DEBT Footnote

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt [Note Text Block]

In June 2019, International Paper issued $200 million of 3.55% senior unsecured notes with a maturity date in 2029. The proceeds from this offering, together with a combination of available cash and other borrowings, were used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of outstanding commercial paper borrowings and other existing indebtedness.

In June 2018, the borrowing capacity of International Paper's commercial paper program was increased from $750 million to $1.0 billion. Under the terms of the program, individual maturities on borrowings may vary, but not exceed one year from the

date of issue. Interest bearing notes may be issued either as fixed or floating rate notes. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had $245 million of borrowings outstanding under the program at a weighted average interest rate of 2.29%.

At September 30, 2019, the fair value of International Paper’s $10.4 billion of debt was approximately $11.4 billion. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. International Paper’s long-term debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, which is further defined in Note 16 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

In October 2019, International Paper issued $127 million of industrial development bonds with interest rates ranging from 1.90% to 2.10% and maturity dates in 2024. The proceeds from this offering will be used to repay other existing industrial development bonds.