MEMPHIS, Tenn. - International Paper (NYSE:IP), a global leader in sustainable packaging and fiber-based products, has announced it is considering strategic alternatives for its global cellulose fibers business. The review aligns with the company's strategy to concentrate on sustainable packaging solutions. The global cellulose fibers division, which generated $2.9 billion in revenue in 2023, operates in three countries with eight mills and two converting facilities.
The business segment in question provides absorbent pulp used in a variety of personal care products, as well as specialty pulp for textiles, construction materials, and other applications. Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail stated that the review aims to maximize shareholder value and is being assisted by Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as a financial advisor. However, the company has made it clear that there is no certainty this review will lead to any transaction.
In a related move, International Paper also announced the permanent shutdown of its Georgetown, South Carolina mill, expected to be completed by the end of 2024. This mill currently produces 300,000 tons of fluff pulp annually. To mitigate the impact of the closure, production will be transferred to other facilities, maintaining the company's fluff pulp capacity and reducing exposure to commodity pulp grades.
The closure will affect 526 hourly and 148 salaried employees, all of whom will be offered severance benefits and support services, including mental health resources. The mill's uncoated freesheet paper production, sold to Sylvamo (NYSE:SLVM) under a strategic contract, will also cease by December 31, 2024, as both companies have agreed to terminate the agreement.
This news follows International Paper's reported net sales of $18.9 billion for 2023. The company, headquartered in Memphis, employs approximately 39,000 people worldwide and is one of the largest recyclers globally. The information is based on a press release statement from International Paper.
In other recent news, Sylvamo has announced the termination of its supply agreement with International Paper, effective as of December 31, 2024. The company plans to transition the production of various paper grades from the Georgetown mill to its facilities in New York and South Carolina. On the other hand, International Paper is undergoing a corporate restructuring plan, expected to reduce its workforce by approximately 650 employees and result in pre-tax charges ranging from $80 million to $100 million.
In addition, International Paper has declared its quarterly dividends for common and preferred stock. The company is also making significant progress in its acquisition of DS Smith Plc, with plans to list on the London Stock Exchange. Leadership changes include the appointment of Andy Silvernail as Chairman of the Board and Tom Hamic as the Executive Vice President and President of North American Packaging (NYSE:PKG) Solutions.
RBC Capital Markets has upgraded the company's stock, maintaining an Outperform rating, indicating confidence in the company's management and strategy. These are the recent developments shaping both Sylvamo and International Paper's future.
InvestingPro Insights
International Paper's strategic review of its global cellulose fibers business and the closure of its Georgetown mill align with recent financial data and analyst insights from InvestingPro. The company's market capitalization stands at $19.12 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the packaging and paper industry.
InvestingPro data shows that International Paper's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 was $18.57 billion, slightly down from the $18.9 billion reported for 2023. This aligns with the company's revenue growth of -8.25% over the same period, suggesting that the strategic review and mill closure may be part of efforts to streamline operations and improve profitability.
Despite the revenue challenges, International Paper has maintained a strong dividend yield of 3.77%, which is particularly noteworthy given an InvestingPro Tip indicating that the company has maintained dividend payments for 54 consecutive years. This commitment to shareholder returns may factor into the company's decision-making process as it considers alternatives for its cellulose fibers business.
Another InvestingPro Tip highlights that the stock has seen a high return over the last year, with a one-year price total return of 52.59%. This performance, coupled with the fact that the stock is trading near its 52-week high (98.58% of the high), suggests investor confidence in the company's strategic direction.
For readers interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 8 additional tips that could provide further insights into International Paper's financial health and market position.
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