Stock Markets
Ensuring Sustainability: International Paper’s Commitment to Responsible Fiber Procurement
Originally published in International Paper’s 2023 Sustainability Report
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 26, 2024 / International Paper’s Global Fiber Procurement Policy serves as the foundation of our commitment to healthy and abundant forests. This policy states, “We will not knowingly accept fiber from illegally logged forests or from forests where high conservation values are threatened by management activities.”
To achieve our goal to source 100% of fiber from sustainably managed forests, we engage in responsible fiber sourcing, with the following highlights:
International Paper’s Fiber Supply Team is a diverse group of more than 225 professionals who work together to ensure fiber is responsibly sourced across our mill footprint
Our industry-leading mapping platform ForSite™ (see page 29) exemplifies transparency, risk mitigation and targeted collaboration. It enables us to know where our direct non-certified wood purchases come from and ensures that the right decisions are made before the fiber enters our mill system
We maintain chain-of-custody certification at all mills, including certification to the Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®) Controlled Wood Standard and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® (SFI ®) Fiber Sourcing Standard
We have developed and continue to support one of the largest private landowner assistance programs in the U.S. to offer FSC ® Forest Management Certification
Our extensive fiber supply network and ForSite™ allow us to connect our forest conservation partners with private forest landowners to help make a positive impact on-the-ground and in the areas that matter most
ForSite™
ForSite™ is an innovative mapping tool used by our Fiber Supply Team to verify and track the fiber they are sourcing. This system guides our responsible fiber procurement on non-certified forestland in the U.S. It follows the framework and protocol of a HCVF Risk Assessment.
This system uses GIS technology to display and organize a variety of pieces of spatial data‰-‰critical information that our Fiber Supply Team uses to make informed decisions prior to the fiber entering our supply chain. ForSite™ data includes an array of environmental and spatial attributes, including:
Rare, threatened and endangered species by NatureServe Global Conservation Status Ranks (G1/G2, S1/S2)
Priority forest types and landscapes (bottomland hardwood)
Forest/wildlife conservation priority areas
Soil types, topography and hydrology
Satellite imagery updated weekly
Land ownership data
Critical biodiversity areas
By knowing the exact location of the direct fiber we purchase, we ensure not only that our fiber is derived from sustainably managed forests, but also that it is delivered to the most cost-effective facility location.
Using ForSite™ technology across our United States sourcing area, we have:
Identified 23M acres where pre-harvest due diligence can be applied
Made on-the-ground improvements to over 3,145 acres in ForSite™ since 2020
Mapped every non-certified location of purchased open-market fiber
Monitored sensitive and high-priority locations
ForSite™ in action
Since forest certification is not always feasible for private forest landowners, International Paper recognized that our industry needed to find a way to assure consumers and customers that our forests are being managed sustainably. The implementation of ForSite™ has changed IP’s procurement strategy. We now screen every uncertified tract through ForSite™ prior to purchase to determine whether additional due diligence is required before we accept timber from that tract. Our staff has access to this data both in the office and in the forests on their mobile devices and can monitor forest management activity. To learn more about ForSite™, watch this video.
Outcome
The ForSite™ tool shows areas of potential environmental risk, and indicates the location of the fiber we are considering for purchase. Some of the species and plants we have identified using ForSite™ include the Northern Long-eared Bat, Bald Eagle, Red-cocked Woodpecker, Louisiana Pine Snake, American Chaffseed and Gopher Tortoise, along with a variety of rare freshwater mussel species. Thanks to the use of ForSite™, landowners are able to accomplish their management objectives while protecting and improving habitats.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.
About International Paper – EMEA
In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.
Read more
View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Paper Company (NYSE:) on 3blmedia.com.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: International Paper Company
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-paper-company
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: International Paper Company
View the original press release on accesswire.com
Stock Markets
Goldman Sachs maintains buy on Mattel with $22 target
On Monday, Goldman Sachs reaffirmed its Buy rating on Mattel Inc . (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:) with a steady price target of $22.00. The decision followed a review of the company’s recent presentation, which conveyed a positive outlook on consumer and retail demand as the year progresses.
Mattel’s management highlighted the company’s readiness to cater to value-seeking consumers, particularly those at the lower end of the market, through a variety of well-regarded brands.
The toy manufacturer’s strategic positioning was emphasized, with management confident in their product range’s appeal to budget-conscious customers.
This approach aligns with observed consumer trends, as shoppers increasingly look for value in their purchases. Mattel’s diverse portfolio, featuring recognizable and respected brands, is seen as a key advantage in attracting and retaining such customers.
In addition to its market strategy, Mattel confirmed that it is on track to meet its previously stated financial goals and targets. The company has reiterated its commitment to achieving comparable year-over-year top-line growth. This reiteration of financial guidance suggests a stable outlook for Mattel’s performance and underlines the company’s expectations for sustained progress.
The analyst’s commentary provided insight into the company’s operational focus and market strategy. Mattel’s emphasis on well-known brands and high-quality offerings is designed to resonate with consumers who prioritize value. This focus is particularly pertinent given the current economic climate, where cost-conscious behavior is prevalent among consumers.
Goldman Sachs’ reiteration of the Buy rating and price target reflects confidence in Mattel’s strategic direction and its ability to navigate the market effectively. The company’s management appears to be proactive in addressing consumer trends and maintaining a robust financial trajectory as it heads into the latter half of the year.
In other recent news, Mattel Inc. has seen a series of significant developments. The toy manufacturer recently appointed Sai Koorapati as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
Koorapati, who brings over two decades of technology leadership experience, will oversee the company’s technological advancements and online security initiatives.
In terms of financial performance, Mattel reported mixed results for Q2 2024. While the company experienced a slight 1% decrease in net sales, it noted an increase in its adjusted gross margin to 49.2%, along with improvements in both adjusted EBITDA and EPS.
Despite a decrease in gross billings, Mattel saw growth in the APAC region and maintained its global market share, particularly in key product categories.
Mattel also provided its outlook for 2024, anticipating comparable net sales and an adjusted gross margin between 48.5% and 49%. The company expects adjusted EBITDA to be between $975 million and $1.025 billion, along with double-digit growth in adjusted EPS.
Despite anticipating a modest industry decline in 2024, Mattel remains focused on expanding its entertainment offerings and leveraging its intellectual property for long-term growth.
InvestingPro Insights
As Goldman Sachs maintains a bullish stance on Mattel Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), real-time data and insights from InvestingPro further illustrate the company’s financial health and market positioning. A standout aspect of Mattel’s financial profile is its perfect Piotroski Score of 9, indicating high financial strength, which could reassure investors about the company’s robustness amidst market uncertainties. Additionally, Mattel’s management has demonstrated confidence in the company’s value by engaging in aggressive share buybacks, a move that often signals a belief in underpriced stock and a commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
The company’s forward-looking metrics are equally compelling, with a low Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 20.32, which drops to an adjusted 19.05 when looking ahead to the last twelve months as of Q2 2024. This is coupled with a PEG Ratio of just 0.47 during the same period, suggesting that Mattel’s earnings growth may not be fully reflected in its current stock price. Furthermore, with liquid assets surpassing short-term obligations, Mattel exhibits a solid liquidity position that could help navigate any near-term market volatility.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Mattel is expected to be profitable this year, with net income predicted to grow. This aligns with the company’s strategic focus on delivering value to cost-conscious consumers through its diverse product range. For readers interested in a more granular analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips on Mattel, providing deeper insights into the company’s performance and prospects.
For those looking to explore Mattel’s potential further, there are a total of 9 additional InvestingPro Tips available, which can be found at https://www.investing.com/pro/MAT. These tips offer a more comprehensive understanding of the company’s financial nuances and market strategy, complementing the positive outlook shared by Goldman Sachs.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
Stock Markets
VEON stock soars to 52-week high, touches $28.49
In a remarkable display of market resilience, VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:), a leading global provider of connectivity and internet services, has reached a new 52-week high, with its stock price peaking at $28.49. This milestone underscores a period of robust growth for the company, which has seen its stock value surge by an impressive 69.25% over the past year. Investors have shown increased confidence in VEON’s strategic initiatives and operational advancements, propelling the stock to levels not seen in the previous year and signaling a strong outlook for the company’s future performance.
In other recent news, VEON Ltd. has reported strong growth and a healthy liquidity position for Q2 2024. The company’s U.S. dollar revenues and Group EBITDA have seen substantial growth, with increases of 12.1% and 10.6% respectively. This growth is attributed to VEON’s digital strategy and the expansion of its 4G network, which has led to a significant increase in digital revenue streams, now accounting for 10% of total revenues in H1 2024.
The company’s operations in Ukraine, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Bangladesh have all reported growth, and VEON’s liquidity remains strong with a cash reserve of $722 million. However, the company experienced a cyber-attack in Ukraine and network disruptions in Bangladesh, impacting revenue and EBITDA. Despite these setbacks, VEON anticipates continued revenue growth of 16-18% and EBITDA growth of 18-20% for the full year of 2024.
The company is also focusing on repaying its 2025 debt maturities. These recent developments indicate that VEON is effectively navigating market challenges while capitalizing on growth opportunities, particularly in digital services and network expansion.
InvestingPro Insights
In tandem with VEON Ltd.’s (NASDAQ: VEON) recent surge to a new 52-week high, InvestingPro data reflects a company that has experienced considerable revenue growth and profitability. Over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, VEON has reported a revenue growth of 6.53%, with its gross profit margin reaching an impressive 99.66%. Additionally, VEON has demonstrated a strong operating income margin of 25.03% in the same period, reflecting its operational efficiency. The company’s stock has indeed been trading near its 52-week high, with the price at 98.31% of this peak level.
InvestingPro Tips provide further context to VEON’s financial health, indicating that despite some volatility in stock price movements, analysts predict the company will be profitable this year. This is supported by the company’s performance over the last year, with a price total return of 62.81%. However, it’s worth noting for potential investors that VEON does not pay a dividend to shareholders, which may influence investment strategies depending on individual preferences for income-generating assets.
For those looking to delve deeper into VEON’s financials and future prospects, InvestingPro offers additional tips and a comprehensive analysis, which can be found on their platform. As of now, there are seven more InvestingPro Tips available that can help investors make more informed decisions about VEON.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
Stock Markets
US urges Israel to conclude probe into killing of American activist in West Bank
By Simon Lewis and Humeyra Pamuk
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Monday called on Israel to complete a full inquiry into the killing of an American Turkish woman last week in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, saying it believes Israel has begun such a probe.
Turkish and Palestinian officials said on Friday that Israeli troops shot 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi who had been taking part in a protest against settlement expansion.
“Our understanding is that our partners in Israel are looking into the circumstances of what happened, and we expect them to make their findings public, and expect that whatever those findings are, expect them to be thorough and transparent,” U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told a news briefing.
Palestinian news agency WAFA said the incident took place during a regular protest march by activists in Beita, a village near Nablus that has seen repeated attacks on Palestinians by Jewish settlers.
Israel’s military said it was looking into reports that a female foreign national “was killed as a result of shots fired in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances in which she was hit are under review.”
Patel did not provide further information on the circumstances of the killing.
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan condemned Eygi’s death, saying in a post on social media that Turkey “will continue to work in every platform to halt Israel’s policy of occupation and genocide”. Israel denies its actions in occupied Palestinian territories amount to genocide.
A rise in violent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank has stirred anger among Western allies of Israel, including the United States, which has imposed sanctions on some Israelis involved in the settler movement.
Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank of the Jordan River, which Palestinians want as the core of an independent state. Israel has built settlements there that most countries deem illegal, which Israel disputes citing historical and biblical ties to the land.
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