Jul 29, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. International Paper announced preliminary 2Q 2010 net earnings attributable to common shareholders totaling $93 million compared with a net loss of $162 million in the 1Q 2010 and net earnings of $136 million in the 2Q 2009. Earnings before special items in the 2Q 2010 totaled $181 million, compared with $16 million in the 1Q 2010 and $86 million in the 2Q 2009. Quarterly net sales were $6.1 billion compared with $5.8 billion in the 1Q and $5.8 billion reported in the 2Q 2009. Operating profits in the 2Q were $353 million, up from $20 million in the 1Q 2010. Both amounts reflect the inclusion of special items. Industrial Packaging operating profits increased to $193 million as compared with $46 million in the 1Q 2010. Earnings improved mainly from increases in linerboard and North America box demand, fewer mill outages and further realization of announced price increases. Operating profits after special items were $192 million in the 2Q 2010 compared with $41 million in the 1Q 2010. Printing Papers had an operating profit of $158 million as compared with $126 million in the 1Q 2010. Results were positively impacted by favorable pulp and paper pricing, and improved operations more than offsetting higher mill outage costs. Operating profits after special items were $47 million in the 2Q 2010 compared with a loss of $78 million in the 1Q 2010. Consumer Packaging had an operating profit of $49 million compared with $31 million in the 1Q 2010. Results were positively impacted by higher volumes, further realization of announced coated paperboard price increases and stronger operations, partially offset by planned maintenance outages and relatively higher input costs. Operating profits after special items were $48 million in the 2Q 2010 compared with $28 million in the 1Q 2010. The company's distribution business, xpedx, reported operating profits of $26 million, up from $21 million in the 1Q 2010. The earnings improvement was primarily driven by stronger volumes, lower costs and improved margins. There were no special items recorded in either quarter. Forest Products operating profits totaled $40 million, up from $8 million in the prior quarter due to a mineral rights sale. There were no special items recorded in either quarter. "Each of our businesses posted strong results in the 2Q, leading to the significant increase in earnings per share and solid free cash flow," said John Faraci, Chairman and CEO. "Operating rates are strong, inventories are low, and input costs are moderating. All of these factors position us well for a stronger 3Q." International Paper is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging, complemented by xpedx, the company's North American distribution company.