International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced the timing and additional details regarding the spinoff of its Printing Paper business, which will be known as Sylvamo Corporation ("Sylvamo"). As previously announced, immediately following the spinoff of the Printing Papers business to International Paper shareholders, Sylvamo will be a new, publicly-traded company, to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE").
International Paper shareholders as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on September 15, 2021, the record date set by the International Paper board of directors for the distribution of Sylvamo shares, will be entitled to receive a number of shares of Sylvamo common stock at 12:01 a.m. New York City time on the distribution date, October 1, 2021. The distribution ratio is expected to be one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock. International Paper will announce the definitive distribution ratio promptly after the record date.
International Paper shareholders will not receive fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock. Instead, fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock will be aggregated and sold in the open market, with the net proceeds distributed pro rata in cash payments to the International Paper shareholders who would otherwise receive a fractional share of Sylvamo common stock.
Sylvamo common stock is expected to begin trading on a "when-issued" basis on the NYSE under the symbol "SLVM WI" beginning on September 14, 2021. On October 1, 2021, "regular way" trading under the symbol "SLVM" is expected to begin. The CUSIP number for the Sylvamo common stock will be 871332 102 when regular way trading begins.
International Paper has been advised by the NYSE that from September 14, 2021 through the distribution date, there will be two markets for International Paper common stock: a "regular way" market and an "ex-distribution" market. Shares of International Paper common stock will continue to trade "regular way" on the NYSE under the symbol "IP" through September 30, 2021 and thereafter. Any holders of shares of International Paper common stock who sell International Paper shares regular way on or before September 30, 2021 will also be selling their right to receive shares of Sylvamo common stock. Additionally, holders of shares of International Paper common stock who sell in the "ex-distribution" market on or before September 30, 2021 (which will trade under the symbol "IP WI" on the NYSE), will be selling only his or her shares of International Paper common stock and will be retaining his or her right to receive shares of Sylvamo common stock in the spinoff distribution. Investors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors regarding the specific implications of buying or selling Sylvamo common stock on or before the distribution date.
No action or payment is required by International Paper shareholders to receive the shares of Sylvamo common stock in the spinoff distribution. Shareholders who hold International Paper common stock on the record date will receive a book-entry account statement reflecting their ownership of Sylvamo common stock or their brokerage account will be credited with the Sylvamo shares.
The receipt of Sylvamo common stock in the distribution will be tax-free to International Paper stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for the gain or loss attributable to cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock. International Paper shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state and local or foreign tax consequences, as applicable, of the spin-off.
A registration statement on Form 10 relating to the Sylvamo common stock has been filed with the SEC, but has not yet become effective. The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions described in the registration statement on Form 10, filed by Sylvamo with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). International Paper also reserves the right to withdraw and cancel the distribution if, at any time prior to the distribution date, the board of directors of International Paper determines, in its sole discretion, that the distribution is not in the best interest of International Paper or its shareholders, or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to consummate the distribution. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state or jurisdiction.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa and Russia. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and papers that facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ approximately 48,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales for 2020 were $21 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.