Billerud Interim report January–September 2024
Comments by the CEO: The third quarter was another solid quarter for Billerud. As we had planned, our net sales grew, and profitability improved in both regions. The positive profitability trend we have seen from the beginning of the year continued. The Group’s EBITDA margin ended at 14%, our strongest result since Q4 2022. Production stability was solid in the quarter and our scheduled maintenance stops in three mills went according to plan. Yet again, region North America delivered an excellent financial performance with double digit sales growth and 18% EBITDA margin. All our categories in the US contributed to the strong result. In Region Europe, our fiber cost continued to increase, while most other input costs declined. Also for this quarter, we were successfully able to offset the cost inflation by proactive pricing and portfolio management for Europe. This is key and it will continue to be one of our top priorities going forward. Region Europe reached an EBITDA margin of 16%, the highest profitability in two years. Our efficiency enhancement program continues to deliver structural savings. Disciplined work to eliminate price point outliers in the customer base as well as to increase our field-purchased pulpwood in the vicinity of our Swedish mills produces positive effects.