International Paper (IP) reported 4Q 2018 net earnings of $316 million compared with $562 million in the 3Q 2018 and net earnings of $1.5 billion in the 4Q 2017. Full-year 2018 net earnings were $2 billion compared with net earnings of $2.1 billion for full-year 2017, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
Adjusted operating earnings in the 4Q 2018 were $670 million compared with $641 million in the 3Q 2018 and $530 million in the 4Q 2017. Full-year 2018 adjusted operating earnings totaled $2.2 billion compared with $1.5 billion in 2017.
Net sales were $6 billion in the 4Q 2018 compared with $5.9 billion in the 3Q 2018 and $5.7 billion in the 4Q 2017. Annual net sales totaled $23.3 billion in 2018 compared with $21.7 billion in 2017.
Business segment operating profits were $930 million in the 4Q 2018 compared with $738 million in the 3Q 2018 and $824 million in the 4Q 2017. Full-year business segment operating profits were $2.9 billion in 2018 compared with $2.1 billion in 2017.
"International Paper delivered very strong earnings and returns in the 4Q and full year 2018, driven by solid commercial and operational performance across our three businesses," said Mark Sutton, Chairman and CEO. "We returned $1.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, and we further strengthened our balance sheet. As we enter 2019, we are confident in our ability to continue to generate strong returns and grow cash flow to create value for our shareholders."
International Paper is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, India and Russia.
