*Third quarter net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper of $204 million ($0.52 per diluted share), compared with $266 million ($0.67 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2020 and $344 million ($0.87 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2019
*Third quarter adjusted operating earnings* (non-GAAP) of $280 million ($0.71 per diluted share) compared with $305 million ($0.77 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2020 and $431 million ($1.09 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2019
*Third quarter cash provided by operations of $735 million and year-to-date of $2.3 billion compared with $2.7 billion year-to-date in the same period of 2019
*Third quarter debt reduction of $760 million, bringing year-to-date 2020 to $1.1 billion
“International Paper once again delivered solid results and generated strong cash from operations in a dynamic environment,” said Mark Sutton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our performance continues to demonstrate the strength of our customer solutions and the scale and flexibility of our system. As we enter the fourth quarter, we see continued momentum in demand for corrugated packaging, and we will again leverage the commercial and operating strengths of International Paper with a focus on cash generation and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”
Sutton added, “The health and safety of our employees remains our most important responsibility. I appreciate the dedication of our team members to safely produce and deliver the products people depend on every day.”
Industrial Packaging operating profits in the third quarter of 2020 were $469 million compared with $449 million in the second quarter of 2020. In North America, earnings increased reflecting higher sales volumes for boxes, lower economic downtime and lower recycled fiber costs. Operating costs increased, driven by multiple weather events impacting our mill system and seasonality in our box plants. Planned maintenance outage expenses were also higher. Earnings benefited in both the third and second quarter of 2020 from insurance recoveries related to the Rome fire and Bogalusa recovery boiler event. In Europe, earnings decreased driven by lower seasonal margins reflecting an unfavorable product mix and increased planned maintenance outage expenses at our Madrid, Spain mill. Sales volumes improved, as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic showed some recovery in all regions at the end of the third quarter, partially offset by seasonally lower volumes in Morocco. Operating costs were lower, driven by solid operational performance and cost management.
Global Cellulose Fibers operating profits (losses) in the third quarter of 2020 were $(59) million compared with $(10) million in the second quarter of 2020. The third quarter was impacted by higher planned maintenance outage expenses and economic downtime. Average sales prices were higher. Sales volumes were seasonally lower and reflect slower COVID-19 pandemic related consumer demand. Operating costs were lower driven by seasonality and favorable one-time items in the third quarter of 2020. Input costs were higher, primarily for wood and energy.
Printing Papers operating profits (losses) in the third quarter of 2020 were $63 million compared with $(11) million in the second quarter of 2020. In North America, earnings increased driven by higher sales volumes and lower economic downtime reflecting signs of recovery from the unprecedented demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Average sales margins were slightly lower, reflecting an unfavorable mix. Operating and input costs were stable. Planned maintenance outage expenses were also lower. In Brazil, earnings increased due to higher sales volumes and lower economic downtime reflecting signs of recovery from the demand impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These benefits were partially offset by lower average sales margins primarily driven by lower export sales prices and an unfavorable geographic mix. In Europe and Russia, earnings improved but continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales volumes increased in Russia and were stable in Europe. Economic downtime was lower. Average sales margins decreased, reflecting lower sales prices and an unfavorable mix. Operating costs were lower, partially offset by higher maintenance outage costs.
detailas at: https://internationalpaper2015.q4web.com/news-releases/press-r/2020/International-Paper-Reports-Third-Quarter-2020-Results/default.aspx