Form 4: International Paper Executive Clay R. Ellis Reports Stock Transactions

Clay R. Ellis, a Senior Vice President at International Paper, reported the withholding of shares to cover tax obligations related to vesting restricted stock units and shares held through the company's savings plan.

Summary

• Clay R. Ellis, a Senior Vice President of International Paper, filed a Form 4 detailing changes in beneficial ownership of the company's stock.
• On February 3, 2025, shares were withheld to cover tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock units.
• 688 shares were withheld at a price of $55.63 per share related to the 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award.
• 550 shares were withheld at a price of $55.63 per share related to the 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award.
• Following these transactions, Ellis directly owns 50,419 shares and 49,869 shares of International Paper common stock.
• Ellis also indirectly owns 18,005 shares through the International Paper Company Salaried Savings Plan and 7,133 common stock units through the Deferred Compensation Savings Plan.
• The shares held in the savings plan are based on a plan statement as of January 31, 2025.
• The common stock units will be settled in cash upon termination of employment and are also based on a plan statement as of January 31, 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The document is a standard SEC filing detailing stock transactions, and it doesn't convey any particularly positive or negative sentiment. It's a routine disclosure.

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure related to executive compensation and stock ownership, which is common in publicly traded companies. It provides transparency to investors regarding the financial interests of company executives.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Executive compensation practices, including the use of restricted stock units and deferred compensation plans, are common among large, publicly traded companies like International Paper.
• Companies such as WestRock, Smurfit Kappa, and Packaging Corporation of America also utilize similar compensation strategies to align executive interests with shareholder value.
• The withholding of shares to cover tax obligations upon vesting of restricted stock units is a standard practice to simplify tax reporting for executives.

Stakeholder Impact

• The filing provides transparency to shareholders regarding executive stock ownership.
• The transactions have a minimal direct impact on employees, customers, suppliers, or creditors.

Key Dates

Keywords

Form 4, beneficial ownership, stock transaction, International Paper, Clay R. Ellis, restricted stock units, tax obligations, Salaried Savings Plan, Deferred Compensation Savings Plan