International Paper Completes the Sale of Its Brazilian Corrugated Packaging Business

Brazilian beverage producer Socorro Bebidas (Socorro) has expanded its partnership with Crown Embalagens Metálicas da Amazônia S.A., a subsidiary of Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) (www.crowncork.com), to launch Acquíssima Sabor flavored mineral water in 350ml (12oz) CrownSleek cans. The premium zero-calorie drink features natural aromas, offering a health-conscious alternative for consumers to stay hydrated and incorporate key nutrients into their daily diets. The line made its debut with two flavors, Lychee and Green Apple, and is currently available in Acquíssima stores, restaurants and supermarkets in Brazil. Socorro also previously utilized CrownSleek cans to package its Acquíssima mineral water brand, its first entry into the water market. Total canned water volume in Brazil has increased by nearly 7x between 2021 and 2022, demonstrating a growing trend in the region for water packaged in aluminum and a continued shift away from tap and bulk water. When considering the package format for the brand, Socorro knew it needed to help convey the refreshing and health-conscious nature of the beverage, while also delivering on sustainability. The inherent properties of metal packaging, including providing a powerful barrier against light and oxygen, helps maintain the product's freshness. Aluminum beverage cans are also infinitely recyclable and are the most recycled beverage package in the world. These characteristics resonate with Brazilian consumers, who have recently helped drive the country's recycling rate for aluminum beverage cans to an astounding 100%.

Second Quarter Highlights include (all results compared to the second quarter of 2019 unless otherwise noted): *Net income of $11.4 million or $0.19 per diluted Class A share decreased compared to net income of $13.6 million or $0.23 per diluted Class A share. Net income, excluding the impact of adjustments(1), of $56.5 million or $0.95 per diluted Class A share increased compared to net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, of $47.6 million or $0.81 per diluted Class A share. Adjusted EBITDA(2) increased by $19.3 million to $181.3 million. *Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $37.6 million to $99.8 million. Adjusted free cash flow(3) increased by $32.9 million to $79.0 million. *Total debt decreased by $260.2 million to $2,682.3 million. Net debt(4) decreased $242.8 million to $2,609.9 million and decreased $107.4 million sequentially from the first quarter of 2020.

International Paper announced its Board of Directors elected Tom Hamic to a newly created role: Executive Vice President and President of North American Packaging Solutions, reporting to CEO Andy Silvernail. Effective September 1, Hamic will be responsible for leading the company's Container and Containerboard businesses in North America. "Tom is a strategic and effective leader with a long track record of success," said Silvernail. "The Board and I are confident he will lead the team well as we work together to deliver excellence for our customers and profitable growth for our shareholders."