Jul 31, 2009. /Lesprom Network/. International Paper reported preliminary 2009 second-quarter net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $136 million ($0.32 per share) compared with $257 million ($0.61 per share) in the first quarter of 2009 and $227 million ($0.54 per share) in the second quarter of 2008. Amounts in all periods include special items. Earnings from continuing operations and before special items in the 2009 second quarter totaled $86 million ($0.20 per share), compared with $34 million ($0.08 per share) in the first quarter of 2009 and $235 million ($0.56 per share) in the second quarter of 2008. Quarterly net sales were $5.8 billion in the second quarter compared with $5.6 billion in the first quarter of 2009 and $5.8 billion reported in the second quarter of 2008. Operating profits in the 2009 second quarter were $788 million, up from $779 million in the first quarter of 2009 and $393 million in the second quarter of 2008. "Over the course of this recession, International Paper has consistently demonstrated our ability to execute well despite the economic environment," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Faraci. "Our performance in the second quarter once again generated solid earnings and strong free cash flow. We're also well ahead of our announced plans to pay down debt. "When we look at global economic conditions today, it appears the worst is behind us. We have not seen any signs of sustainable progress in North America, but it appears demand has stabilized at lower levels. We are seeing improvement in Latin American paper markets and solid packaging demand growth in China. The good news is that mill and channel inventories are lean for both paper and containerboard, which positions us well for the eventual upturn in demand." At the end of the 2009 second quarter, International Paper had $4.2 billion in cash and committed liquidity facilities. The company also generated $1.3 billion of free cash flow (cash provided by operations less capital expenditures) during the quarter, reflecting its continued focus on reducing capital spending, managing working capital and decreasing overhead spending, as well as cash received from alternative fuel mixture credits. The company also repaid $600 million of debt.