Stora Enso has reported sales of €2.240bn ($2.508bn) for the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, down 2% from €2.283bn in the same period last year, with the decline attributed to divestments.
The company posted third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of €0.01, a decrease from €0.25 a year earlier.
However, organic sales increased by 2%, supported by stronger board deliveries and higher containerboard prices.
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) for the quarter climbed 28% year-on-year to €161m, compared with €126m previously.
This improvement was driven by greater board volumes, lower variable costs, and progress in the ramp-up of the Oulu consumer board line.
Stora Enso’s adjusted EBIT margin increased to 7.2% from 5.5%.
The operating result according to IFRS fell to €47m from €231m, including negative €63m in items affecting comparability, mainly linked to impairments, restructuring, disposals, and changes in the fair value of biological assets.
For the nine months to September 2026, sales were slightly lower at €7.021bn, compared to €7.072bn.
Adjusted EBIT rose to €479m from €427m, while the operating result dropped to €148m from €466m.
EPS for the period were €0.02, down from €0.42, and €0.14 excluding fair values, compared to €0.44 previously.
The quarter included several restructuring measures, such as the closure of the Veitsiluoto sawmill in Kemi, Finland, and plans to cease operations at the Cross Laminated Timber unit in Gruvön, Sweden, by the end of 2026.
Stora Enso president and CEO Hans Sohlström said: “We have now formally decided to proceed with the planned separation of Bergslagets Skogar.
“In just a few days, we will host Capital Markets Day, where we present Bergslagets Skogar’s financials and showcase a business with a unique asset base, a strong foundation and long-term value creation potential. The separation will unlock value and sharpen the strategic focus of both companies.”
