Retirement Plans (Note)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

International Paper sponsors and maintains the Retirement Plan of International Paper Company (the "Pension Plan"), a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan that provides retirement benefits to certain employees.

The Pension Plan provides defined pension benefits based on years of credited service and either final average earnings (salaried employees and hourly employees receiving salaried benefits), hourly job rates or specified benefit rates (hourly and union employees).

The Company also has two unfunded nonqualified defined benefit pension plans: a Pension Restoration Plan that provides retirement benefits based on eligible compensation in excess of limits set by the Internal Revenue Service, and a supplemental retirement plan for senior managers ("SERP"), which is an alternative retirement plan for salaried employees who are senior vice presidents and above or who are designated by the chief executive officer as participants. These nonqualified plans are only funded to the extent of benefits paid, which totaled $31 million, $26 million and $29 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and which are expected to be $21 million in 2021.

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company froze participation, including credited service and compensation, for salaried employees under the Pension Plan, the Pension Restoration Plan and the SERP plan. This change does not affect benefits accrued through December 31, 2018. For service after December 31, 2018, employees affected by the freeze receive a company contribution to their individual Retirement Savings Account as described later in this Note 19.

Many non-U.S. employees are covered by various retirement benefit arrangements, some of which are considered to be defined benefit pension plans for accounting purposes.

OBLIGATIONS AND FUNDED STATUS

The following table shows the changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets for 2020 and 2019, and the plans’ funded status.

	2020				2019
In millions	U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans		U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, January 1	$	11,699	$	253	$	10,467	$	215
Service cost	85		5		68		5
Interest cost	393		6		440		8
Curtailment	—		(1)		—		(1)
Settlements	—		(5)		—		(6)
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,357		10		1,230		33
Acquisitions	—		—		—		3
Divestitures	—		(1)		—		(1)
Plan amendments	42		—		40		—
Benefits paid	(556)		(7)		(546)		(8)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate movements	—		4		—		5
Benefit obligation, December 31	$	13,020	$	264	$	11,699	$	253
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, January 1	$	10,165	$	183	$	8,735	$	161
Actual return on plan assets	2,377		11		1,950		23
Company contributions	32		9		26		10
Benefits paid	(556)		(7)		(546)		(8)
Settlements	—		(5)		—		(6)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate movements	—		(1)		—		3
Fair value of plan assets, December 31	$	12,018	$	190	$	10,165	$	183
Funded status, December 31	$	(1,002)	$	(74)	$	(1,534)	$	(70)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Non-current asset	$	—	$	5	$	—	$	6
Current liability	(20)		(3)		(28)		(3)
Non-current liability	(982)		(76)		(1,506)		(73)
	$	(1,002)	$	(74)	$	(1,534)	$	(70)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income under ASC 715 (pre-tax):
Prior service cost (credit)	$	120	$	—	$	98	$	(1)
Net actuarial loss	2,297		82		2,851		75
	$	2,417	$	82	$	2,949	$	74

The non-current portion of the liability is included with the pension liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under Pension Benefit Obligation. The liability for Turkey has been reclassified to Liabilities held for sale.

The largest contributor to the actuarial loss affecting the benefit obligation was the decrease in the discount rate from 3.40% at December 31, 2019 to 2.60% at December 31, 2020. However positive asset returns offset the higher obligation for an improved funded position.

The components of the $(532) million and $8 million related to U.S. plans and non-U.S. plans, respectively, in the amounts recognized in OCI during 2020 consisted of:

In millions	U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans
Current year actuarial (gain) loss	$	(352)	$	6
Amortization of actuarial loss	(202)		(2)
Current year prior service cost	42		—
Amortization of prior service cost	(20)		—
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate movements	—		4
	$	(532)	$	8

The portion of the change in the funded status that was recognized in net periodic benefit cost and OCI for the U.S. plans was $(500) million, $(172) million and $(134) million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The portion of the change in funded status for the non-U.S. plans was $13 million, $24 million, and $(6) million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $13.0 billion and $11.7 billion, respectively, for our U.S. defined benefit plans and

$246 million and $236 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020 and 2019 for our non-U.S. defined benefit plans.

The following table summarizes information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019: 

	2020				2019
In millions	U.S. Plans		Non-U.S. Plans		U.S. Plans		Non-U.S. Plans
Projected benefit obligation	$	13,020	$	245	$	11,699	$	225
Accumulated benefit obligation	12,997		227		11,672		208
Fair value of plan assets	12,018		166		10,165		149

ASC 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” provides for delayed recognition of actuarial gains and losses, including amounts arising from changes in the estimated projected plan benefit obligation due to changes in the assumed discount rate, differences between the actual and expected return on plan assets and other assumption changes. These net gains and losses are recognized prospectively over a period that approximates the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under the plans to the extent that they are not offset by gains in subsequent years.

NET PERIODIC PENSION EXPENSE

Service cost is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the plans’ benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the year. Interest cost represents the increase in the projected benefit obligation, which is a discounted amount, due to the passage of time. The expected return on plan assets reflects the computed amount of current-year earnings from the investment of plan assets using an estimated long-term rate of return.

Net periodic pension expense for qualified and nonqualified U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit plans comprised the following: 

	2020				2019				2018
In millions	U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans		U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans		U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans
Service cost	$	85	$	5	$	68	$	5	$	153	$	5
Interest cost	393		6		440		8		467		8
Expected return on plan assets	(668)		(8)		(631)		(10)		(765)		(11)
Actuarial loss (gain)	202		2		200		2		337		2
Amortization of prior service cost	20		—		16		—		16		—
Curtailment loss (gain)	—		(1)		—		(1)		—		—
Settlement loss	—		1		—		2		424		—
Net periodic pension expense	$	32	$	5	$	93	$	6	$	632	$	4

The components of net periodic pension expense other than the Service cost component are included in Non-operating pension expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The decrease in 2020 pension expense primarily reflects higher asset returns and lower interest cost slightly offset by higher service cost.

On September 25, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America to purchase a group annuity contract and transfer approximately $1.6 billion of International Paper's U.S. qualified pension plan projected benefit obligations, subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction closed on October 2, 2018 and was funded with pension plan assets. Under the transaction, at the end of 2018, Prudential assumed responsibility for pension benefits and annuity administration for approximately 23,000 retirees or their beneficiaries receiving less than $1,000 in monthly benefit payments from the plan. Settlement accounting rules required a remeasurement of the qualified plan as of October 2, 2018 and the Company recognized a non-cash pension settlement charge of $424 million before tax in the fourth quarter of 2018.

ASSUMPTIONS

International Paper evaluates its actuarial assumptions annually as of December 31 (the measurement date) and considers changes in these long-term factors based upon market conditions and the requirements for employers’ accounting for pensions. These assumptions are used to calculate benefit obligations as of December 31 of the current year and pension expense to be recorded in the following year (i.e., the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation as of December 31, 2020 is also the discount rate used to determine net pension expense for the 2021 year).

Major actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost for our defined benefit plans are presented in the following table:

	2020				2019				2018
	U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans		U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans		U.S. Plans		Non- U.S. Plans
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31:
Discount rate	2.60	%	2.32	%	3.40	%	2.70	%	4.30	%	3.97	%
Rate of compensation increase	2.25	%	3.66	%	2.25	%	3.62	%	2.25	%	4.05	%
Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost for years ended December 31:
Discount rate (a)	3.40	%	2.70	%	4.30	%	3.97	%	3.80	%	3.59	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.00	%	4.92	%	7.25	%	6.20	%	7.50	%	6.52	%
Rate of compensation increase	2.25	%	3.62	%	2.25	%	4.05	%	3.38	%	4.06	%

(a) Represents the weighted average rate for the U.S. qualified plans in 2018 due to the remeasurements.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on projected rates of return for current asset classes in the plan’s investment portfolio. Projected rates of return are developed through an asset/liability study in which projected returns for each of the plan’s asset classes are determined after analyzing historical experience and future expectations of returns and volatility of the various asset classes.

Based on the target asset allocation for each asset class, the overall expected rate of return for the portfolio is developed considering the effects of active portfolio management and expenses paid from plan assets. The discount rate assumption was determined from a universe of high quality corporate bonds. A settlement portfolio is selected and matched to the present value of the plan’s projected benefit

payments. To calculate pension expense for 2021, the Company will use an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 6.60% for the Retirement Plan of International Paper, a discount rate of 2.60% and an assumed rate of compensation increase of 2.25%. The Company estimates that it will record net pension income of approximately $114 million for its U.S. defined benefit plans in 2021, compared to expense of $32 million in 2020. The estimated decrease in net pension expense in 2020 is primarily due to higher return on assets and lower interest cost partially offset by higher amortization of actuarial losses and higher service cost.

For non-U.S. pension plans, assumptions reflect economic assumptions applicable to each country.

The following illustrates the effect on pension expense for 2021 of a 25 basis point decrease in the above assumptions: 

In millions	2021
Expense (Income):
Discount rate	$	27
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	28

PLAN ASSETS

International Paper’s Board of Directors has appointed a Fiduciary Review Committee that is responsible for fiduciary oversight of the U.S. Pension Plan, approving investment policy and reviewing the management and control of plan assets. Pension Plan assets are invested to maximize returns within prudent levels of risk.

The Pension Plan maintains a strategic asset allocation policy that designates target allocations by asset class. Investments are diversified across classes and within each class to minimize the risk of large losses. Derivatives, including swaps, forward and futures contracts, may be used as asset class substitutes or for hedging or other risk management purposes. Periodic reviews are made of investment

policy objectives and investment manager performance. For non-U.S. plans, assets consist principally of common stock and fixed income securities.

International Paper’s U.S. pension allocations by type of fund at December 31, 2020 and 2019 and target allocations were as follows:

Asset Class	2020		2019		Target Allocations
Equity accounts	40	%	37	%	32% - 43%
Fixed income accounts	48	%	50	%	44% - 56%
Real estate accounts	7	%	8	%	5% - 11%
Other	5	%	5	%	3% - 8%
Total	100	%	100	%

The fair values of International Paper’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019 by asset class are shown below. Hedge funds disclosed in the following table are allocated to fixed income accounts for target allocation purposes.

Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2020
Asset Class	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
In millions
Equities – domestic	$	1,806	$	1,037	$	769	$	—
Equities – international	2,921		2,181		740		—
Corporate bonds	2,345		—		2,345		—
Government securities	3,377		—		3,377		—
Mortgage backed securities	133		—		133		—
Other fixed income	(1,585)		—		(1,599)		14
Derivatives	336		342		—		(6)
Cash and cash equivalents	210		210		—		—
Other investments:
Hedge funds	1,112
Private equity	563
Real estate funds	800
Total Investments	$	12,018	$	3,770	$	5,765	$	8

Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2019
Asset Class	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
In millions
Equities – domestic	$	1,613	$	965	$	648	$	—
Equities – international	2,181		1,599		582		—
Corporate bonds	1,845		—		1,845		—
Government securities	2,659		—		2,659		—
Mortgage backed securities	1		—		1		—
Other fixed income	(647)		—		(661)		14
Derivatives	(19)		—		—		(19)
Cash and cash equivalents	336		336		—		—
Other investments:
Hedge funds	902
Private equity	522
Real estate funds	772
Total Investments	$	10,165	$	2,900	$	5,074	$	(5)

In accordance with accounting standards, certain investments that are measured at NAV and are not classified in the fair value hierarchy.

Other Investments at December 31, 2020
Investment	Fair Value		Unfunded Commitments		Redemption Frequency	Remediation Notice Period
In millions
Hedge funds	1,112		—		Daily to annually	1 - 100 days
Private equity	563		290		(a)	None
Real estate funds	800		210		Quarterly	45 - 60 days
Total	$	2,475	$	500

(a) A private equity fund investment ("partnership interest") is contractually locked up for the life of the private equity fund by the partnership agreement. Limited partners do not have the option to redeem partnership interests.

Other Investments at December 31, 2019
Investment	Fair Value		Unfunded Commitments		Redemption Frequency	Remediation Notice Period
In millions
Hedge funds	902		—		Daily to annually	1 - 100 days
Private equity	522		198		(a)	None
Real estate funds	772		147		Quarterly	45 - 60 days
Total	$	2,196	$	345

(a) A private equity fund investment ("partnership interest") is contractually locked up for the life of the private equity fund by the partnership agreement. Limited partners do not have the option to redeem partnership interests.

Equity securities consist primarily of publicly traded U.S. companies and international companies. Publicly traded equities are valued at the closing prices reported in the active market in which the individual securities are traded.

Fixed income consists of government securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds,

common collective funds and other fixed income investments. Government securities are valued by third-party pricing sources. Mortgage-backed security holdings consist primarily of agency-rated holdings. The fair value estimates for mortgage securities are calculated by third-party pricing sources chosen by the custodian’s price matrix. Corporate bonds are valued using either the yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings or using a discounted cash flows approach that utilizes observable inputs, such as current yields of similar instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks that may not be observable, such as credit and liquidity risks. Common collective funds are valued at the net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date. Other fixed income investments of $(1,585) million and $(647) million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, primarily include reverse repurchase agreement obligations in which we have sold a security and have an agreement to repurchase the same or substantially the same security at a later date for a price specified in the agreement.

Derivative investments such as futures, forward contracts, options and swaps are used to help manage risks. Derivatives are generally employed as asset class substitutes (such as when employed in a portable alpha strategy), for managing asset/liability mismatches, or bona fide hedging or other appropriate risk management purposes. Derivative instruments are generally valued by the investment managers or in certain instances by third-party pricing sources.

Hedge funds are investment structures for managing private, loosely-regulated investment pools that can pursue a diverse array of investment strategies with a

wide range of different securities and derivative instruments. These investments are made through funds-of-funds (commingled, multi-manager fund structures) and through direct investments in individual hedge funds. Hedge funds are primarily valued by each fund’s third-party administrator based upon the valuation of the underlying securities and instruments and primarily by applying a market or income valuation methodology as appropriate depending on the specific type of security or instrument held. Funds-of-funds are valued based upon the net asset values of the underlying investments in hedge funds.

Private equity consists of interests in partnerships that invest in U.S. and non-U.S. debt and equity securities. Partnership interests are valued using the most recent general partner statement of fair value, updated for any subsequent partnership interest cash flows.

Real estate funds include commercial properties, land and timberland, and generally include, but are not limited to, retail, office, industrial, multifamily and hotel properties. Real estate fund values are primarily reported by the fund manager and are based on

valuation of the underlying investments which include inputs such as cost, discounted cash flows, independent appraisals and market based comparable data.

The following is a reconciliation of the assets that are classified using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at December 31, 2020.

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

In millions	Other fixed income		Derivatives		Total
Beginning balance at December 31, 2018	$	13	$	98	$	111
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	1		(127)		(126)
Relating to assets sold during the period	—		314		314
Purchases, sales and settlements	—		(304)		(304)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—		—		—
Ending balance at December 31, 2019	$	14	$	(19)	$	(5)
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	1		21		22
Relating to assets sold during the period	(1)		268		267
Purchases, sales and settlements	—		(276)		(276)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—		—		—
Ending balance at December 31, 2020	$	14	$	(6)	$	8

FUNDING AND CASH FLOWS

The Company’s funding policy for the Pension Plan is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet legal funding requirements, plus any additional amounts that the Company may determine to be appropriate considering the funded status of the plans, tax deductibility, cash flow generated by the Company, and other factors. The Company continually reassesses the amount and timing of any discretionary contributions. No voluntary contributions were made in 2018, 2019 or 2020. Generally, International Paper’s non-U.S. pension plans are funded using the projected benefit as a target, except in certain countries where funding of benefit plans is not required.

At December 31, 2020, projected future pension benefit payments, excluding any termination benefits, were as follows: 

In millions
2021	$	580
2022	598
2023	612
2024	624
2025	635
2026-2030	3,271

OTHER U.S. PLANS

International Paper sponsors the International Paper Company Salaried Savings Plan and the International Paper Company Hourly Savings Plan, both of which are tax-qualified defined contribution 401(k) savings plans. Substantially all U.S. salaried and certain hourly employees are eligible to participate and may make elective deferrals to such plans to save for retirement. International Paper makes matching contributions to participant accounts on a specified percentage of employee deferrals as determined by the provisions of each plan. The Company makes Retirement Savings Account contributions equal to a percentage of an eligible employee’s pay. Beginning in 2019, as a result of the freeze for salaried employees under the Pension Plan, all salaried employees are eligible for the contribution to the Retirement Savings Account.

The Company also sponsors the International Paper Company Deferred Compensation Savings Plan, which is an unfunded nonqualified defined contribution plan. This plan permits eligible employees to continue to make deferrals and receive company matching contributions (and Retirement Savings Account contributions) when their contributions to the International Paper Salaried

Savings Plan are stopped due to limitations under U.S. tax law. Participant deferrals and company contributions are not invested in a separate trust, but are paid directly from International Paper’s general assets at the time benefits become due and payable.Company contributions to the plans totaled approximately $154 million, $172 million and $125 million for the plan years ending in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.