Form 4: International Paper SVP Sells Shares for Tax

International Paper Senior Vice President Clay R. Ellis reported the sale of 5,526 common shares to cover tax obligations from a vested restricted share unit award.

Summary

• Clay R. Ellis, Senior Vice President of International Paper Company, reported a transaction involving company common stock.
• On January 1, 2026, 5,526 shares of International Paper Common Stock were disposed of at a price of $39.39 per share.
• This disposition was due to shares being withheld for taxes related to a 2024 Retention Restricted Share Unit Award that fully vested on January 1, 2026.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Ellis directly beneficially owns 63,106 shares of Common Stock.
• Additionally, Mr. Ellis indirectly beneficially owns 8,546 Common Stock Units held in the non-funded International Paper Company Deferred Compensation Savings Plan (DCSP), which will be settled in cash upon termination of employment.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral as this is a routine, non-discretionary transaction for tax purposes, not reflecting a change in the executive's investment thesis or company performance.

Positives

• The transaction is a non-discretionary sale for tax purposes, not indicative of a change in management's confidence in the company.
• The Senior Vice President continues to hold a significant number of shares and common stock units, aligning his interests with shareholders.

Negatives

• A reduction in direct share ownership by a Senior Vice President, although for a routine tax-related reason.

Future Outlook

The filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing is a routine disclosure of an insider transaction, specific to International Paper Company, and does not provide broader industry context or trends.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal impact as this is a routine, non-discretionary tax-related sale by an executive, not a discretionary sale indicating a change in sentiment.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 details a routine, non-discretionary sale of shares by a Senior Vice President to cover tax liabilities upon the vesting of restricted stock units. Such transactions are common and do not typically signal a change in the company's fundamental outlook or the executive's confidence. Therefore, it does not warrant a change in investment recommendation based solely on this filing.

Keywords

International Paper, IP, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Stock Sale, Restricted Stock Units, Tax Withholding, Executive Compensation