Stora Enso Boosts EBIT by 27% Amid Portfolio Optimization
Event summary
- Stora Enso's Q2 2026 sales remained stable at EUR 2.42 billion, with adjusted EBIT increasing by 27% to EUR 160 million.
- The company divested corrugated board production units in Germany and plans to separate its Swedish forest assets business into a new publicly-listed company by H1 2027.
- Invested EUR 19 million to increase fluff pulp production at Skutskär site, shutting down less competitive softwood pulp production.
- Operating result (IFRS) dropped significantly to EUR 16 million from EUR 64 million due to impairments and restructuring costs.
The big picture
Stora Enso is strategically repositioning itself through portfolio optimization, focusing on high-growth segments like specialized pulp and consumer packaging. The company's efforts to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability align with broader industry trends towards circularity and value creation in renewable materials. The divestment of non-core assets and the planned separation of forest assets aim to unlock value and sharpen the company's competitive edge.
What we're watching
- Portfolio Optimization
- The pace at which Stora Enso can complete the separation of its Swedish forest assets business and the impact on its strategic focus.
- Market Conditions
- How geopolitical tensions and trade-related volatility will affect customer demand, supply chains, and input costs in Q3 2026.
- Operational Efficiency
- Whether the ramp-up of the new consumer board line at Oulu can achieve full capacity by 2027 and sustain profitability improvements.
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