Stora Enso improves adjusted earnings despite uncertain market conditions

Stora Enso reported stronger profitability for the second quarter of 2026 despite broadly unchanged sales and continued market uncertainty. The company's adjusted EBIT increased by 27% year-on-year to EUR 160 million, supported by the successful ramp-up of the new consumer board line at its Oulu mill and improved operational efficiency.

Second-quarter sales remained stable at EUR 2.42 billion, while adjusted EBIT for the first half of the year increased to EUR 319 million from EUR 301 million a year earlier.

The IFRS operating result declined to EUR 16 million, mainly due to impairment charges, restructuring costs and fair value adjustments. Earnings per share were EUR -0.03.

Stora Enso continues to execute its strategic transformation. Preparations are progressing for the planned separation of its Swedish forest assets business into a new publicly listed company during the first half of 2027. The company is also continuing its strategic review of its Central European sawmills and building solutions operations.

Production at the new consumer board line in Oulu continues to ramp up, with full capacity expected during 2027. In addition, Stora Enso announced a EUR 19 million investment to increase fluff pulp production at its Skutskär mill in Sweden, responding to growing demand for hygiene products.

Looking ahead, the company expects market conditions to remain uncertain during the third quarter due to geopolitical tensions and trade-related volatility. Scheduled maintenance shutdowns across all business divisions are also expected to increase costs by approximately EUR 40–50 million compared with the second quarter.

President and CEO Hans Sohlström said the company continues to improve its performance through actions under its own control rather than waiting for market conditions to recover.

He also noted that although wood costs have eased from the exceptionally high levels of recent years, wood supply remains tight and overall wood costs, including sawlogs, are still high.

"We continue to drive profitability through our own actions, operational and commercial excellence and systematic value creation. We are creating a more focused and competitive company with a strong foundation for profitable growth," Sohlström said.