Stora Enso Reports Q2 Sales Rise, EBIT Decline, Plans Swedish Forest Sale

Stora Enso reported a 5% increase in Q2 2025 sales to approximately EUR 2.43 billion, driven by higher deliveries and structural changes, despite challenging market conditions. However, adjusted EBIT declined by around 18% to EUR 126 million, with the ramp-up costs of a new consumer board line at the Oulu site negatively impacting results by about EUR 50 million, with a full-year impact expected to exceed EUR 100 million. The company is strategically divesting 175,000 hectares of Swedish forest land for EUR 900 million, retaining a 15% stake and securing a long-term wood supply agreement, while also reviewing the potential separation and public listing of its remaining forest assets. Stora Enso has reorganized its packaging business into four main areas focused on renewable packaging and completed the acquisition of Finnish sawmill Junnikkala Oy. The firm’s ESG rating improved, with FTSE Russell upgrading its score to 4.6 out of 5 and ranking it best in its sector, reflecting strong sustainability commitments. Looking ahead, Stora Enso expects subdued and volatile market demand throughout 2025 but remains focused on renewable packaging and operational improvements.