Stora Enso reported a decline in Q3 2025 EBIT and cash flow, but strategically divested forest assets to strengthen financial stability and enhance profitability.

Target Information

Stora Enso, a prominent Finnish pulp and packaging corporation, has reported notable financial fluctuations in its recent performance for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025. The company experienced a 28% decline in adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), falling to €126 million from €175 million during the same period last year. An essential factor contributing to this decline was the ramp-up of a consumer board line at its Oulu facility, which negatively impacted the quarter by approximately €45 million.

In addition to the decline in EBIT, Stora Enso's EBIT margin narrowed from 7.8% in Q3 of 2024 to 5.5% in the most recent quarter. Despite this downturn in earnings, sales showed a slight uptick of 1%, amounting to €2.28 billion, primarily influenced by the acquisition of Junnikkala and the ongoing ramp-up at Oulu.

Industry Overview in Finland

The Finnish pulp and packaging industry is currently facing significant challenges, amplified by a decrease in consumer confidence and weak order intake. These market pressures have led industry players to adopt more aggressive strategies to maintain