BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Note)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Business Description and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of International Paper Company’s (International Paper’s, the Company’s or our) financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Except as disclosed herein, such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. Results for the first six months of the year may not necessarily be indicative of full year results. It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which have previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide. Governments of countries in which we operate have generally considered forest products and the supply chain on which we depend to be “essential industries” that should remain operational during this pandemic. Accordingly, our manufacturing and converting facilities remain open; however, we have seen a significant negative impact on demand for our printing papers products and demand for our pulp, containerboard and corrugated box products is expected to be unfavorably impacted if the negative economic conditions associated with COVID-19 persist or continue to deteriorate.

There continue to be significant uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including with respect to the various economic reopening plans and the resurgence of the virus in many areas; additional actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and private businesses to attempt to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or to mitigate its impact; the extent and duration of social distancing and stay-at-home orders; the possibility of development of a vaccine; and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on unemployment, economic activity and consumer confidence. As a result, we are unable to fully quantify the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our financial results during 2020, but developments related to COVID-19 are significantly adversely affecting our business, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, particularly if negative global economic conditions persist for a significant period of time or continue to deteriorate.