International Paper Q4 Profit Plunges - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - International Paper (IP) Wednesday said fourth-quarter net earnings attributable to the company plunged to $134 million from $436 million in the previous year. Earnings per share dropped to $0.32 from $0.98. The latest results included a $0.40 per share non-cash foreign exchange charge.

Operating earnings were $0.53 per share, while it totaled $0.81 per share last year. On average, 19 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of $0.53 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Net sales improved to $5.943 billion from $5.848 billion. Analysts expected revenues of $5.83 billion.

Mark Sutton, Chairman and CEO, said, "As we enter 2015, a strengthening North American economy is helping to offset a global environment that remains challenged. With our focus on execution, IP expects to deliver another year of earnings growth and strong free cash flow."