Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–September 2023 was EUR 431 million

January–September 2023 (1–9/2022)
*Sales were EUR 4,624 million (5,239).
*Operating result was EUR 443 million (986). Comparable operating result was EUR 431 million (966).
*Result before taxes was EUR 438 million (961). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 430 million (934).
*Comparable return on capital employed was 8.3% (20.0).
*Net cash flow from operations was EUR 487 million (828).

July–September 2023 (7–9/2022)
*Sales were EUR 1,509 million (1,823).
*Operating result was EUR 41 million (397). Comparable operating result was EUR 51 million (391).
*Result before taxes was EUR 49 million (396). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 60 million (385).
*Comparable return on capital employed was 3.2% (23.5).
*Net cash flow from operations was EUR 469 million (372).

President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä:
As anticipated, our third quarter performance was poorer than in the previous quarter and the comparison period, and the level of results was weak overall. The key factors affecting the result were the continued low demand in Europe and the increased import of Chinese paperboard in the eastern Mediterranean region. The third quarter saw the launch of production at the new Kemi bioproduct mill as well as the investment shutdown required for the Husum paperboard production line’s expansion investment, both of which increased fixed costs in the period. In Asia, the demand for softwood pulp has continued at a normal level, and the price level began to increase in the third quarter. During 2023, softwood pulp capacity has been shut down in North America and Europe. In Europe, demand for folding boxboard and premium linerboard remains below the normal level. In North America, demand was slightly more active than in Europe.

The slowdown in the construction industry has weakened demand for sawn timber, and the price level has decreased in all markets. Kerto LVL products have seen stronger demand due to the popularity of new construction solutions among customers. The limited number of new construction projects naturally reduces the demand for Kerto LVL products as well. The demand for tissue and cooking papers is typically more stable than in Metsä Group’s other segments. Thanks to Metsä Tissue’s efficiency improvement measures, the result has been at a good level.

In the last decade, Metsä Group has carried out development investments of approximately EUR 6 billion. Investments have been conducted in all our business areas. All the product groups in Metsä Group’s portfolio have good long-term growth prospects in the global markets. Our development work is based on a strong belief in the future success of our industry as a producer of recyclable materials made from renewable raw materials and on our mission to increase the value of the forest assets of Metsäliitto Cooperative’s owner-members. Success in this mission calls for active renewal in every part of our value chain. In the last year, we have introduced several new services and long-term strategic targets to support the vitality of forests and sustainability. We are renewing the Group’s product range by focusing on new wood-based product innovations in our own business and by supporting the development of new companies through investments in start-ups.
details at: https://www.metsagroup.com/news-and-publications/news/2023/metsa-groups-comparable-operating-result-in-januaryseptember-2023-was-eur-431-million/