Stora Enso Half-Year Report: Oulu Plant Progresses, Forest Asset Divestment Continues

Helsinki – Stora Enso released its half-year report for 2026 on July 23, 2026, detailing strategic progress and financial results.

The company reported stable sales of EUR 2,423 million for the second quarter, largely unchanged from the previous year's EUR 2,426 million. However, adjusted EBIT increased by 27% to EUR 160 million, boosted by the ramp-up of the new consumer board line at its Oulu mill. The adjusted EBIT margin improved to 6.6%.

Stora Enso continued preparations for the planned separation and listing of its Swedish forest assets as a separate company in the first half of 2027. A strategic review of its Central European sawmills and building solutions operations is also ongoing. The Oulu mill's new production line is gradually increasing volumes and is expected to reach full capacity in 2027.

The company is investing EUR 19 million to increase fluff pulp production at its Skutskär site in Sweden to meet growing demand for hygiene products. As part of this shift, softwood pulp production will cease permanently. Stora Enso also divested its corrugated board production units in Germany in July to optimize its asset base.

Looking ahead to the third quarter, Stora Enso anticipates planned maintenance shutdowns will increase costs by approximately EUR 40-50 million compared to the second quarter. The divestment of Swedish forest assets will result in an estimated quarterly EBIT reduction of EUR 5 million. Income from emission rights is projected to decrease significantly to EUR 10-20 million, down from EUR 72 million in 2025, due to changes in EU emissions trading rules.