Feb 02, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. International Paper reported preliminary full-year 2011 net earnings attributable to common shareholders totaling $1.3 billion compared with $644 million in full-year 2010. In the 4Q 2011, the company reported net earnings of $257 million compared with $316 million in the 4Q 2010. Amounts in all periods include special items, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Full-year 2011 earnings from continuing operations and before special items were $1.4 billion compared with $890 million in 2010. Earnings from continuing operations and before special items in the 4Q 2011 totaled $288 million compared with $296 million in the 4Q 2010. Annual sales totaled $26 billion in 2011 compared with $25.2 billion in 2010. Quarterly net sales were $6.4 billion in the 4Q compared with $6.5 billion in the 4Q 2010. Full-year 2011 operating profits were $2.2 billion compared with $1.7 billion in 2010. Operating profits in the 4Q were $577 million compared with $561 million in 2010, both of which included special items. Full year EBITDA margins improved 100 basis points over 2010, before special items. "Margin expansion across our global operations, as well as growth in emerging markets, contributed to a solid 4Q and drove IP's performance throughout 2011," said John Faraci, Chairman and CEO. "International Paper has consistently delivered strong results for the sixth consecutive quarter since the global downturn, generating our best financial results in nearly two decades. Sustaining positive momentum in an uneven global economy is challenging, but over the course of the full year ahead we remain confident in our ability to continue to execute at a high level." Industrial Packaging segment operating earnings in the 4Q 2011 were $316 million ($306 million including special items) compared with $301 million ($293 million including special items) in the 3Q 2011. The current quarter's earnings were favorably impacted by strong mill operations, lower recycled fiber costs in the U.S. and seasonally stronger box volumes and improved margins in Europe. Printing Papers segment operating earnings were $190 million ($189 million including special items) in the 4Q 2011 versus $238 million ($239 million including special items) in the 3Q 2011. Higher manufacturing operating costs primarily associated with unfavorable seasonal energy usage and lower export and pulp sales prices in the quarter more than offset lower inputs and seasonally stronger paper sales in Brazil, Russia and Eastern Europe. Consumer Packaging segment operating earnings were $62 million ($66 million including special items) in the 4Q 2011 compared with $103 million ($30 million including special items) in the 3Q 2011. Increased maintenance outages, seasonally weaker U.S. and export demand for coated paperboard and lower pricing in China and Europe were only partially offset by lower input costs in the quarter. xpedx operating segment earnings were $33 million ($16 million including special items) in the 4Q 2011 compared with $27 million ($9 million including special items) in the 3Q 2011. 4Q cost decreases associated with transformation-related initiatives and favorable year-end true-ups more than offset lower printing papers volume due to fewer shipping days. 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.