Stora Enso posted a 28% jump in Q3 adjusted EBIT to EUR 161 million, though bottom-line earnings were hit by restructuring costs as the firm prepares to spin off its Swedish forest business by H1 2027.
Stora Enso reported a 28% increase in adjusted EBIT to EUR 161 million, driven by operational efficiencies and the Oulu site ramp-up, despite a decline in reported sales and EPS. The company is actively restructuring its portfolio through site closures and divestments to improve competitiveness, while navigating a challenging environment marked by geopolitical tensions and rising input costs.
EPS fell to EUR 0.01 from EUR 0.25 primarily due to items affecting comparability, including impairments, restructuring costs, and fair valuation adjustments of biological assets.
Capital expenditure for 2026 is estimated at approximately EUR 500 million, a downward revision from the previous estimate of below EUR 550 million.
Stora Enso has formally approved a Demerger Plan to separate its Swedish forest assets into a new, independent publicly listed company. This strategic move is intended to unlock shareholder value and allow both the parent company and the new entity to sharpen their strategic focus, with the separation expected to be completed during the first half of 2027.
The separation is expected to be completed during the first half of 2027.
The demerger aims to unlock value and sharpen the strategic focus of both Stora Enso and the new independent forest company.
Stora Enso reported a 28% increase in Q3 adjusted EBIT to EUR 161 million, driven by higher board volumes and lower variable costs. Despite the operational gains, net earnings per share fell sharply to EUR 0.01 due to significant impairments and restructuring charges. The company is moving forward with the planned demerger of its Swedish forest assets, Bergslagets Skogar, targeting completion in the first half of 2027.
Stora Enso's Board of Directors has formally approved the demerger plan, with the separation of the Swedish forest assets into a new publicly listed company expected during the first half of 2027.
The decline in EPS to EUR 0.01 was primarily driven by items affecting comparability, including EUR 63 million in impairments and restructuring costs, alongside fair valuation adjustments.