Oct 25, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. International Paper reported 3Q 2012 net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders totaling $223 million ($0.51 per share), compared with net earnings of $118 million ($0.27 per share) in the 2Q 2012 and $468 million ($1.08 per share) in the 3Q 2011. Quarterly net sales were $7 billion compared with $7.1 billion in the 2Q 2012 and $6.6 billion in the 3Q 2011. Operating profits were $539 million in the 3Q 2012, compared with $426 million in the 2Q 2012 and $571 million in the 3Q 2011, all of which included special items, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network. "The company generated excellent cash flow in the 3Q, despite the backdrop of slow global economic growth," said John Faraci, Chairman and CEO. "Looking ahead to next year, many of our key strategic projects will be ramping up around the globe. This, along with our earnings trajectory in North America Industrial Packaging, will allow us to deliver significant progress on our earnings and cash flow runway as we head into 2013." Industrial Packaging segment posted earnings of $342 million ($255 million including special items) in the 3Q 2012, versus $367 million ($260 million including special items) in the 2Q 2012. Lower planned maintenance downtime costs, solid manufacturing performance and decreased input costs, were offset by lower sales volumes, the operational impact of divesting three containerboard mills during the quarter and an unfavorable inventory valuation adjustment. Printing Papers operating segment's profits were $201 million ($202 million including special items) versus $106 million ($104 million including special items) in the 2Q 2012. The earnings increase was primarily due to lower planned maintenance expenses in both North America and Europe. Uncoated freesheet paper sales volumes were seasonally higher, but were partially offset by higher input costs in North America and Brazil. The start-up of the Franklin mill improved earnings by $12 million. Consumer Packaging operating segment's profits were $67 million before and after special items, compared with $63 million ($57 million including special items) in the 2Q 2012. Slow demand and pricing pressure impacted the quarter, but were offset by lower planned maintenance expenses. Earnings in the 3Q for the Foodservice business were strong again and in line with the prior quarter. xpedx, the company's North American distribution business, reported operating profits of $24 million ($15 million including special items), compared with $17 million ($5 million including special items) in the 2Q 2012. Seasonal volume improvement was partially offset by lower commercial print margins. 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.