Metsä Group’s sales in January–June 2017 were Euro 2,451.4 million, compared to Euro 2,339.5 million in 1H 2016. The growth in sales is primarily the result of greater delivery volumes.
The comparable operating result was Euro 246.9 million, or 10.1% of sales. The operating result improved compared to the previous year, mainly due to the positive development in Finland’s paperboard business and the increase in pulp prices. 1H 2017 operating result was Euro 253 million, compared to Euro 225 million in the 1H 2016.
Sales in the 2Q 2017 totalled Euro 1,235.2 million, whereas sales for the corresponding period last year were Euro 1,183.9 million. Operating result was Euro 122 million. Comparable operating result was Euro 119 million, compared to Euro 120 million in the 1H 2016.
President and CEO Kari Jordan said: “Metsä Group’s profitability in 2017 has improved from the previous year. The most significant reasons for the improved result are the clearly higher volumes in paperboard deliveries and the increased price of pulp.
“Metsä Group’s key development projects aiming for profitable growth are progressing according to plan. The construction of the bioproduct mill in Äänekoski, which has proceeded on schedule and on budget, is nearly completed, and the mill’s start-up will begin in mid-August. Pulp deliveries to customers will start at the beginning of September. The new production line at the Kerto® LVL mill in Lohja will likewise start up in August.”
Metsä Group is a forerunner in sustainable bioeconomy utilising renewable wood from sustainably managed northern forests. Metsä Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, fresh fibre paperboards and tissue and cooking papers.
