International Paper Increases its Annual Cash Dividend by 10% to $1.76 per share

Fourth Consecutive, Annual, Double-Digit Percent Increase

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Oct 13, 2015, 04:01 ET

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper's (NYSE: IP) board of directors today increased the company's regular quarterly dividend by 10 percent from $0.40 to $0.44 per share for the period from October 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015, inclusive, on its common stock, par value $1.00. This increased regular dividend is payable on December 15, 2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2015.

"This latest dividend increase reflects our confidence in the sustainability of our free cash flow generation and the future performance of our company," said Mark Sutton, Chairman and CEO of International Paper. "International Paper is focused on increasing shareholder value through a balanced allocation of capital, including returning a significant portion of our cash generation to our shareholders."

Additionally, the company also declared a regular quarterly dividend of $1.00 per share for the period from October 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015, inclusive, on the cumulative $4.00 preferred stock of the company. This dividend is also payable on December 15, 2015, to holders of record at the close of business on November 16, 2015.

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current views and 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 joint ventures; and (vii) our ability to achieve the benefits we expect from all 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 in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global leader in packaging and paper with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include industrial and consumer packaging along with uncoated papers and pulp. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs approximately 58,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2014 were $24 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

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SOURCE International Paper