Operating Profit$631 $473 $494 
Business Segment Operating Profit (Loss):
Industrial Packaging$429 $469 $408 
Global Cellulose Fibers96 (59)10 
Printing Papers106 63 76 
Total Business Segment Operating Profit$631 $473 $494 
































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Business Segment Operating Profit

Total business segment operating profits were $445$631 million in the firstthird quarter of 2021, $397$494 million in the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and $512$473 million in the firstthird quarter of 2020.

ip-20210331_g3.jpgip-20210930_g3.jpg


Compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020,2021, operating profits benefited from higher average sales prices net of an unfavorableand a favorable mix ($147216 million), lower operating costs ($12 million) and lower operatingmill outage costs ($56170 million). These benefits were offset by lower sales volumes ($1130 million), and higher raw material and freight costs ($86 million) and higher mill outage costs ($58231 million).


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Compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020, operating profits in the current quarter benefited from higher average sales prices and a favorable mix ($148591 million) and higher sales volumes ($3 million) and lower mill outage costs ($67 million). These benefits were offset by lower sales volumes ($14 million), higher operating costs ($63102 million), and higher raw material and freight costs ($125 million) and higher mill outage costs ($13401 million).


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Sales Volumes by Product (a)
Sales volumes of major products for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: 

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In thousands of short tons (except as noted)In thousands of short tons (except as noted)20212020In thousands of short tons (except as noted)2021202020212020
Industrial PackagingIndustrial PackagingIndustrial Packaging
Corrugated Packaging (b)Corrugated Packaging (b)2,684 2,624 Corrugated Packaging (b)2,689 2,705 8,106 7,900 
ContainerboardContainerboard709 827 Containerboard710 760 2,118 2,370 
RecyclingRecycling558 569 Recycling521 541 1,647 1,630 
Saturated KraftSaturated Kraft45 48 Saturated Kraft45 36 140 123 
Gypsum/Release KraftGypsum/Release Kraft55 56 Gypsum/Release Kraft56 50 179 154 
Bleached KraftBleached Kraft7 Bleached Kraft5 18 22 
EMEA Packaging (b)EMEA Packaging (b)435 441 EMEA Packaging (b)334 374 1,179 1,190 
Brazilian Packaging (b)Brazilian Packaging (b) 90 Brazilian Packaging (b) 98  271 
European Coated PaperboardEuropean Coated Paperboard109 111 European Coated Paperboard56 102 267 308 
Industrial PackagingIndustrial Packaging4,602 4,773 Industrial Packaging4,416 4,673 13,654 13,968 
Global Cellulose Fibers (in thousands of metric tons) (c)
Global Cellulose Fibers (in thousands of metric tons) (c)
898 901 
Global Cellulose Fibers (in thousands of metric tons) (c)
856 886 2,605 2,752 
Printing PapersPrinting PapersPrinting Papers
U.S. Uncoated PapersU.S. Uncoated Papers346 415 U.S. Uncoated Papers379 336 1,104 998 
European and Russian Uncoated PapersEuropean and Russian Uncoated Papers307 360 European and Russian Uncoated Papers248 298 882 929 
Brazilian Uncoated PapersBrazilian Uncoated Papers254 240 Brazilian Uncoated Papers275 208 801 598 
Printing PapersPrinting Papers907 1,015 Printing Papers902 842 2,787 2,525 
 
(a)Sales volumes include third party and inter-segment sales and exclude sales of equity investees.
(b)Volumes for corrugated box sales reflect consumed tons sold (CTS). Board sales for these businesses reflect invoiced tons.
(c)Includes North American, European and Brazilian volumes and internal sales to mills.
Income Taxes
An income tax provision of $99$146 million was recorded for the firstthird quarter of 2021 and the reported effective income tax rate was 25%16%. Excluding expense of $7$36 million related to the tax effects of net special items and expense of $13 million related to the tax effects of non-operating pension expense, the effective income tax rate was 24%18% for the quarter.
An income tax provision of $34$102 million was recorded for the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and the reported effective income tax rate was 28%24%. Excluding a benefitexpense of $50$5 million related to the tax effects of net special items and expense of $2$13 million related to the tax effects of non-operating pension expense, the effective income tax rate was 26%21% for the quarter.
An income tax provision of $94$50 million was recorded for the firstthird quarter of 2020 and the reported effective income tax rate was (588)%18%. Excluding a benefit of $12$26 million related to the tax effects of net special items and expense of $1$4 million related to the tax effects of non-operating pension expense, the effective income tax rate was 29%19% for the quarter.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense was $92$93 million in the firstthird quarter of 2021, compared with $99$57 million in the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and $117$112 million in the firstthird quarter of 2020.

Net interest expense includes interest expense of $8 million, interest income of $28 million and interest income of $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively, related to a foreign value-added tax credit accrual.









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Effects of Net Special Items and Non-Operating Pension Expense
Details of net special items and non-operating pension expense (income) for the three months ended are as follows:
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 31,December 31,September 30,June 30,
202120202020202120202021
In millionsIn millionsBefore TaxAfter TaxBefore TaxAfter TaxBefore TaxAfter TaxIn millionsBefore TaxAfter TaxBefore TaxAfter TaxBefore TaxAfter Tax
Business SegmentsBusiness SegmentsBusiness Segments
EMEA Packaging business optimization$12 $10 (a)$— $— $— $— 
Foreign value-added tax credit accrualForeign value-added tax credit accrual$7 $5 (a)$— $— $(42)$(28)(a)
Printing Papers spin-offPrinting Papers spin-off4 4 (a)— — — — 
Environmental remediation reserve adjustmentEnvironmental remediation reserve adjustment  (a)— — 
Gain on sale of Kwidzyn, Poland millGain on sale of Kwidzyn, Poland mill(360)(350)(a)— — — — 
EMEA Packaging impairment - TurkeyEMEA Packaging impairment - Turkey2 2 (a)— — 123 123 (a)EMEA Packaging impairment - Turkey  — — (8)(2)(b)
Brazil Packaging impairmentBrazil Packaging impairment  344 337 (a)— — Brazil Packaging impairment  (4)`(2)(b)— — 
Abandoned property removal  (b)— — 
Riverdale mill conversion  (c)— — 
Foreign value-added tax refund accrual  (2)(1)(a)— — 
OtherOther  — — (1)(1)(d)Other  (1)(1)(c)— — 
Business Segments TotalBusiness Segments Total14 12 352 344 122 122 Business Segments Total(349)(341)(50)(30)
CorporateCorporateCorporate
Printing Papers spin-off / Build a Better IP25 20 — — 
Debt extinguishment costsDebt extinguishment costs18 14 65 49 Debt extinguishment costs35 26 105 79 170 128 
Printing Papers spin-off / Building a Better IPPrinting Papers spin-off / Building a Better IP53 47 — — 28 23 
Environmental remediation reserve adjustmentEnvironmental remediation reserve adjustment  41 31 — — Environmental remediation reserve adjustment5 4 — — 
India transaction  17 17 — — 
Gain on sale of portion of equity investment in Graphic Packaging(74)(56)(33)(25)— — 
Real estate - office impairmentReal estate - office impairment  — — 21 16 
Gain on sale of La Mirada, California distribution centerGain on sale of La Mirada, California distribution center(86)(65)— — — — 
Gain on sale of equity investment in Graphic PackagingGain on sale of equity investment in Graphic Packaging  — — (130)(98)
OtherOther  (1)(1)Other4 3 
Corporate TotalCorporate Total(31)(22)32 28 79 61 Corporate Total11 15 108 81 101 77 
Total net special itemsTotal net special items(17)(10)384 372 201 183 Total net special items(338)(326)110 84 51 47 
Non-operating pension expense (income)Non-operating pension expense (income)(53)(40)(6)(5)(10)(8)Non-operating pension expense (income)(51)(38)(11)(7)(52)(39)
Total net special items and non-operating pension expense (income)Total net special items and non-operating pension expense (income)$(70)$(50)$378 $367 $191 $175 Total net special items and non-operating pension expense (income)$(389)$(364)$99 $77 $(1)$

(a) Recorded in the Printing Papers segment.
(b) Recorded in the Industrial Packaging segment.
(c) Includes a charge of $1 million (before and after taxes) recorded in the Industrial Packaging segment and income of $2 million (before and after taxes) recorded in the Printing Papers segment.

Net special items include the following tax expenses (benefits):
Three Months Ended
September 30,June 30,
In millions202120202021
Foreign and state taxes related to Printing Papers spin-off$27 $— $— 
Total$27 $— $— 








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Details of net special items and non-operating pension expense for the nine months ended are as follows:
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
20212020
In millionsBefore TaxAfter TaxBefore TaxAfter Tax
Business Segments
EMEA Packaging business optimization$12 $10 (a)$— $— 
Printing Papers spin-off4 4 (c)— — 
Brazil Packaging impairment  349 342 (a)
Abandoned property removal  14 11 (b)
Environmental remediation reserve adjustment  (c)
Riverdale mill conversion  (c)
Gain on sale of Kwidzyn, Poland mill(360)(350)(c)— — 
Foreign value-added tax credit accrual(35)(23)(c)(2)(1)(a)
EMEA Packaging impairment - Turkey(6) (a)— — 
Other  $(1)$(1)(d)
Business Segments Total(385)(359)$368 $358 
Corporate
Debt extinguishment costs223 168 131 98 
Printing Papers spin-off / Building a Better IP106 90 — — 
Real estate - office impairment21 16 — — 
Environmental remediation reserve adjustment10 7 41 31 
Asbestos litigation reserve adjustment  43 33 
India transaction  11 11 
Gain on sale of equity investment in Graphic Packaging(204)(154)(33)(25)
Gain on sale of La Mirada, California distribution center(86)(65)— — 
Other11 8 
Corporate Total81 70 $195 $149 
Total net special items(304)(289)563 507 
Non-operating pension expense (income)(156)(117)(31)(23)
Total net special items and non-operating pension expense (income)$(460)$(406)$532 $484 

(a) Recorded in the Industrial Packaging segment.
(b) Includes $6$9 million ($57 million after taxes) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 recorded in the Industrial Packaging segment and $3$5 million ($24 million after taxes) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 recorded in the Global Cellulose Fibers segment.
(c) Recorded in the Printing Papers segment.
(d)    Includes income of $5$2 million ($4(before and after taxes) recorded in the Printing Papers segment and charges of $1 million (before and after taxes) recorded in the Industrial Packaging segment and charges of $4 million ($3 million after taxes) recorded in the Printing Papers segment..segment.

Net special items include the following tax expenses (benefits):
Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
March 31,December 31,September 30,
In millionsIn millions202120202020In millions20212020
Settlement of tax audits$ $— $(32)
Foreign and state taxes related to Printing Papers spin-offForeign and state taxes related to Printing Papers spin-off$27 $— 
TotalTotal$ $— $(32)Total$27 $— 

BUSINESS SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS

The following tables present net sales and business segment operating profit (loss) which is the Company's measure of segment profitability.

Industrial Packaging

Total Industrial Packaging20212020
In millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th Quarter
Sales$3,953 $3,819 $3,813 
Operating Profit (Loss)$447 $470 $431 

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Industrial Packaging

Total Industrial Packaging20212020
In millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
Sales$4,087 $4,056 $12,096 $3,768 $3,633 $11,220 
Operating Profit (Loss)$429 $408 $1,284 $469 $449 $1,388 

Industrial Packaging net sales for the firstthird quarter of 2021 were 4%1% higher compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and 4%8% higher compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020. Operating profit was 4%5% higher in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and 5%9% lower compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020.

North American Industrial PackagingNorth American Industrial Packaging20212020North American Industrial Packaging20212020
In millionsIn millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th QuarterIn millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
Sales (a)Sales (a)$3,485 $3,355 $3,371 Sales (a)$3,738 $3,587 $10,810 $3,351 $3,241 $9,947 
Operating Profit (Loss)Operating Profit (Loss)$395 $437 $396 Operating Profit (Loss)$418 $377 $1,190 $455 $434 $1,326 

(a)Includes intra-segment sales of $26 million, $32$34 million and $22$31 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 March 31,and 2020, respectively; $27 million and December 31,$31 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively; and $87 million and $94 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
North American Industrial Packaging sales volumes in the firstthird quarter of 2021 were lower compared to the fourthsecond quarter of 2020,2021, reflecting lower shipments for boxes. Exportboxes and domestic containerboard sales volumes were stable. Strong demand was more thanpartially offset by the winter storm impact in the first quarter of 2021. E-commerce demand continues to be strong and demand in food service segments is improving.higher shipments for export containerboard. Box shipments were impacted by constrained containerboard availability as supply chains remain stretched. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 53,000202,000 tons higherlower in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020,2021, driven by higherlower maintenance downtime. Average sales margins were significantly higher reflecting higher average sales prices for boxes and export containerboard. Operating costs were higher, aslower, driven by strong mill operations and cost management were more thanpartially offset by winter storm impacts and the non-repeat of favorable one-time items in the fourth quarter of 2020.higher converting costs. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $63$123 million higherlower in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020.2021. Input costs were significantlysubstantially higher, primarily for wood, recovered fiber energy and distribution. The winter storm negatively impacted earnings by $75 million in the first quarter of 2021.energy.
Compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020, sales volumes were higherlower in the firstthird quarter of 2021 for boxes and lower for export containerboard and reflectpartially offset by higher shipments for domestic containerboard. Sales volumes for boxes were slightly lower reflecting the impact of the winter storm in the first quarter of 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on box demand as strong growth in the e-commerce and shipping and distribution segments is partially offset by food service related segments. Food service related demand is improving but is not at pre-pandemic levels.challenging supply chain environment. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 52,00040,000 tons lower in the firstthird quarter of 2021, primarily driven by lower economicmaintenance downtime. Export containerboard and box prices were significantly higher reflecting previously announcedprevious price increases in late 2020.increases. Operating costs increased, driven by the winter storm.inflation and increased converting and transportation costs. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $17 million higherlower in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020. Input costs were significantly higher driven by recovered fiber, energy, chemicals and energy.wood.
Entering the secondfourth quarter of 2021, sales volumes for boxes and export containerboard are expected to be flat as slightly higher domestic demand is offset bycompared to the impactthird quarter of a high planned maintenance outage quarter and lower exports.2021. Average sales margins are also expected to be higher, reflecting previously announcedprevious price increases. Operating costs are expected to improve without the impact of the winter storm that occurred in the first quarter of 2021.be lower. Planned maintenance downtime costs are expected to be $69$4 million higher in the secondfourth quarter of 2021 compared with the firstthird quarter of 2021. Input costs are expected to be higher primarily for recovered fiber.fiber, energy and chemicals.

EMEA Industrial PackagingEMEA Industrial Packaging20212020EMEA Industrial Packaging20212020
In millionsIn millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th QuarterIn millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
SalesSales$396 $350 $364 Sales$331 $394 $1,121 $306 $297 $953 
Operating Profit (Loss)Operating Profit (Loss)$26 $10 $20 Operating Profit (Loss)$(4)$12 $34 $$$18 

EMEA Industrial Packaging sales volumes for boxes in the firstthird quarter of 2021 were higherlower compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 driven by seasonally higherlower volumes in Morocco. Average sales margins for boxes were lower reflecting increased containerboard costs.costs, partially offset by higher box prices. Operating costs were lower. There were no plannedPlanned maintenance downtime outagescosts were $2 million higher in either the firstthird quarter of 2021 orcompared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020.2021. Input costs were higher, primarily for recovered fiber and energy. Earnings benefited from favorable foreign currency impacts.The company completed the sale of its business in Turkey during the second quarter of 2021.

Compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020, sales volumes in the firstthird quarter of 2021 were slightly higher, reflecting recovery of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Average sales margins for boxes were lower driven by higher containerboard costs. Average sales margins for containerboard were higher reflecting higher sales prices. Operating costs improved reflecting strong operations and cost management. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $1 million lower in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher. Earnings benefits from favorable foreign currency impacts, primarily in Morocco and Turkey.

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operations and cost management. Planned maintenance downtime were $1 million lower in the third quarter of 2021 compared with the third quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher, primarily for recovered fiber and energy. Earnings benefited from the recent box plant acquisitions in Spain.

Looking ahead to the secondfourth quarter of 2021, sales volumes for boxes are expected to be seasonally lower, primarily in Morocco.higher. Average sales margins are expected to be lower.lower due to continued rising containerboard pricing. Operating costs are expected to be higher. There are no plannedPlanned maintenance downtime outagescosts are expected to be $1 million lower in the secondfourth quarter of 2021 compared with the third quarter of 2021. Input costs are expected to be higher primarily for fiber.due to rising energy costs.

Brazilian Industrial Packaging20212020
In millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th Quarter
Sales$ $54 $— 
Operating Profit (Loss)$ $(1)$— 

Brazilian Industrial Packaging20212020
In millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
Sales$ $ $ $52 $42 $148 
Operating Profit (Loss)$ $ $ $— $(2)$(3)
On March 29, 2020 International Paper announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell its Brazilian Industrial Packaging business. The transaction closed October 14, 2020.

European Coated PaperboardEuropean Coated Paperboard20212020European Coated Paperboard20212020
In millionsIn millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th QuarterIn millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
SalesSales$98 $92 $100 Sales$52 $102 $252 $90 $84 $266 
Operating Profit (Loss)Operating Profit (Loss)$26 $24 $15 Operating Profit (Loss)$15 $19 $60 $11 $12 $47 

On August 6, 2021 International Paper completed the sale of our Kwidzyn, Poland mill, which included our coated paperboard business in Europe. The third quarter of 2021 reflects one month of coated paperboard sales and operating profit in Europe. The discussion below focuses on our remaining coated paperboard business in Russia.
European Coated Paperboard sales volumes in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 were higher in both Europe and Russia as demand continued to improve from the initial decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.higher. Average sales margins were higher in both regions driven byflat reflecting higher average sales prices in Europe and Russia and a favorable mix in Russia.offset by an unfavorable mix. Operating costs were stable. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $5 million lower in both regions. There were no planned maintenance outages in either the firstthird quarter of 2021 orcompared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020.2021 in Russia. Input costs were higher in Europe primarily for wood and energy. In Russia, input costs were stable. Earnings were negatively impacted by unfavorable foreign currency impacts in Russia.flat.
Compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020, sales volumes were lower in both regions reflecting the demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.lower. Average sales margins were higher in both regions, reflecting higher average sales prices and a favorable mix. Operating costs were lower in both Europe and Russia.flat. There were no planned maintenance downtime outages in either the firstthird quarter of 2021 or the firstthird quarter of 2020.2020 in Russia. Input costs were slightly higher primarily for wood and energychemicals.
On October 1, 2021, International Paper successfully completed the spin-off of our global papers business, including our remaining coated paperboard business in Europe and wood in Russia.
Entering the second quarter of 2021, sales volumes are expected to be lower in both regions. Average sales margins are expected to be stable in both regions. Operating costs are expected to be lower in Europe but higher in Russia. Planned maintenance downtime costs are expected to be $8 million higher in the second quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2021. Input costs are expected to be higher in Europe primarily for purchased pulp. In Russia, input costs are expected to be stable.into a standalone, publicly traded company named Sylvamo Corporation.
Global Cellulose Fibers

Total Global Cellulose FibersTotal Global Cellulose Fibers20212020Total Global Cellulose Fibers20212020
In millionsIn millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th QuarterIn millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
SalesSales$581 $568 $582 Sales$729 $671 $1,981 $564 $605 $1,737 
Operating Profit (Loss)Operating Profit (Loss)$(82)$(54)$(114)Operating Profit (Loss)$96 $10 $24 $(59)$(10)$(123)

Global Cellulose Fibers net sales in the firstthird quarter of 2021 were flat9% higher compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and 2%29% higher than in the firstthird quarter of 2020. Operating profit in the firstthird quarter of 2021 improved significantly compared to both the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and was lower compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020.
On August 6, 2021 International Paper completed the sale of our Kwidzyn, Poland mill, including its cellulose fibers business. The third quarter of 2021 reflects one month of the Kwidzyn, Poland mill sales and operating profit. On October 1, 2021, International Paper successfully completed the spin-off of our global papers business, including our cellulose fibers business in France and Russia, into a standalone, publicly traded company named Sylvamo Corporation.
Sales volumes in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2021 were flat and continue to be impacted by shipping delays due to significant port congestion in the U.S. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 28,000 tons lower in the third quarter of 2021 compared with the second quarter of 2021 due to maintenance downtime. Average sales margins improved significantly, reflecting flow through of previous sales price increases and an improved product mix. Operating costs were lower, partially offset by higher distribution costs reflecting the challenging export supply chain
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environment. Planned maintenance downtime costs in the third quarter of 2021 were $18 million lower compared with the second quarter of 2021. Input costs were higher, primarily for wood, chemicals and energy.
Compared with the third quarter of 2020, sales volumes in the third quarter of 2021 were lower and reflecthigher but were impacted by the shipping delays relateddue to port congestion. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 3,00080,000 tons higherlower in the firstthird quarter of 2021, compared with the fourth quarter of 2020 due to maintenance downtime. Average sales margins improved, reflecting flow through of previous sales price increases and a favorable product mix. Operating costs were lower as seasonality was more than offsetdriven by strong operations and cost management and the non-repeat of unfavorable one-time items in the fourth quarter of 2020. Planned maintenance downtime costs in the first quarter of 2021 were $7 million lower compared with the fourth quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher, primarily for wood and energy.
Compared with the first quarter of 2020, sales volumes in the first quarter of 2021 were lower reflecting shipping delays due to port congestion and higher planned maintenance downtime. The first quarter of 2020 included the initial COVID-19 pandemic demand surge related to customer stocking of absorbent products. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 19,000 tons higher in the first quarter of 2021, due to maintenance downtime. Average sales prices were significantly higher for both fluff and market pulp. Operating costs were higher reflecting non-repeat one-time benefits in the first quarter of 2020.due to inflation. Distribution costs were also higher. Planned
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maintenance downtime costs in the firstthird quarter of 2021 were $17$26 million higherlower compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher primarily for wood, chemicals and energy.
Entering the secondfourth quarter of 2021, sales volumes are expected to be stable.slightly lower. Average sales margins are expected to be higher.stable. Planned maintenance downtime costs in the secondfourth quarter of 2021 are expected to be $10$36 million lowerhigher compared with the firstthird quarter of 2021. Operating costs are expected to be stable.seasonally higher. Input costs are expected to be stable.increase for wood, chemicals and energy.
Printing Papers 

Total Printing PapersTotal Printing Papers20212020Total Printing Papers20212020
In millionsIn millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th QuarterIn millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
SalesSales$781 $908 $802 Sales$846 $846 $2,473 $743 $583 $2,234 
Operating Profit (Loss)Operating Profit (Loss)$80 $96 $80 Operating Profit (Loss)$106 $76 $262 $63 $(11)$148 

On October 1, 2021, International Paper successfully completed the spin-off of our global papers business into a standalone, publicly traded company named Sylvamo Corporation.

Printing Papers net sales for the firstthird quarter of 2021 were 3% lowerflat compared with the second quarter of 2021 and 14% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2020 and 14% lower than in the firstthird quarter of 2020. Operating profit in the firstthird quarter of 2021 was flat39% higher compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and 17% lower68% higher compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020.

North American PapersNorth American Papers20212020North American Papers20212020
In millionsIn millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th QuarterIn millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
SalesSales$366 $446 $363 Sales$425 $410 $1,201 $362 $265 $1,073 
Operating Profit (Loss)Operating Profit (Loss)$15 $23 $22 Operating Profit (Loss)$45 $18 $78 $31 $(23)$31 

North American Papers sales volumes in the firstthird quarter of 2021 were stableflat compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020.2021. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 25,0009,000 tons lower in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2021 due to maintenance downtime. Average sales margins improved reflecting higher sales prices. Operating costs were lower reflecting strong mill operations. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $19 million lower in the third quarter of 2021, compared with the second quarter of 2021. Input costs were higher, primarily for wood, energy and chemicals.
Compared with the third quarter of 2020, sales volumes in the third quarter of 2021 were higher reflecting demand recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Total maintenance and economic downtime was about 78,000 tons lower in the third quarter of 2021 compared with the third quarter of 2020 primarily due to lower economic downtime. Average sales margins were stable.higher, driven by higher average sales prices. Operating costs were flat.lower. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $2$6 million higherlower in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the fourththird quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher, primarily for wood, energy and energy.chemicals.
Compared with
European Papers20212020
In millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
Sales$218 $255 $723 $232 $209 $728 
Operating Profit (Loss)$16 $15 $53 $17 $13 $71 
On August 6, 2021 International Paper completed the first quartersale of 2020, sales volumes in the firstour Kwidzyn, Poland mill. The third quarter of 2021 were significantly lower across all grades for uncoated freesheet paper driven by the demand impactreflects one month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Total maintenanceKwidzyn, Poland mill sales and economic downtime was about 15,000 tons lower in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020 primarily due to lower maintenance downtime. Average sales margins were lower, driven by lower average sales prices net of a favorable geographic mix. Operating costs were lower reflecting strong operations and cost management. Planned maintenance downtime costs were $23 million lower in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher, primarily for energy, freight and chemicals.
Entering the second quarter of 2021, sales volumes are expected to improve. Average sales margins are expected to be higher. Operating costs are expected to be seasonally lower. Planned maintenance downtime costs are expected to be $13 million higher in the second quarter of 2021. Input costs are expected to be stable.
European Papers20212020
In millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th Quarter
Sales$250 $287 $248 
Operating Profit (Loss)$22 $41 $21 

operating profit.
European Papers sales volumes for uncoated freesheet paper in the firstthird quarter of 2021, compared with the fourth quarter of 2020, were seasonally lower in Russia, partially offset by higher sales volumes in Europe. Economic downtime driven by the COVID-19 pandemic demand impact was lower in the firstsecond quarter of 2021, compared to the fourth quarter of 2020.were higher in Russia and flat in Europe. Average sales margins for uncoated freesheet paper were lowerhigher in both regions,Europe reflecting lowerhigher average sales prices and an unfavorable mix.prices. In Russia, average sales margins were stable. Operating costs were lower in Europe, but higher in Russia. Plannedboth regions. Excluding Kwidzyn, planned maintenance downtime costs were $1$8 million lower in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared
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to the fourthsecond quarter of 2020.2021. Input costs were higher in Europe,both regions, primarily for energy. Input costs were stableenergy in Europe and packaging in Russia. Earnings benefited from favorable foreign currency impacts, primarily in Russia.
Sales volumes for uncoated freesheet paper in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020 were lowerhigher in both Europe and Russia, reflecting recovery of the significant decline in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earnings in both regions were negatively impacted by economic downtime in the firstthird quarter of 20212020 driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Average sales margins for uncoated freesheet paper were lower in both regionsEurope reflecting lower average sales prices and an unfavorable mix. In Russia, average sales margins were higher driven by higher average sales prices. Operating costs were lowerhigher in both Europe and Russia reflecting strong cost management. Plannedregions. Excluding Kwidzyn, planned maintenance downtime
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costs were $2 million higher in the first quarter of 2021flat compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher in both regions, primarily for energy in Europe and wood in both regions. Earnings were benefited from favorable foreign currency impacts in Europe, mostly offset by unfavorable foreign currency impactspackaging in Russia.

Looking forward to the second quarter of 2021, sales volumes for uncoated freesheet paper are expected to be stable in both regions. Average sales margins are expected to improve in both regions. Operating costs are expected to be higher in both Europe and Russia. Planned maintenance downtime costs are expected to be $10 million higher in the second quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2021. Input costs are expected to be higher in both regions, primarily for purchased pulp in Europe and wood and chemicals in both regions.

Brazilian PapersBrazilian Papers20212020Brazilian Papers20212020
In millionsIn millions1st Quarter1st Quarter4th QuarterIn millions3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months3rd Quarter2nd QuarterNine Months
Sales (a)Sales (a)$168 $176 $198 Sales (a)$200 $189 $557 $150 $108 $434 
Operating Profit (Loss)Operating Profit (Loss)$43 $32 $37 Operating Profit (Loss)$45 $43 $131 $15 $(1)$46 

(a)Includes intra-segment sales of $3 million, $1$(3) million and $7$1 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 March 31,and 2020, respectively; $8 million and December 31,$(1) million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively; and $8 million and $1 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Brazilian Papers sales volumes in the firstthird quarter of 2021, compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020,2021, were seasonally lowerhigher for both domestic and export shipments of uncoated freesheet paper. Average sales margins improved driven by higher domestic and export sales prices net of an unfavorableand a favorable geographic mix. Operating costs were lower.slightly higher. Planned maintenance outage downtime costs were $1$7 million higher in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2020.2021. Input costs were higher primarily for purchased pulp, chemicals packaging and energy. Earnings benefited from favorable foreign currency impacts in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the fourth quarter of 2020.
Compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020, sales volumes for uncoated freesheet paper in the firstthird quarter of 2021 increased in both domestic and export markets asreflecting recovery from the negative demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for cutsize and tablet was more than offset by increased offset volumes. Sales volumes to export markets were lower reflecting the demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Average sales margins were stablehigher reflecting higher average domestic and export sales prices and a favorable geographic mix mostly offset by lower average export sales prices.mix. Operating costs were lower.slightly higher. Planned maintenance outage expenses were $1$5 million higher in the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared with the firstthird quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher, primarily for purchased pulp, chemicals and packaging.
Entering the second quarter of 2021, sales volumes for uncoated freesheet paper are expected to be higher for domestic shipments and stable for export shipments. Average sales margins are expected to be higher. Operating costs are expected to be stable. Planned maintenance outage expenses are expected to be lower in the second quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2021. Input costs are expected to be higher.energy.
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes – Ilim
International Paper accounts for its 50% equity interest in Ilim S.A. (Ilim) using the equity method of accounting. Ilim is a separate reportable industry segment whose primary operations are in Russia. The Company recorded equity earnings (loss), net of taxes, of $49$95 million in the firstthird quarter of 2021, compared with $53$101 million in the fourthsecond quarter of 20202021 and $(35)$(33) million in the firstthird quarter of 2020. In the first quartersecond and third quarters of 2021, the after-tax foreign exchange impact primarily on the remeasurement of U.S.gains and losses included in equity earnings were not material and Ilim Group had no US dollar-denominated net debt was a loss of $2 million, compared with a gain of $22 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.outstanding at September 30, 2021.
Compared with the fourthsecond quarter of 2021, sales volumes in the third quarter of 2021 were 8% lower overall, primarily for sales of softwood pulp in China, other export markets and Russia, and sales of hardwood pulp in China. Containerboard sales in China and Russia were slightly lower, but increased in other export markets. Average sales margins increased for softwood pulp and containerboard in all markets. Average sales margins for hardwood pulp were relatively flat in China, but increased in Russia and other export markets. Input costs for fuel and chemicals were higher. Following maintenance outages at the Ust-Ilimsk, Bratsk and Koryazhma mills in the third quarter of 2021, repair and maintenance expenses increased. Distribution costs were higher primarily due to the global shortage of shipping containers and increased tariffs.
Compared with the third quarter of 2020, sales volumes in the firstthird quarter of 2021 were 15% lowerdecreased overall due in part to the Chinese holidays. Salesby 5%, primarily for sales of softwood pulp and hardwood pulp in China, and other export markets were lower, but were partially offset by higher sales of softwood pulp and hardwood pulp in Russia. Average sales margins increased in the first quarter of 2021 reflecting higher sales prices for softwood pulp, hardwood pulp and containerboard in China, Russia and other export markets. Input costs for wood declined due to seasonal factors, but were higher for chemicals and fuel. Maintenance and repair costs were lower.
Sales volumes in the first quarter of 2021 compared with the first quarter of 2020, were relatively flat as lower sales of softwood pulp in China and softwood pulp and hardwood pulp in export markets were offset by higher sales of containerboard in China and other export markets and better sales of softwood pulp and hardwood pulpwere higher, but declined in Russia. Average sales margins increased reflecting higher sales prices for softwood pulp, in Chinahardwood pulp and other export markets and higher sales prices for containerboard increased in all areas.regions. Input costs, primarily for wood, chemicalsfuel and energychemicals were higher. Distribution costs were also higher.increased. An after-tax foreign exchange net loss of $51$55 million primarily on the remeasurement of U.S. dollar denominated net debt was recorded in the firstthird quarter of 2020.
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Looking forward to the secondfourth quarter of 2021, sales volumes are expected to be higher.increase. Based on pricing to date in the current quarter, average sales margins are projected to increase.decrease compared with the third quarter of 2021. Repair and maintenance costs will decrease as there are no scheduled mill outages in the fourth quarter. Input costs for wood and fuel are expected to be moderately higher. Planned maintenance outagesDistribution costs are scheduled atprojected to increase.


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Equity Earnings – GPIP
There were no Graphic Packaging equity earnings in the Koryazhma and Bratsk millsthird quarter of 2021, compared with $3 million in the second quarter of 2021.
Equity Earnings – GPIP

International Paper recorded equity earnings of $1 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared withand $11 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $7 million in the firstthird quarter of 2020. As of March 31,June 30, 2021, the Company'sCompany no longer had an ownership interest in GPIP was 7.4%.GPIP.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash provided by operations totaled $512 million$1.9 billion for the first threenine months of 2021, compared with $649 million$2.3 billion for the comparable 2020 three-monthnine-month period.

Investments in capital projects, net of insurance recoveries, totaled $89$348 million in the first threenine months of 2021, compared to $286$657 million in the first threenine months of 2020. Full-year 2021 capital spending is currently expected to be approximately $800$600 million, or 61%49% of depreciation and amortization.

Financing activities for the first threenine months of 2021 included a $109$379 million net decreaseincrease in debt versus a $424 million$1.1 billion net increasedecrease in debt during the comparable 2020 three-monthnine-month period.

Amounts related to early debt extinguishment during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
In millionsIn millions20212020In millions2021202020212020
Early debt reductions (a)Early debt reductions (a)$107 $72 Early debt reductions (a)$200 $903 $1,097 $1,190 
Pre-tax early debt extinguishment (gain) loss, netPre-tax early debt extinguishment (gain) loss, net18 Pre-tax early debt extinguishment (gain) loss, net35 105 223 131 

(a)Reductions related to notes with interest rates of 3.55% with original maturities of 2029 and ranging from 3.00% to 4.80%7.50% with original maturities from 2021 to 2027 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and from 3.00% to 5.15% with original maturities from 2027 to 2048 and from 3.00% to 4.40%7.50% with original maturities from 20262021 to 2048 for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
At March 31,September 30, 2021, contractual obligations for future payments of debt maturities (including finance lease liabilities disclosed in NoteNote 11 - Leases and excluding the timber monetization structures disclosed in Note 16 - Variable Interest Entities) by calendar year were as follows: $27$113 million in 2021; $198$224 million in 2022; $361$409 million in 2023; $152$200 million in 2024; $209$257 million in 2025; and $7.0$7.3 billion thereafter.
Maintaining an investment-grade credit rating is an important element of International Paper’s financing strategy. At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company held long-term credit ratings of BBB+BBB (stable outlook) and Baa2 (stable outlook) by S&P and Moody’s, respectively. In addition, the Company held short-term credit ratings of A2 and P1P2 by S&P and Moody's, respectively, for borrowings under the Company's commercial paper program.
At March 31,September 30, 2021, International Paper’s credit agreements totaled $2.1 billion, which is comprised of the $1.5 billion contractually committed bank credit agreement and up to $550 million under the receivables securitization program. Management believes these credit agreements are adequate to cover expected operating cash flow variability during the current economic cycle. The credit agreements generally provide for interest rates at a floating rate index plus a pre-determined margin dependent upon International Paper’s credit rating. At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the $1.5 billion credit agreement or the $550 million receivables securitization program. The Company’s credit agreements are not subject to any restrictive covenants other than the financial covenants as disclosed in Note 17 - Debt, and the borrowings under the receivables securitization program being limited by eligible receivables. The Company was in compliance with all its debt covenants at March 31,September 30, 2021 and was well below the thresholds stipulated under the covenants as defined in the credit agreements. Further the financial covenants do not restrict any borrowings under the credit agreements.
In March 2020, the Company entered into a $750 million contractually committed 364-day revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of banks and other financial institutions which augmented the Company's access to liquidity due to the macroeconomic conditions related to COVID-19 and supplemented the Company's $1.5 billion credit agreement. After considering the Company’s liquidity position in relation to COVID-19 and the current macroeconomic environment, the company determined not to extend the $750 million credit agreement after its expiration on March 24, 2021.
In addition to the $2.1 billion incapacity under the Company's credit agreements, International Paper has a commercial paper program with a borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion. Under the terms of the program, individual maturities on borrowings may vary, but not exceed one year
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from the date of issue. Interest bearing notes may be issued either as fixed or floating rate notes. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the program.
On October 28, 2021, the Company launched a debt tender to purchase up to $500 million of the Company's outstanding debt with interest rates ranging from 4.35% to 6.00% and maturity dates ranging from 2035 to 2048.
International Paper expects to be able to meet projected capital expenditures, service existing debt, and meet working capital and dividend requirements and make common stock and/or debt repurchases for the next 12 months with current cash balances and
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cash from operations, supplemented as required by its existing credit facilities. The Company will continue to rely on debt and capital markets for the majority of any necessary long-term funding not provided by operating cash flows. Funding decisions will be guided by our capital structure planning objectives. The primary goals of the Company’s capital structure planning are to maximize financial flexibility and maintain appropriate levels of liquidity to meet our needs while managing balance sheet debt and interest expense.expense, and we have purchased, and may continue to repurchase, our common stock (under our existing share repurchase program) and debt to the extent consistent with this capital structure planning. The majority of International Paper’s debt is accessed through global public capital markets where we have a wide base of investors. During 2020, management took various actions to further strengthen the Company’s liquidity position in response to the COVID-19
pandemic. This included the Company deferring the payment of our payroll taxes as allowed under CARES Act. The CARES Act allows for the deferral of the payment of the employer portion of Social Security taxes accrued between March 27, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Under the CARES Act 50% of the deferred payroll taxes will be paid by December 31, 2021 and the remainder will be paid by December 31, 2022. We believe that our credit agreements, commercial paper program, and the actions taken in response to COVID-19 provide us with sufficient liquidity to operate in this uncertainthe current environment; however, an extended period of economic disruption could impact our access to additional sources of liquidity.

During the first threenine months of 2021, International Paper used 1.8 million shares of treasury stock for various incentive plans. International Paper also acquired 3.17.7 million shares of treasury stock, including restricted stock tax withholdings. Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock withholding taxes totaled $155$425 million, including $129$398 million related to shares repurchased under the Company's repurchase program. In addition, on October 12, 2021, the Company announced that its board of directors authorized the repurchase of $2 billion additional shares of common stock under the Company's repurchase program (in addition to the existing amount available for purchase, which was $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2021).

During the first threenine months of 2020, International Paper used approximately 2.0 million shares of treasury stock for various incentive plans. International Paper also acquired 1.21.0 million shares of treasury stock, including restricted stock tax withholding. Repurchases of common stock and payments of restricted stock withholding taxes totaled $41$42 million, including $14 million related to shares repurchased under the Company's repurchase program.

Cash dividend payments related to common stock totaled $202$602 million and $202$605 million for the first threenine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. Dividends were $0.5125$1.5375 per share and $0.5125$1.5375 per share for the first threenine months in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company announced on October 12, 2021, a decrease in the Company's quarterly dividend from $0.5125 per share to $0.4625 per share for the fourth quarter of 2021, which takes into account the fact that the spin-off completed on October 1, 2021, will result in a decrease in the amount of cash generated by the Company based on the historical performance of the Printing Papers business included in the spin-off.

Our pension plan is currently sufficiently funded and we do not anticipate any required contributions for the next 12 months.

Variable Interest Entities

Information concerning variable interest entities is set forth in Note 15 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. In connection with the 2006 International Paper installment sale of forestlands, we received $4.8 billion of installment notes. These installment notes were used by variable interest entities as collateral for borrowings from third-party lenders. These variable interest entities were restructured in 2015 when the installment notes and third-party loans were extended. The restructured variable interest entities holdheld installment notes of $4.8 billion that mature in August 2021 and third-party loans of $4.2 billion that were extended to matureboth matured in August 2021. These third-party loans are shown in Current nonrecourse financial liabilities of variable interest entities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. We will settlesettled the third-party loans at their maturity in August 2021 with the proceeds from the installment notes which also maturenotes. This resulted in August 2021 resulting in expected cash proceeds of approximately $0.6 billion$630 million representing our equity in the variable interest entities. Maturity of the installment notes and termination of the monetization structure also resulted in a $72 million tax liability that is expected to resultbe paid in a $75 million cashthe fourth quarter of 2021. As of September 30, 2021, the Company's remaining deferred tax payment in 2021.liability associated with the 2015 Financing Entities was $815 million. The nature and timing of the income tax due related to these transactions is currently under review by the Internal Revenue Service.

Ilim S.A. Shareholders’ Agreement

In October 2007, in connection with the formation of the Ilim S.A. joint venture (Ilim), International Paper entered into a shareholders' agreement that includes provisions relating to the reconciliation of disputes among the partners. This agreement provides that at any time, either the Company or its partners may commence procedures specified under the deadlock agreement. If these or any other deadlock procedures under the shareholders' agreement are commenced, although it is not obligated to do so, the Company may in certain situations choose to purchase its partners' 50% interest in Ilim. Any such transaction would be subject to review and approval by Russian and other relevant anti-trust authorities. Based on the provisions of the agreement, the Company estimates that the current purchase price for its partners' 50% interest would be
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approximately $800 million,$2.1 billion, which could be satisfied by payment of cash or International Paper common stock, or some combination of the two, at the Company's option. The purchase by the Company of its partners’ 50% interest in Ilim would result in the consolidation of Ilim's financial position and results of operations in all subsequent periods. The parties have
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informed each other that they have no current intention to commence procedures specified under the deadlock provisions of the shareholders' agreement.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires International Paper to establish accounting policies and to make estimates that affect both the amounts and timing of the recording of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Some of these estimates require judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.
Accounting policies whose application may have a significant effect on the reported results of operations and financial position of International Paper, and that can require judgments by management that affect their application, include accounting for contingencies, impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, pensions and income taxes.
The Company has included in its 2020 Form 10-K a discussion of these critical accounting policies, which are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s judgments. The Company has not made any changes in these critical accounting policies during the first threenine months of 2021.
While we have taken into account certain impacts arising from COVID-19 in connection with the accounting estimates reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the full impact of COVID-19 is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated. However, we have made appropriate accounting estimates based on the facts and circumstances available as of the reporting date. To the extent there are differences between these estimates and actual results, our consolidated financial statements may be affected.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical in nature may be considered “forward-looking” statements“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “appear,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend”Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates” and words of a similar nature.expressions identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and reflect management’s current views with respect to future events, whichand are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Factors which could cause actual results to differ include but are not limited to: (i) developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the spread of new variants of the virus, the effectiveness, acceptance and distributionavailability of vaccines continuing negative global economic conditions arising fromand booster shots, and associated levels of vaccination as well as the pandemic,possibility that strains of the virus may be resistant to currently available vaccines, impacts of governments’government responses to the pandemic on our operations, including vaccine mandates, impacts of the pandemic on global and domestic economic conditions, including with respect to commercial activity, our customers and business partners, and consumer preferences and demand, supply chain shortages and disruptions, inflationary pressures and disruptions in the capitalcredit or financial markets; (ii) the level of our indebtedness and changes in interest rates; (iii) industry conditions, including but not limited to changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy sources and transportation costs,sources, the availability of labor and competitive labor market conditions, competition International Paper faces,we face, cyclicality and changes in consumer preferences, demand and pricing for International Paperour products (including any such changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic); (iv) domestic and global economic conditions and political changes, changes in currency exchange rates, trade protectionist policies, downgrades in International Paper’sour credit ratings, and/or the credit ratings of banks issuing certain letters of credit, issued by recognized credit rating organizations;organizations, (v) the amount of International Paper’sour future pension funding obligations, and pension and health care costs; (vi) unanticipated expenditures or other adverse developments related to the cost of compliance with existing and new environmental, tax, labor and employment, privacy, and other U.S. and non-U.S. governmental laws and regulations (including new legal requirements arising from the COVID-19 pandemic); (vii) any material disruption at any of International Paper’sour manufacturing facilities or other adverse impact on our operations due to severe weather, natural disasters, climate change or other causes (including as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic);causes; (viii) risks inherent in conducting business through joint ventures; (ix) International Paper’sour ability to achieve the benefits expected from, and other risks associated with, acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures and other corporate transactions, (x) information technology risks, andrisks; (xi) loss contingencies and pending, threatened or future litigation, including with respect to environmental related mattersmatters; (xii) the receipt of regulatory approvals relating to the spin-off transaction without unexpected delays or conditions; (xiii) our ability to successfully separate the SpinCo business (known as Sylvamo Corporation) and realize the anticipated benefits of the spin-off transaction; (xiv) our ability to satisfy any necessary conditions to consummateand (xiii) the impact of the spin-off transaction withinon the estimated timeframes or at all; and (xv) the final terms and conditions of any spin-off transaction, including the amount of any dividend by Sylvamo to usCompany and the terms of anyrelationship between the two companies going forward, including the ongoing commercial agreements and arrangements between us and Sylvamo following any such transaction, the costs of any such transaction, the nature and amount of indebtedness incurred by Sylvamo, the qualification of the spin-off transaction as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including whether an IRS ruling will be obtained), diversion of management’s attention and the impact on relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and other business counterparties, and the impact of any such transaction on the businesses of the Company and Sylvamo and the relationship between the two companies following any such transaction.Sylvamo. These and other factors that could cause or contribute to actual results differing materially from such forward-looking statements can be found in International
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Paper’sour press releases and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to International Paperthe Company or that itwe currently believesbelieve to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. International PaperThe Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Information relating to quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk is shown on page 38 of International Paper’s 2020 Form 10-K, which information is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no material changes in the Company’s exposure to market risk since December 31, 2020.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported (and accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure) within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,September 30, 2021 (the end of the period covered by this report).
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
A discussion of material developments in the Company’s litigation matters occurring in the period covered by this report is found in Note 15 of the Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated by reference. The Company is not subject to any administrative or judicial proceeding arising under any Federal, State or local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or primarily for the purpose of protecting the environment that is likely to result in monetary sanctions of $1 million or more.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (Part I, Item 1A) other than as discussed below..

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
PeriodTotal Number of Shares Purchased (a)Average Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan or ProgramMaximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in billions)
January 1, 2021 - January 31, 20215,579 $49.85— $1.73
February 1, 2021 - February 28, 20212,022,676 48.33 1,464,637 1.66 
March 1, 2021 - March 31, 20211,095,419 52.27 1,095,355 1.60 
Total3,123,674 
PeriodTotal Number of Shares Purchased (a)Average Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan or ProgramMaximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in billions)
July 1, 2021 - July 31, 20211,102,595 $59.941,101,415 $1.48
August 1, 2021 - August 31, 20211,979,380 58.65 1,978,334 1.37 
September 1, 2021 - September 30, 2021500,841 59.24 500,841 1.34 
Total3,582,816 
(a) 563,6822,226 shares were acquired from employees or board members as a result of share withholdings to pay income taxes under the Company's restricted stock program. The remainder were purchased under a share repurchase programprogram. Under current Board authorization that was approvedincreased on September 10, 2013, and increased twice on July 8, 2014, and October 9, 2018. Through this program, which does not have an expiration date,12, 2021, we wereare authorized to purchase, in open market transactions (including block trades), privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, up to $5$3.3 billion of shares of our common stock. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately $1.60$1.3 billion aggregate amount of shares of our common stock remained authorized for purchase under this program.program before the increase.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
2.110.1
31.1
31.2
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101.INSXBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PREXBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL, and contained in Exhibit 101).

*    Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
                        (Registrant)                         
April 30,October 28, 2021By/s/ Tim S. Nicholls
Tim S. Nicholls
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
April 30,October 28, 2021By/s/ Vincent P. Bonnot
Vincent P. Bonnot
Vice President – Finance and Controller

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