Norske Skog: Good profitability despite turbulent markets
Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the second quarter of 2022 was NOK 905 million, an increase from NOK 610 million in the first quarter of 2022. Sales prices for all grades increased in the quarter as a consequence of high energy costs in Europe and a tight publication paper market. The containerboard conversions and energy projects are progressing as planned. Cash flow from operations was NOK 473 million in the quarter compared to NOK 196 million in the previous quarter, positively impacted by the improved operating margins, but negatively impacted by change in working capital, being mainly an increase in inventories, and trade and other receivables. Operating earnings in the second quarter of 2022 were NOK 1 195 million compared to operating earnings in the first quarter of 2022 of NOK 593 million. The quarter was positively affected by non-cash changes in fair value of energy contracts in Norway amounting to NOK 419 million. Net profit in the quarter was NOK 935 million compared to a net profit of NOK 583 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 1 012 million at the end of the second quarter, with an equity ratio of 42%.