Apr 28, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. International Paper reported 1Q 2011 net earnings attributable to common shareholders totaling $342 million compared with net earnings of $316 million in the 4Q 2010 and a loss of $162 million in the 1Q 2010. Amounts in all periods include the impact of special items, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Earnings from continuing operations and before special items in the 1Q 2011 totaled $322 million, compared with $296 million in the 4Q 2010 and $16 million in the 1Q 2010. Quarterly net sales were $6.4 billion compared with $6.5 billion in the 4Q 2010 and $5.8 billion in the 1Q 2010. Operating profits were $585 million in the 1Q 2011, up from $561 million in the 4Q 2010 both of which included special items. "1Q results reflect continued strong performances across all of our global mill businesses," said John Faraci, Chairman and CEO. "Industrial Packaging and Printing Papers continued to post solid results, and Consumer Packaging delivered significantly higher earnings. Europe continued its strong performances in paper and packaging and the contribution from our Ilim joint venture also increased. As a result of these strong across-the-board results, 1Q free cash flow was in-line with our expectations and we remain confident in our earnings and cash flow outlook for 2011." 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.