MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced that third-quarter earnings will be less than analysts' consensus estimates due to lower land sales than previously estimated in the quarter. The company continues to expect that third-quarter earnings will exceed second-quarter earnings of $0.52 per share.

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While the company previously estimated that third-quarter land sales earnings would be approximately $110 million to $140 million, it now expects third-quarter land sales earnings of approximately $100 million and full-year 2007 land sales earnings in the range of $450 million to $500 million.

Separately, the company announced that fourth-quarter earnings from its recently completed 50:50 joint venture with Ilim Group will be included in International Paper's first-quarter 2008 financial statements; thereafter, the company will continue to report the joint venture results on a one-quarter lag.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP), founded in 1898, is a global uncoated paper and packaging company with primary markets and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Russia, Latin America, Asia and North Africa. Its uncoated papers and packaging businesses are complemented by xpedx, North America's largest distributor of printing papers and graphics supplies and equipment. Headquartered in the United States, International Paper employs approximately 54,000 people in more than 20 countries, and serves customers worldwide. Annual sales are about $22 billion. International Paper partners with customers and environmental, academic, civic and governmental organizations, as well as landowners and harvesting professionals, to encourage responsible forest stewardship, improve the health and productivity of forestlands and increase recovery of our recyclable products. The company has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests. To learn more about International Paper, its products and commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability, visit www.internationalpaper.com.

This release contains 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 relate to: (i) industry conditions, including but not limited to changes in the cost or availability of raw materials and energy, transportation costs, the company's product mix, demand and pricing for its products; (ii) global economic conditions and political changes, particularly in Latin America, Russia, Europe and Asia, including but not limited to changes in currency exchange rates, credit availability, and the company's credit ratings issued by recognized credit rating organizations; (iii) natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes; (iv) the company's ability to realize anticipated profit improvement from its transformation plan, and (v) unanticipated expenditures related to the cost of compliance with environmental and other governmental regulations and to actual or potential litigation. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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.

SOURCE International Paper

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