Compared to Q1 last year, sales for Q1 2019 increased 2.2% to €2.6bn, the highest first quarter since 2013 and the ninth consecutive quarter of growth.
Operational EBIT decreased to €3.2bn. Operating profit was €3.1m.
The company is predicting that this year’s performance will be largely in line with 2018, provided that the current trading conditions do not significantly change.
Demand growth is expected to continue for Stora Enso’s other businesses except for European Paper, for which demand is forecast to continue to decline in 2019.
Group sales are expected to be higher and costs are forecast to increase in 2019 compared to 2018. Stora Enso will implement measures to mitigate these cost increases and the increased uncertainties with the profit protection programme.
Second quarter operational EBIT is expected to be in the range of €2.7–3.5bn.