International Paper’s earnings rose 77% to $159...

International Paper’s earnings rose 77% to $159 million on sales of $2.3 billion, compared to $90 million on sales of $1.8 billion for the year-ago period, the company reported. The Purchase, N.Y., firm attributed the gains to firm prices on most of its products and strong demand for its major product lines--white papers, coated papers, container board, bleached board, pulp and lumber.