January–December 2023 (1–12/2022)
- Sales were EUR 6.110 million (6.980).
- Operating result was EUR 498 million (1.302). Com-parable operating result was EUR 488 million (1.276).
- Result before taxes was EUR 488 million (1.270). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 482 million (1.240).
- Comparable return on capital employed was 7.2% (19.5).
- Net cash flow from operations was EUR 926 million (1.227).
October–December 2023 (10–12/2022)
- Sales were EUR 1.486 million (1.741).
- Operating result was EUR 55 million (316). Comparable operating result was EUR 57 million (311).
- Result before taxes was EUR 50 million (309). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 51 million (306).
- Comparable return on capital employed was 3.9% (18.).
- Net cash flow from operations was EUR 439 million (399).
Events during the fourth quarter of 2023
- The average sales prices for long-fibre pulp increased slightly compared to the previous quarter.
- The demand for market pulp remained quite stable and was stronger in China than in Europe, where demand continues to be restricted by paper and paperboard producers’ considerable production curtailment measures.
- The average prices of paperboards decreased slightly from the previous quarter.
- In the paperboard business, the market situation continues to be influenced by weaker demand for consumer products and increased paperboard import volumes from Asia. Production adjustment measures were continued in the paperboard business.
- The expansion of folding boxboard capacity at the Husum mill in Sweden was completed, increasing the mill’s production capacity to 600,000 tonnes.
- The prefeasibility study for the construction of the first commercial mill to produce Muoto™ packaging in Rauma was completed.
- Metsä Group announced it was exploring the construction of a carbon capture facility at a pulp or bioproduct mill.
Result guidance for January–March 2024
In January–March 2024, Metsä Group’s comparable operating result is expected to improve from October–December 2023.
Events after the review period
In January, Metsä Group announced it was planning to discontinue sawn timber production in Merikarvia. According to the plans, production will end by the summer of 2024.
In January 2024, Metsäliitto Cooperative signed a ten-year lease agreement for the new headquarters. Metsä Group’s head office will move to the new premises in Keilaniemi, Espoo, during 2027.
Source: Metsä Group
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