IP 10-K 12.31.12
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 _____________________________________________________ 
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
ý
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
or
¨
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from                         to                        
Commission File No. 1-3157
INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York
 
13-0872805
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6400 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee
(Address of principal executive offices)
38197
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (901) 419-7000
_____________________________________________________ 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
  
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1 per share par value
  
New York Stock Exchange
_____________________________________________________ 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ý    No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ¨    No ý
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 ý    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (section 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
Smaller reporting company
 
 
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨    No ý
The aggregate market value of the Company’s outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2012) was approximately $12,533,753,892.
The number of shares outstanding of the Company’s common stock as of February 21, 2013 was 441,207,804.
Documents incorporated by reference:
Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement filed within 120 days of the close of the registrant’s fiscal year in connection with registrant’s 2013 annual meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

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INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
 
PART I.
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 2.
 
 
 
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
 
 
 
PART II.
 
 
 
 
ITEM 5.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





Table of Contents


INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

ITEM 7A.
ITEM 8.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9B.
 
 
 
PART III.
 
 
 
 
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
 
 
 
PART IV.
 
 
 
 
ITEM 15.
 
 
 
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II


Table of Contents

PART I.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
International Paper Company (the “Company” or “International Paper,” which may also be referred to as “we” or “us”) is a global paper and packaging company that is complemented by an extensive North American merchant distribution system, with primary markets and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. We are a New York corporation, incorporated in 1941 as the successor to the New York corporation of the same name organized in 1898. Our home page on the Internet is www.internationalpaper.com. You can learn more about us by visiting that site.
In the United States at December 31, 2012, the Company operated 28 pulp, paper and packaging mills, 187 converting and packaging plants, 18 recycling plants and three bag facilities. Production facilities at December 31, 2012 in Europe, Asia, Latin America and South America included 11 pulp, paper and packaging mills, 65 converting and packaging plants, and two recycling plants. We distribute printing, packaging, graphic arts, maintenance and industrial products principally through over 88 distribution branches in the United States and 32 distribution branches located in Canada, Mexico and Asia. At December 31, 2012, we owned or managed approximately 327,000 acres of forestland in Brazil and had, through licenses and forest management agreements, harvesting rights on government-owned forestlands in Russia. Substantially all of our businesses have experienced, and are likely to continue to experience, cycles relating to industry capacity and general economic conditions.
For management and financial reporting purposes, our businesses are separated into four segments: Industrial Packaging; Printing Papers; Consumer Packaging; and Distribution. Beginning January 1, 2011, the Forest Products business was no longer reported by the Company as a separate industry segment due to the immateriality of the results of the remaining business on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A description of these business segments can be found on pages 26 and 27 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Company’s 50% equity interest in Ilim Holding S.A. is also a separate reportable industry segment.
From 2008 through 2012, International Paper’s capital expenditures approximated $4.9 billion, excluding mergers and acquisitions. These expenditures reflect our continuing efforts to improve product quality and environmental performance, as well as lower costs,
 
maintain reliability of operations and improve forestlands. Capital spending for continuing operations in 2012 was approximately $1.4 billion and is expected to be approximately $1.4 billion in 2013. You can find more information about capital expenditures on page 34 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Discussions of acquisitions can be found on pages 34 and 35 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You can find discussions of restructuring charges and other special items on pages 24 through 26 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we “incorporate by reference” certain information in parts of other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC permits us to disclose important information by referring to it in that manner. Please refer to such information. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, along with all other reports and any amendments thereto filed with or furnished to the SEC, are publicly available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our Internet Web site at www.internationalpaper.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information contained on or connected to our Web site is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we filed with or furnished to the SEC.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
The financial information concerning segments is set forth in Note 18 Financial Information by Industry Segment and Geographic Area on pages 86 and 87 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INTERNATIONAL AND U.S. OPERATIONS
The financial information concerning international and U.S. operations and export sales is set forth in Note 18 Financial Information by Industry Segment and Geographic Area on page 87 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


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COMPETITION AND COSTS
Despite the size of the Company’s manufacturing capacity for paper, packaging and pulp products, the markets in all of the cited product lines are large and fragmented. The major markets, both U.S. and non-U.S., in which the Company sells its principal products are very competitive. Our products compete with similar products produced by other forest products companies. We also compete, in some instances, with companies in other industries and against substitutes for wood and wood-fiber products.
Many factors influence the Company’s competitive position, including price, cost, product quality and services. You can find more information about the impact of price and cost on operating profits on pages 19 through 32 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. You can find information about the Company’s manufacturing capacities on page A-4 of Appendix II.
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
The Company sells paper, packaging products and other products directly to end users and converters, as well as through agents, resellers and paper distributors. We own a large merchant distribution business that sells products made both by International Paper and by other companies making paper, paperboard, packaging, graphic arts supplies and maintenance and industrial products. Sales offices are located throughout the United States as well as internationally.
DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS
The Company’s principal products are described on pages 26 and 27 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


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SALES VOLUMES BY PRODUCT
Sales volumes of major products for 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Sales Volumes by Product (1)
 
In thousands of short tons
2012

2011

2010

Industrial Packaging
 
 
 
Corrugated Packaging (2)
10,523

7,424

7,525

Containerboard (2)
3,228

2,371

2,458

Recycling
2,349

2,435

2,486

Saturated Kraft
166

161

176

Gypsum/Release Kraft (2)
135



Bleached Kraft
114

95

85

European Industrial Packaging
1,032

1,047

1,040

Asian Box (3)
410

444

307

Industrial Packaging
17,957

13,977

14,077

Printing Papers
 
 
 
U.S. Uncoated Papers
2,617

2,616

2,695

European and Russian Uncoated Papers
1,286

1,218

1,235

Brazilian Uncoated Papers
1,165

1,141

1,081

Indian Uncoated Papers (4)
246

49


Printing Papers
5,314

5,024

5,011

Pulp (5)
1,593

1,410

1,422

Consumer Packaging
 
 
 
U.S. Coated Paperboard
1,507

1,560

1,572

European Coated Paperboard
372

332

351

Asian Coated Paperboard
1,059

998

870

Consumer Packaging
2,938

2,890

2,793

(1)
Includes third-party and inter-segment sales and excludes sales of equity investees.
(2)
Includes Temple-Inland volumes from date of acquisition in February 2012.
(3)
Includes SCA Packaging volumes from date of acquisition in June 2010.
(4)
Includes APPM volumes from date of acquisition in October 2011.
(5)
Includes internal sales to mills.

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company operates its primary research and development center in Loveland, Ohio, as well as several product laboratories. Additionally, the Company has an interest in ArborGen, Inc., a joint venture with certain other forest products companies.
We direct research and development activities to short-term, long-term and technical assistance needs of customers and operating divisions, and to process, equipment and product innovations. Activities include product development within the operating divisions; studies on innovation and improvement of pulping, bleaching, chemical recovery, papermaking, converting and coating processes; packaging design and materials development; mechanical packaging systems, environmentally sensitive printing inks and reduction of environmental discharges; re-use of raw materials in manufacturing processes; recycling of consumer and packaging paper products; energy conservation; applications of computer controls to manufacturing operations; innovations and improvement of products; and development of various new products. Our development efforts specifically address product safety as well as the minimization of solid waste. The cost to the Company of its research and development operations was $13 million in 2012, $13 million in 2011 and $12 million in 2010.
We own numerous patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights relating to our products and to the processes for their production. We also license intellectual property rights to and from others where necessary. Many of the manufacturing processes are among our trade secrets. Some of our products are covered by U.S. and non-U.S. patents and are sold under well known trademarks. We derive a competitive advantage by protecting our trade secrets, patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights, and by using them as required to support our businesses.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
International Paper is subject to extensive federal and state environmental regulation as well as similar regulations internationally. Our continuing objectives include: (1) controlling emissions and discharges from our facilities into the air, water and groundwater to avoid adverse impacts on the environment, and (2) maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations. A total of $60 million was spent in 2012 for capital projects to control environmental releases into the air and water, and to assure environmentally sound management and disposal of waste. We expect to spend approximately $90 million in 2013 for similar capital projects, including expenditures associated with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Boiler
 
MACT (maximum achievable control technology) rule. Projected capital expenditures for 2014 environmental capital projects are anticipated to be approximately $285 million, much of which is associated with the new Boiler MACT rule. Preliminary cost projections for 2015 environmental capital projects are estimated to be $300 million, much of which is again associated with Boiler MACT. In March 2011, the EPA published four inter-related final rules commonly and collectively referred to as “Boiler MACT.” As finalized, these rules required owners of specified boilers to meet very strict air emissions standards for certain substances. The rule was immediately subject to administrative reconsideration by the EPA and several lawsuits. On December 20, 2012, the EPA issued its final reconsidered Boiler MACT suite of rules. International Paper is actively analyzing the rules to determine, among other things, its costs and this process is in its early stages. As such, the projected capital expenditures for environmental capital projects represent our current best estimate of future expenditures with the recognition that the Boiler MACT analysis is in the early stages and subject to change.
In the U.S., the EPA proposed or finalized a number of new rules, including Greenhouse Gas Mandatory Reporting (see Climate Change section), and more restrictive National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs). The EPA has promulgated new NAAQSs for nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and we anticipate that additional NAAQSs will also be forthcoming. Additionally, the EPA published Phase I of its Pulp and Paper National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). To date, these regulations have not had a material impact on International Paper operations. However, once fully implemented these rules could require significant investments of capital and/or operational changes that could potentially have a material impact.

CLIMATE CHANGE
In 1997, an international conference on global warming concluded with an agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol called for reductions of certain emissions that may contribute to increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. While the U.S. and many other countries did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, it has formed the basis for a range of international, national and sub-national proposals and regulations focusing on greenhouse gas reduction. Some of these regulations apply currently or will apply in countries where we currently have, or may in the future have, manufacturing facilities or investments.
Although the Kyoto Protocol expired in 2012, a successor protocol is currently under negotiation at the international level. Several countries or geographic areas in which we operate, such as the EU, India, Brazil,


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China and Morocco, have signaled they intend to continue to participate in an extended Kyoto process. While only the EU had actual emissions caps, some countries are enacting local programs to address climate change. Currently, these local programs do not appear to materially impact IP operations. Russia and the U.S. have not agreed to participate in the post-Kyoto process. Due to the lack of clarity around what post-Kyoto will look like, it is not possible at this time to estimate the potential impacts of future international agreements on International Paper's operations. Under the European Union Emissions Trading System (EUETS), the EU has committed to greenhouse gas reductions. International Paper has two sites covered by the EUETS. These measures did not have a material effect on our European operations in 2012, nor are they expected to have such an impact in 2013 at current market prices for emission credits. Significant swings in market price associated with credits could impact European operations.
The U.S. has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol nor have efforts in the U.S. Congress to legislate the control of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions been successful. To date, the activity in the U.S. has been spearheaded by the U.S. EPA and, to some extent, by the states. Pursuant to the GHG Mandatory Reporting Rule promulgated in 2009, the EPA began a process to collect data on emitters of greater than 25,000 tons of greenhouse gas per year. Twenty-four of our U.S. facilities and six closed landfills are covered by and submitted reports as required under this rule. We do not believe that the reporting rule has had nor will have a material impact on our operations. Additionally, the EPA has indicated that it will propose New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for various industry sectors which will limit GHG emissions from certain sources. Currently, the EPA has not identified the pulp and paper industry in the first phase of sectors to be covered by the new standards. However, we anticipate that, at some future time, pulp and paper sources will be subject to new NSPS rules. It is uncertain what impacts, if any, future NSPS will have on International Paper’s operations. The EPA has convened a Science Advisory Board (SAB) to assess the neutrality of biomass when combusted in new sources. The SAB began deliberations in 2011 and submitted recommendations to EPA in late 2012. It is not clear what, if any, of the SAB recommendations EPA will act on or the timeframe in which they may take action. Because the use of biomass is prevalent in the pulp and paper production process, the findings of the SAB and how they are incorporated into climate policy and subsequent regulations could be material to the industry and the Company.
Some U.S. states have considered legal measures to require the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases by companies and public utilities, primarily through the
 
planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventories or regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade programs. One such state is California. International Paper does not have any sites currently subject to California's GHG regulatory plan. There may be indirect impacts from changing input costs (such as electricity) at some of our California converting operations but these have yet to manifest themselves in material impacts. We are monitoring proposed programs in other states.
It is difficult to predict whether passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by Congress or various U.S. states, or the adoption of regulations by the EPA or analogous state agencies that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases in areas in which we conduct business, may have a material effect on our operations in the U.S. In addition to possible direct impacts, future legislation and regulation could have indirect impacts on International Paper, such as higher prices for transportation, energy and other inputs, as well as more protracted air permitting processes, causing delays and higher costs to implement capital projects.
International Paper has controls and procedures in place to stay adequately informed about developments concerning possible climate change legislation and regulation in the U.S. and in other countries where we operate to ensure we continue to assess whether such legislation or regulation may have a material effect on the Company, its operations or financial condition, and whether we have any related disclosure obligations.
In summary, regulation of greenhouse gases continues to evolve in various countries in which we do business. While it is likely that there will be increased regulation relating to greenhouse gases and climate change, at this time it is not reasonably possible to estimate either a timetable for the implementation of any new regulations or our costs of compliance.
Additional information regarding climate change and International Paper, including our carbon footprint, is available at http://internationalpaper.com/US/EN/Company/Sustainability/Climate.html.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 70,000 employees, 42,000 of whom were located in the United States. Of the U.S. employees, approximately 27,500 are hourly, with unions representing approximately 18,000 employees. Approximately 12,000 of the union employees are represented by the United Steel Workers (USW).
In September 2012, International Paper negotiated the integration of four former Temple-Inland mills into the International Paper/USW Mill Master Agreement


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expanding this Master to include 18 of our U.S. pulp, paper and packaging mills. In October 2012, we completed negotiations on the integration of 18 former Temple-Inland converting facilities into the International Paper/USW Converting Master Agreement expanding this Master to include 63 of our converting facilities. These two agreements, the Mill and Converting Master Agreements, cover several specific items, including but not limited to wages, select benefit programs, successorship, employment security and health and safety. Individual facilities continue to have local agreements for other items not covered by these agreements. If local facility agreements are not successfully negotiated at the time of expiration, then, under the Master Agreements, the local facility agreements will automatically renew with the same terms in effect at the time of expiration. In October 2012, International Paper negotiated the integration of four former Temple-Inland converting facilities into the International Paper/District Council 2, International Brotherhood of Teamsters (DC2, IBT) Converting Master Agreement expanding this Master to include 16 of our converting facilities.
In addition, during 2012, 36 local labor agreements were negotiated at four mills, 23 converting facilities and nine distribution facilities.
During 2013, 32 labor agreements are scheduled to be negotiated: five mills, 23 converting and four distribution facilities. Twenty-five of these agreements will automatically renew under the terms of the Master Agreements if new agreements are not reached.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
John V. Faraci, 63, chairman and chief executive officer since 2003. Mr. Faraci joined International Paper in 1974.
John N. Balboni, 64, senior vice president and chief information officer since 2005. Mr. Balboni joined International Paper in 1978.
C. Cato Ealy, 55, senior vice president – corporate development since 2003. Mr. Ealy is a director of Ilim Holding S.A., a Swiss holding company in which International Paper holds a 50% interest, and of its subsidiary, Ilim Group. Mr. Ealy joined International Paper in 1992.
William P. Hoel, 56, senior vice president, Container The Americas, since February 2012. Mr. Hoel previously served as vice president, Container The Americas, from 2005 until 2012, senior vice president, corporate sales and marketing, from 2004 until 2005, and vice president, Wood Products, from 2000 until 2004. Mr. Hoel joined International Paper in 1983.
 
Tommy S. Joseph, 53, senior vice president – manufacturing, technology, EHS&S and global sourcing since January 2010. Mr. Joseph previously served as senior vice president – manufacturing, technology, EHS&S from February 2009 until December 2009, and vice president – technology from 2005 until February 2009. Mr. Joseph is a director of Ilim Holding S.A., a Swiss Holding Company in which International Paper holds a 50% interest, and of its subsidiary, Ilim Group. Mr. Joseph joined International Paper in 1983.
Thomas G. Kadien, 56, senior vice president – consumer packaging and IP Asia since January 2010. Mr. Kadien previously served as senior vice president and president – xpedx from 2005 until 2009. Mr. Kadien joined International Paper in 1978. Mr. Kadien serves on the board of directors of The Sherwin-Williams Company.
Paul J. Karre, 60, senior vice president – human resources and communications since May 2009.
Mr. Karre previously served as vice president – human resources from 2000 until 2009. Mr. Karre joined International Paper in 1974.
Mary A. Laschinger, 52, senior vice president since 2007 and president – xpedx since January 2010. Ms. Laschinger previously served as president – IP Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia from 2005 until 2010. Ms. Laschinger joined International Paper in 1992. Ms. Laschinger serves on the board of directors of the Kellogg Company.
Tim S. Nicholls, 51, senior vice president – printing and communications papers of the Americas since November 2011. Mr. Nicholls previously served as senior vice president and chief financial officer from 2007 until 2011 and vice president and executive project leader of IP Europe during 2007. Mr. Nicholls served as vice president and chief financial officer – IP Europe from 2005 until 2007. Mr. Nicholls joined International Paper in 1991.
Maximo Pacheco, 60, senior vice president since 2005 and president – IP Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia since January 2010. Mr. Pacheco previously served as president – IP do Brasil from 2004 until 2009. Mr. Pacheco is a director of Ilim Holding S.A., a Swiss holding company in which International Paper holds a 50% interest, and of its subsidiary, Ilim Group. Mr. Pacheco joined International Paper in 1994.
Carol L. Roberts, 53, senior vice president and chief financial officer since November 2011. Ms. Roberts previously served as senior vice president – industrial packaging from 2008 until 2011 and senior vice president – IP packaging solutions from 2005 until 2008. Ms. Roberts joined International Paper in 1981.


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Sharon R. Ryan, 53, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary since November 2011. Ms. Ryan previously served as senior vice president, acting general counsel and corporate secretary from May 2011 until November 2011, and as vice president from March 2011 until May 2011. Ms. Ryan served as associate general counsel, chief ethics and compliance officer from 2009 until 2011, and as associate general counsel from 2006 until 2011. Ms. Ryan joined International Paper in 1988.
Mark S. Sutton, 51, senior vice president – industrial packaging since November 2011. Mr. Sutton previously served as senior vice president – printing and communications papers of the Americas from 2010 until 2011, senior vice president – supply chain from 2008 to 2009, and vice president – supply chain from 2007 until 2008. Mr. Sutton served as vice president – strategic planning from 2005 until 2007. Mr. Sutton joined International Paper in 1984.

RAW MATERIALS
Raw materials essential to our businesses include wood fiber, purchased in the form of pulpwood, wood chips and old corrugated containers (OCC), and certain chemicals, including caustic soda and starch. Information concerning fiber supply purchase agreements that were entered into in connection with the Company’s 2006 Transformation Plan and the CBPR acquisition in 2008 is presented in Note 10 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities on page 66 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical in nature may be considered “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,” and words of a similar nature. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and reflect management’s current views with respect to future events, which 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) the level of our indebtedness and increases in interest rates; (ii) industry conditions, including, but not limited to, changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy and transportation costs, competition we face, cyclicality and changes in consumer preferences, demand and pricing for our products; (iii) global economic conditions and political changes, including but not limited to the impairment of
 
financial institutions, changes in currency exchange rates, credit ratings issued by recognized credit rating organizations, the amount of our future pension funding obligation, changes in tax laws and pension and health care costs; (iv) unanticipated expenditures related to the cost of compliance with existing and new environmental and other governmental regulations and to actual or potential litigation; (v) whether we experience a material disruption at one of our manufacturing facilities; (vi) risks inherent in conducting business through a joint venture; (vii) our ability to achieve the benefits we expect from strategic acquisitions, divestitures and restructurings. These and other factors that could cause or contribute to actual results differing materially from such forward looking statements are discussed in greater detail below in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (particularly in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), or in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the following are some important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement.
RISKS RELATING TO INDUSTRY CONDITIONS
CHANGES IN THE COST OR AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS, ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION COULD AFFECT OUR PROFITABILITY. We rely heavily on the use of certain raw materials (principally virgin wood fiber, recycled fiber, caustic soda and starch), energy sources (principally natural gas, coal and fuel oil) and third-party companies that transport our goods. The market price of virgin wood fiber varies based upon availability and source. In addition, the increase in demand of products manufactured, in whole or in part, from recycled fiber, on a global basis, may cause an occasional tightening in the supply of recycled fiber. Energy prices, in particular prices for oil and natural gas, have fluctuated dramatically in the past and may continue to fluctuate in the future.

Our profitability has been, and will continue to be, affected by changes in the costs and availability of such raw materials, energy sources and transportation sources.
THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE EXPERIENCE BOTH ECONOMIC CYCLICALITY AND CHANGES IN CONSUMER PREFERENCES.


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FLUCTUATIONS IN THE PRICES OF, AND THE DEMAND FOR, OUR PRODUCTS COULD MATERIALLY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND CASH FLOWS. Substantially all of our businesses have experienced, and are likely to continue to experience, cycles relating to industry capacity and general economic conditions. The length and magnitude of these cycles have varied over time and by product. In addition, changes in consumer preferences may increase or decrease the demand for our fiber-based products and non-fiber substitutes. These consumer preferences affect the prices of our products. Consequently, our operating cash flow is sensitive to changes in the pricing and demand for our products.
COMPETITION IN THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS. We operate in a competitive environment, both in the United States and internationally, in all of our operating segments. Product innovations, manufacturing and operating efficiencies, and marketing, distribution and pricing strategies pursued or achieved by competitors could negatively impact our financial results.
RISKS RELATING TO MARKET AND ECONOMIC FACTORS
ADVERSE DEVELOPMENTS IN GENERAL BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS COULD HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS AND OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. General economic conditions may adversely affect industrial non-durable goods production, consumer spending, commercial printing and advertising activity, white-collar employment levels and consumer confidence, all of which impact demand for our products. In addition, a return to volatility in the capital and credit markets, which impacts interest rates, currency exchange rates and the availability of credit, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and our results of operations.
THE LEVEL OF OUR INDEBTEDNESS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL CON-
DITION AND IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO OPERATE OUR BUSINESS. As of December 31, 2012, International Paper had approximately $10.1 billion of outstanding indebtedness, including $0 of indebtedness outstanding under our credit facilities and $9.6 billion of indebtedness outstanding under our floating and fixed rate notes. The level of our indebtedness could have important consequences to our financial condition, operating results and business, including the following:
 
it may limit our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;
a portion of our cash flows from operations will be dedicated to payments on indebtedness and will not be available for other purposes, including operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
the debt service requirements of our indebtedness could make it more difficult for us to satisfy other obligations;
our indebtedness that is subject to variable rates of interest exposes us to increased debt service obligations in the event of increased interest rates;
it may limit our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and
it may increase our vulnerability to a downturn in general economic conditions or in our business, and may make us unable to carry out capital spending that is important to our growth.
In addition, we are subject to agreements that require meeting and maintaining certain financial ratios and covenants. A significant or prolonged downturn in general business and economic conditions may affect our ability to comply with these covenants or meet those financial ratios and tests and could require us to take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our current business objectives.
CHANGES IN CREDIT RATINGS ISSUED BY NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STATISTICAL RATING ORGANIZATIONS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR COST OF FINANCING AND HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR SECURITIES. Maintaining an investment-grade credit rating is an important element of our financial strategy, and a downgrade of the Company’s ratings below investment grade may limit our access to the capital markets, have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities, increase our cost of borrowing and require us to post collateral for derivatives in a net liability position. The Company’s desire to maintain its investment grade rating may cause the Company to take certain actions designed to improve its cash flow, including sale of assets, suspension or further reduction of our dividend and reductions in capital expenditures and working capital.
Under the terms of the agreements governing approximately $4.6 billion of our debt as of


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December 31, 2012, the applicable interest rate on such debt may increase upon each downgrade in our credit rating. As a result, a downgrade in our credit rating may lead to an increase in our interest expense. There can be no assurance that such credit ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that such ratings will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the rating agencies, if, in each rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant. Any such downgrade of our credit ratings could adversely affect our cost of borrowing, limit our access to the capital markets or result in more restrictive covenants in agreements governing the terms of any future indebtedness that we may incur.
DOWNGRADES IN THE CREDIT RATINGS OF BANKS ISSUING CERTAIN LETTERS OF CREDIT WILL INCREASE OUR COST OF MAINTAINING CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS AND MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATION OF DEFERRED TAXES. We are subject to the risk that a bank with currently issued irrevocable letters of credit supporting installment notes delivered to the Company in connection with our 2006 sale of forestlands may be downgraded below a required rating. Since 2006, certain banks have fallen below the required ratings threshold and were successfully replaced, or waivers were obtained regarding their replacement. Ongoing uncertainty in the banking environment continues, including continued uncertainty with respect to whether the euro-zone will emerge from its sovereign debt crisis and the rating agencies’ ongoing reassessment of bank ratings. As a result, a number of the letter-of-credit banks currently in place remain subject to risk of downgrade and the number of qualified replacement banks remains limited. The downgrade of one or more of these banks may subject the Company to additional costs of securing a replacement letter-of-credit bank or could result in an acceleration of deferred taxes if a replacement bank cannot be obtained. See Note 11 Variable Interest Entities and Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries on pages 69 through 72 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information.
OUR PENSION AND HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE SUBJECT TO NUMEROUS FACTORS WHICH COULD CAUSE THESE COSTS TO CHANGE. We have defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. salaried employees hired prior to July 1, 2004 and substantially all hourly and union employees regardless of hire date. We provide retiree health care benefits to certain of our U.S. salaried and certain hourly employees. Our pension costs are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. Pension plan assets are primarily made up of equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in actual equity market returns, changes in general interest rates and changes in the number of retirees may result in
 
increased pension costs in future periods. Likewise, changes in assumptions regarding current discount rates and expected rates of return on plan assets could also increase pension and health care costs. Significant changes in any of these factors may adversely impact our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
OUR PENSION PLANS ARE CURRENTLY UNDERFUNDED, AND OVER TIME WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO MAKE CASH PAYMENTS TO THE PLANS, REDUCING THE CASH AVAILABLE FOR OUR BUSINESS. We record a liability associated with our pension plans equal to the excess of the benefit obligation over the fair value of plan assets. The benefit liability recorded under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits,” at December 31, 2012 was $4.1 billion. This includes liability for the International Paper Company pension plans as well as the Temple-Inland Retirement Plan and the Temple-Inland Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, for which we have responsibility in connection with the Temple-Inland acquisition. The amount and timing of future contributions will depend upon a number of factors, principally the actual earnings and changes in values of plan assets and changes in interest rates.
CHANGES IN INTERNATIONAL CONDITIONS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. Our operating results and business prospects could be substantially affected by risks related to the countries outside the United States in which we have manufacturing facilities or sell our products. Specifically, Brazil, Russia, Poland, China, and India, where we have substantial manufacturing facilities, are countries that are exposed to economic and political instability in their respective regions of the world. Downturns in economic activity, adverse tax consequences, fluctuations in the value of local currency versus the U.S. dollar, nationalization or any change in social, political or labor conditions in any of these countries or regions could negatively affect our financial results. Trade protection measures in favor of local producers of competing products, including governmental subsidies, tax benefits and other measures giving local producers a competitive advantage over International Paper, may also adversely impact our operating results and business prospects in these countries. In addition, our international operations are subject to regulation under U.S. law and other laws related to operations in foreign jurisdictions. For example, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act prohibits U.S. companies and their representatives from offering, promising, authorizing or making payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business abroad. Failure to comply with domestic or foreign laws could result in various adverse consequences, including the


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imposition of civil or criminal sanctions and the prosecution of executives overseeing our international operations.
RISKS RELATING TO LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND COMPLIANCE COSTS
EXPENDITURES RELATED TO THE COST OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS AND REQUIREMENTS COULD IMPACT OUR BUSINESS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. Our operations are subject to U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations relating to the environment, health and safety. We have incurred, and expect that we will continue to incur, significant capital, operating and other expenditures complying with applicable environmental laws and regulations. There can be no assurance that future remediation requirements and compliance with existing and new laws and requirements, including with global climate change laws and regulations, Boiler MACT and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs), will not require significant expenditures, or that existing reserves for specific matters will be adequate to cover future costs. We could also incur substantial fines or sanctions, enforcement actions (including orders limiting our operations or requiring corrective measures), cleanup and closure costs, and third-party claims for property damage and personal injury as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws, regulations, codes and common law. The amount and timing of environmental expenditures is difficult to predict, and, in some cases, liability may be imposed without regard to contribution or to whether we knew of, or caused, the release of hazardous substances.

RESULTS OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD HAVE A MATERIAL EFFECT ON OUR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The costs and other effects of pending litigation against us cannot be determined with certainty. Although we believe that the outcome of any pending or threatened lawsuits or claims, or all of them combined, will not have a material effect on our business or consolidated financial statements, there can be no assurance that the outcome of any lawsuit or claim will be as expected.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR OPERATIONS
MATERIAL DISRUPTIONS AT ONE OF OUR MANUFACTURING FACILITIES COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS. We operate our facilities in compliance with applicable rules and regulations and take measures to minimize the risks of disruption at our facilities. A material disruption at our corporate headquarters or one of our manufacturing facilities could prevent us from meeting customer demand, reduce our sales and/or negatively impact our financial condition. Any of our manufacturing facilities, or any of our machines within an otherwise
 
operational facility, could cease operations unexpectedly due to a number of events, including:
fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes or other catastrophes;
the effect of a drought or reduced rainfall on its water supply;
terrorism or threats of terrorism;
domestic and international laws and regulations applicable to our Company and our business partners, including joint venture partners, around the world;
unscheduled maintenance outages;
prolonged power failures;
an equipment failure;
a chemical spill or release;
explosion of a boiler;
damage or disruptions caused by third parties operating on or adjacent to one of our manufacturing facilities;
disruptions in the transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railroad tracks and tunnels;
labor difficulties; and
other operational problems.
Any such downtime or facility damage could prevent us from meeting customer demand for our products and/or require us to make unplanned expenditures. If one of these machines or facilities were to incur significant downtime, our ability to meet our production targets and satisfy customer requirements could be impaired, resulting in lower sales and having a negative effect on our business and financial results.
WE ARE SUBJECT TO CYBER-SECURITY RISKS RELATED TO BREACHES OF SECURITY PERTAINING TO SENSITIVE COMPANY, CUSTOMER, EMPLOYEE AND VENDOR INFORMATION AS WELL AS BREACHES IN THE TECHNOLOGY THAT MANAGES OPERATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS PROCESSES. International Paper business operations rely upon secure information technology systems for data capture, processing, storage and reporting. Despite careful security and controls design, implementation, updating and independent third party verification, our information technology systems, and those of our third party providers, could become subject to cyber attacks. Network, system, application and data breaches could


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result in operational disruptions or information misappropriation including, but not limited to interruption to systems availability, denial of access to and misuse of applications required by our customers to conduct business with International Paper. Access to internal applications required to plan our operations, source materials, manufacture and ship finished goods and account for orders could be denied or misused. Theft of intellectual property or trade secrets, and inappropriate disclosure of confidential information, could stem from such incidents. Any of these operational disruptions and/or misappropriation of information could result in lost sales, business delays, negative publicity and could have a material effect on our business.
SEVERAL OPERATIONS ARE CONDUCTED BY JOINT VENTURES THAT WE CANNOT OPERATE SOLELY FOR OUR BENEFIT. Several operations, particularly in emerging markets, are carried on by joint ventures such as the Ilim joint venture in Russia and the recently established Orsa International Paper joint venture in Brazil. In joint ventures we share ownership and management of a company with one or more parties who may or may not have the same goals, strategies, priorities or resources as we do. In general, joint ventures are intended to be operated for the benefit of all co-owners, rather than for our exclusive benefit. Operating a business as a joint venture often requires additional organizational formalities as well as time-consuming procedures for sharing information and making decisions. In joint ventures, we are required to pay more attention to our relationship with our co-owners as well as with the joint venture, and if a co-owner changes, our relationship may be adversely affected. In addition, the benefits from a successful joint venture are shared among the co-owners, so that we do not receive all the benefits from our successful joint ventures.
WE MAY NOT ACHIEVE THE EXPECTED BENEFITS FROM STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS, JOINT VENTURES AND DIVESTITURES. Our strategy for long-term growth, productivity and profitability depends, in part, on our ability to accomplish prudent strategic acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures and to realize the benefits we expect from such transactions, and are subject to the risk that we may not achieve the expected benefits. Among the benefits we expect from potential as well as recently completed acquisitions and joint ventures are synergies, cost savings, growth opportunities or access to new markets (or a combination thereof), and in the case of divestitures, the realization of proceeds from the sale of businesses and assets to purchasers placing higher strategic value on such businesses and assets than does International Paper.
 
For example, on December 12, 2012, the Company signed an agreement to divest our Temple-Inland Building Products business unit to Georgia-Pacific LLC. Our ability to complete the transaction is subject to certain conditions, including approval of the transaction by the U.S. Department of Justice. Failure to consummate the agreed sale to Georgia-Pacific could result in significant delay in accomplishing a divestiture of Temple-Inland Building Products and inability to reach an agreement with one or more alternative purchasers on terms as favorable as the agreement with Georgia-Pacific.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM  2. PROPERTIES
FORESTLANDS
As of December 31, 2012, the Company owned or managed approximately 327,000 acres of forestlands in Brazil, and had, through licenses and forest management agreements, harvesting rights on government-owned forestlands in Russia. All owned lands in Brazil are independently third-party certified for sustainable forestry under CERFLOR.
MILLS AND PLANTS
A listing of our production facilities by segment, the vast majority of which we own, can be found in Appendix I hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company’s facilities are in good operating condition and are suited for the purposes for which they are presently being used. We continue to study the economics of modernization or adopting other alternatives for higher cost facilities.
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND DISPOSITIONS
Given the size, scope and complexity of our business interests, we continually examine and evaluate a wide variety of business opportunities and planning alternatives, including possible acquisitions and sales or other dispositions of properties. You can find a discussion about the level of planned capital investments for 2013 on page 36, and dispositions and restructuring activities as of December 31, 2012, on pages 23 through 25 of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and on pages 56 through 61 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information concerning the Company’s legal proceedings is set forth in Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies on pages 65 through 69 of Item  8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.


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PART II.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Dividend per share data on the Company’s common stock and the high and low sales prices for the Company’s common stock for each of the four quarters in 2012 and 2011 are set forth on page 88 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. As of


 

the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. International Paper options are traded on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange. As of February 21, 2013, there were approximately 16,026 record holders of common stock of the Company.
The table below presents information regarding the Company’s purchase of its equity securities for the time periods presented.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1, 2012 - October 31, 2012
377


$35.83

N/A
N/A
Total
377

 
 
 
(a)
Shares acquired from employees from share withholdings to pay income taxes under the Company’s restricted stock programs.
No activity occurred in November or December.























 




























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


 

The following graph compares a $100 investment in Company stock on December 30, 2007 with a $100 investment in our ROI Peer Group and the S&P 500 also made at market close on December 30, 2007. The graph portrays total return, 2007–2012, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

(1)
The companies included in the ROI Peer Group are Boise, Inc., Domtar Inc., Fibria Celulose S.A., Klabin S.A., MeadWestvaco Corp., Metsa Board Corporate, Mondi Group, Packaging Corporation of America, Rock-Tenn Company, Smurfit Kappa Group, Stora Enso Group, and UPM-Kymmene Corp.
(2)
Boise, Inc., Mondi Group and Smurfit Kappa Group became publicly traded companies in June 2007 (Boise, Inc. and Mondi Group) and March 2007 (Smurfit Kappa). Their results are included in the ROI peer group beginning in 2008.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY (a)
Dollar amounts in millions, except per share amounts and stock prices
2012

 
2011

 
2010

 
2009

 
2008

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
27,833

  
$
26,034

  
$
25,179

  
$
23,366

  
$
24,829

  
Costs and expenses, excluding interest
26,137

  
24,035

  
23,749

  
21,498

  
25,490

  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings
1,024

(b) 
1,458

(e) 
822

(h) 
1,199

(j) 
(1,153
)
(l) 
Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes
61

  
140

  
111

 
(26
)
  
6

  
Discontinued operations, net of taxes
45

(c) 
49

(f) 

 


(13
)
(m) 
Net earnings (loss)
799

(b-d) 
1,336

(e-g) 
712

(h-i) 
704

(j-k) 
(1,322
)
(l-n) 
Noncontrolling interests, net of taxes
5

  
14

  
21

  
18

  
3

  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper Company
794

(b-d) 
1,322

(e-g) 
691

(h-i) 
686

(j-k) 
(1,325
)
(l-n) 
FINANCIAL POSITION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Working capital
$
3,907

  
$
5,718

  
$
3,525

  
$
3,539

  
$
2,605

  
Plants, properties and equipment, net
13,949

  
11,817

  
12,002

  
12,688

  
14,202

  
Forestlands
622

  
660

  
747

  
757

  
594

  
Total assets
32,153

  
27,018

  
25,409

  
25,543

  
26,804

  
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt
444

  
719

  
313

  
304

  
828

  
Long-term debt
9,696

  
9,189

  
8,358

  
8,729

  
11,246

  
Total shareholders’ equity
6,304

  
6,645

  
6,875

  
6,018

  
4,060

  
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
1.72

  
$
2.95

  
$
1.61

  
$
1.61

 
$
(3.12
)
  
Discontinued operations
0.10

  
0.11

  

  

 
(0.03
)
 
Net earnings (loss)
1.82

  
3.06

  
1.61

  
1.61

 
(3.15
)
 
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
1.70

  
$
2.92

  
$
1.59

  
$
1.61

 
$
(3.12
)
  
Discontinued operations
0.10

  
0.11

  

  

 
(0.03
)
 
Net earnings (loss)
1.80

  
3.03

  
1.59

  
1.61

 
(3.15
)
  
Cash dividends
1.0875

  
0.9750

  
0.400

  
0.325

  
1.00

  
Total shareholders’ equity
14.33

  
15.21

  
15.71

  
13.90

  
9.50

  
COMMON STOCK PRICES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
39.88

  
$
33.01

  
$
29.25

  
$
27.79

  
$
33.77

  
Low
27.29

  
21.55

  
19.33

  
3.93

  
10.20

  
Year-end
39.84

  
29.60

  
27.24

  
26.78

  
11.80

  
FINANCIAL RATIOS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current ratio
1.8

  
2.2

  
1.8

  
1.9

  
1.5

  
Total debt to capital ratio
0.62

  
0.60

  
0.56

  
0.60

  
0.75

  
Return on shareholders’ equity
11.6
%
(b-d) 
17.9
%
(e-g) 
11.4
%
(h-i) 
14.1
%
(j-k) 
(15.4
)%
(l-n) 
Return on investment from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company
4.8
%
(b-d) 
7.5
%
(e-g) 
5.3
%
(h-i) 
5.1
%
(j-k) 
(4.2
)%
(l-n) 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
$
1,383

  
$
1,159

  
$
775

  
$
534

  
$
1,002

  
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
70,000

  
61,500

  
59,500

  
56,100

  
61,700

  




 






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FINANCIAL GLOSSARY
Current ratio—
current assets divided by current liabilities.
Total debt to capital ratio—
long-term debt plus notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt divided by long-term debt, notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt and total shareholders’ equity.
Return on shareholders’ equity—
net earnings attributable to International Paper Company divided by average shareholders’ equity (computed monthly).
Return on investment—
the after-tax amount of earnings from continuing operations before interest divided by the average of total assets minus accounts payable and accrued liabilities (computed monthly).
FOOTNOTES TO FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
 
(a)
All periods presented have been restated to reflect the Kraft Papers, Brazilian Coated Papers, Beverage Packaging, and Wood Products businesses as discontinued operations, if applicable.

2012:

(b)
Includes restructuring and other charges of $109 million before taxes ($70 million after taxes) including pre-tax charges of $48 million ($30 million after taxes) for early debt extinguishment costs, pre-tax charges of $44 million ($28 million after taxes) for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company's xpedx operations, and pre-tax charges of $17 million ($12 million after taxes) for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company's Packaging business in Europe. Also included are a pre-tax charge of $20 million ($12 million after taxes) related to the write-up of the Temple-Inland inventories to fair value, pre-tax charges of $164 million ($108 million after taxes) for integration costs associated with the acquisition of Temple-Inland, a pre-tax charge of $62 million ($38 million after taxes) to adjust the long-lived assets of the Hueneme mill in Oxnard, California to their fair value in anticipation of its divestiture, and pre-tax charges of $29 million ($55 million after taxes) for costs associated with the divestiture of three containerboard mills.
(c)
Includes pre-tax charges of $15 million ($9 million after taxes) for expenses associated with pursuing the divestiture of the Temple-
 
Inland Building Products business and the operating results of the Temple-Inland Building Products business.

(d)
Includes a net tax expense of $14 million related to internal restructurings and a $5 million expense to adjust deferred tax assets related to post-retirement prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D reimbursement).
2011:
 
(e)
Includes restructuring and other charges of $102 million before taxes ($90 million after taxes) including pre-tax charges of $49 million ($34 million after taxes) for costs associated with the restructuring of the Company’s xpedx operations, pre-tax charges of $32 million ($19 million after taxes) for early debt extinguishment costs, pre-tax charges of $18 million ($12 million after taxes) for costs associated with the acquisition of a majority share of Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited in India, pre-tax charges of $20 million ($12 million after taxes) for costs associated with signing an agreement to acquire Temple-Inland, and a pre-tax gain of $24 million ($15 million after taxes) related to the reversal of environmental and other reserves due to the announced repurposing of a portion of the Franklin mill. Also included are a pre-tax charge of $27 million ($17 million after taxes) for an environmental reserve related to the Company’s property in Cass Lake, Minnesota, a pre-tax charge of $129 million ($104 million after taxes) for a fixed-asset impairment of the North American Shorewood business, pre-tax charges of $78 million (a gain of $143 million after taxes) to reduce the carrying value of the Shorewood business based on the terms of the definitive agreement to sell this business, and a charge of $11 million (before and after taxes) for asset impairment costs associated with the Inverurie, Scotland mill which was closed in 2009.
 
(f)
Includes a pre-tax gain of $50 million ($30 million after taxes) for an earnout provision related to the sale of the Company’s Kraft Papers business completed in January 2007. Also, the Company sold its Brazilian Coated Paper business in the third quarter 2006. Local country tax contingency reserves were included in the business’ operating results in 2005 and 2006 for which the related statute of limitations has expired. The reserves were reversed and a tax benefit of $15 million plus associated interest income of $6 million ($4 million after taxes) was recorded.



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(g)
Includes a tax benefit of $222 million related to the reduction of the carrying value of the Shorewood business and the write-off of a deferred tax liability associated with Shorewood, a $24 million tax expense related to internal restructurings, a $9 million tax expense for costs associated with our acquisition of a majority share of Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited in India, a $13 million tax benefit related to the release of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance, and a $2 million tax expense for other items.
2010:
 
(h)
Includes restructuring and other charges of $394 million before taxes ($242 million after taxes) including pre-tax charges of $315 million ($192 million after taxes) for shutdown costs related to the Franklin, Virginia mill, a pre-tax charge of $35 million ($21 million after taxes) for early debt extinguishment costs, pre-tax charges of $7 million ($4 million after taxes) for closure costs related to the Bellevue, Washington container plant, a pre-tax charge of $11 million ($7 million after taxes) for an Ohio Commercial Activity tax adjustment, a pre-tax charge of $6 million ($4 million after taxes) for severance and benefit costs associated with the Company’s S&A reduction initiative, and a pre-tax charge of $8 million ($5 million after taxes) for costs associated with the reorganization of the Company’s Shorewood operations. Also included are a pre-tax charge of $18 million ($11 million after taxes) for an environmental reserve related to the Company’s property in Cass Lake, Minnesota, and a pre-tax gain of $25 million ($15 million after taxes) related to the partial redemption of the Company’s interests in Arizona Chemical.
 
(i)
Includes tax expense of $14 million and $32 million for tax adjustments related to incentive compensation and Medicare Part D deferred tax write-offs, respectively, and a $40 million tax benefit related to cellulosic bio-fuel tax credits.
2009:
 
(j)
Includes restructuring and other charges of $1.4 billion before taxes ($853 million after taxes), including pre-tax charges of $469 million ($286 million after taxes), $290 million ($177 million after taxes), and $102 million ($62 million after taxes) for shutdown costs for the Albany, Oregon, Franklin, Virginia and Pineville, Louisiana mills, respectively, a pre-tax charge of $82 million ($50 million after taxes) for costs related to the shutdown of a paper machine at
 
the Valliant, Oklahoma mill, a pre-tax charge of $148 million ($92 million after taxes) for severance and benefit costs associated with the Company’s 2008 overhead cost reduction initiative, a pre-tax charge of $185 million ($113 million after taxes) for early debt extinguishment costs, a pre-tax charge of $23 million ($28 million after taxes) for closure costs associated with the Inverurie, Scotland mill, and a charge of $31 million, before and after taxes, for severance and other costs associated with the planned closure of the Etienne mill in France, and a pre-tax charge of $23 million ($14 million after taxes) for other items. Also included are a pre-tax gain of $2.1 billion ($1.4 billion after taxes) related to alternative fuel mixture credits, a pre-tax charge of $87 million ($54 million after taxes) for integration costs associated with the CBPR acquisition, a charge of $56 million to write down the assets at the Etienne mill in France to estimated fair value.

(k)
Includes a $156 million tax expense for the write-off of deferred tax assets in France, a $15 million tax expense for the write-off of a deferred tax asset for a recycling credit in the state of Louisiana and a $26 million tax benefit related to the settlement of the 2004 and 2005 U.S. federal income tax audit and related state income tax effects.
2008:
 
(l)
Includes restructuring and other charges of $370 million before taxes ($227 million after taxes), including a pre-tax charge of $123 million ($75 million after taxes) for shutdown costs for the Bastrop, Louisiana mill, a pre-tax charge of $30 million ($18 million after taxes) for the shutdown of a paper machine at the Franklin, Virginia mill, a charge of $53 million before taxes ($32 million after taxes) for severance and related costs associated with the Company’s 2008 overhead cost reduction initiative, a charge of $75 million before taxes ($47 million after taxes) for adjustments to legal reserves, a pre-tax charge of $30 million ($19 million after taxes) for costs associated with the reorganization of the Company’s Shorewood operations, a pre-tax charge of $53 million ($33 million after taxes) to write off deferred supply chain initiative development costs for U.S. container operations that were not implemented due to the CBPR acquisition, a charge of $8 million before taxes ($5 million after taxes) for closure costs associated with the Ace Packaging business, and a gain of $2 million, before and after taxes, for adjustments to previously recorded reserves and other


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charges associated with the Company’s 2006 Transformation Plan. Also included are a charge of $1.8 billion, before and after taxes, for the impairment of goodwill in the Company’s U.S. Printing Papers and U.S. and European Coated Paperboard businesses, a pre-tax charge of $107 million ($84 million after taxes) to write down the assets of the Inverurie, Scotland mill to estimated fair value, a pre-tax gain of $6 million ($4 million after taxes) for adjustments to estimated transaction costs accrued in connection with the 2006 Transformation Plan forestland sales, a $39 million charge before taxes ($24 million after taxes) relating to the write-up of inventory to fair value in connection with the CBPR acquisition, and a $45 million charge before taxes ($28 million after taxes) for integration costs associated with the CBPR acquisition.

(m)
Includes a pre-tax charge of $25 million ($16 million after taxes) for the settlement of a post-closing adjustment on the sale of the Beverage Packaging business, pre-tax gains of $9 million ($5 million after taxes) for adjustments to reserves associated with the sale of discontinued businesses, and the operating results of certain wood products facilities.

(n)
Includes a $40 million tax benefit related to the restructuring of the Company’s international operations.



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

Operating Earnings (a non-GAAP measure) is defined as net earnings from continuing operations (a GAAP measure) excluding special items and non-operating pension expense. International Paper generated Operating Earnings per diluted share attributable to common shareholders of $2.65 in 2012, compared with $3.12 in 2011, and $2.30 in 2010. Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders were $1.80 in 2012, compared with $3.03 in 2011 and $1.59 in 2010.

International Paper delivered strong results during 2012 despite challenging global economic conditions, and generated record cash flow from operations of $3 billion. Our results were primarily driven by the Temple-Inland acquisition and associated integration synergies that exited the year at a run rate above our first-year plan. We also divested three mills required as a condition to close the Temple-Inland acquisition and announced an agreement to divest the building products business acquired with Temple-Inland. These divestitures combined will generate more than $1.2 billion of cash once the building products divestiture closes.

Our global operations continued to execute well and deliver on our cost management objectives, contributing to another year of generating returns above our cost of capital. We reduced our balance sheet debt by $1.9 billion since the Temple-Inland acquisition closed and increased our annual dividend by 14% to $1.20 per share. We also made significant progress on our strategic and cost-reduction projects, including the Franklin fluff pulp mill conversion, the biomass boiler at our Mogi Guacu mill in Brazil, and our new coated paperboard machine in China, among others. We also finalized two acquisitions in Turkey and Brazil during the 2013 first quarter that were announced in 2012. We believe these strategic and cost-saving projects position International Paper well for a step-change in earnings in 2013.

Summarizing our 2012 operations, the Temple-Inland acquisition built a strong foundation for steadily improving, as well as less cyclical, earnings going forward. The acquisition and impressive integration were meaningfully earnings accretive in less than twelve months. While the slower global growth environment took its toll on pricing in pulp, consumer grades and export shipments across all our product lines, the worst seems to be behind us as pulp markets have stabilized and rebounded from the bottom and export markets in containerboard have recovered in the second half of the year. It was another year of excellent execution across
 
our global operations, as the performance of our mills more than offset ramp-up costs associated with the Franklin fluff pulp mill conversion and the coated paperboard machine start-up at our IP-Sun joint venture in China. Lower average input costs helped us offset the absence of significant favorable inventory valuation adjustments that we experienced in 2011.

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2013, we expect seasonally weaker volume in our Europe-Russia and Brazil papers businesses and stable demand across our North American businesses. We expect the full benefit of our 2012 fourth quarter North American box price increase to be realized during the 2013 first quarter, but it will be partially offset by unfavorable seasonal mix issues in Brazil. Operationally, we should see the impact of improved performance across our mill businesses as supply chain conditions improve and one-time unfavorable issues from the 2012 fourth quarter do not repeat. Further, lower costs at Franklin and the full impact of the biomass boiler in Brazil should provide additional earnings momentum. As to input costs, we expect higher costs for recycled fiber, wood and energy. The 2013 first quarter will be another heavy maintenance outage quarter with only a modest decrease in expenses expected.

For the 2013 full year, our outlook for end-use demand is based on global economic growth of three to four percent and growth in the U.S. of one to two percent. Our largest lever this year is the trajectory of our North American industrial packaging business, with year-over-year earnings improvement due to pricing and continued system optimization. Further, the ramp-up of our many strategic and cost saving projects during the course of the year is expected to drive significant incremental earnings in 2013 versus 2012. We do, however, expect higher input costs, primarily associated with fiber and energy, and an unfavorable impact associated with the lost earnings and incremental containerboard purchases from the divested mills.
Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) of $1.6 billion generated in 2012 was lower than the $1.7 billion generated in both 2011 and 2010 (see reconciliation on page 33).
Operating Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders of $0.69 in the fourth quarter of 2012 were lower than both the $0.81 in the 2012 third quarter and the $0.73 in the 2011 fourth quarter. Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders were $0.53 in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with $0.54 in the third quarter of 2012 and $0.65 in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Free cash flow of $384 million generated in the 2012 fourth quarter was lower than the $567 million generated in the 2012 third quarter but slightly higher than the $328 million


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generated in the 2011 fourth quarter (see reconciliation on page 33).
Operating Earnings is a non-GAAP measure. Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders is the most direct comparable GAAP measure. The Company calculates Operating Earnings by excluding the after-tax effect of items considered by management to be unusual from the earnings reported under GAAP, and non-operating pension expense. 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. The Company believes that using this information, along with the most direct comparable GAAP measure, provides for a more complete analysis of the results of operations. The following are reconciliations of Operating Earnings per share attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders to diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to International Paper Company common shareholders.
 
 
2012

2011

2010

Operating Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Shareholders
$
2.65

$
3.12

$
2.30

Non-operating pension expense
(0.26
)
(0.06
)
(0.14
)
Restructuring and other charges
(0.45
)
(0.19
)
(0.59
)
Net gains (losses) on sales and impairments of businesses
(0.20
)
0.08

0.03

Interest income

0.01


Income tax adjustments
(0.04
)
(0.06
)
(0.01
)
Bargain purchase price adjustment

0.02


Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share from Continuing Operations
1.70

2.92

1.59

Discontinued operations
0.10

0.11


Diluted Earnings (Loss)Per Share Attributable to Shareholders
$
1.80

$
3.03

$
1.59

 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2011

Operating Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Shareholders
 
$
0.69

 
$
0.81

 
$
0.73

Non-operating pension expense
 
(0.07
)
 
(0.06
)
 
(0.01
)
Restructuring and other charges
 
(0.08
)
 
(0.13
)
 
(0.03
)
Net gains (losses) on sales and impairments of businesses
 
0.01

 
(0.11
)
 

Interest income
 

 

 
0.01

Income tax adjustments
 
(0.04
)
 

 
(0.05
)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share from Continuing Operations
 
0.51

 
0.51

 
0.65

Discontinued operations
 
0.02

 
0.03

 

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Shareholders
 
$
0.53

 
$
0.54

 
$
0.65

Results of Operations
Industry segment operating profits are used by International Paper’s management to measure the earnings performance of its businesses. Management believes that this measure allows a better understanding of trends in costs, operating efficiencies, prices and volumes. Industry segment operating profits are defined as earnings before taxes, equity earnings, noncontrolling interests, interest expense, corporate items and corporate special items. Industry segment operating profits are defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-GAAP financial measure, and are not GAAP alternatives to net income or any other operating measure prescribed by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
International Paper operates in four segments: Industrial Packaging, Printing Papers, Consumer Packaging and Distribution. Effective January 1, 2011, the Forest Products Business is no longer being reported by the Company as a separate industry segment due to the immateriality of the results of the remaining business on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



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The following table presents a reconciliation of net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper Company to its total industry segment operating profit:
 
In millions
2012

2011

2010

Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to International Paper Company
$
794

$
1,322

$
691

Deduct – Discontinued operations:
 
 
 
(Earnings) from operations
(54
)


(Gain) loss on sales or impairment
9

(49
)

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Attributable to International Paper Company
749

1,273

691

Add back (deduct):
 
 
 
Income tax provision
331

311

221

Equity (earnings) loss, net of taxes
(61
)
(140
)
(111
)
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
5

14

21

Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings
1,024

1,458

822

Interest expense, net
672

541

608

Noncontrolling interests / equity earnings included in operations

(10
)
(15
)
Corporate items
51

102

142

Special items:
 
 
 
Restructuring and other charges
51

82

70

Net losses (gains) on sales and impairments of businesses
(2
)

(25
)
Non-Operating Pension Expense
$
159

$
43

$
84

 
$
1,955

$
2,216

$
1,686

Industry Segment Operating Profit
 
 
 
Industrial Packaging
$
1,066

$
1,147

$
826

Printing Papers
599

872

481

Consumer Packaging
268

163

207

Distribution
22

34

78

Forest Products


94

Total Industry Segment Operating Profit
$
1,955

$
2,216

$
1,686

Industry segment operating profits of $2.0 billion in 2012 included a net loss from special items of $335 million compared with $253 million in 2011 and $344 million in 2010. Operationally, compared with 2011, the impacts of Temple-Inland volumes and synergies ($379 million) and lower input costs ($113 million) were offset by higher costs associated with Temple-Inland step-up depreciation and the impact of divesting three containerboard mills ($141 million), lower average sales price realizations and an unfavorable mix ($313 million), higher operating costs ($186 million) and higher mill maintenance outage costs($31 million).
 
The principal changes in operating profit by segment were as follows:
 
Industrial Packaging’s profits of $1.1 billion were $81 million higher as the benefits of Temple-Inland sales volumes and synergies and lower input costs were partially offset by additional costs associated with Temple-Inland step-up depreciation and the impact of the divestiture of three containerboard mills, lower average sales price realizations and unfavorable mix, higher operating costs and higher maintenance outage costs. In addition, 2012 operating profits included $184 million of costs associated with the integration of Temple-Inland, a $62 million charge to adjust the long-lived assets of the Hueneme mill to their fair value, and $29 million of costs associated with the divestiture of three containerboard mills. Operating profits in 2011 included $20 million of costs associated with the signing of an agreement to purchase Temple-Inland.

Printing Papers’ profits of $599 million were $273 million lower than in 2011. The benefits of higher sales volumes were more than offset by lower sales price realizations, higher operating costs, higher maintenance outage costs, higher raw material and freight costs and other items. Operating profits in 2011 included a gain of $21 million related to the reversal of environmental reserves due to the announced repurposing of the Franklin, Virginia mill and $11 million of asset impairment costs associated with the Inverurie, Scotland mill which was closed in 2009.

Consumer Packaging’s profits of $268 million, were $105 million higher than in 2011. The benefits from lower raw material and freight costs, lower maintenance outage costs and lower other items were more than offset by lower sales price


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realizations and a less favorable product mix, lower sales volumes and higher market-related downtime, and higher operating expenses. Operating profits in 2011 included costs of $201 million associated with the fixed asset impairment and sale of the Shorewood business.

Distribution’s profits of $22 million were $12 million lower than 2011. Higher sales price realizations and lower operating costs were more than offset by lower sales volumes. Reorganization expenses were $49 million in 2012 and $52 million in 2011.
 
Corporate items, net, of $51 million of expense in 2012 were lower than the $102 million of expense in 2011 due to lower supply chain initiative expenses. The decrease in 2011 from 2010 primarily reflects lower supply chain initiative expenses.
Corporate special items, including restructuring and other items and net losses on sales and impairments of businesses were a loss of $49 million in 2012 compared with a loss of $76 million in 2011 and a loss of $45 million in 2010.
Interest expense, net, was $672 million in 2012 compared with $541 million in 2011 and $608 million in 2010. The increase in 2012 reflects higher interest expense associated with the Temple-Inland acquisition, while the decrease in 2011 reflects lower debt levels throughout much of the year.
A net income tax provision of $331 million was recorded for 2012, including a net expense of $14 million related to internal restructurings and an expense of $5 million to adjust deferred tax assets related to post-retirement prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D reimbursements). The 2011 income tax provision of $311 million includes a tax benefit of $222 million related to the reduction of the carrying value of the Shorewood business and the write-off of a deferred tax liability associated with Shorewood, a $24 million expense related to internal restructurings, a $9 million expense for costs associated with our acquisition of a majority interest in Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited, a $13 million benefit related to the release of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance and a $2 million expense for other items. The 2010 income tax provision of $221 million includes a $14 million tax expense for an incentive compensation deferred tax write-off, a $32 million tax expense for a Medicare Part D deferred tax write-off and a $40 million net tax benefit related to cellulosic bio-fuel credits.
Discontinued Operations
In 2012, $54 million of operating profits for the Temple-Inland Building Products business were recorded in discontinued operations. In addition, $9 million of after-
 
tax expenses associated with pursuing the divestiture of this business were included.
In 2011, $49 million of net income adjustments were recorded relating to prior sales of discontinued businesses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the year ended December 31, 2012, International Paper generated $3.0 billion of cash flow from continuing operations compared with $2.7 billion in 2011. Capital spending for 2012 totaled $1.4 billion, or 93% of depreciation and amortization expense. Cash expenditures for acquisitions totaled $3.7 billion, while net decreases in debt totaled $356 million. Our liquidity position remains strong, supported by approximately $2.5 billion of committed credit facilities that we believe are adequate to meet future liquidity requirements. Maintaining an investment-grade credit rating for our long-term debt continues to be an important element in our overall financial strategy.
We expect to generate strong free cash flow again in 2013 and will continue our balanced use of cash through investments in capital projects, the reduction of total debt, including the Company’s unfunded pension obligation, returning value to shareholders and strengthening our businesses through acquisitions, as appropriate.
Capital spending for 2013 is targeted at $1.4 billion, or about 93% of depreciation and amortization.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Accounting Estimates
Accounting policies that may have a significant effect on our reported results of operations and financial position, and that can require judgments by management in their application, include accounting for contingent liabilities, impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill, pension and postretirement benefit obligations, stock options and income taxes. See pages 38 through 41 for a discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and significant accounting estimates.
Legal
See Note 10 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities on pages 65 through 69 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a discussion of legal matters.


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CORPORATE OVERVIEW
While the operating results for International Paper’s various business segments are driven by a number of business-specific factors, changes in International Paper’s operating results are closely tied to changes in general economic conditions in North America, Europe, Russia, Latin America, Asia and North Africa. Factors that impact the demand for our products include industrial non-durable goods production, consumer spending, commercial printing and advertising activity, white-collar employment levels, and movements in currency exchange rates.
Product prices are affected by general economic trends, inventory levels, currency movements and worldwide capacity utilization. In addition to these revenue-related factors, net earnings are impacted by various cost drivers, the more significant of which include changes in raw material costs, principally wood, recycled fiber and chemical costs; energy costs; freight costs; salary and benefits costs, including pensions; and manufacturing conversion costs.
The following is a discussion of International Paper’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the major factors affecting these results compared to 2011 and 2010.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 2012, International Paper reported net sales of $27.8 billion, compared with $26.0 billion in 2011 and $25.2 billion in 2010. International net sales (including U.S. exports) totaled $8.5 billion or 31% of total sales in 2012. This compares with international net sales of $8.7 billion in 2011 and $7.5 billion in 2010.
Full year 2012 net earnings attributable to International Paper Company totaled $794 million ($1.80 per share), compared with net earnings of $1.3 billion ($3.03 per share) in 2011 and $691 million ($1.59 per share) in 2010. 2012 and 2011 amounts include the results of discontinued operations.
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to International Paper Company after taxes in 2012 were $749 million, including $305 million of net special items charges and $113 million of non-operating pension expense compared with income of $1.3 billion, including $63 million of net special items charges and $29 million of non-operating pension expense in 2011, and $691 million, including $246 million of net special items charges and $59 million of non-operating pension expense in 2010. Compared with 2011, benefits from Temple-Inland synergies, lower input costs and lower income tax expense were more than offset by higher costs associated with Temple-Inland step-up depreciation and the impact of the divestiture of three
 
containerboard mills, lower average sales price realizations and unfavorable mix, higher operating costs, higher maintenance outage costs and higher interest expense. In addition, 2012 results included lower equity earnings, net of taxes, relating to the Company’s investment in Ilim Holdings, SA.
See Industry Segment Results on pages 27 through 32 for a discussion of the impact of these factors by segment.
Discontinued Operations
2012:
In 2012, $45 million of net income adjustments were recorded relating to discontinued businesses, including $9 million of costs associated with the announced agreement to sell the Temple-Inland Building Products business. Also included are the operating profits for the Temple-Inland Building Products business.
2011:
In 2011, $49 million of net income adjustments were recorded relating to prior sales of discontinued businesses, including a $30 million earnout payment received by the Company in 2011 associated with the sale of the Kraft Papers businesses in 2007 and a $15 million tax benefit for the reversal of local country tax contingency reserves, for which the related statute of limitations has now expired, plus associated interest income of $4 million recorded in 2011 related to the 2006 sale of the Brazilian Coated Papers business.
Income Taxes
A net income tax provision of $331 million was recorded for 2012, including a net tax expense of $14 million related to internal restructurings and a $5 million expense to adjust deferred tax assets related to post-retirement prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D reimbursements). Excluding these items and the tax effect of other special items, the tax provision was $410 million, or 29% of pre-tax earnings before equity earnings.


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A net income tax provision of $311 million was recorded for 2011, including a tax benefit of $222 million related to the reduction of the carrying value of the Shorewood business and the write-off of a deferred tax liability associated with Shorewood, a $24 million expense related to internal restructurings, a $9 million expense for costs associated with our acquisition of a majority share of Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited in India, a $13 million benefit related to the release of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance, and a $2 million expense for other items. Excluding these items and the tax effect of other special items, the tax provision was $577 million, or 32% of pre-tax earnings before equity earnings.
A net income tax provision of $221 million was recorded for 2010, including a $14 million tax expense and a $32 million tax expense for incentive compensation and Medicare Part D deferred tax write-offs, respectively, and a net $40 million tax benefit related to cellulosic bio-fuel tax credits. See discussion on pages 33 and 34. Excluding these items and the tax effect of other special items, the tax provision was $364 million, or 30% of pre-tax earnings before equity earnings.
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes
Equity earnings, net of taxes in 2012, 2011 and 2010 consisted principally of the Company’s share of earnings from its 50% investment in Ilim Holding S.A. in Russia (see page 32).
Corporate Items and Interest Expense
Corporate items totaled $51 million of expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared with $102 million in 2011 and $142 million in 2010. The decrease in 2012 from 2011 reflects lower supply chain initiative expenses. The decrease in 2011 from 2010 reflects lower supply chain initiative expenses.
Net interest expense totaled $672 million in 2012, $541 million in 2011 and $608 million in 2010. The increase in 2012 compared with 2011 is due to interest expense associated with the Temple-Inland acquisitions. The decrease in 2011 compared with 2010 reflects lower average debt levels.
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests totaled $5 million in 2012 compared with $14 million in 2011 and $21 million in 2010. The decrease in 2012 primarily reflects lower earnings for the Shandong IP & Sun Food Packaging Co., Ltd. joint venture in China due to start-up costs associated with a new paper machine. The decrease in 2011 reflects lower earnings for Shorewood Mexico due to the impairment of the business’ fixed assets.



 
Special Items
Restructuring and Other Charges
International Paper continually evaluates its operations for improvement opportunities targeted to (a) focus our portfolio on our core businesses, (b) rationalize and realign capacity to operate fewer facilities with the same revenue capability and close high cost facilities, and (c) reduce costs. Annually, strategic operating plans are developed by each of our businesses. If it subsequently becomes apparent that a facility’s plan will not be achieved, a decision is then made to (a) invest additional capital to upgrade the facility, (b) shut down the facility and record the corresponding charge, or (c) evaluate the expected recovery of the carrying value of the facility to determine if an impairment of the asset value of the facility has occurred. In recent years, this policy has led to the shutdown of a number of facilities and the recording of significant asset impairment charges and severance costs. It is possible that additional charges and costs will be incurred in future periods in our core businesses should such triggering events occur.
2012: During 2012, corporate restructuring and other charges totaling $51 million before taxes ($35 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included:
 
a $48 million charge before taxes ($30 million after taxes) for costs related to the early extinguishment of debt (see Note 12 Debt and Lines of Credit on pages 72 and 73 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data), and

a $3 million charge before taxes ($5 million after taxes) for other items.

In addition, restructuring and other charges totaling $58 million before taxes ($39 million after taxes) were recorded in the Industrial Packaging and Distribution industry segments including:

a $17 million charge before taxes ($12 million after taxes) related to the restructuring of our Packaging business in Europe,
a $44 million charge before taxes ($28 million after taxes) for restructuring costs related to the Company's xpedx business, and
a $3 million gain before taxes ($1 million after taxes) for other items.
2011: During 2011, corporate restructuring and other charges totaling $55 million before taxes ($33 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included:



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a $32 million charge before taxes ($19 million after taxes) for costs related to the early extinguishment of debt (see Note 12 Debt and Lines of Credit on pages 72 and 73 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data),

an $18 million charge before taxes ($12 million after taxes) related to International Paper's acquisition of a majority share of APPM in India, and

a $5 million charge before taxes ($2 million after taxes) for other items.

In addition, restructuring and other charges totaling $47 million before taxes ($33 million after taxes) were recorded in the Industrial Packaging, Printing Papers, Consumer Packaging and Distribution industry segments including:
 
a $20 million charge before taxes ($12 million after taxes) for costs associated with the signing of an agreement to acquire Temple-Inland,

a $24 million gain before taxes ($15 million after taxes) related to a change in the estimate of closure costs related to the Franklin, Virginia mill due to the Company’s decision to repurpose a portion of the mill to produce fluff pulp,
 
a $49 million charge before taxes ($34 million after taxes) for restructuring costs related to the Company’s xpedx business, and

a $2 million charge before taxes ($2 million after taxes) for other items.
2010: During 2010, corporate restructuring and other charges totaling $52 million before taxes ($32 million after taxes) were recorded. These charges included:
 
a $35 million charge before taxes ($21 million after taxes) for costs related to the early extinguishment of debt (see Note 12 Debt and Lines of Credit on pages 72 and 73 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data),

an $11 million charge before taxes ($7 million after taxes) related to the write-off of an Ohio commercial activity tax receivable, and

a $6 million charge before taxes ($4 million after taxes) for severance and benefit costs associated with the Company's S&A reduction initiative.
 
In addition, restructuring and other charges totaling $342 million before taxes ($210 million after taxes) were recorded in the Industrial Packaging, Printing Papers and Consumer Packaging industry segments including:
 
a $315 million charge before taxes ($192 million after taxes), including $236 million of noncash accelerated depreciation charges, for closure costs related to the Franklin, Virginia mill,

an $8 million charge before taxes ($5 million after taxes) related to the reorganization of the Company’s Shorewood Packaging operations,

a $7 million charge before taxes ($4 million after taxes) related to the closure of the Bellevue, Washington container facility, and

a $12 million charge before taxes ($9 million after taxes) for other items.
Impairments of Goodwill
No goodwill impairment charges were recorded in 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Net Losses (Gains) on Sales and Impairments of Businesses
Net losses (gains) on sales and impairments of businesses included in special items totaled a pre-tax loss of $86 million ($87 million after taxes) in 2012, a pre-tax loss of $218 million (a gain of $36 million after taxes and noncontrolling interests) in 2011 and a pre-tax gain of $23 million ($13 million after taxes) in 2010. The principal components of these gains/losses were:
2012: As referenced in Note 5 Acquisitions and Joint Ventures on pages 57 through 60 in Item. 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, on July 2, 2012, International Paper finalized the sales of its Ontario and Oxnard (Hueneme), California containerboard mills to New-Indy Containerboard LLC, and its New Johnsonville, Tennessee containerboard mill to Hood Container Corporation. During 2012, the Company recorded pre-tax charges of $29 million ($55 million after taxes) for costs associated with the divestitures of these mills. Also during 2012, in anticipation of the divestiture of the Hueneme mill, a pre-tax charge of $62 million ($38 million after taxes) was recorded to adjust the long-lived assets of the mill to their fair value.
2011: On August 22, 2011, International Paper announced that it had signed an agreement to sell its Shorewood business to Atlas Holdings. As a result, during 2011, net pre-tax charges of $207 million (after a $246 million tax benefit and a gain of $8 million related to a noncontrolling interest, a net gain of $47 million) were recorded to reduce the carrying value of the Shorewood business to fair market value. As part of the


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transaction, International Paper retained a minority interest of approximately 40% in the newly combined AGI-Shorewood business outside the U.S. Since the interest retained represents significant continuing involvement in the operations of the business, the operating results of the Shorewood business were included in continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations instead of Discontinued operations. The sale of the U.S. portion of the Shorewood business to Atlas Holdings closed on December 31, 2011. The sale of the remainder of the Shorewood business occurred during January 2012. The assets of the remainder of the Shorewood business, totaling $196 million at December 31, 2011, are included in Assets of businesses held for sale in current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The liabilities of the remainder of the Shorewood business totaling $43 million at December 31, 2011 are included in Liabilities of businesses held for sale in current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, approximately $33 million of currency translation adjustment was reflected in OCI related to the remainder of the Shorewood business at December 31, 2011.
Also during 2011, the Company recorded charges totaling $11 million (before and after taxes) to further write down the long-lived assets of its Inverurie, Scotland mill to their estimated fair value.
2010: During 2010, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $25 million ($15 million after taxes) as a result of the partial redemption of the 10% interest the Company retained in its Arizona Chemical business after the sale of the business in 2006. The Company received $37 million in cash from the redemption of this interest.
Industry Segment Operating Profits
Industry segment operating profits of $2.0 billion in 2012 decreased from $2.2 billion in 2011. The benefits from Temple-Inland volumes and synergies ($379 million) and lower input costs ($113 million) were more than offset by higher costs associated with Temple-Inland step-up depreciation and the impact of the divestiture of three containerboard mills ($141 million), lower average sales price realizations and an unfavorable mix ($313 million), higher operating costs ($186 million) and higher mill maintenance outage costs ($31 million). Special items were a $335 million net loss in 2012 compared with a net loss of $253 million in 2011.
Market-related downtime in 2012 increased to approximately 683,000 tons from approximately 421,000 tons in 2011.
Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2013, demand for North American and Asian paper and packaging is expected to be stable, while demand in Europe and
 
Brazil is expected to seasonally decrease. Average sales price realizations in North America are expected to be steady in the domestic paper market, but increase in packaging markets. Average sales prices in Europe are likely to be steady for both paper and packaging. In Brazil, paper prices are expected to increase in the domestic market, but decrease for sales to export markets. Input costs in North America are expected to increase for wood, energy and recycled fiber. Planned maintenance downtime costs should decrease in North America, while higher costs in Europe should be offset by lower costs in Brazil. Earnings from our xpedx distribution business are expected to reflect seasonally lower sales volumes, partially offset by cost reductions resulting from the business reorganization. Equity earnings from our Ilim joint venture are expected to be lower.
DESCRIPTION OF INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
International Paper’s industry segments discussed below are consistent with the internal structure used to manage these businesses. All segments are differentiated on a common product, common customer basis consistent with the business segmentation generally used in the forest products industry.
Industrial Packaging
International Paper is the largest manufacturer of containerboard in the United States. Our production capacity is about 14 million tons annually. Our products include linerboard, medium, whitetop, recycled linerboard, recycled medium and saturating kraft. About 80% of our production is converted domestically into corrugated boxes and other packaging by our 178 U.S. container plants. Additionally, we recycle approximately one million tons of OCC and mixed and white paper through our 20 recycling plants. In Europe, our operations include one recycled fiber containerboard mill in Morocco and 20 container plants in France, Italy, Spain, and Morocco. In Asia, our operations include 19 container plants in China and additional container plants in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Our container plants are supported by regional design centers, which offer total packaging solutions and supply chain initiatives.
Printing Papers
International Paper is one of the world’s leading producers of printing and writing papers. Products in this segment include uncoated and coated papers, uncoated bristols and pulp.
Uncoated Papers: This business produces papers for use in copiers, desktop and laser printers and digital imaging. End use applications include advertising and promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, annual reports and direct mail.


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Uncoated papers also produces a variety of grades that are converted by our customers into envelopes, tablets, business forms and file folders. Uncoated papers are sold under private label and International Paper brand names that include Hammermill, Springhill, Williamsburg, Postmark, Accent, Great White, Chamex, Ballet, Rey, Pol, and Svetocopy. The mills producing uncoated papers are located in the United States, France, Poland, Russia, Brazil and India. The mills have uncoated paper production capacity of approximately 5 million tons annually. Brazilian operations function through International Paper do Brasil, Ltda, which owns or manages approximately 327,000 acres of forestlands in Brazil.
Pulp: Pulp is used in the manufacture of printing, writing and specialty papers, towel and tissue products and filtration products. Pulp is also converted into products such as diapers and sanitary napkins. Pulp products include fluff, and southern softwood pulp, as well as southern and birch hardwood paper pulps. These products are produced in the United States, France, Poland, Russia, and Brazil and are sold around the world. International Paper facilities have annual dried pulp capacity of about 1.7 million tons.
Consumer Packaging
International Paper is the world’s largest producer of solid bleached sulfate board with annual U.S. production capacity of about 1.7 million tons. Our coated paperboard business produces high quality coated paperboard for a variety of packaging and commercial printing end uses. Our Everest®, Fortress®, and Starcote® brands are used in packaging applications for everyday products such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, computer software and tobacco products. Our Carolina® brand is used in commercial printing end uses such as greeting cards, paperback book covers, lottery tickets, direct mail and point-of-purchase advertising. Our U.S. capacity is supplemented by about 365,000 tons of capacity at our mills producing coated board in Poland and Russia and by our International Paper & Sun Cartonboard Co., Ltd. joint venture in China which has annual capacity of 1.0 million tons.
Our Foodservice business produces cups, lids, food containers and plates through three domestic plants and four international facilities.
Distribution
xpedx, our North American merchant distribution business, distributes products and services to a number of customer markets including: commercial printers with printing papers and graphic pre-press, printing presses and post-press equipment; building services and away-from-home markets with facility supplies; manufacturers with packaging supplies and equipment;
 
and to a growing number of customers, we exclusively provide distribution capabilities including warehousing and delivery services. xpedx is a leading wholesale distribution marketer in these customer and product segments in North America, operating 108 warehouse locations in the U.S. and Mexico.
Forest Products
International Paper sold our remaining land portfolio in 2010 and beginning in 2011 is no longer reporting Forest Products as a separate industry segment.
Ilim Holding S.A.
In October 2007, International Paper and Ilim Holding S.A. (Ilim) completed a 50:50 joint venture to operate a pulp and paper business located in Russia. Ilim’s facilities include three paper mills located in Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk, and Koryazhma, Russia, with combined total pulp and paper capacity of over 2.6 million tons. Ilim has exclusive harvesting rights on timberland and forest areas exceeding 14.3 million acres (5.8 million hectares).
Products and brand designations appearing in italics are trademarks of International Paper or a related company.
INDUSTRY SEGMENT RESULTS
Industrial Packaging
Demand for Industrial Packaging products is closely correlated with non-durable industrial goods production, as well as with demand for processed foods, poultry, meat and agricultural products. In addition to prices and volumes, major factors affecting the profitability of Industrial Packaging are raw material and energy costs, freight costs, manufacturing efficiency and product mix.
Industrial Packaging net sales and operating profits for 2012 include the results of the Temple-Inland packaging operations from the date of acquisition. Net sales for 2012 increased 27% to $13.3 billion compared with $10.4 billion in 2011, and 35% compared with $9.8 billion in 2010. Operating profits were 7% lower in 2012 than in 2011 and 29% higher than in 2010. Excluding costs associated with the acquisition and integration of Temple-Inland, the divestiture of three containerboard mills and other special items, operating profits in 2012 were 17% higher than in 2011 and 60% higher than in 2010. Benefits from Temple-Inland synergies and sales volumes ($375 million) and lower input costs ($124 million) were partially offset by higher costs associated with Temple-Inland step-up depreciation and the impact of the divestiture of three containerboard mills ($141 million), lower average sales price realizations and unfavorable mix ($20 million), higher operating costs


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($125 million) and higher maintenance outage costs ($18 million). Additionally, operating profits in 2012 include costs of $184 million associated with the acquisition and integration of Temple-Inland, mill divestiture costs of $91 million, costs associated with the restructuring of our European Packaging business of $17 million and a $3 million gain for other items, while operating costs in 2011 included costs associated with signing an agreement to acquire Temple-Inland of $20 million and a gain of $7 million for other items.
 
Industrial Packaging
 
 
 
In millions
2012

2011

2010

Sales
$
13,280

$
10,430

$
9,840

Operating Profit
1,066

1,147

826

North American Industrial Packaging net sales were $11.6 billion in 2012 compared with $8.6 billion in 2011 and $8.4 billion in 2010. Operating profits in 2012 were $1.0 billion ($1.3 billion excluding costs associated with the acquisition and integration of Temple-Inland and mill divestiture costs) compared with $1.1 billion (both including and excluding costs associated with signing an agreement to acquire Temple-Inland) in 2011 and $763 million ($776 million excluding facility closure costs) in 2010.
Sales volumes for the legacy business were about flat in 2012 compared with 2011. Average sales price was lower mainly due to export containerboard sales prices which bottomed out in the first quarter but climbed steadily the rest of the year. Input costs were lower for recycled fiber, wood and natural gas, but higher for starch. Freight costs also increased. Planned maintenance downtime costs were higher than in 2011. Operating costs were higher largely due to routine inventory valuation adjustments Operating profits in 2012 benefited from $235 million of Temple-Inland synergies. Market-related downtime in 2012 was about 570,000 tons compared with about 380,000 tons in 2011. Operating profits in 2012 included $184 million of costs associated with the acquisition and integration of Temple-Inland and $91 million of costs associated with the divestiture of three containerboard mills. Operating profits in 2011 included charges of $20 million for costs associated with the signing of the agreement to acquire Temple-Inland.
Looking ahead to 2013, sales volumes in the first quarter compared with the fourth quarter of 2012 are expected to increase slightly for boxes due to a higher number of shipping days. Average sales price realizations are expected to reflect the pass-through to box customers of a containerboard price increase implemented in 2012. Input costs are expected to be higher for recycled fiber, wood and starch. Planned maintenance downtime costs are expected to be about $26 million higher with outages scheduled at eight mills compared with six mills in the 2012 fourth quarter.
 
Manufacturing operating costs are expected to be lower.
European Industrial Packaging net sales were $1.0 billion in 2012 compared with $1.1 billion in 2011 and $990 million in 2010. Operating profits in 2012 were $53 million ($72 million excluding restructuring costs) compared with $66 million ($61 million excluding a gain for a bargain purchase price adjustment on an acquisition by our joint venture in Turkey and costs associated with the closure of our Etienne mill in France in 2009) in 2011 and $70 million ($73 million before closure costs for our Etienne mill) in 2010.
Sales volumes in 2012 were lower than in 2011 reflecting decreased demand for packaging in the industrial market due to a weaker overall economic environment in southern Europe. Demand for packaging in the agricultural markets was about flat year-over-year. Average sales margins increased due to sales price increases implemented during 2011 and 2012 and lower board costs. Other input costs were higher, primarily for energy and distribution. Operating profits in 2012 included a net gain of $10 million for an insurance settlement, partially offset by additional operating costs, related to the earthquakes in Northern Italy in May which affected our San Felice box plant.
Entering the first quarter of 2013, sales volumes are expected to be stable reflecting a seasonal decrease in market demand in agricultural markets offset by an increase in industrial markets. Average sales margins are expected to improve due to lower input costs for containerboard. Other input costs should be about flat. Operating costs are expected to be higher reflecting the absence of the earthquake insurance settlement that was received in the 2012 fourth quarter.
Asian Industrial Packaging net sales and operating profits include the results of SCA Packaging since the acquisition on June 30, 2010, including the impact of incremental integration costs. Net sales for the packaging operations were $400 million in 2012 compared with $410 million in 2011 and $255 million in 2010. Operating profits for the packaging operations were $2 million in 2012 compared with $2 million in 2011 and a loss of $7 million (a loss of $4 million excluding facility closure costs) in 2010. Operating profits were favorably impacted by higher average sales margins in 2012 compared with 2011, but this benefit was offset by lower sales volumes and higher raw material costs and operating costs. Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2013, sales volumes and average sales margins are expected to decrease due to seasonality.
Net sales for the distribution operations were $260 million in 2012 compared with $285 million in 2011 and $240 million in 2010. Operating profits were $3 million in 2012 compared with $3 million in 2011 and about breakeven in 2010.


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Printing Papers
Demand for Printing Papers products is closely correlated with changes in commercial printing and advertising activity, direct mail volumes and, for uncoated cut-size products, with changes in white-collar employment levels that affect the usage of copy and laser printer paper. Pulp is further affected by changes in currency rates that can enhance or disadvantage producers in different geographic regions. Principal cost drivers include manufacturing efficiency, raw material and energy costs and freight costs.
Printing Papers net sales for 2012 were about flat with 2011 and increased 5% from 2010. Operating profits in 2012 were 31% lower than in 2011, but 25% higher than in 2010. Excluding facility closure costs and impairment costs, operating profits in 2012 were 30% lower than in 2011 and 25% lower than in 2010. Benefits from higher sales volumes ($58 million) were more than offset by lower sales price realizations and an unfavorable product mix ($233 million), higher operating costs ($30 million), higher maintenance outage costs ($17 million), higher input costs ($32 million) and other items ($6 million). In addition, operating profits in 2011 included a $24 million gain related to the announced repurposing of our Franklin, Virginia mill to produce fluff pulp and an $11 million impairment charge related to our Inverurie, Scotland mill that was closed in 2009.
 
Printing Papers
 
 
 
In millions
2012

2011

2010

Sales
$
6,230

$
6,215

$
5,940

Operating Profit
599

872

481

North American Printing Papers net sales were $2.7 billion in 2012, $2.8 billion in 2011 and $2.8 billion in 2010. Operating profits in 2012 were $331 million compared with $423 million ($399 million excluding a $24 million gain associated with the repurposing of our Franklin, Virginia mill) in 2011 and $18 million ($333 million excluding facility closure costs) in 2010.
Sales volumes in 2012 were flat with 2011. Average sales margins were lower primarily due to lower export sales prices and higher export sales volume. Input costs were higher for wood and chemicals, but were partially offset by lower purchased pulp costs. Freight costs increased due to higher oil prices. Manufacturing operating costs were favorable reflecting strong mill performance. Planned maintenance downtime costs were slightly higher in 2012. No market-related downtime was taken in either 2012 or 2011.
Entering the first quarter of 2013, sales volumes are expected to increase compared with the fourth quarter of 2012 reflecting seasonally stronger demand.
 
Average sales price realizations are expected to be relatively flat as sales price realizations for domestic and export uncoated freesheet roll and cutsize paper should be stable. Input costs should increase for energy, chemicals and wood. Planned maintenance downtime costs are expected to be about $19 million lower with an outage scheduled at our Georgetown mill versus outages at our Courtland and Eastover mills in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Brazilian Papers net sales for 2012 were $1.1 billion compared with $1.2 billion in 2011 and $1.1 billion in 2010. Operating profits for 2012 were $163 million compared with $169 million in 2011 and $159 million in 2010. Sales volumes in 2012 were higher than in 2011 as International Paper improved its segment position in the Brazilian market despite weaker year-over-year conditions in most markets. Average sales price realizations improved for domestic uncoated freesheet paper, but the benefit was more than offset by declining prices for exported paper. Margins were favorably affected by an increased proportion of sales to the higher-margin domestic market. Raw material costs increased for wood and chemicals, but costs for purchased pulp decreased. Operating costs and planned maintenance downtime costs were lower than in 2011.
Looking ahead to 2013, sales volumes in the first quarter are expected to be lower than in the fourth quarter of 2012 due to seasonally weaker customer demand for uncoated freesheet paper. Average sales price realizations are expected to increase in the Brazilian domestic market due to the realization of an announced sales price increase for uncoated freesheet paper, but the benefit should be partially offset by pricing pressures in export markets. Average sales margins are expected to be negatively impacted by a less favorable geographic mix. Input costs are expected to be about flat due to lower energy costs being offset by higher costs for wood, purchased pulp, chemicals and utilities. Planned maintenance outage costs should be $4 million lower with no outages scheduled in the first quarter. Operating costs should be favorably impacted by the savings generated by the start-up of a new biomass boiler at the Mogi Guacu mill.
European Papers net sales in 2012 were $1.4 billion compared with $1.4 billion in 2011 and $1.3 billion in 2010. Operating profits in 2012 were $179 million compared with $196 million ($207 million excluding asset impairment charges related to our Inverurie, Scotland mill which was closed in 2009) in 2011 and $197 million ($199 million excluding an asset impairment charge) in 2010.
Sales volumes in 2012 compared with 2011 were higher for uncoated freesheet paper in both Europe and Russia, while sales volumes for pulp were lower in both regions. Average sales price realizations for uncoated


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freesheet paper were higher in Russia, but lower in Europe reflecting weak economic conditions and market demand. Average sales price realizations for pulp decreased. Lower input costs for wood and purchased fiber were partially offset by higher costs for energy, chemicals and packaging. Freight costs were also higher. Planned maintenance downtime costs were higher due to executing a significant once-every-ten-years maintenance outage plus the regularly scheduled 18-month outage at the Saillat mill while outage costs in Russia and Poland were lower. Manufacturing operating costs were favorable.
Entering 2013, sales volumes in the first quarter are expected to be seasonally weaker in Russia, but about flat in Europe. Average sales price realizations for uncoated freesheet paper are expected to decrease in Europe, but increase in Russia. Input costs should be higher in Russia, especially for wood and energy, but be slightly lower in Europe. No maintenance outages are scheduled for the first quarter.
Indian Papers includes the results of Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills (APPM) of which a 75% interest was acquired on October 14, 2011. Net sales were $185 million in 2012 and $35 million in 2011. Operating profits were a loss of $16 million in 2012 and a loss of $3 million in 2011.
Asian Printing Papers net sales were $85 million in 2012, $75 million in 2011 and $80 million in 2010. Operating profits were improved from breakeven in past years to $1 million in 2012.
U.S. Pulp net sales were $725 million in 2012 compared with $725 million in 2011 and $715 million in 2010. Operating profits were a loss of $59 million in 2012 compared with gains of $87 million in 2011 and $107 million in 2010.
Sales volumes in 2012 increased from 2011 primarily due to the start-up of pulp production at the Franklin mill in the third quarter of 2012. Average sales price realizations were significantly lower for both fluff pulp and market pulp. Input costs were lower, primarily for wood and energy. Freight costs were slightly lower. Mill operating costs were unfavorable primarily due to costs associated with the start-up of the Franklin mill. Planned maintenance downtime costs were lower.
In the first quarter of 2013, sales volumes are expected to be flat with the fourth quarter of 2012. Average sales price realizations are expected to improve reflecting the realization of sales price increases for paper and tissue pulp that were announced in the fourth quarter of 2012. Input costs should be flat. Planned maintenance downtime costs should be about $9 million higher than in the fourth quarter of 2012. Manufacturing costs related to the Franklin mill should be lower as we continue to improve operations.
 
Consumer Packaging
Demand and pricing for Consumer Packaging products correlate closely with consumer spending and general economic activity. In addition to prices and volumes, major factors affecting the profitability of Consumer Packaging are raw material and energy costs, freight costs, manufacturing efficiency and product mix.
Consumer Packaging net sales in 2012 decreased 15% from 2011 and 7% from 2010. Operating profits increased 64% from 2011 and 29% from 2010. Net sales and operating profits include the Shorewood business in 2011 and 2010. Excluding asset impairment and other charges associated with the sale of the Shorewood business, and facility closure costs, 2012 operating profits were 27% lower than in 2011, but 23% higher than in 2010.
Benefits from lower raw material costs ($22 million), lower maintenance outage costs ($5 million) and other items ($2 million) were more than offset by lower sales price realizations and an unfavorable product mix ($66 million), lower sales volumes and increased market-related downtime ($22 million), and higher operating costs ($40 million). In addition, operating profits in 2012 included a gain of $3 million related to the sale of the Shorewood business while operating profits in 2011 included a $129 million fixed asset impairment charge for the North American Shorewood business and $72 million for other charges associated with the sale of the Shorewood business.
 
Consumer Packaging
 
 
 
In millions
2012

2011

2010

Sales
$
3,170

$
3,710

$
3,400

Operating Profit
268

163

207

North American Consumer Packaging net sales were $2.0 billion in 2012 compared with $2.5 billion in 2011 and $2.4 billion in 2010. Operating profits were $165 million ($162 million excluding a gain related to the sale of the Shorewood business) in 2012 compared with $35 million ($236 million excluding asset impairment and other charges associated with the sale of the Shorewood business) in 2011 and $97 million ($105 million excluding facility closure costs) in 2010.
Coated Paperboard sales volumes in 2012 were lower than in 2011 reflecting weaker market demand. Average sales price realizations were lower, primarily for folding carton board. Input costs for wood increased, but were partially offset by lower costs for chemicals and energy. Planned maintenance downtime costs were slightly lower. Market-related downtime was about 113,000 tons in 2012 compared with about 38,000 tons in 2011.


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Foodservice sales volumes increased in 2012 compared with 2011. Average sales margins were higher reflecting the realization of sales price increases for the pass-through of earlier cost increases. Raw material costs for board and resins were lower. Operating costs and distribution costs were both higher.
The U.S.Shorewood business was sold December 31, 2011 and the non-U.S. business was sold in January 2012.
Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2013, Coated Paperboard sales volumes are expected to increase slightly from the fourth quarter of 2012. Average sales price realizations are expected to be slightly lower, but margins should benefit from a more favorable product mix. Input costs are expected to be higher for energy and wood. No planned maintenance outages are scheduled in the first quarter. In January 2013 the Company announced the permanent shutdown of a coated paperboard machine at the Augusta mill with an annual capacity of 140,000 tons. Foodservice sales volumes are expected to increase. Average sales margins are expected to decrease due to the realization of sales price decreases effective with our January contract openers. Input costs for board and resin are expected to be lower and operating costs are also expected to decrease.
European Consumer Packaging net sales in 2012 were $380 million compared with $375 million in 2011 and $345 million in 2010. Operating profits in 2012 were $99 million compared with $93 million in 2011 and $76 million in 2010. Sales volumes in 2012 increased from 2011. Average sales price realizations were higher in Russian markets, but were lower in European markets. Input costs decreased, primarily for wood, and planned maintenance downtime costs were lower in 2012 than in 2011.
Looking forward to the first quarter of 2013, sales volumes are expected to decrease in both Europe and Russia. Average sales price realizations are expected to be higher in Russia, but be more than offset by decreases in Europe. Input costs are expected to increase for wood and chemicals. No maintenance outages are scheduled for the first quarter.
Asian Consumer Packaging net sales were $830 million in 2012 compared with $855 million in 2011 and $705 million in 2010. Operating profits in 2012 were $4 million compared with $35 million in 2011 and $34 million in 2010. Sales volumes increased in 2012 compared with 2011 partially due to the start-up of a new coated paperboard machine. Average sales price realizations were significantly lower, but were partially offset by lower input costs for purchased pulp. Start-up costs for a new coated paperboard machine adversely impacted operating profits in 2012.
 
In the first quarter of 2013, sales volumes are expected to increase slightly. Average sales price realizations for folding carton board and bristols board are expected to be lower reflecting increased competitive pressures and seasonally weaker market demand. Input costs should be higher for pulp and chemicals. However, costs related to the ramp-up of the new coated paperboard machine should be lower.
Distribution
xpedx, our distribution business, is one of North America’s leading business-to-business distributors to manufacturers, facility managers and printers, providing customized solutions that are designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and deliver results. Customer demand is generally sensitive to changes in economic conditions and consumer behavior, along with segment specific activity including corporate advertising and promotional spending, government spending and domestic manufacturing activity. Distribution’s margins are relatively stable across an economic cycle. Providing customers with the best choice for value in both products and supply chain services is a key competitive factor. Additionally, efficient customer service, cost-effective logistics and focused working capital management are key factors in this segment’s profitability.
 
Distribution
 
 
 
In millions
2012

2011

2010

Sales
$
6,040

$
6,630

$
6,735

Operating Profit
22

34

78

Distribution’s 2012 annual sales decreased 9% from 2011, and decreased 10% from 2010. Operating profits in 2012 were $22 million ($71 million excluding reorganization costs) compared with $34 million ($86 million excluding reorganization costs) in 2011 and $78 million in 2010.
Annual sales of printing papers and graphic arts supplies and equipment totaled $3.5 billion in 2012 compared with $4.0 billion in 2011 and $4.2 billion in 2010, reflecting declining demand and the exiting of unprofitable businesses. Trade margins as a percent of sales for printing papers were relatively even with both 2011 and 2010. Revenue from packaging products was flat at $1.6 billion in both 2012 and 2011 and up slightly compared to $1.5 billion in 2010. Packaging margins increased in 2012 from both 2011 and 2010, reflecting the successful execution of strategic sourcing initiatives. Facility supplies annual revenue was $0.9 billion in 2012, down compared to $1.0 billion in 2011 and 2010.
Operating profits in 2012 included $49 million of reorganization costs for severance, professional services and asset write-downs compared with $52


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million in 2011. Operating profits in 2010 included costs of approximately $10 million related to exiting certain retail store and printing equipment segments, and for professional fees related to a strategic study of the xpedx business as a whole.
Looking ahead to the 2013 first quarter, operating results will be seasonally lower, but will continue to reflect the benefits of the ongoing transformation.
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes – Ilim Holding S.A.
International Paper accounts for its investment in Ilim Holding S.A. (Ilim), a separate reportable industry segment, using the equity method of accounting. Prior to 2012, due to the complex organizational structure of Ilim’s operations, and the extended time required to prepare consolidated financial information in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the Company reported its share of Ilim’s operating results on a one-quarter lag basis. In 2012, the Company determined that the elimination of the one-quarter lag was preferable because the same period-end reporting date improves overall financial reporting as the impact of current events, economic conditions and global trends are consistently reflected in the financial statements. Beginning January 1, 2012, the Company has applied this change in accounting principle retrospectively to all prior financial reporting periods presented.
The elimination of the one-quarter reporting lag for Ilim had the following impact:
Consolidated Statement of Operations
In millions
 
2011

 
2010

Equity earnings (loss), net of taxes
 
$
(19
)
 
$
47

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
 
(19
)
 
47

Net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper Company
 
(19
)
 
47

Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
 
(0.04
)
 
0.11

Basic net earnings (loss) per share
 
(0.04
)
 
0.11

Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
 
(0.04
)
 
0.11

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share
 
(0.04
)
 
0.11

Consolidated Balance Sheet
In millions at December 31
 
2011

Investments
 
$
25

Retained earnings
 
25

The Company recorded equity earnings, net of taxes, related to Ilim of $56 million in 2012 compared with $134 million in 2011 and $102 million in 2010. Operating results recorded in 2012 included an after-tax foreign
 
exchange gain of $16 million on the remeasurement of U.S. dollar-denominated debt. Operating results recorded in 2011 included an after-tax foreign exchange loss of $24 million on the remeasurement of U.S. dollar-denominated debt.
Sales volumes for the joint venture increased year-over-year for shipments to China and other export markets. Linerboard sales in the domestic Russian market decreased slightly reflecting competitive price pressures in late 2012. Average sales price realizations were significantly lower in 2012 primarily for softwood pulp, but hardwood pulp and linerboard also decreased in both the Russian domestic market and in export markets. Input costs increased year-over-year, primarily for wood. Freight costs also increased. The Company received cash dividends from the joint venture of $86 million in 2011 and $33 million in 2010. No dividends were paid in 2012.
Entering the first quarter of 2013, sales volumes are expected to decrease due to weak demand in the export markets and a seasonal slowdown in the domestic market. Average sales price realizations are expected to increase reflecting higher pulp and linerboard prices in the Russian domestic market and slightly higher export pulp prices. Lower input costs for wood will be partially offset by higher energy costs, while distribution costs are expected to increase. Commissioning of a new pulp line at the Bratsk mill and a coated and uncoated woodfree paper machine at the Koryazhma mill will be completed in the first quarter with commercial production beginning in the second quarter. As these projects are placed in service, higher depreciation and interest expense will negatively impact earnings.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
A major factor in International Paper’s liquidity and capital resource planning is its generation of operating cash flow, which is highly sensitive to changes in the pricing and demand for our major products. While changes in key cash operating costs, such as energy, raw material and transportation costs, do have an effect on operating cash generation, we believe that our focus on cost controls has improved our cash flow generation over an operating cycle.
As part of our continuing focus on improving our return on investment, we have focused our capital spending on improving our key paper and packaging businesses both globally and in North America.
Cash uses during 2012 were primarily focused on higher capital spending and the Temple-Inland acquisition.



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Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash provided by continuing operations totaled $3.0 billion in 2012 compared with $2.7 billion for 2011 and $1.6 billion for 2010.
The major components of cash provided by continuing operations are earnings from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash income and expense items and changes in working capital. Earnings from continuing operations, adjusted for non-cash income and expense items, decreased by $304 million in 2012 versus 2011 driven mainly by a decrease in earnings from continuing operations. Cash used for working capital components, accounts receivable and inventory less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, interest payable and other totaled $84 million in 2012, compared with $505 million in 2011 and $458 million in 2010.
The Company generated free cash flow of approximately $1.6 billion, $1.7 billion and $1.7 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure and the most comparable GAAP measure is cash provided by operations. Management uses free cash flow as a liquidity metric because it measures the amount of cash generated that is available to maintain our assets, make investments or acquisitions, pay dividends and reduce debt. The following are reconciliations of free cash flow to cash provided by operations:
 
In millions
2012

2011

2010

Cash provided by operations
$
2,960

$
2,675

$
1,631

(Less)/Add:
 
 
 
Cash invested in capital projects
(1,383
)
(1,159
)
(775
)
Cash contribution to pension plan, net of tax refunds
44

300

1,042

Cash (received from) used for European accounts receivable securitization program

209


Tax receivable collected related to pension contributions

(123
)

Cash received from unwinding a timber monetization
(251
)
(175
)

Change in control payments related to Temple-Inland acquisition
120



Cash received from alternative fuel mixture credits


(132
)
Reduction in cash taxes paid related to cellulosic bio-fuel tax credits


(17
)
Cash paid for Guaranty Bank settlement
80



Free Cash Flow
$
1,570

$
1,727

$
1,749

 
In millions
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Three Months Ended December 31, 2011

Cash provided by operations
$
686

$
863

$
637

(Less)/Add:
 
 
 
Cash invested in capital projects
(382
)
(296
)
(434
)
Cash contribution to pension plan, net of tax refunds


300

Cash received from unwinding a timber monetization


(175
)
Cash paid for Guaranty Bank settlement
80



Free Cash Flow
$
384

$
567

$
328

Cellulosic Bio-fuel Tax Credit
In a memorandum dated June 28, 2010, the IRS concluded that black liquor would qualify for the cellulosic bio-fuel tax credit of $1.01 per gallon produced in 2009. On October 15, 2010, the IRS ruled that companies may qualify in the same year for the $0.50 per gallon alternative fuel mixture credit and the $1.01 cellulosic bio-fuel tax credit for 2009, but not for the same gallons of fuel produced and consumed. To the extent a taxpayer changes its position and uses the $1.01 credit, it must re-pay the refunds they received as alternative fuel mixture credits attributable to the gallons converted to the cellulosic bio-fuel credit. The repayment of this refund must include interest.
One important difference between the two credits is that the $1.01 credit must be credited against a company’s Federal tax liability, and the credit may be carried forward through 2015. In contrast, the $0.50 credit is refundable in cash. Also, the cellulosic bio-fuel credit is required to be included in Federal taxable income.
The Company filed an application with the IRS on November 18, 2010, to receive the required registration code to become a registered cellulosic bio-fuel producer. The Company received its registration code on February 28, 2011.

The Company has evaluated the optimal use of the two credits with respect to gallons produced in 2009. Considerations include uncertainty around future Federal taxable income, the taxability of the alternative fuel mixture credit, future liquidity and uses of cash such as, but not limited to, acquisitions, debt repayments and voluntary pension contributions versus repayment of alternative fuel mixture credits with interest. At the present time, the Company does not intend to convert any gallons under the alternative fuel mixture credit to gallons under the cellulosic bio-fuel credit. On July 19, 2011 the Company filed an amended 2009 tax return claiming alternative fuel mixture tax credits as non-


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taxable income. If that amended position is not upheld, the Company will re-evaluate its position with regard to alternative fuel mixture gallons produced in 2009.
During 2009, the Company produced 64 million gallons of black liquor that were not eligible for the alternative fuel mixture credit. The Company claimed these gallons for the cellulosic bio-fuel credit by amending the Company’s 2009 tax return. The impact of this amendment was included in the Company’s 2010 fourth quarter Income tax provision (benefit), resulting in a $40 million net credit to tax expense. Temple-Inland also recognized an income tax benefit of $83 million in 2010 related to cellulosic bio-fuel credits.
As is the case with other tax credits, taxpayer claims are subject to possible future review by the IRS which has the authority to propose adjustments to the amounts claimed, or credits received.
Investment Activities
Investment activities in 2012 were up from 2011 reflecting an increase in capital spending and the acquisition of Temple-Inland. The Company maintains an average capital spending target of $1.0 billion per year over the course of an economic cycle. Capital spending for continuing operations was $1.4 billion in 2012, or 93% of depreciation and amortization, compared with $1.2 billion in 2011, or 87% of depreciation and amortization, and $775 million, or 53% of depreciation and amortization in 2010. Across our businesses, capital spending as a percentage of depreciation and amortization ranged from 75% to 151% in 2012.
The following table shows capital spending for continuing operations by business segment for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
 
In millions
2012

2011

2010

Industrial Packaging
$
565

$
426

$
301

Printing Papers
449

364

283

Consumer Packaging
296

310

159

Distribution
10

8

5

Forest Products


3

Subtotal
1,320

1,108

751

Corporate and other
63

51

24

Total from Continuing Operations
$
1,383

$
1,159

$
775

Capital expenditures in 2013 are currently expected to be about $1.4 billion, or 93% of depreciation and amortization.
Acquisitions
2013: On January 3, 2013, International Paper completed the acquisition (effective date of acquisition on January 1, 2013) of the shares of its joint venture partner, Sabanci Holding, in the Turkish corrugated
 
packaging company, Olmuksa International Paper Sabanci Ambalaj Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (Olmuksa), for a purchase price of $56 million. The acquired shares represent 43.7% of Omulksa's shares, and prior to this acquisition, International Paper already held a 43.7% equity interest in Olmuksa. Thus, International Paper now owns 87.4% of Olmuksa's outstanding and issued shares. The Company has not completed the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed; however, the Company anticipates providing a preliminary purchase price allocation in its 2013 first quarter Form 10-Q filing.
Because the transaction resulted in International Paper becoming the majority shareholder, owning 87.4% of Olmuksa's shares, its completion triggered a mandatory call for tender of the remaining public shares. Also as a result of International Paper taking majority control of the entity, Olmuksa's financial results will be consolidated with our Industrial Packaging segment beginning with the effective date International Paper obtained majority control of the entity on January 1, 2013.
2012: On February 13, 2012, International Paper completed the acquisition of Temple-Inland, Inc. (Temple-Inland). International Paper acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Temple-Inland for $32.00 per share in cash, totaling approximately $3.7 billion, and assumed approximately $700 million of Temple-Inland’s debt. As a condition to allowing the transaction to proceed, the Company entered into an agreement on a Final Judgment with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that required the Company to divest three containerboard mills, with approximately 970,000 tons of aggregate containerboard capacity. On July 2, 2012, International Paper sold its Ontario and Oxnard (Hueneme), California containerboard mills to New-Indy Containerboard LLC, and its New Johnsonville, Tennessee containerboard mill to Hood Container Corporation. By completing these transactions, the Company satisfied its divestiture obligations under the Final Judgment. See Note 6 for further details of these divestitures, as well as the planned divestiture of Temple-Inland's Building Products business.
Temple-Inland's results of operations are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition on February 13, 2012.
2011: On October 14, 2011, International Paper completed the acquisition of a 75% stake in Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Limited (APPM). The Company purchased 53.5% of APPM for a purchase price of $226 million in cash plus assumed debt from private investors. These sellers also entered into a covenant not to compete for which they received a cash payment of $58 million. Additionally, the Company purchased a 21.5% stake of APPM in a public tender offer completed on October 8, 2011 for $105 million in cash.


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International Paper recognized an unfavorable currency transaction loss of $9 million due to strengthening of the dollar against the Indian Rupee prior to the closing date, resulting from cash balances deposited in Indian Rupee denominated escrow accounts.
In November 2011, International Paper appealed a directive from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that would require us to pay to the tendering shareholders the equivalent per share value of the non-compete payment that was paid to the previous controlling shareholders. The Company has deposited approximately $25 million into an escrow account to fund the additional non-compete payments in the event SEBI’s direction is upheld. By an order dated September 12, 2012, the Indian Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) upheld the SEBI directive. As a result of this initial unfavorable ruling, International Paper included the $25 million escrowed cash amount in the final purchase price consideration of APPM. On October 8, 2012, International Paper appealed the SAT's decision to the Indian Supreme Court.
APPM's results of operations are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition on October 14, 2011.
2010: On June 30, 2010, International Paper completed the acquisition of SCA Packaging Asia (SCA) for a purchase price of $202 million, including $168 million in cash plus assumed debt of $34 million. The SCA packaging business in Asia consists of 13 corrugated box plants and two specialty packaging facilities, which are primarily in China, along with locations in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. SCA’s results of operations are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition on June 30, 2010.
Joint Ventures
2013: On January 14, 2013, International Paper and Brazilian corrugated packaging producer, Jari Celulose Embalagens e Papel S.A (Jari), a Grupo Orsa company, formed Orsa International Paper Embalagens S.A. (ORSA IP). The new entity, in which International Paper holds a 75% stake, includes three containerboard mills and four box plants, which make up Jari's former industrial packaging assets. This acquisition supports the Company's strategy of growing its global packaging presence and better serving its global customer base.
The value of International Paper's investment in ORSA IP is approximately $470 million. The Company has not completed the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed; however, the Company anticipates providing a preliminary purchase price allocation in its 2013 first quarter Form 10-Q filing. Pro forma information related to our investment in the joint venture
 
is not included as it does not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations. Because International Paper acquired majority control of the joint venture, ORSA IP's financial results will be consolidated with our Industrial Packaging segment from the date of formation on January 14, 2013.
2011: On April 15, 2011, International Paper and Sun Paper Industry Co. Ltd. entered into a Cooperative Joint Venture agreement to establish Shandong IP & Sun Food Packaging Co., Ltd. in China. During December 2011, the business license was obtained and International Paper contributed $55 million in cash for a 55% interest in the joint venture and Sun Paper Industry Co. Ltd. contributed land-use rights valued at approximately $28 million, representing a 45% interest. The purpose of the joint venture is to build and operate a new production line to manufacture coated paperboard for food packaging with a designed annual production capacity of 500,000 tons. The financial position and results of operations of this joint venture have been included in International Paper’s consolidated financial statements from the date of formation in December 2011.
Additionally, during 2011 the Company recorded a gain of $7 million (before and after taxes) related to a bargain purchase price adjustment on an acquisition by our joint venture in Turkey. This gain is included in Equity earnings (losses), net of taxes in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
Financing Activities
Amounts related to early debt extinguishment during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
In millions
2012

2011

2010

Debt reductions (a)
$
1,272

$
129

$
393

Pre-tax early debt extinguishment costs (b)
48

32

39

(a)
Reductions related to notes with interest rates ranging from 1.625% to 9.375% with original maturities from 2010 to 2041 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.
(b)
Amounts are included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
2012: Financing activities during 2012 included debt issuances of $2.1 billion and retirements of $2.5 billion, for a net decrease of $0.4 billion.
In February 2012, International Paper issued a $1.2 billion term loan with an initial interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 138 basis points that varies depending on the credit rating of the Company and a $200 million term loan with an interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 175 basis points, both with maturity dates in 2017. The proceeds from these borrowings were used, along with available cash, to fund the acquisition of Temple-


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Inland. During 2012, International Paper fully repaid the $1.2 billion term loan.
International Paper utilizes interest rate swaps to change the mix of fixed and variable rate debt and manage interest expense. At December 31, 2012, International Paper had interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $150 million and maturities in 2013 (see Note 13 Derivatives and Hedging Activities on pages 73 through 77 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data). During 2012, existing swaps and the amortization of deferred gains on previously terminated swaps decreased the weighted average cost of debt from 6.8% to an effective rate of 6.6%. The inclusion of the offsetting interest income from short-term investments reduced this effective rate to 6.2%.
Other financing activities during 2012 included the issuance of approximately 1.9 million shares of treasury stock, net of restricted stock withholding, and 1.0 million shares of common stock for various plans, including stock options exercises that generated approximately $108 million of cash. Payments of restricted stock withholding taxes totaled $35 million.
In October 2012, International Paper announced that the quarterly dividend would be increased from $0.2625 per share to $0.30 per share, effective for the 2012 fourth quarter.
2011: Financing activities during 2011 included debt issuances of $1.8 billion and retirements of $517 million, for a net increase of $1.3 billion.
In November 2011, International Paper issued $900 million of 4.75% senior unsecured notes with a maturity date in February 2022 and $600 million of 6% senior unsecured notes with a maturity date in November 2041.
At December 31, 2011, International Paper had interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $150 million and maturities in 2013 (see Note 13 Derivatives and Hedging Activities on pages 73 through 77 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data). During 2011, existing swaps decreased the weighted average cost of debt from 7.1% to an effective rate of 6.9%. The inclusion of the offsetting interest income from short-term investments reduced this effective rate to 6.26%.
Other financing activities during 2011 included the issuance of approximately 0.3 million shares of treasury stock for various incentive plans and the acquisition of 1.0 million shares of treasury stock primarily related to restricted stock tax withholding. Payment of restricted stock withholding taxes totaled $30 million.
2010: Financing activities during 2010 included debt issuances of $193 million and retirements of $576 million, for a net decrease of $383 million.
 
In June 2010, interest rate swap agreements issued in the fourth quarter of 2009 and designated as fair value hedges with a notional value of $100 million were terminated. The termination was not in connection with the early retirement of debt. The resulting gain of $3 million was deferred and recorded in Long-term debt and will be amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the life of the underlying debt through 2019.
During the first quarter of 2010, International Paper repaid approximately $120 million of notes with interest rates ranging from 5.25% to 7.4% and original maturities from 2010 to 2027. In connection with these early debt retirements, previously deferred gains of $1 million related to earlier swap terminations were recognized in earnings. Pre-tax early debt retirement costs of $4 million related to these debt repayments, net of gains on swap terminations, are included in Restructuring and other charges in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
Also in the first quarter of 2010, approximately $700 million of fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, issued
in 2009, were terminated. These terminations were not in connection with early debt retirements. The resulting $2 million gain was deferred and recorded in Long-term debt and is being amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the life of the underlying debt through April 2015.
At December 31, 2010, International Paper had interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $428 million and maturities ranging from one to six years. During 2010, existing swaps increased the weighted average cost of debt from 7.22% to an effective rate of 7.26%. The inclusion of the offsetting interest income from short-term investments reduced this effective rate to 6.86%.
Other financing activities during 2010 included the issuance of approximately 2.6 million shares of treasury stock, net of restricted stock withholding, and 1.8 million shares of common stock for various plans. Payments of restricted stock withholding taxes totaled $26 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Variable Interest Entities
Information concerning off-balance sheet variable interest entities is set forth in Note 11 Variable Interest Entities and Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries on pages 69 through 72 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for discussion.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Outlook for 2013
Capital Expenditures and Long-Term Debt
International Paper expects to be able to meet projected capital expenditures, service existing debt and meet working capital and dividend requirements during 2013


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through current cash balances and cash from operations. Additionally, the Company has existing credit facilities totaling $2.5 billion.
The Company was in compliance with all its debt covenants at December 31, 2012. The Company’s financial covenants require the maintenance of a minimum net worth 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 Nonrecourse Financial Liabilities of Special Purpose Entities. The total debt-to-capital ratio is defined as total debt divided by the sum of total debt plus net worth. At December 31, 2012, International Paper’s net worth was $13.9 billion, and the total-debt-to-capital ratio was 42%.
The Company will continue to rely upon debt and capital markets for the majority of any necessary long-term funding not provided by operating cash 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 preserve liquidity while reducing interest expense. The majority of International Paper’s debt is accessed through global public capital markets where we have a wide base of investors.
Maintaining an investment grade credit rating is an important element of International Paper’s financing strategy. At December 31, 2012, the Company held long-term credit ratings of BBB (stable outlook) and Baa3 (stable outlook) by S&P and Moody’s, respectively.
Contractual obligations for future payments under existing debt and lease commitments and purchase obligations at December 31, 2012, were as follows:
 
In millions
2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Thereafter

Maturities of long-term debt (a)
$
444

$
708

$
479

$
571

$
216

$
7,722

Debt obligations with right of offset (b)



5,173



Lease obligations
198

136

106

70

50

141

Purchase obligations (c)
3,213

828

722

620

808

2,654

Total (d)
$
3,855

$
1,672

$
1,307

$
6,434

$
1,074

$
10,517

(a)
Total debt includes scheduled principal payments only.
(b)
Represents debt obligations borrowed from non-consolidated variable interest entities for which International Paper has, and intends to effect, a legal right to offset these obligations with investments held in the entities. Accordingly, in its consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012, International Paper has offset approximately $5.2 billion of interests in the entities against this $5.2 billion of debt obligations held by the entities (see Note 11 Variable Interest Entities and Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries on pages 69 through 72 in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data).
 
(c)
Includes $3.6 billion relating to fiber supply agreements entered into at the time of the 2006 Transformation Plan forestland sales and in conjunction with the 2008 acquisition of Weyerhaeuser Company’s Containerboard, Packaging and Recycling business.
(d)
Not included in the above table due to the uncertainty as to the amount and timing of the payment are unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $620 million.
We consider the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012, to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. income taxes have been provided thereon. As of December 31, 2012, the amount of cash associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings was approximately $840 million. We do not anticipate the need to repatriate funds to the United States to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business, including liquidity needs associated with our domestic debt service requirements.
Pension Obligations and Funding
At December 31, 2012, the projected benefit obligation for the Company’s U.S. defined benefit plans determined under U.S. GAAP was approximately $4.1 billion higher than the fair value of plan assets. Approximately $3.7 billion of this amount relates to plans that are subject to minimum funding requirements. Under current IRS funding rules, the calculation of minimum funding requirements differs from the calculation of the present value of plan benefits(the projected benefit obligation) for accounting purposes. In December 2008, the Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 (WERA) was passed by the U.S. Congress which provided for pension funding relief and technical corrections. Funding contributions depend on the funding method selected by the Company, and the timing of its implementation, as well as on actual demographic data and the targeted funding level. The Company continually reassesses the amount and timing of any discretionary contributions and elected to make voluntary contributions totaling $44 million and $300 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At this time, we expect that required contributions to its plans in 2013 will be approximately $31 million, although the Company may elect to make future voluntary contributions. The timing and amount of future contributions, which could be material, will depend on a number of factors, including the actual earnings and changes in values of plan assets and changes in interest rates.
Ilim Holding S.A. Shareholder’s Agreement
In October 2007, in connection with the formation of the Ilim Holding S.A. joint venture, International Paper entered into a shareholder’s agreement that includes provisions relating to the reconciliation of disputes among the partners. This agreement provides that at


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any time after the second anniversary of the formation of Ilim, either the Company or its partners may commence procedures specified under the deadlock provisions. Under certain circumstances, the Company would be required 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, International Paper estimates that the current purchase price for its partners’ 50% interests would be approximately $350 million to $400 million, which could be satisfied by payment of cash or International Paper common stock, or some combination of the two, at the Company’s option. Any such purchase by International Paper would result in the consolidation of Ilim’s financial position and results of operations in all subsequent periods. The parties have informed each other that they have no current intention to commence procedures specified under the deadlock provision of the shareholders’ agreement, although they have the right to do so.
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 the accounting for contingencies, impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and goodwill, pensions and postretirement benefit obligations, stock options and income taxes. The Company has discussed the selection of critical accounting policies and the effect of significant estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.
Contingent Liabilities
Accruals for contingent liabilities, including legal and environmental matters, are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset impaired and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities accrued for legal matters require judgments regarding projected outcomes and range of loss based on historical experience and recommendations of legal counsel. Liabilities for environmental matters require evaluations of relevant environmental regulations and estimates of future
 
remediation alternatives and costs. International Paper determines these estimates after a detailed evaluation of each site.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill
An impairment of a long-lived asset exists when the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, and is recorded when the carrying amount is not recoverable through cash flows from future operations. A goodwill impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Assessments of possible impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill are made when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable through future operations. Additionally, testing for possible impairment of goodwill and intangible asset balances is required annually. The amount and timing of any impairment charges based on these assessments require the estimation of future cash flows and the fair market value of the related assets based on management’s best estimates of certain key factors, including future selling prices and volumes, operating, raw material, energy and freight costs, and various other projected operating economic factors. As these key factors change in future periods, the Company will update its impairment analyses to reflect its latest estimates and projections.
Under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” the testing of goodwill for possible impairment is a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of the Company’s reporting units is compared with their carrying value, including goodwill. If fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the fair value of a reporting unit is below the carrying value, then step two is performed to measure the amount of the goodwill impairment loss for the reporting unit. This analysis requires the determination of the fair value of all of the individual assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any currently unrecognized intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been purchased on the analysis date. Once these fair values have been determined, the implied fair value of the unit’s goodwill is calculated as the excess, if any, of the fair value of the reporting unit determined in step one over the fair value of the net assets determined in step two. The carrying value of goodwill is then reduced to this implied value, or to zero if the fair value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, through a goodwill impairment charge.
The impairment analysis requires a number of judgments by management. In calculating the estimated fair value of its reporting units in step one, the Company uses the projected future cash flows to be generated by each unit over the estimated remaining useful operating lives of the unit’s assets, discounted using the estimated cost-of-capital discount rate for


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each reporting unit. These calculations require many estimates, including discount rates, future growth rates, and cost and pricing trends for each reporting unit. Subsequent changes in economic and operating conditions can affect these assumptions and could result in additional interim testing and goodwill impairment charges in future periods. Upon completion, the resulting estimated fair values are then analyzed for reasonableness by comparing them to earnings multiples for historic industry business transactions, and by comparing the sum of the reporting unit fair values and other corporate assets and liabilities divided by diluted common shares outstanding to the Company’s market price per share on the analysis date.
No goodwill impairment charges were recorded in 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations
The charges recorded for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations are determined annually in conjunction with International Paper’s consulting actuary, and are dependent upon various assumptions including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates, projected future compensation increases, health care cost trend rates and mortality rates.
The calculations of pension and postretirement benefit obligations and expenses require decisions about a number of key assumptions that can significantly affect liability and expense amounts, including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate used to calculate plan liabilities, the projected rate of future compensation increases and health care cost trend rates.
Benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets as of December 31, 2012, for International Paper’s pension and postretirement plans were as follows:
 
In millions
Benefit
Obligation

Fair Value of
Plan Assets

U.S. qualified pension
$
13,784

$
10,111

U.S. nonqualified pension
417


U.S. postretirement
449


Non-U.S. pension
223

171

Non-U.S. postretirement
22


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

 
2012

 
2011

2010

Discount rate
5.10
%
 
5.60
%
5.80
%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
8.00
%
(a)
8.25
%
8.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
3.75
%
 
3.75
%
3.75
%
 

(a)
Represents the expected rate of return for IP's qualified pension plan. The rate for the Temple-Inland Retirement Plan is 5.70%.
Additionally, health care cost trend rates used in the calculation of U.S. postretirement obligations for the years shown were:
 
 
2012

2011

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
7.50
%
8.00
%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to
5.00
%
5.00
%
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain
2017

2017


International Paper determines these actuarial assumptions, after consultation with our actuaries, on December 31 of each year to calculate liability information as of that date and pension and postretirement expense for the following year. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on projected rates of return for current and planned asset classes in the plan’s investment portfolio. The discount rate assumption was determined based on a hypothetical settlement portfolio selected from a universe of high quality corporate bonds.
Increasing (decreasing) the expected long-term rate of return on U.S. plan assets by an additional 0.25% would decrease (increase) 2013 pension expense by approximately $24 million, while a (decrease) increase of 0.25% in the discount rate would (increase) decrease pension expense by approximately $39 million. The effect on net postretirement benefit cost from a 1% increase or decrease in the annual health care cost trend rate would be approximately $1 million.
Actual rates of return earned on U.S. pension plan assets for each of the last 10 years were:
 
Year
Return
Year
Return
2012
14.1
 %
2007
9.6
%
2011
2.5
 %
2006
14.9
%
2010
15.1
 %
2005
11.7
%
2009
23.8
 %
2004
14.1
%
2008
(23.6
)%
2003
26.0
%
The 2012 return above represents a weighted average of International Paper and Temple-Inland asset returns. The annualized time-weighted rate of return earned on U.S. pension plan assets was 5.0% and 9.9% for the past five and ten years, respectively. The following graph shows the growth of a $1,000 investment in International Paper’s U.S. Pension Plan Master Trust. The graph portrays the time-weighted rate of return from 2002 – 2012.


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ASC 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits,” provides for delayed recognition of actuarial gains and losses, including amounts arising from changes in the estimated projected plan benefit obligation due to changes in the assumed discount rate, differences between the actual and expected return on plan assets, and other assumption changes. These net gains and losses are recognized in pension expense prospectively over a period that approximates the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under the plans (approximately nine years) to the extent that they are not offset by gains and losses in subsequent years. The estimated net loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost for the U.S. pension plans over the next fiscal year are $490 million and $34 million, respectively.
Net periodic pension and postretirement plan expenses, calculated for all of International Paper’s plans, were as follows:
 
In millions
2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

Pension expense
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. plans (non-cash)
$
342

$
195

$
231

$
213

$
123

Non-U.S. plans
3

1


3

4

Postretirement expense
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. plans
(4
)
7

6

27

28

Non-U.S. plans
1

2

1

3

3

Net expense
$
342

$
205

$
238

$
246

$
158

The increase in 2012 U.S. pension expense principally reflects a decrease in the discount rate, a lower expected return on assets assumption and the acquisition of Temple-Inland. The decrease in 2012 U.S. postretirement expense is principally due to a curtailment gain related to the remeasurement of the Temple-Inland plan.
Assuming that discount rates, expected long-term returns on plan assets and rates of future compensation increases remain the same as in 2012, projected future net periodic pension and postretirement plan expenses would be as follows:
 
 
In millions
2014 (1)

2013 (1)

Pension expense
 
 
U.S. plans (non-cash)
$
461

$
561

Non-U.S. plans
5

5

Postretirement expense
 
 
U.S. plans
13

5

Non-U.S. plans
2

2

Net expense
$
481

$
573

(1)
Based on assumptions at December 31, 2012.
The Company estimates that it will record net pension expense of approximately $561 million for its U.S. defined benefit plans in 2013, with the increase from expense of $342 million in 2012 reflecting a decrease in the assumed discount rate to 4.10% in 2013 from 5.10% in 2012, a lower return on asset assumption for Temple-Inland plan assets to 5.30% in 2013 from 5.70% in 2012 and higher amortization of unrecognized losses.
The market value of plan assets for International Paper’s U.S. qualified pension plan at December 31, 2012 totaled approximately $10.1 billion, consisting of approximately 41% equity securities, 38% debt securities, 10% real estate and 11% other assets. Plan assets include an immaterial amount of International Paper common stock.
The Company’s funding policy for its qualified 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 continually reassesses the amount and timing of any discretionary contributions and could elect to make voluntary contributions in the future. The required contribution for the U.S. qualified pension plans in 2013 is approximately $31 million. The nonqualified defined benefit plans are funded to the extent of benefit payments, which totaled $95 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Accounting for Stock Options
International Paper follows ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” in accounting for stock options. Under this guidance, expense for stock options is recorded over the related service period based on the grant-date fair market value.
During each reporting period, diluted earnings per share is calculated by assuming that “in-the-money” options are exercised and the exercise proceeds are used to repurchase shares in the marketplace. When options are actually exercised, option proceeds are credited to equity and issued shares are included in the computation of earnings per common share, with no effect on reported earnings. Equity is also increased by


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the tax benefit that International Paper will receive in its tax return for income reported by the optionees in their individual tax returns.
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, 9.1 million options, and 15.6 million options, respectively, were outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $33.74 to $41.26 per share for 2012 and $32.54 to $43.12 per share for 2011.
Income Taxes
International Paper records its global tax provision based on the respective tax rules and regulations for the jurisdictions in which it operates. Where the Company believes that a tax position is supportable for income tax purposes, the item is included in its income tax returns. Where treatment of a position is uncertain, liabilities are recorded based upon the Company’s evaluation of the “more likely than not” outcome considering technical merits of the position based on specific tax regulations and facts of each matter. Changes to recorded liabilities are only made when an identifiable event occurs that changes the likely outcome, such as settlement with the relevant tax authority, the expiration of statutes of limitation for the subject tax year, change in tax laws, or a recent court case that addresses the matter.
Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. The realization of these assets is dependent on generating future taxable income, as well as successful implementation of various tax planning strategies.
While International Paper believes that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.
The Company’s effective income tax rates, before equity earnings and discontinued operations, were 32%, 21% and 27% for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These effective tax rates include the tax effects of certain special items that can significantly affect the effective income tax rate in a given year, but may not recur in subsequent years. Management believes that the effective tax rate computed after excluding these special items may provide a better estimate of the rate that might be expected in future years if no additional special items were to occur in those years. Excluding these special items, the effective income tax rate for 2012 was 29% of pre-tax earnings compared with 32% in 2011 and 30% in 2010. We estimate that the 2013 effective income tax rate will be approximately 31-33% based on expected earnings and business conditions.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
There were no new accounting pronouncements issued or effective during the fiscal year which have had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 Recent Accounting Developments on pages 54 through 55 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information concerning the Company’s environmental and legal proceedings is set forth in Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies on pages 65 through 69 of Item  8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
EFFECT OF INFLATION
While inflationary increases in certain input costs, such as energy, wood fiber and chemical costs, have an impact on the Company’s operating results, changes in general inflation have had minimal impact on our operating results in each of the last three years. Sales prices and volumes are more strongly influenced by economic supply and demand factors in specific markets and by exchange rate fluctuations than by inflationary factors.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EFFECTS
International Paper has operations in a number of countries. Its operations in those countries also export to, and compete with, imports from other regions. As such, currency movements can have a number of direct and indirect impacts on the Company’s financial statements. Direct impacts include the translation of international operations’ local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars. Indirect impacts include the change in competitiveness of imports into, and exports out of, the United States (and the impact on local currency pricing of products that are traded internationally). In general, a lower U.S. dollar and stronger local currency is beneficial to International Paper. The currencies that have the most impact are the Euro, the Brazilian real, the Polish zloty and the Russian ruble.
MARKET RISK
We use financial instruments, including fixed and variable rate debt, to finance operations, for capital spending programs and for general corporate purposes. Additionally, financial instruments, including various derivative contracts, are used to hedge exposures to interest rate, commodity and foreign currency risks. We do not use financial instruments for


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trading purposes. Information related to International Paper’s debt obligations is included in Note 12 Debt and Lines of Credit on pages 72 and 73 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. A discussion of derivatives and hedging activities is included in Note 13 Derivatives and Hedging Activities on pages 73 through 77 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The fair value of our debt and financial instruments varies due to changes in market interest and foreign currency rates and commodity prices since the inception of the related instruments. We assess this market risk utilizing a sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis measures the potential loss in earnings, fair values and cash flows based on a hypothetical 10% change (increase and decrease) in interest and currency rates and commodity prices.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to short- and long-term debt obligations and investments in marketable securities. We invest in investment-grade securities of financial institutions and money market mutual funds with a minimum rating of AAA and limit exposure to any one issuer or fund. Our investments in marketable securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are stated at cost, which approximates market due to their short-term nature. Our interest rate risk exposure related to these investments was not material.
We issue fixed and floating rate debt in a proportion consistent with International Paper’s targeted capital structure, while at the same time taking advantage of market opportunities to reduce interest expense as appropriate. Derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, may be used to implement this capital structure. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the net fair value liability of financial instruments with exposure to interest rate risk was approximately $11.8 billion and $10.5 billion, respectively. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a 10% adverse shift in quoted interest rates would have been approximately $642 million and $505 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
Commodity Price Risk
The objective of our commodity exposure management is to minimize volatility in earnings due to large fluctuations in the price of commodities. Commodity swap and option contracts have been used to manage risks associated with market fluctuations in energy prices. The net fair value liability of such outstanding energy hedge contracts at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $1 million and $10 million, respectively. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a 10% adverse change in the underlying commodity prices would have been approximately $1 million and $2 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Foreign Currency Risk
International Paper transacts business in many currencies and is also subject to currency exchange rate risk through investments and businesses owned and operated in foreign countries. Our objective in managing the associated foreign currency risks is to minimize the effect of adverse exchange rate fluctuations on our after-tax cash flows. We address these risks on a limited basis by financing a portion of our investments in overseas operations with borrowings denominated in the same currency as the operation’s functional currency, or by entering into cross-currency and interest rate swaps, or foreign exchange contracts. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the net fair value liability of financial instruments with exposure to foreign currency risk was approximately $13 million and $52 million, respectively. The potential loss in fair value for such financial instruments from a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would have been approximately $49 million and $59 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See the preceding discussion and Note 13 Derivatives and Hedging Activities on pages 73 through 77 of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON:
Financial Statements
The management of International Paper Company is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in this annual report and for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America considered appropriate in the circumstances to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows on a consistent basis. Management has also prepared the other information in this annual report and is responsible for its accuracy and consistency with the consolidated financial statements.
As can be expected in a complex and dynamic business environment, some financial statement amounts are based on estimates and judgments. Even though estimates and judgments are used, measures have been taken to provide reasonable assurance of the integrity and reliability of the financial information contained in this annual report. We have formed a Disclosure Committee to oversee this process.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been audited by the independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP. During its audits, Deloitte & Touche LLP was given unrestricted access to all financial records and related data, including minutes of all meetings of stockholders and the board of directors and all committees of the board. Management believes that all representations made to the independent auditors during their audits were valid and appropriate.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of International Paper Company is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes. All internal control systems have inherent limitations, including the possibility of circumvention and overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the designed control objectives. The Company’s internal control system is supported by written policies and procedures,
 
contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and is audited by the internal audit function. Appropriate actions are taken by management to correct deficiencies as they are identified.
The Company has assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, it used the criteria described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2012, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The Company completed the acquisition of Temple-Inland in February 2012. Due to the timing of the acquisition, we have excluded Temple-Inland from our evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. For the period ended December 31, 2012, Temple-Inland net sales and assets represented approximately 19% of net sales and 25% of total assets.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The report appears on pages 45 and 46.
Internal Control Environment And Board Of Directors Oversight
Our internal control environment includes an enterprise-wide attitude of integrity and control consciousness that establishes a positive “tone at the top.” This is exemplified by our ethics program that includes long-standing principles and policies on ethical business conduct that require employees to maintain the highest ethical and legal standards in the conduct of International Paper business, which have been distributed to all employees; a toll-free telephone helpline whereby any employee may anonymously report suspected violations of law or International Paper’s policy; and an office of ethics and business practice. The internal control system further includes careful selection and training of supervisory and management personnel, appropriate delegation of authority and division of responsibility, dissemination of accounting and business policies throughout International Paper, and an extensive program of internal audits with management follow-up.
The Board of Directors, assisted by the Audit and Finance Committee (Committee), monitors the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and financial reporting procedures, the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent auditors, and other matters set forth in its charter. The Committee, which currently consists of four independent directors, meets regularly with


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representatives of management, and with the independent auditors and the Internal Auditor, with and without management representatives in attendance, to review their activities. The Committee’s Charter takes into account the New York Stock Exchange rules relating to Audit Committees and the SEC rules and regulations promulgated as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, including critical accounting policies and significant management judgments, with management and the independent auditors. The Committee’s report recommending the inclusion of such financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K will be set forth in our Proxy Statement.
 
JOHN V. FARACI
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
CAROL L. ROBERTS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER


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REPORT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of International Paper Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of International Paper Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of International Paper Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
 
Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 26, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 
Memphis, Tennessee
February 26, 2013

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

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of International Paper Company:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of International Paper Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in the Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Temple-Inland Inc. (Temple-Inland) which was acquired on February 13, 2012. Temple-Inland constitutes 19% of total net sales and 25% of total assets of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012. Accordingly our audit did not include internal control over financial reporting at Temple-Inland. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the


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circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2013
 
expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.


 
Memphis, Tennessee
February 26, 2013


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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
In millions, except per share amounts, for the years ended December 31
2012

2011

2010

NET SALES
$
27,833

$
26,034

$
25,179

COSTS AND EXPENSES
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
20,587

18,960

18,482

Selling and administrative expenses
2,092

1,887

1,930

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested
1,486

1,332

1,456

Distribution expenses
1,611

1,390

1,318

Taxes other than payroll and income taxes
166

146

192

Restructuring and other charges
109

102

394

Net (gains) losses on sales and impairments of businesses
86

218

(23
)
Interest expense, net
672

541

608

EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY EARNINGS
1,024

1,458

822

Income tax provision (benefit)