AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

Stora Enso Oyj

Quarterly Report Oct 29, 2019

3239_10-q_2019-10-29_1a089e80-f063-418a-8f15-25c74b5eaa9b.pdf

Quarterly Report

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Stora Enso Interim Report

January–September 2019

Continued focus on cash and costs

Profit protection programme target increased to EUR 275 million

Q3/2019 (compared with Q3/2018)

  • Sales decreased by 7.1% to EUR 2 402 (2 585) million.
  • Due to lower prices and volumes.
  • Sales, excluding Paper, decreased by 5.2%.
  • Operational EBIT decreased to EUR 231 (358) million.
  • Due to lower prices and volumes, partly offset by lower costs achieved through the profit protection programme.
  • Operational EBIT margin was 9.6% (13.8%).
  • Operating profit (IFRS) was EUR 170 (363) million.
  • Items affecting comparability (IAC) amounted to EUR -36 million.
  • EPS decreased to EUR 0.09 (0.27) and EPS excl. IAC was EUR 0.13 (0.31).
  • Strong cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 488 (457) million, due to active working capital management. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 347 (319) million.
  • The net debt to operational EBITDA ratio at 2.2 (1.1) was slightly above the target level of 2.0, due to the restructuring of Bergvik Skog (impact 0.7) and the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases (impact 0.3).
  • Operational ROCE was 8.7% (16.7%), below the strategic target of 13%. The adoption of the IFRS 16 Leases had a negative impact of 0.4 percentage points, and the Bergvik Skog restructuring had a negative impact of 1.0 percentage points on ROCE for the third quarter of 2019.

Q1-Q3/2019 (compared with Q1-Q3/18)

  • Sales were EUR 7 644 (7 828) million, due to decreased prices and volumes.
  • Operational EBIT was EUR 841 (1 054) million, due to decreased prices and volumes and increased variable costs.

Main events

  • Stora Enso's Board of Directors appointed Annica Bresky as the new President and CEO as of 1 December 2019.
  • Stora Enso will establish a new Forest division and start reporting it separately at the beginning of 2020. The new division will include the Group's Swedish forest assets and its 41% share of Tornator with the majority of its forest assets located in Finland. It will also include wood supply operations in Finland, Sweden, Russia and the Baltic countries.
  • The conversion of Enocell pulp mill from softwood pulp to dissolving pulp was completed during the quarter. The gradual ramp-up starts during the fourth quarter.
  • Stora Enso divested its 60% equity stake in the Dawang paper mill in China, to its joint venture partner, Shandong Huatai Paper in October.
  • Stora Enso acquired a 10% equity stake from a minority shareholder in its China Packaging unit, and now owns 100% of the shares.

Profit protection programme

The programme is proceeding ahead of plan. The target has been increased to EUR 275 million from the previous target of EUR 200 million, and the programme was extended until the end of 2021. Approximately EUR 100 million of the cost savings were achieved by the end of the third quarter, and cumulatively about EUR 200 million is expected to be achieved by the end of 2020.

Outlook for 2019

Deteriorating trading conditions caused by geopolitical uncertainties related to trade wars and a possible hard Brexit are expected to impact Stora Enso negatively. Demand growth is forecast to slow for Stora Enso's businesses in general, and the decline in demand for European paper will continue. Due to the profit protection programme, costs are forecast to remain roughly at the same level in 2019 as in 2018. Stora Enso is still implementing additional profit protection measures to mitigate negative financial impacts of the current situation.

Guidance for Q4/2019

Q4/2019 operational EBIT is expected to be in the range of EUR 100–180 million. During the fourth quarter, there will be annual maintenance shutdown at the Fors, Ingerois, Skoghall, Varkaus, Montes del Plata and Skutskär mills. The total maintenance impact is estimated to be at the same level as in Q4/2018 and in Q3/2019.

Net debt to operational EBITDA Operational return on capital employed (ROCE)

Key figures

Change %
Q3/19-
Change %
Q3/19-
Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q2/19 Q1-Q3/19 Q1-Q3/18 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Sales 2 402 2 585 -7.1% 2 608 -7.9% 7 644 7 828 -2.4% 10 486
Operational EBITDA 376 502 -25.1% 435 -13.6% 1 283 1 472 -12.9% 1 878
Operational EBITDA margin 15.7% 19.4% 16.7% 16.8% 18.8% 17.9%
Operational EBIT 231 358 -35.5% 287 -19.5% 841 1 054 -20.2% 1 325
Operational EBIT margin 9.6% 13.8% 11.0% 11.0% 13.5% 12.6%
Operating profit (IFRS) 170 363 -53.1% 142 20.1% 624 1 034 -39.6% 1 390
Profit before tax excl. IAC 152 305 -50.2% 214 -29.0% 651 923 -29.4% 1 190
Profit before tax (IFRS) 115 305 -62.1% 93 23.9% 490 895 -45.2% 1 210
Net profit for the period (IFRS) 59 204 -71.2% 52 12.9% 336 690 -51.2% 988
Cash flow from operations 488 457 6.9% 548 -10.9% 1 258 1 042 20.7% 1 365
Cash flow after investing activities 347 319 9.0% 428 -18.8% 868 663 31.0% 811
Capital expenditure 150 129 16.3% 126 18.9% 354 337 5.1% 574
Capital expenditure excluding investments
in biological assets
130 109 20.1% 108 20.4% 303 276 9.8% 491
Depreciation and impairment charges
excl. IAC
130 122 6.9% 134 -2.5% 397 365 8.9% 479
Net interest-bearing liabilities 3 745 2 172 72.4% 3 973 -5.7% 3 745 2 172 72.4% 2 092
Operational return on capital employed
(ROCE)
8.7% 16.7% 11.3% 11.5% 16.6% 15.5%
Earnings per share (EPS) excl. IAC, EUR 0.13 0.31 -56.9% 0.22 -40.3% 0.65 0.97 -32.8% 1.29
EPS (basic), EUR 0.09 0.27 -67.5% 0.08 17.3% 0.46 0.90 -49.2% 1.28
Return on equity (ROE) 3.5% 13.0% 3.1% 6.6% 14.7% 15.5%
Net debt/equity ratio 0.55 0.34 0.59 0.55 0.34 0.31
Net debt to last 12 months' operational
EBITDA ratio
2.2 1.1 2.2 2.2 1.1 1.1
Fixed costs to sales, % 24.2% 23.3% 23.3% 23.3% 23.2% 23.6%
Equity per share, EUR 8.72 8.16 6.8% 8.52 2.3% 8.72 8.16 6.8% 8.51
Average number of employees (FTE) 26 414 26 545 -0.5% 26 553 -0.5% 26 347 26 059 1.1% 26 067
TRI rate12 7.4 4.9 51.0% 7.2 2.8% 7.1 5.4 31.5% 6.1

Operational key figures, items affecting comparability and other non-IFRS measures: The list of Stora Enso's non-IFRS measures and the calculation of the key figures are presented at the end of this report. See also the chapter Non-IFRS measures at the beginning of the Financials section.

TRI (Total recordable incidents) rate = number of incidents per one million hours worked.

1 For own employees, including employees of the joint operations Veracel and Montes del Plata

2 Historical figures recalculated due to additional data after the previous Interim Reports

Production and external deliveries

Change
%
Q3/19-
Change
%
Q3/19-
Q1- Q1- Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
Q3/19 Q3/18 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q2/19 Q3/19 Q3/18 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Consumer board deliveries, 1 000 tonnes 702 727 -3.5% 735 -4.6% 2 124 2 213 -4.0% 2 914
Consumer board production, 1 000 tonnes 702 730 -3.9% 697 0.6% 2 089 2 228 -6.2% 2 922
Containerboard deliveries, 1 000 tonnes 241 272 -11.9% 222 8.4% 705 771 -8.6% 985
Containerboard production, 1 000 tonnes 323 345 -6.4% 326 -1.0% 973 981 -0.8% 1 320
Corrugated packaging deliveries, million m2 236 232 1.5% 238 -0.9% 703 694 1.3% 940
Corrugated packaging production, million m2 260 245 6.2% 269 -3.3% 786 775 1.5% 1 048
Market pulp deliveries, 1 000 tonnes 559 476 17.5% 600 -6.8% 1 700 1 484 14.6% 2 017
Wood products deliveries, 1 000 m3 1 231 1 242 -0.8% 1 290 -4.6% 3 724 3 810 -2.3% 5 095
Paper deliveries, 1 000 tonnes 1 010 1 161 -13.0% 1 013 -0.4% 3 102 3 470 -10.6% 4 591
Paper production, 1 000 tonnes 988 1 216 -18.8% 995 -0.8% 3 084 3 545 -13.0% 4 633

CEO comment

"As a company, we are preparing for the next market upturn through our profit protection programme which is proceeding ahead of plan. Since we were out early in launching it, we are building the prerequisites for a better and more profitable future when the cycle turns. It is important to take advantage of today's situation to build a more future-proof company by being one step ahead and working proactively. To advance even further, we have increased the target to EUR 275 million from EUR 200 million and extended the programme until the end of 2021.

Sales during the quarter decreased due to lower prices and volumes. We also saw a sharp decrease in operational EBIT for the same reasons. Approximately EUR 40 million of cost reduction have been achieved during the quarter. Imagine if we would have had this based on last year's cost levels. This is a foundation for a leaner and more efficient organisation ready for when the cycle turns. Cash flow from operations was strong, due to proactive working capital management.

Given our focus on our raw material, I am pleased that we will establish a new Forest division from the beginning of 2020. It will include our Swedish forest assets and our 41% share of Tornator with the majority of the forest assets located in Finland. Moreover, it covers our wood supply operations in Finland, Sweden, Russia and the Baltics. As a major player in the bioeconomy, access to wood is critical for our business.

Looking at our divisions, we see continued price increases in Consumer Board; in Packaging Solutions, the corrugated market is benefiting from lower containerboard prices; in Biomaterials, we note that the Chinese market is showing positive signs and in Wood Products, the margin protection continues.

As regards our transformation journey, the conversion of Enocell pulp mill from softwood to dissolving pulp has been finalised, and the gradual ramp up is starting. Our dissolving wood pulp can be used in exciting new ways to help shape the fabric of a green future. As part of our focus on our growth areas, we have also divested our 60% equity stake in the Dawang paper mill in China.

In our constant endeavours for sustainability in all dimensions, we are proud that our Sustainability Report 2018 – for the second year in a row – has been included in the top ten sustainability reports globally. This is according to the latest Reporting matters publication by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). We have also received the highest rating for sustainability communications in a study assessing 95 companies listed on the Nasdaq OMX Stockholm Large Cap Index in Sweden.

To sum it up: The changed market environment creates a need to be better prepared and we use this time now to get ready for the next upturn. I am pleased that we started to take measures early on.

It is soon time for me to hand over the torch to my successor, Annica Bresky, who will step in to her new position as President and CEO as of 1 December 2019. I have enjoyed my time with Stora Enso tremendously. I am especially pleased with the progress that all of us have made in becoming the renewable materials company, sustainable in all dimensions. I wish Annica all the best in this exciting role.

As always, I would like to thank our customers for their business, our employees for their dedication, and our investors for their trust."

Karl-Henrik Sundström, CEO

Operational EBIT

9.6%

Operational ROCE

8.7%

(Target >13%)

Net debt to operational EBITDA

2.2 (Target <2.0)

Reconciliation of operational profitability

EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Change %
Q3/19-
Q3/18
Q2/19 Change %
Q3/19-
Q2/19
Q1-
Q3/19
Q1-
Q3/18
Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
Q1-Q3/18
2018
Operational EBITDA 376 502 -25.1% 435 -13.6% 1 283 1 472 -12.9% 1 878
Depreciation and depletion of equity
accounted investments (EAI)
-1 -4 84.8% -2 71.9% -4 -7 38.5% -7
Operational decrease in the value of
biological assets
-14 -18 22.2% -13 -13.2% -40 -46 14.1% -66
Depreciation and impairment excl. IAC -130 -122 -6.9% -134 2.5% -397 -365 -8.9% -479
Operational EBIT 231 358 -35.5% 287 -19.5% 841 1 054 -20.2% 1 325
Fair valuations and non-operational items1 -25 5 n/m -25 0.6% -56 8 n/m 45
Items affecting comparability (IAC) -36 0 - -120 69.9% -161 -28 n/m 20
Operating profit (IFRS) 170 363 -53.1% 142 20.1% 624 1 034 -39.6% 1 390

1 Fair valuations and non-operational items include CO2 emission rights, valuations of biological assets, and the Group's share of income tax and net financial items of EAI. Until the end of 2018, fair valuations and non-operational items also included equity incentive schemes and related hedges. The previous periods have not been restated due to immateriality.

Third quarter 2019 results (compared with Q3/2018)

Breakdown of change in sales Q3/2018 to Q3/2019

Sales Q3/2018, EUR million 2 585
Price and mix -6%
Currency 1%
Volume -2%
Other sales1 0%
Total before structural changes -7%
Structural changes2 0%
Total -7%
Sales Q3/2019, EUR million 2 402

1 Wood, energy, paper for recycling, by-products etc.

2 Asset closures, major investments, divestments and acquisitions

Group sales decreased 7.1% or EUR 183 million from last year's record high level to EUR 2 402 (2 585) million. Significantly lower pulp, containerboard and sawn goods prices, with significantly lower paper deliveries and the divestment of Dawang Mill in China were only partly offset by positive sales currency rates.

Operational EBIT decreased 35% or EUR 127 million from last year's record high level to EUR 231 (358) million. The operational EBIT margin decreased by over 4 percentage points to 9.6% (13.8%). Significantly lower prices for pulp, containerboard and sawn goods, and the negative volume impact from Paper, were only partly offset by the positive impact of the profit protection programme, resulting in lower fixed costs.

Lower sales prices, especially for pulp, containerboard and sawn goods, decreased operational EBIT by EUR 150 million. The total volume impact was a negative EUR 40 million, mainly due to lower volumes in the Paper division.

Variable costs decreased EUR 10 million mainly due to lower pulp costs. Fixed costs decreased by EUR 37 million, mainly due to the profit protection programme and the impact of the adoption of the IFRS 16 Leases standard. Net foreign exchange rates had a positive impact of EUR 27 million on operational EBIT. Operational result from equity accounted investments decreased by EUR 8 million, mainly due to the restructuring of Bergvik Skog. Since 1 June 2019, the Group's Swedish forest holdings have been reported as a subsidiary. Depreciation was EUR 3 million higher, impacted by the adoption of the IFRS 16 Leases standard, which had a slight overall positive impact on the operational EBIT level.

The planned and unplanned production downtime, to manage inventory levels, increased to 22% (4%) for paper, 11% (5%) for board, and 1% (0%) for wood products.

The average number of employees in the third quarter of 2019 was approximately 26 400 (26 500).

Fair valuations and non-operational items had a negative net impact on the operating profit of EUR 25 (positive EUR 7) million. The impact came mainly from charges related to the financial instruments in the Nordic equity accounted investment Tornator.

Earnings per share decreased by 67.5% to EUR 0.09 (0.27) and earnings per share excluding items affecting comparability (IAC) decreased to EUR 0.13 (0.31).

The Group recorded items affecting comparability (IACs) with a negative impact of EUR 36 (0) million on its operating profit. The related tax impact was a positive EUR 2 million. The IACs relate mainly to the following actions:

  • a cumulative translation difference of negative EUR 8 million released to income statement, related to the liquidation of Stora Enso Suzhou Paper.
  • adjustments related to the Bergvik Skog restructuring were a negative EUR 7 million.
  • restructuring provisions and fixed asset impairments related to the profit protection programme were a negative EUR 19 million.

Net financial expenses of EUR 55 million were EUR 3 million lower than a year ago. Net interest expenses of EUR 37 million increased by EUR 3 million compared to a year ago, mainly as a result of higher gross debt levels and the implementation of IFRS 16, partly offset by the lower average interest expense rate on borrowings. Other net financial expenses were EUR 1 (9) million. The net foreign exchange rate impact in respect of cash, interest-bearing assets and liabilities and related foreigncurrency hedges amounted to a loss of EUR 17 (loss of EUR 15) million, mainly due to a revaluation of foreign currency net debt in subsidiaries.

Breakdown of change in capital employed 30 September 2018 to 30 September 2019

EUR million Capital employed
30 September 2018 8 631
Capital expenditure less depreciation 69
Right-of-use assets - adoption of IFRS 16 Leases 530
Impairments and reversal of impairments -7
Fair valuation of biological assets 3
Costs related to growth of biological assets -60
Unlisted securities (mainly PVO) 22
Equity accounted investments -966
Net liabilities in defined benefit plans -1
Operative working capital and other interest-free items, net 38
Net tax liabilities 12
Acquisition of subsidiary companies 2 321
Translation difference 48
Other changes -38
30 September 2019 10 602

The operational return on capital employed (ROCE) in the third quarter of 2019 was 8.7% (16.7%). The adoption of the IFRS 16 Leases had a negative impact of 0.4 percentage points, and the Bergvik Skog restructuring had a negative impact of 1.0 percentage points on ROCE for the third quarter of 2019.

January–September 2019 results (compared with January– September 2018)

Sales decreased 2.4% or EUR 184 million to EUR 7 644 (7 828) million due to lower sales in the third quarter. Operational EBIT decreased EUR 213 million to EUR 841 (1 054) million, representing a margin of 11.0% (13.5%). Lower sales prices in local currencies especially for pulp and containerboard decreased operational EBIT by EUR 103 million and volumes had a negative impact of EUR 86 million, especially in the Paper division. Variable costs were EUR 80 million higher, as increased wood costs were only partly offset by lower pulp costs. Fixed costs were EUR 55 million lower, supported by the profit protection programme and the impact of the adoption of the IFRS 16 Leases standard, which was also the main reason for the higher depreciation of EUR 10 million. Net foreign exchange had a positive impact of EUR 30 million. Operational result from equity accounted investments decreased by EUR 20 million, mainly due to the restructuring of Bergvik Skog. Since 1 June 2019, the Group's Swedish forest holdings have been reported as a subsidiary.

Third quarter 2019 results (compared with Q2/2019)

Sales decreased 7.9% or EUR 206 million, to EUR 2 402 (2 608) million. Operational EBIT decreased by EUR 56 million to EUR 231 (287) million. Sales prices in local currencies had a negative impact of EUR 88 million, mainly due to lower pulp, containerboard and sawn goods prices, while volumes had a negative impact of EUR 15 million, mainly due to lower deliveries. Variable costs were EUR 5 million higher. Fixed costs were EUR 35 million lower, mainly due to seasonally lower personnel costs, and the impacts of the profit protection programme. The net foreign exchange impact increased profitability by EUR 14 million. Depreciations were EUR 3 million lower.

Consumer Board division

Price increases continuing

The ambition of the Consumer Board division is to be the global leader in high-quality virgin fiber cartonboard. We aim to be the preferred partner of customers and brand owners in premium end-use packaging and graphical segments. Our wide board and barrier coating selection is suitable for consumer packaging for liquid, food, pharmaceutical and luxury goods.

Change %
Q3/19-
Change %
Q3/19-
Q1- Q1- Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q2/19 Q3/19 Q3/18 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Sales 640 648 -1.3% 675 -5.3% 1 949 1 985 -1.8% 2 622
Operational EBITDA 119 101 18.1% 118 1.1% 338 349 -3.2% 423
Operational EBITDA margin 18.6% 15.6% 17.5% 17.3% 17.6% 16.1%
Operational EBIT 73 50 45.1% 72 0.5% 199 207 -3.8% 231
Operational EBIT margin 11.3% 7.8% 10.7% 10.2% 10.4% 8.8%
Operational ROOC 13.2% 10.3% 12.8% 12.9% 14.3% 11.9%
Cash flow from operations 163 125 30.8% 113 44.7% 331 274 20.8% 339
Cash flow after investing activities 135 91 48.7% 84 60.2% 230 164 40.0% 177
Board deliveries, 1 000 tonnes 701 727 -3.5% 736 -4.7% 2 125 2 213 -4.0% 2 916
Board production, 1 000 tonnes 702 730 -3.9% 697 0.6% 2 089 2 228 -6.2% 2 922

• Sales decreased slightly, about 1% or EUR 8 million, to EUR 640 million as lower board deliveries were only partly offset by increased pulp deliveries and higher board sales prices.

  • Operational EBIT increased by 45% or EUR 23 million to EUR 73 million. Higher sales prices, lower pulp costs and decreased fixed costs, were only partly offset by lower volumes.
  • Operational ROOC improved around 3 percentage points to above 13%.
  • Stora Enso introduced a paperboard tube for cosmetics packaging as a new and climate-friendly alternative to plastic tubes, responding to an increasing demand in the cosmetics field for innovative new solutions made from renewable materials. The body of the tube is made from a barrier-coated, grease-resistant paperboard, which makes it suitable for the primary packaging of skin creams.
  • Stora Enso and Fiskeby Board in Sweden ran trials to recycle used paper cups into white-lined chipboard (WLC). The trials confirmed that used paper cups can be utilised as valuable raw material to produce WLC board without any investments or changes to the process conditions at Fiskeby Board Mill. Earlier trials have also been run at Stora Enso's Langerbrugge Mill in Belgium, where recycled cups were used for production of magazine paper.
  • Cupforma Natura™ by Stora Enso is used in new paperboard packaging for Carte d'Or ice cream in Italy. The bowl is made from PEFC certified renewable fiber with a biodegradable barrier coating, and it can be recycled or composted in industrial composting. The paperboard bowl is 23% lighter than the former plastic packaging, and it drastically reduces the use of plastic.
  • Stora Enso and its customers had a great success at the European Carton Excellence Awards, where products made of Ensocoat™, Tambrite™, CKB™ and Cupforma™ by Stora Enso received a total of seven awards. The awarded products included e.g. cosmetics packages, ice cream packages, an eco-friendly balloon stick, and a cube packaging for cereals.

Markets

Product Market Demand Q3/19
compared with Q3/18
Demand Q3/19
compared with Q2/19
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q3/18
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q2/19
Consumer board Europe Stable Slightly weaker Slightly higher Stable

Consumer Board (continued)

Sales and operational EBIT

Operational ROOC

13.2%

(Target: >20%)

Scheduled annual maintenance shutdowns

2020 2019 2018
Q1
Q2 n/a Beihai Mill
Q3 n/a Beihai and Imatra
mills
Imatra and
Ingerois mills
Q4 n/a Fors, Ingerois and
Skoghall mills
Skoghall and
Fors mills

Packaging Solutions division

Corrugated market benefiting from lower containerboard prices

The Packaging Solutions division provides fiber-based board materials and corrugated packaging products and services that are designed for a wide array of applications. Our renewable high-end packaging solutions serve leading converters, brand owners and retailers – including those in e-commerce that are looking to optimise performance, drive innovation and improve their sustainability.

EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Change %
Q3/19-
Q3/18
Q2/19 Change %
Q3/19-
Q2/19
Q1-
Q3/19
Q1-
Q3/18
Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
Q1-Q3/18
2018
Sales 299 330 -9.4% 316 -5.4% 954 992 -3.8% 1 344
Operational EBITDA 48 86 -44.0% 58 -17.7% 176 236 -25.5% 313
Operational EBITDA margin 16.0% 25.9% 18.4% 18.5% 23.8% 23.3%
Operational EBIT 29 68 -57.6% 39 -26.0% 119 186 -35.8% 245
Operational EBIT margin 9.6% 20.6% 12.3% 12.5% 18.7% 18.2%
Operational ROOC 12.1% 30.4% 16.3% 17.0% 27.7% 27.2%
Cash flow from operations 69 67 4.3% 65 7.7% 194 206 -5.9% 272
Cash flow after investing activities 26 43 -38.7% 53 -50.6% 127 131 -3.2% 172
Board deliveries, 1 000 tonnes 328 326 0.5% 314 4.2% 971 972 -0.1% 1 308
Board production, 1 000 tonnes 323 345 -6.4% 326 -1.0% 973 981 -0.8% 1 320
Corrugated packaging deliveries,
million m2
262 260 0.7% 267 -2.1% 788 783 0.7% 1 059
Corrugated packaging production,
million m2
260 245 6.2% 269 -3.3% 786 775 1.5% 1 048

• Sales decreased by over 9%, or EUR 31 million, to EUR 299 million, mainly due to significantly lower recycled-paper-based (RCP) containerboard and kraftliner prices.

  • Operational EBIT decreased EUR 39 million from last year's all-time high level to EUR 29 million. Significantly lower board prices and higher wood costs were only partly offset by decreased raw material prices for the Corrugated units.
  • Operational ROOC decreased to 12.1% (30.4%), driven by significantly lower containerboard prices.
  • The conversion of Oulu Mill into kraftliner production is proceeding as planned, and construction work has started in all areas. Production is expected to start by the end of 2020.
  • Stora Enso acquired a 10% equity stake from a minority shareholder in its China Packaging unit, and now owns 100% of the shares.

Markets

Product Market Demand Q3/19
compared with Q3/18
Demand Q3/19
compared with Q2/19
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q3/18
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q2/19
Virgin fiber-based
containerboard
Global Stable Stronger Significantly lower Lower
Recycled fiber based (RCP)
containerboard
Europe Stable Slightly weaker Significantly lower Lower
Corrugated packaging Europe Slightly stronger Slightly weaker Slightly lower Slightly lower

Sales and operational EBIT

Operational ROOC

12.1%

(Target: >20%)

Scheduled annual maintenance shutdowns

2020 2019 2018
Q1 Ostrołęka Mill PM5
Q2 n/a Heinola and Varkaus
mills
Q3 n/a Heinola and
Ostrołęka kraft mills
Ostrołęka Mill
Q4 n/a Varkaus Mill

Biomaterials division

Chinese market showing positive signs

The Biomaterials division offers a wide variety of pulp grades to meet the demands of paper, board, tissue, textile and hygiene product producers. We are maximising the business potential of the by-products extracted in our processes, such as tall oil and turpentine from biomass. Based on our strong innovation approach, all fractions of biomass, like sugars and lignin, hold substantial potential for use in various applications.

Change %
Q3/19-
Change %
Q3/19-
Q1- Q1- Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q2/19 Q3/19 Q3/18 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Sales 331 413 -19.8% 394 -15.9% 1 123 1 220 -7.9% 1 635
Operational EBITDA 67 157 -57.0% 133 -49.2% 335 433 -22.7% 550
Operational EBITDA margin 20.3% 37.9% 33.7% 29.8% 35.5% 33.6%
Operational EBIT 39 125 -68.9% 103 -62.1% 245 336 -27.3% 427
Operational EBIT margin 11.7% 30.3% 26.1% 21.8% 27.6% 26.1%
Operational ROOC 5.9% 20.9% 15.6% 12.8% 18.9% 17.9%
Cash flow from operations 114 120 -4.8% 138 -17.8% 358 321 11.4% 438
Cash flow after investing activities 82 94 -12.9% 104 -21.4% 254 247 2.8% 327
Pulp deliveries, 1 000 tonnes 596 595 0.1% 628 -5.0% 1 811 1 821 -0.5% 2 432

• Sales decreased by about 20% or EUR 82 million from last year's record high Q3 to EUR 331 million. Significantly lower pulp prices were only partly offset by positive sales foreign exchange rates.

• Operational EBIT also decreased EUR 86 million to EUR 39 million from last year's all-time high level. Significantly lower pulp prices and higher wood costs were only partly offset by higher total volume impact.

  • Operational ROOC decreased to 5.9% (20.9%) in-line with lower profitability.
  • The conversion of the Enocell pulp mill from softwood pulp to dissolving pulp was completed during the quarter. The gradual ramp-up will start during the fourth quarter.

Markets

Product Market Demand Q3/19
compared with Q3/18
Demand Q3/19
compared with Q2/19
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q3/18
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q2/19
Softwood pulp Europe Weaker Stable Significantly lower Significantly lower
Hardwood pulp Europe Weaker Stable Slightly lower Significantly lower
Hardwood pulp China Slightly stronger Slightly stronger Significantly lower Significantly lower

Sales and operational EBIT Operational ROOC

5.9%

(Target: >15%)

Scheduled annual maintenance shutdowns

2020 2019 2018
Q1 Veracel Mill
Q2 n/a Enocell Mill
Q3 n/a Enocell Mill Sunila Mill
Q4 n/a Montes del Plata and
Skutskär mills
Montes del Plata and
Skutskär mills

Wood Products division

Margin protection continues

The Wood Products division is a leading provider of innovative wood-based solutions. The product range covers all areas of construction, including massive wooden elements and wooden components. It also includes a variety of sawn timber goods and pellets for sustainable heating. The emerging product range of Biocomposites addresses the opportunities to replace plastics in consumer goods and creates potential in various demanding exterior applications in a cost-competitive way.

Change %
Q3/19-
Change %
Q3/19-
Q1- Q1- Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q2/19 Q3/19 Q3/18 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Sales 380 400 -4.9% 412 -7.6% 1 195 1 223 -2.3% 1 622
Operational EBITDA 39 56 -29.4% 47 -17.3% 127 149 -14.5% 199
Operational EBITDA margin 10.3% 13.9% 11.5% 10.6% 12.2% 12.3%
Operational EBIT 27 48 -42.7% 35 -23.1% 92 123 -25.5% 165
Operational EBIT margin 7.2% 11.9% 8.6% 7.7% 10.1% 10.2%
Operational ROOC 15.8% 31.6% 20.3% 18.9% 28.3% 28.1%
Cash flow from operations 57 57 0.3% 51 12.5% 126 109 16.0% 147
Cash flow after investing activities 47 37 25.2% 38 22.0% 93 57 64.4% 80
Wood products deliveries, 1 000 m3 1 185 1 207 -1.8% 1 251 -5.2% 3 604 3 684 -2.2% 4 932

Sales decreased by about 5%, or EUR 20 million to EUR 380 million mainly due to lower classic sawn prices and slightly lower deliveries.

  • Operational EBIT decreased EUR 21 million to EUR 27 million from last year's record high Q3 level due to lower sales prices. Lower volumes and higher depreciation, impacted by strategic investments, were offset by lower wood costs in Central Europe.
  • Operational ROOC decreased to 15.8% (31.6%) on the back of lower profitability.
  • Stora Enso will consolidate its Finnish spruce timber production at its mill in Varkaus, where it will have synergies with the existing LVL (laminated veneer timber), pulp and paperboard mills. The target is to improve long-term competitiveness, and the consolidation is part of the company's profit protection programme. As a result of this consolidation, the Kitee sawmill will be shut down.
  • During the quarter, Stora Enso was selected as the provider of wooden materials for the following landmark building projects around the world, including:
  • Campus Bø student homes, Telemark Norway: cross-laminate timber (CLT) and glulam are used to build 290 apartments together with our partner Woodcon A/S.
  • Charterhouse School, London UK: a hybrid construction, demonstrating the way in which materials can work together to overcome complex design and engineering challenges.
  • Old Sorting House, London UK: refurbishment of existing listed building transforming an old post office to a modern airy office floorplate over four floors.
  • Island Beach project on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, single storey holiday villas.

Markets

Product Market Demand Q3/19
compared with Q3/18
Demand Q3/19
compared with Q2/19
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q3/18
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q2/19
Wood products Europe Weaker Significantly weaker Lower Slightly lower

Sales and operational EBIT Operational ROOC

15.8%

(Target: >20%)

Paper division

Strong cash generation in challenging market conditions

Stora Enso is the second largest paper producer in Europe with an established customer base and a wide product portfolio for print and office use. Customers benefit from Stora Enso's broad selection of papers made from recycled and virgin fiber as well as our valuable industry experience, know-how and customer support.

Change %
Q3/19-
Change %
Q3/19-
Q1- Q1- Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q2/19 Q3/19 Q3/18 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Sales 690 779 -11.4% 712 -3.0% 2 162 2 305 -6.2% 3 066
Operational EBITDA 76 93 -18.1% 76 -0.4% 248 271 -8.8% 345
Operational EBITDA margin 11.0% 11.9% 10.7% 11.5% 11.8% 11.3%
Operational EBIT 50 65 -23.0% 50 1.0% 169 189 -10.5% 234
Operational EBIT margin 7.3% 8.4% 7.0% 7.8% 8.2% 7.6%
Operational ROOC 25.1% 33.5% 23.8% 28.9% 32.9% 30.2%
Cash flow from operations 118 78 52.3% 70 70.0% 247 191 29.2% 222
Cash flow after investing activities 99 65 53.5% 47 110.2% 193 156 23.7% 175
Cash flow after investing activities to sales, % 14.4% 8.3% 6.6% 8.9% 6.8% 5.7%
Paper deliveries, 1 000 tonnes 1 010 1 161 -13.0% 1 013 -0.4% 3 102 3 470 -10.6% 4 591
Paper production, 1 000 tonnes 988 1 216 -18.8% 995 -0.8% 3 084 3 545 -13.0% 4 633

• Sales decreased by about 11%, or EUR 89 million, to EUR 690 million, due to significantly lower paper deliveries. The divestment of the Dawang paper mill in China decreased third quarter sales by EUR 10 million.

• Operational EBIT decreased EUR 15 million to EUR 50 million. Significantly negative total volume impact was partly offset by good cost management, lower fixed costs due to the profit protection programme and lower variable costs mainly due to lower pulp costs.

  • Cash flow after investing activities to sales ratio increased to 14.4% (8.3%), on the back of good working capital management.
  • Stora Enso divested its 60% equity stake in the Dawang paper mill in China to its joint venture partner, Shandong Huatai Paper in October. This transaction will decrease the Group's net debt by approximately EUR 22 million, and annual sales by approximately EUR 60 million. Following this transaction, Stora Enso has no paper production in China.
  • In October, the Paper division announced plans to make organisational changes to improve competitiveness and ensure efficient customer service after the Oulu Mill conversion. The planned changes would primarily affect commercial functions and operations support and could result in a reduction of a maximum of 135 employees by the end of 2020.

Markets

Product Market Demand Q3/19
compared with Q3/18
Demand Q3/19
compared with Q2/19
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q3/18
Price Q3/19 compared
with Q2/19
Paper Europe Significantly weaker Slightly stronger Stable Slightly lower

Sales and operational EBITDA

Cash flow after investing activities to sales1

(Target: >7%)

Scheduled annual maintenance shutdowns

2020 2019 2018
Q1
Q2 n/a Nymölla Mill Oulu Mill
Q3 n/a Veitsiluoto Mill Veitsiluoto Mill
Q4 n/a

1 The Paper division's financial target is cash flow after investing activities to sales (non-IFRS), because the division's goal is to generate cash flow for the Group so that it can transform into a renewable materials growth company.

Segment Other

Effect of the profit protection programme visible

The segment Other includes the Group's Swedish forest holdings, the Finnish forest equity-accounted investment Tornator, Stora Enso's shareholding in the energy company Pohjolan Voima, operations supplying wood to the Nordic and Baltic mills, plantations not connected to any mill site, and the Group's shared services and administration.

Change %
Q3/19-
Change % Q1- Q1- Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q3/19-Q2/19 Q3/19 Q3/18 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Sales 786 831 -5.4% 868 -9.4% 2 577 2 513 2.5% 3 425
Operational EBITDA 26 11 139.0% 3 n/m 59 33 78.9% 48
Operational EBITDA margin 3.3% 1.3% 0.3% 2.3% 1.3% 1.4%
Operational EBIT 13 2 n/m -12 206.5% 18 13 37.6% 23
Operational EBIT margin 1.7% 0.2% -1.4% 0.7% 0.5% 0.7%
Cash flow from operations -34 11 n/m 112 -130.0% 3 -59 104.6% -52
Cash flow after investing activities -41 -9 n/m 102 -140.8% -29 -92 68.6% -119

• Sales decreased EUR 45 million to EUR 786 million mainly due to decreased sales in Wood Supply, Energy services and Logistics services.

• Operational EBIT increased to EUR 13 million mainly due to lower costs.

Financing in the third quarter 2019 (compared with Q2/2019)

Capital structure

EUR million 30 Sep 2019 30 Jun 2019 31 Dec 2018 30 Sep 2018
Operative fixed assets1 10 057 10 018 6 636 6 544
Equity accounted investments 590 622 1 729 1 596
Operative working capital, net 1 163 1 274 1 078 1 112
Non-current interest-free items, net -506 -508 -488 -475
Operating Capital Total 11 303 11 406 8 955 8 777
Net tax liabilities -701 -710 -132 -145
Capital Employed 10 602 10 696 8 824 8 631
Equity attributable to owners of the
Parent
6 875 6 722 6 714 6 436
Non-controlling interests -18 1 18 23
Net interest-bearing liabilities 3 745 3 973 2 092 2 172
Financing Total 10 602 10 696 8 824 8 631

1 Operative fixed assets include goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, biological assets, emission rights, and unlisted securities.

Cash and cash equivalents net of overdrafts decreased by EUR 132 million to EUR 694 million. Net debt decreased by EUR 228 million to EUR 3 745 (EUR 3 973) million mainly as a result of solid cash flow from operations. The ratio of net debt to the last 12 months' operational EBITDA was 2.2, unchanged from the previous quarter. The net debt/equity ratio on 30 September 2019 was 0.55 (0.59). The average interest rate on borrowings decreased to 3.3% (3.4%).

Stora Enso has a EUR 600 million committed revolving credit facility that was fully undrawn at the end of the quarter. Additionally, Stora Enso has access to various committed long-term sources of funding up to EUR 1 000 (1 000) million.

The fair value of Pohjolan Voima Oy (PVO) shares, accounted for as equity investment fair valued through other comprehensive income under the IFRS 9, increased in the quarter by EUR 98 million to EUR 493 million mainly due to the increase in electricity forward market prices and the lower cost of capital, partly offset by the delay in the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant unit's regular electricity production start-up schedule to July 2020.

Cash flow in the third quarter 2019 (compared with Q2/2019)

Operative cash flow

EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Change %
Q3/19-Q3/18
Q2/19 Change %
Q3/19-
Q2/19
Q1-
Q3/19
Q1-
Q3/18
Change %
Q1-Q3/19–
Q1-Q3/18
2018
Operational EBITDA 376 502 -25.1% 435 -13.6% 1 283 1 472 -12.9% 1 878
IAC on operational EBITDA -22 0 - -127 82.5% -150 -28 n/m 20
Other adjustments 8 -24 132.2% 163 -95.3% 159 -23 n/m -104
Change in working capital 126 -22 n/m 76 67.3% -34 -379 91.0% -428
Cash Flow from Operations 488 457 6.9% 548 -10.9% 1 258 1 042 20.7% 1 365
Cash spent on fixed and biological
assets
-141 -128 -9.7% -120 -17.4% -384 -370 -3.8% -525
Acquisitions of equity accounted
investments
0 -10 100.3% 0 -57.6% -6 -10 34.9% -29
Cash Flow after Investing Activities 347 319 9.0% 428 -18.8% 868 663 31.0% 811

Third quarter 2019 cash flow after investing activities was strong at EUR 347 million. Working capital decreased by EUR 126 million, mainly due to active working capital management. Cash spent on fixed and biological assets was EUR 141 million. Payments related to the previously announced provisions amounted to EUR 9 million.

Capital expenditure

Additions to fixed and biological assets in the third quarter 2019 totalled EUR 150 (129) million, of which EUR 130 million were fixed assets including EUR 10 million of leases capex, and EUR 20 million of biological assets. Depreciations and impairment charges totalled EUR 130 (122) million. Additions in fixed and biological assets had a cash outflow impact of EUR 141 (128) million.

The main projects ongoing in the third quarter of 2019 were the Oulu Mill conversion in Finland, the chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) flash drying at Imatra Mills in Finland, the capacity extension and technology upgrade in the China Packaging unit, the fluff pulp investment at Skutskär Mill in Sweden, the dissolving pulp investment at Enocell Mill in Finland, the Launkalne wood products investment in Latvia, and the new steam turbine project at Maxau Mill in Germany.

Capital expenditure and depreciation forecast 2019 and 2020

EUR million Forecast 2019 Forecast 2020
Capital expenditure 610–660 800–850
Depreciation and operational decrease in biological asset values 580–600 590–620

Stora Enso's capital expenditure forecast for 2019 includes approximately EUR 100 million for the Group's biological assets and the capitalised leasing contracts according to IFRS 16 Leases of approximately EUR 40 million. The capital expenditure forecast takes into account a reduction of EUR 50 million as part of the profit protection programme and the addition of EUR 70 million due to the conversion of Oulu Mill. The depreciation and operational decrease in the biological asset values forecast includes also the impact of IFRS 16. The operational decrease in biological asset values is forecast to be EUR 50–70 million.

Sustainability in the third quarter 2019 (compared with Q3/2018)

Safety performance

TRI rate

Q3/19 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q1-Q3/19 Q1-Q3/18 2018 Milestone Milestone to
be reached by
TRI rate 1 2 7.4 4.9 7.2 7.1 5.4 6.1 5.3 end of 2019

TRI (Total recordable incident) rate = number of incidents per one million hours worked

1 For own employees, including employees of the joint operations Veracel and Montes del Plata

2 Historical figures recalculated due to additional data after the previous Interim Reports

The injury rate increased during the third quarter. Slips, trips and poor control of equipment outside normal operations dominated reported incidents. During the quarter, the Consumer Board division worked for sixty-five days (more than one million working hours) without recordable incidents, showing that an accident-free workplace is possible.

Suppliers

Implementation of the Supplier Code of Conduct

30 Sep 2019 30 Jun 2019 31 Dec 2018 30 Sep 2018 Target
% of supplier spend covered by the 95%
Supplier Code of Conduct1 96% 96% 95% 95%

1 Excluding joint operations, intellectual property rights, leasing fees, financial trading, government fees such as customs, and wood purchases from private individual forest owners.

The target is to maintain the high coverage level of 95%.

Forests, plantations, and land use

Agreements with social landless movements and land occupations in Bahia, Brazil

30 Sep 2019 30 Jun 2019 31 Dec 2018 30 Sep 2018
Productive area occupied by social
movements not involved in the
agreements, ha 469 480 468 3 019

At the end of the third quarter, 469 hectares of productive land owned by Veracel were occupied by social landless movements not involved in the agreements. Veracel continues to recover occupied areas through legal processes, and during the quarter the company resumed forest management on 11 hectares.

Previously Veracel has voluntarily reserved 16 500 hectares to support the Sustainable Settlement Initiative. At the end of 2018, the total land area owned by Veracel was 213 500 hectares, of which 76 000 hectares are planted with eucalyptus for pulp production.

Carbon dioxide

Science-based target (SBT) performance compared to 2010 base-year level

Q3/19 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q1-Q3/19 Q1-Q3/18 2018 Target Target to be
reached by
Reduction of fossil CO2e emissions
per saleable tonne of board, pulp, and
paper (kg/t) 1 2 -26% -23% -23% -21% -18% -18% -31% end of 2030

1 Covering direct fossil CO2e emissions from production and indirect fossil CO2e emissions related to purchased electricity and heat (Scope 1 and 2). Excluding joint operations.

² Historical figures recalculated due to additional data after the Q2/2019 Interim Report.

In 2017, the Science Based Target initiative approved our 2030 target to reduce by 31% our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from operations per tonne of board, pulp, and paper produced compared to a 2010 base-year.

In the third quarter, the CO2e emissions decreased due to a significant new contract to purchase certified renewable electricity in Poland from the national pool.

Other events

Stora Enso was ranked first out of companies based in Finland, and first out of companies in the forest sector for gender balance and gender equality by Equileap.

Stora Enso received the highest rating for sustainability communications in a report by the Mistra Center for Sustainable markets and the Stockholm School of Economics assessing 95 companies listed on the Nasdaq OMX Stockholm Large Cap Index in Sweden.

Stora Enso's Annual Report 2018 including the Sustainability report, was top-ranked by ReportWatch. Stora Enso's report received the highest A+ ranking among more than 300 reports globally.

Stora Enso's Sustainability report 2018 was rated among the top ten globally by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

During the quarter, Stora Enso was reconfirmed asa FTSE4Good Index Series constituent.

Short-term risks and uncertainties

Increasing competition, and supply and demand imbalances in the paper, pulp, packaging, wood products and roundwood markets may affect Stora Enso's market share and profitability. Changes in the global economic and political environment, sharp market corrections, increasing volatility in foreign exchange rates and deteriorating economic conditions in the main markets could all affect Stora Enso's profits, cash flows and financial position.

With reference to current geopolitical circumstances, there is an increasing risk of an escalation in protectionist measures to the extent that global trade could materially shrink. This would have major knock-on effects for inflation, business sentiment, consumer sentiment and ultimately global economic growth.

To mitigate the impact of deteriorating geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions, and increased uncertainty in the global economy, Stora Enso has initiated a Profit Protection Programme, targeting EUR 275 million reductions in fixed and variable costs by the end of 2021.

Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general industry conditions, such as changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy and transportation costs, unanticipated expenditures related to the cost of compliance with existing and new environmental and other governmental regulations and to actual or potential litigation, material disruption at one of our manufacturing facilities, risks inherent in conducting business through joint ventures, and other factors that can be found in Stora Enso's press releases and disclosures.

A more detailed description of risks is available in Stora Enso's Financial Report at storaenso.com/annualreport2018

Energy sensitivity analysis: the direct effect of a 10% increase in electricity and fossil fuel market prices would have a negative impact of approximately EUR 14 million on operational EBIT for the next 12 months.

Wood sensitivity analysis: the direct effect of a 10% increase in wood prices would have a negative impact of approximately EUR 193 million on operational EBIT for the next 12 months.

Pulp sensitivity analysis: the direct effect of a 10% increase in pulp market prices would have a positive impact of approximately EUR 125 million on operational EBIT for the next 12 months.

Chemical and filler sensitivity analysis: the direct effect of a 10% increase in chemical and filler prices would have a negative impact of approximately EUR 55 million on operational EBIT for the next 12 months.

A decrease of energy, wood, pulp or chemical and filler prices would have the opposite impact.

Foreign exchange rates sensitivity analysis for the next twelve months: the direct effect on operational EBIT of a 10% strengthening in the value of the US dollar, Swedish krona and British pound against the euro would be approximately positive EUR 140 million, negative EUR 98 million and positive EUR 31 million annual impact, respectively. Weakening of the currencies would have the opposite impact. These numbers are before the effect of hedges and assuming no changes occur other than a single currency exchange rate movement.

The Group incurs annual unhedged net costs worth approximately EUR 120 million in Brazilian real (BRL) in its operations in Brazil and approximately EUR 110 million in Chinese Renminbi (CNY) in its operations in China. For these flows, a 10% strengthening in the value of a foreign currency would have a EUR 12 million and EUR 11 million negative impact on operational EBIT, respectively.

Legal proceedings

Contingent liabilities

Stora Enso has undertaken significant restructuring actions in recent years which have included the divestment of companies, sale of assets and mill closures. These transactions include a risk of possible environmental or other obligations the existence of which would be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Group.

Stora Enso is party to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business and which primarily involve claims arising out of commercial law. The management does not consider that liabilities related to such proceedings before insurance recoveries, if any, are likely to be material to the Group's financial condition or results of operations.

Legal proceedings in Latin America

Veracel

On 11 July 2008, Stora Enso announced that a federal judge in Brazil had issued a decision claiming that the permits issued by the State of Bahia for the operations of Stora Enso's joint operations company Veracel were not valid. The judge also ordered Veracel to take certain actions, including reforestation with native trees on part of Veracel's plantations and a possible fine of BRL 20 (EUR 5) million. Veracel disputes the decision and has filed an appeal against it. Veracel operates in full compliance with all Brazilian laws and has obtained all the necessary environmental and operating licences for its industrial and forestry activities from the relevant authorities. In November 2008, a Federal Court suspended the effects of the decision. No provisions have been recorded in Veracel's or Stora Enso's accounts for the reforestation or the possible fine.

Legal proceedings in Sweden

Insurance claim

In July and August 2016, six Swedish insurance companies filed lawsuits in the Environmental Court and the District Court of Falun against Stora Enso, due to damage caused by the forest fire in Västmanland, Sweden, in 2014. The claimed amount is approximately SEK 300 (EUR 30) million, excluding interest. Stora Enso denies liability. The Supreme Court has in a decision found that the Environmental code is not applicable on damage caused by fire, closing the procedure in the Environmental Court. Further the Supreme Court, in a case in which Stora Enso is not party, has ruled that a traffic insurance held by Stora Enso's sub-supplier is applicable on the damage. This traffic insurance cover damage up to SEK 300 million, excluding interest, which corresponds to the amount claimed from Stora Enso.

Company fine

In January 2018, a Swedish prosecutor filed a lawsuit against Stora Enso and its supplier, due to the forest fire in Västmanland, Sweden in 2014, claiming a company fine of SEK 5 million each. Both Stora Enso and the supplier have disputed the claim. The trial is currently ongoing, and is expected to be finalised during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Changes in organisational structure and Group management

On 25 September 2019 Stora Enso's Board of Directors appointed Annica Bresky as President and CEO of Stora Enso as of 1 December 2019. She is currently Executive Vice President and Head of Stora Enso's Consumer Board division. She replaces the current CEO Karl-Henrik Sundström, who announced in August 2019 that he would leave his position.

Stora Enso will establish a new Forest division and start reporting it separately at the beginning of 2020. The new division will include the Group's Swedish forest assets (including the recently-acquired Bergvik Skog Väst AB) and its 41% share of the equity accounted investment Tornator with the majority of its forest assets located in Finland. The Forest division will also include wood supply operations in Finland, Sweden, Russia and the Baltic countries. Tree plantations in Asia and South America linked to local pulp mills continue to be reported as previously under the Biomaterials and Consumer Board divisions.

Major events in 2019

Decisions of Annual General Meeting 2019

Stora Enso Oyj's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on 14 March 2019 in Helsinki. The AGM approved the proposal by the Board of Directors that the Company distributes a dividend of EUR 0.50 per share for the year 2018.

The AGM approved the proposal that of the current members of the Board of Directors – Jorma Eloranta, Elisabeth Fleuriot, Hock Goh, Christiane Kuehne, Antti Mäkinen, Richard Nilsson, Göran Sandberg, and Hans Stråberg – be re-elected members of the Board of Directors until the end of the following AGM and that Mikko Helander be elected new member of the Board of Directors for the same term of office. The AGM elected Jorma Eloranta as Chair of the Board of Directors and Hans Stråberg as Vice Chair.

The AGM approved the proposed annual remuneration for the Board of Directors as follows:

Chair EUR 192 000 (2018: 175 000)
Vice Chair EUR 109 000 (2018: 103 000)
Members EUR 74 000 (2018: 72 000)

The AGM also approved the proposal that the annual remuneration for the members of the Board of Directors, be paid in Company shares and cash so that 40% will be paid in Stora Enso R shares to be purchased on the Board members' behalf from the market at a price determined in public trading, and the rest in cash.

The AGM also approved the proposed annual remuneration for the Board committees.

The AGM approved the proposal that PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy be elected as auditor until the end of the following AGM. PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy has notified the company that Samuli Perälä, APA, will act as the responsible auditor. It was resolved that the remuneration for the auditor shall be paid according to invoice approved by the Financial and Audit Committee.

The AGM approved the proposals that the Board of Directors be authorised to decide on the repurchase and on the issuance of Stora Enso R shares. The amount of shares to be issued or repurchased shall not exceed a total of 2 000 000 R shares, corresponding to approximately 0.25% of all shares and 0.33% of all R shares.

Decisions by the Board of Directors

At its meeting held after the AGM, Stora Enso's Board of Directors elected Richard Nilsson (chair), Jorma Eloranta, and Elisabeth Fleuriot as members of the Financial and Audit Committee.

Jorma Eloranta (chair), Antti Mäkinen and Hans Stråberg were elected members of the Remuneration Committee.

Christiane Kuehne (chair), Hock Goh and Göran Sandberg were elected members of the Sustainability and Ethics Committee.

Share capital and shareholdings

During the third quarter of 2019, the conversions of 772 A shares into R shares were recorded in the Finnish trade register. On 30 September 2019, Stora Enso had 176 258 064 A shares and 612 361 923 R shares in issue. The company did not hold its own shares. The total number of Stora Enso shares in issue was 788 619 987 and the total number votes at least 237 494 256.

Events after the period

On 15 October, the conversion of 1 000 A shares into R shares was recorded in the Finnish trade register. On 22 October, Stora Enso announced that it had completed the divestment of its stake in the Dawang paper mill in China.

All figures in this Interim Report have been rounded to the nearest million, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, percentages and figures in this report may not add up precisely to the totals presented and may vary from previously published financial information. This report has been prepared in Finnish, English and Swedish. If there are any variations in the content between the versions, the English version shall govern. This report is unaudited.

Helsinki, 29 October 2019 Stora Enso Oyj Board of Directors

Basis of Preparation

This unaudited interim financial report has been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in International Accounting Standard 34 on Interim Financial Reporting and in the Group's Financial Report for 2018 with the exception of new and amended standards applied to the annual periods beginning on 1 January 2019.

All figures in this Interim Report have been rounded to the nearest million, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, percentages and figures in this report may not add up precisely to the totals presented and may vary from previously published financial information.

Non-IFRS measures

The Group's key non-IFRS performance metric is operational EBIT, which is used to evaluate the performance of its operating segments and to steer allocation of resources to them. Operational EBIT comprises the operating profit excluding items affecting comparability (IAC) and fair valuations from the segments and Stora Enso's share of the operating profit of equity accounted investments (EAI), also excluding items affecting comparability and fair valuations.

Items affecting comparability are exceptional transactions that are not related to recurring business operations. The most common items affecting comparability are capital gains and losses, additional write-downs or reversals of write-downs, provisions for planned restructuring, environmental provisions, changes in depreciation due to restructuring and penalties. Items affecting comparability are normally disclosed individually if they exceed one cent per share.

Fair valuations and non-operational items include CO2 emission rights, valuations of biological assets and the Group's share of income tax and net financial items of EAI. Until the end of 2018, fair valuations and non-operational items also included equity incentive schemes and related hedges. The previous periods have not been restated due to immateriality.

Cash flow from operations (non-IFRS) is a Group specific way to present operative cash flow starting from operational EBITDA instead of operating profit.

Cash flow after investing activities (non-IFRS) is calculated as follows: cash flow from operations (non-IFRS) excluding cash spent on intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, and biological assets and acquisitions of EAIs.

The full list of the non-IFRS measures is presented at the end of this report.

The following new and amended standards are applied to the annual periods beginning on 1 January 2019

Stora Enso has applied the following new and amended standards from 1 January 2019:

• IFRS 16 Leases. The new leasing standard replaced the guidance in IAS 17 and related interpretations and is a significant change in accounting by lessees in particular. IFRS 16 requires lessees to recognize a lease liability reflecting future lease payments and a right-of-use (ROU) asset for virtually all lease contracts. The distinction between operating and finance lease is removed for lessees. Before transition to IFRS 16, the Group had mainly contracts classified as operating leases, which were not capitalised and Stora Enso did not have any material finance lease contracts in effect at the end of 2018. Stora Enso is mainly acting as a lessee and does not have any material lease agreements where it would act as a lessor.

In accordance IFRS 16, at inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The change in lease definition mainly relates to the concept of control and amendment in lease definition have no material effect to the Group.

Stora Enso adopted IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019, using the modified retrospective approach and therefore the comparative information will not be restated and continues to be reported under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. Effect of initial application of IFRS 16 is recognised in balance sheet at 1 January 2019. At transition, lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted at the Group's incremental borrowing rate. ROU assets are measured an amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments. The Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component and will separate non-lease components if these are identifiable.

ROU assets are initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted mainly for lease payments made at or before the commencement date. The ROU assets are subsequently depreciated using the straightline method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the lease term or the end of the useful life of the ROU asset. In addition, the ROU asset is adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. ROU assets are tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.

Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the Group's incremental borrowing rate. The lease term applied corresponds to the non-cancellable period except in cases where the Group is reasonably certain to exercise renewal option or prolong the contract. The lease liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Lease liabilities are remeasured mainly when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, or if there is a change in the Group's assessment whether it will exercise an extension option. When lease liability is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is generally made to the carrying amount of the ROU asset.

The Group has elected not to recognise ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low value assets. The Group has also applied the exemption not to recognise contracts which are ending in 2019. The Group has defined low value asset exemption to include leases in which the underlying asset is not material to Stora Enso. The assessment of whether the underlying asset is material and is within the scope or excluded from the recognition requirements of IFRS 16 is based on the concept of materiality in the Conceptual Framework and IAS 1. Leases of low value assets are mainly including IT and office equipment, certain vehicles and machinery and other low value items. The Group recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In addition the Group has applied hindsight in determination of lease term if lease contract includes extension options.

On transition to IFRS 16, leases previously classified as operating leases under IAS 17 resulted in the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities. It also resulted in decrease in operative expenses and an increase in depreciation charges and interest expenses. Under IFRS 16, cash paid for interest portion of lease liability is presented as part of operating activities and cash payments for the principal portion of lease liability is presented as part of financing activities. The adoption of IFRS 16 does not have an impact on the total net cash flow. Stora Enso's most material lease agreements capitalised at the implementation consist of land leases (~55%), operative machinery and equipment (~30%) and properties (~15%).

Undiscounted operating lease commitments at the end of 2018 were EUR 731 million. On transition to IFRS 16, the Group recognised an additional EUR 525 million of lease liabilities. No adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings has been made due to IFRS 16 transition. The weighted average discount rate was 4.1%.

EUR million 1 Jan 2019
Operating lease commitments at 31 December 2018 731
Discounted using the incremental borrowing rates at 1 January 2019 544
Finance lease liabilities recognised as at 31 December 2018 1
Short term leases -9
Leases of low-value assets -16
Other* 5
Lease liabilities recognised at 1 January 2019 526
Finance lease liabilities recognised as at 31 December 2018 -1
Additional lease liabilities as a result of the initial application of IFRS 16 525

* Lease period adjustments (e.g. extension options), exclusion of non-lease components and variable rents not included in the measurement of the lease liability

As at 1 January 2019, the Group recognised an additional EUR 530 million of ROU assets. Amount is including prepaid expenses of EUR 5 million, presented as accrued expenses in balance sheet before transition and reclassified to ROU assets at IFRS 16 implementation. In addition certain land use contracts, amounting to EUR 80 million, before IFRS 16 transition accounted as intangible assets were classified on transition to IFRS 16 as leases. All the liabilities related to the arrangements have already been settled in previous periods and therefore there is no effect on the lease liability or income statement.

• Other amended IFRS standards and interpretations do not have material effect on the Group.

Future standard changes endorsed by the EU but not yet effective in 2019

• No future standard changes endorsed by the EU.

Condensed consolidated income statement

EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q1-Q3/19 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Sales 2 402 2 585 2 608 7 644 7 828 10 486
Other operating income 40 19 33 110 65 92
Change in inventories of finished goods and WIP -27 58 -28 -14 127 125
Materials and services -1 429 -1 527 -1 523 -4 529 -4 555 -6 157
Freight and sales commissions -221 -232 -228 -679 -700 -932
Personnel expenses -302 -308 -349 -984 -991 -1 330
Other operating expenses -120 -115 -302 -537 -393 -526
Share of results of equity accounted investments -12 25 69 63 70 181
Change in net value of biological assets -16 -20 -11 -40 -51 -68
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges -145 -122 -128 -408 -365 -479
Operating Profit 170 363 142 624 1 034 1 390
Net financial items -55 -58 -48 -134 -139 -180
Profit before Tax 115 305 93 490 895 1 210
Income tax -57 -101 -41 -154 -205 -221
Net Profit for the Period 59 204 52 336 690 988
Attributable to:
Owners of the Parent 70 214 59 360 709 1 013
Non-controlling interests -11 -10 -7 -24 -19 -24
Net Profit for the Period 59 204 52 336 690 988
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share, EUR 0.09 0.27 0.08 0.46 0.90 1.28
Diluted earnings per share, EUR 0.09 0.27 0.08 0.46 0.90 1.28

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

EUR million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q2/19 Q1-Q3/19 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Net profit/loss for the period 59 204 52 336 690 988
Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)
Items that will Not be Reclassified to Profit and Loss
Equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 99 151 -4 76 155 97
Actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit plans -4 -4 0 -4 -4 -24
Income tax relating to items that will not be reclassified 1 1 1 2 0 5
95 148 -3 73 151 78
Items that may be Reclassified Subsequently to Profit and Loss
Share of OCI of EAIs that may be reclassified 0 1 11 11 3 4
Currency translation movements on equity net investments (CTA) 25 17 129 181 -69 -36
Currency translation movements on non-controlling interests 0 -1 0 0 -1 0
Net investment hedges and loans -11 -3 1 -16 -11 -14
Cash flow hedges -31 18 4 -61 -45 -24
Cost of hedging - time value of options -1 1 2 0 -1 -2
Non-controlling interests' share of cash flow hedges 0 -1 -1 -1 -1 -2
Income tax relating to items that may be reclassified 8 -5 -5 12 11 7
-11 27 140 126 -114 -68
Total Comprehensive Income 143 379 189 536 727 999
Attributable to:
Owners of the Parent 154 391 198 561 748 1 025
Non-controlling interests -11 -12 -9 -25 -21 -27
Total Comprehensive Income 143 379 189 536 727 999

CTA = Cumulative Translation Adjustment

OCI = Other Comprehensive Income

EAI = Equity Accounted Investments

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position

EUR million 30 Sep 2019 31 Dec 2018 30 Sep 2018
Assets
Goodwill
O
312 243 238
Other intangible assets
O
168 254 246
Property, plant and equipment
O
5 530 5 234 5 113
Right-of-use assets
O
530 0 0
6 539 5 731 5 596
Biological assets
O
2 982 457 444
Emission rights
O
39 26 30
Equity accounted investments
O
590 1 729 1 596
Listed securities
I
9 13 17
Unlisted securities
O
496 422 474
Non-current interest-bearing receivables
I
76 54 55
Deferred tax assets
T
85 120 81
Other non-current assets
O
40 48 46
Non-current Assets 10 857 8 601 8 339
Inventories
O
1 519 1 567 1 503
Tax receivables
T
9 9 10
Operative receivables
O
1 319 1 487 1 453
Interest-bearing receivables
I
16 55 54
Cash and cash equivalents
I
713 1 130 1 005
Current Assets 3 576 4 248 4 025
Total Assets 14 432 12 849 12 364
Equity and Liabilities
Owners of the Parent 6 875 6 714 6 436
Non-controlling Interests -18 18 23
Total Equity 6 857 6 732 6 459
Post-employment benefit provisions
O
383 401 386
Other provisions
O
130 101 102
Deferred tax liabilities
T
744 168 143
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities
I
3 508 2 265 2 243
Other non-current operative liabilities
O
34 34 34
Non-current Liabilities 4 798 2 970 2 907
Current portion of non-current debt
I
332 403 425
Interest-bearing liabilities
I
700 675 613
Bank overdrafts
I
19 1 21
Other provisions
O
21 16 16
Other operative liabilities
O
1 653 1 960 1 828
Tax liabilities
T
52 92 93
Current Liabilities 2 778 3 147 2 997
Total Liabilities 7 575 6 117 5 904
Total Equity and Liabilities 14 432 12 849 12 364

Items designated with "O" comprise Operating Capital

Items designated with "I" comprise Net Interest-bearing Liabilities

Items designated with "T" comprise Net Tax Liabilities

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

EUR million Q1-Q3/19 Q1-Q3/18
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
Operating profit 624 1 034
Adjustments for non-cash items 668 387
Change in net working capital -34 -379
Cash Flow Generated by Operations 1 258 1 042
Net financial items paid -112 -99
Income taxes paid, net -139 -124
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 1 008 819
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiary shares and business operations, net of acquired cash -464 0
Acquisitions of equity accounted investments -6 -10
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary shares and business operations, net of disposed cash 0 40
Proceeds from disposal of unlisted securities 5 1
Proceeds and advances from disposal of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment 7 7
Capital expenditure -384 -370
Proceeds from non-current receivables, net -19 3
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities -863 -330
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Proceeds from issue of new long-term debt 871 568
Repayment of long-term debt and lease liabilities -1 043 -331
Change in short-term borrowings -15 -17
Dividends paid -394 -323
Buy-out of interest in subsidiaries from non-controlling interests -8 0
Equity injections from, less dividends to, non-controlling interests -4 -2
Purchase of own shares1 -3 -5
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities -597 -111
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents -452 378
Translation adjustment 18 2
Net cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 1 128 603
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents at Period End 694 983
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Period End 713 1 005
Bank Overdrafts at Period End -19 -21
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents at Period End 694 983

1 Own shares purchased for the Group's share award programme. The Group did not hold any of its own shares at 30 September 2019.

Statement of changes in equity

Fair Valuation Reserve
EUR million Share
Capital
Share
Premium
and Reserve
fund
Invested
Non
Restricted
Equity Fund
Treasury
Shares
Step
Acquisition
Revaluation
Surplus
Equity
investments
through OCI
Available
for-Sale
Investments
Cash Flow
Hedges
OCI of Equity
Accounted
Investments
CTA and Net
Investment
Hedges and
loans
Retained
Earnings
Attributable
to Owners of
the Parent
Non
controlling
Interests
Total
Balance at 31 December 2017 1 342 77 633 4 205 15 -14 -288 4 034 6 008 47 6 055
Adoption of IFRS 2 and IFRS 9 205 -205 8 8 8
Balance at 1 January 2018 1 342 77 633 4 205 15 -14 -288 4 042 6 016 47 6 063
Profit/loss for the period 709 709 -19 690
OCI before tax 155 -47 3 -80 -4 28 -2 26
Income tax relating to components
of OCI
1 9 2 -1 11 11
Total Comprehensive Income 156 -37 3 -78 704 748 -21 727
Dividend -323 -323 -3 -326
Purchase of treasury shares -5 -5 -5
Share-based payments 5 -5
Balance at 30 September 2018 1 342 77 633 4 361 -22 -11 -366 4 418 6 436 23 6 459
Profit/loss for the period 304 304 -5 299
OCI before tax -58 20 30 -20 -28 -28
Income tax relating to components
of OCI
1 -5 1 5 2 2
Total Comprehensive Income -57 16 31 288 278 -6 272
Dividend 1 1
Acquisitions and disposals -2 -2
NCI buy-out -2 -2 2
Purchase of treasury shares
Share-based payments 2 2 2
Balance at 31 December 2018 1 342 77 633 4 304 -7 -11 -335 4 706 6 714 18 6 732
Profit/loss for the period 360 360 -24 336
OCI before tax 76 -61 11 164 -4 186 186
Income tax relating to components
of OCI
1 9 3 1 14 14
Total Comprehensive Income 77 -51 11 167 357 561 -25 536
Dividend -394 -394 -1 -395
Acquisitions and disposals -10 -10
Purchase of treasury shares -3 -3 -3
Share-based payments 3 -5 -2 -2
Balance at 30 September 2019 1 342 77 633 4 381 -58 -168 4 664 6 875 -18 6 857

CTA = Cumulative Translation Adjustment OCI = Other Comprehensive Income NCI = Non-controlling Interests

Goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and biological assets

EUR million Q1-Q3/19 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Carrying value at 1 January 6 187 6 224 6 224
Additions in right-of-use assets due to adoption of IFRS 16 530 0 0
Additions in tangible and intangible assets 281 276 491
Additions in right-of-use assets 22 0 0
Additions in biological assets 51 61 83
Costs related to growth of biological assets -40 -46 -66
Acquisition of subsidiary companies 2 925 0 5
Disposals -5 -10 -5
Disposals of subsidiary companies 0 -30 -37
Depreciation and impairment -408 -365 -479
Fair valuation of biological assets 0 -5 -2
Translation difference and other -22 -65 -26
Statement of Financial Position Total 9 521 6 040 6 187

Acquisitions in Q2 2019 - Bergvik Skog AB restructuring

The Group owns 49.8% of shares in Bergvik Skog AB which continue to be reported as an equity accounted investment.

On 31 May 2019, Bergvik Väst AB, a subsidiary of Bergvik Skog AB, was distributed as dividend to the shareholders of Bergvik Skog AB. At the same date the Group acquired additional 20% of the shares in Bergvik Väst AB from other shareholders resulting in a total holding in Bergvik Väst AB of 69.8%. Simultaneously, Bergvik Väst AB was demerged and Stora Enso became the 100% owner of a new subsidiary holding around 69.8% of the former Bergvik Väst AB assets and liabilities. The acquisition date of the new subsidiary is 31 May 2019.

As a result of the transaction Stora Enso's direct forest holdings in Sweden are 1.4 million hectares, of which 1.15 million hectares is productive forest land.

Separately from the above transactions Stora Enso also acquired from Bergvik Skog AB 100% of the nursery business Bergvik Skog Plantor AB, three wind turbine projects and real estates companies, presented in the table below as Other acquisitions.

The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities as at the acquisition date are presented in the table below:

Acquisition of
69.8% of
EUR million Bergvik Väst
AB
Other
acquisitions
Total
Cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts 64 0 64
Land 305 - 305
Other property, plant and equipment 8 19 27
Biological assets 2 524 - 2 524
Operating working capital -35 7 -29
Tax liabilities 1 -582 0 -583
Interest-bearing liabilities -793 - -793
Fair value of Net Assets Acquired 1 491 25 1 516
Purchase consideration on acquisitions, cash part 1 500 27 527
Fair value of 49.8% of shares in Bergvik Väst AB, non-cash 1 058 - 1 058
Total Purchase Consideration 1 558 27 1 585
Fair value of Net Assets Acquired -1 491 -25 -1 516
Goodwill (provisional for 2019) 67 2 69
Cash out flow with purchase consideration on acquisitions 1 -500 -27 -527
Cash and cash equivalents, net of bank overdrafts of acquired subsidiaries 64 0 64
Cash flow on acquisition of subsidiary shares and business operations, net
of acquired cash
-436 -27 -463

1 Tax liabilities decreased by EUR 8 million and cash consideration decreased by EUR 1 million versus the preliminary balances presented in Q2/2019 Interim Report.

The fair value of the shares received as dividend was determined based on the acquired net assets value of Bergvik Väst AB, whereby the fair values of the biological assets and land were estimated through a discounted cash flow model. A deferred tax liability was also included in the acquisition balances.

The fair values of the acquired assets, liabilities and goodwill as at 30 June 2019 have been determined on a provisional basis pending finalisation of the post-combination review of the fair value of the acquired assets mainly with respect to biological assets valuation and related deferred tax liabilities.

The provisional goodwill represents the value of securing a competitive raw material supply for the long term in Sweden. With direct ownership, Stora Enso will have better visibility of its wood supply and the acquisition provides better opportunities to further develop sustainable forest management and strengthening of Group's competitiveness. The goodwill has been allocated to the Divisions benefiting from the acquisition.

Almost all the revenues of the acquired entity are internal from Stora Enso Group point of view. The acquired entity's net profit has been reported for the first five months of the year in the Group result as part of the Share of results of the equity accounted investments. Therefore, even if the acquisition would have taken place from 1 January 2019 it would not have a significant impact on the Group sales and net profit figure for Q219 and for the first half of 2019. Related transaction costs during 2019 amounted to EUR 3 million and were recorded to Other operating expenses.

Mainly as a result of these transactions the total amount of equity accounted investments of the Group decreased from EUR 1 729 million at end of 2018 to EUR 622 million at end of June 2019.

Borrowings

EUR million 30 Sep 2019 30 Sep 2018 31 Dec 2018
Bond loans 1 970 1 499 1 523
Loans from credit institutions 1 363 1 162 1 140
Lease liabilities 466 0 0
Finance lease liabilities 0 1 1
Derivative financial liabilities 35 0 0
Other non-current liabilities 6 6 4
Non-current interest bearing liabilities including current portion 3 840 2 668 2 668
Short-term borrowings 610 498 566
Interest payable 33 38 40
Derivative financial liabilities 58 77 68
Bank overdrafts 19 21 1
Total Interest-bearing Liabilities 4 559 3 302 3 344
EUR million Q1-Q3/19 Q1-Q3/18 2018
Carrying value at 1 January 3 344 3 016 3 016
Additions in lease liabilities due to adoption of IFRS 16 525 0 0
Acquisition of subsidiary companies 793 0 0
Proceeds of new long-term debt 871 568 578
Additions in lease liabilities 22 0 0
Repayment of long-term debt -988 -331 -358
Repayment of lease liabilities -56 0 0
Change in short-term borrowings and interest payable 36 -24 46
Change in derivative financial liabilities 25 41 32
Translation differences and other -14 32 30
Total Interest-bearing Liabilities 4 559 3 302 3 344

Commitments and contingencies

EUR million 30 Sep 2019 31 Dec 2018 30 Sep 2018
On Own Behalf
Mortgages 2 2 2
Operating leases, in next 12 months 0 100 91
Operating leases, after next 12 months 0 631 537
Other commitments 3 6 7
On Behalf of Equity Accounted Investments
Guarantees 4 4 4
On Behalf of Others
Guarantees 6 23 24
Other commitments 13 13 14
Total 28 779 679
Mortgages 2 2 2
Guarantees 10 27 28
Operating leases 0 731 628
Other commitments 17 19 21
Total 28 779 679

Operating lease obligations have been reported on balance sheet in accordance with requirements of IFRS 16 Leases since 1 January 2019.

Capital commitments

EUR million 30 Sep 2019 31 Dec 2018 30 Sep 2018
Total 266 111 118

The Group's direct capital expenditure contracts include the Group's share of direct capital expenditure contracts in joint operations.

Sales by segment – total

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Consumer Board 640 675 634 2 622 637 648 691 646
Packaging Solutions 299 316 338 1 344 352 330 329 333
Biomaterials 331 394 398 1 635 415 413 413 394
Wood Products 380 412 403 1 622 399 400 430 393
Paper 690 712 760 3 066 761 779 754 772
Other 786 868 922 3 425 913 831 844 838
Inter-segment sales -725 -770 -821 -3 229 -820 -815 -797 -797
Total 2 402 2 608 2 635 10 486 2 657 2 585 2 664 2 579

Sales by segment – external

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Consumer Board 636 672 630 2 608 634 645 688 642
Packaging Solutions 294 310 332 1 318 346 323 323 326
Biomaterials 268 323 318 1 233 325 305 319 284
Wood Products 356 382 370 1 497 367 366 398 366
Paper 675 699 745 3 004 747 764 738 756
Other 174 223 239 825 239 183 198 206
Total 2 402 2 608 2 635 10 486 2 657 2 585 2 664 2 579

Disaggregation of revenue

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Product sales 2 372 2 567 2 608 10 346 2 623 2 550 2 626 2 547
Service sales 31 40 27 140 34 35 38 32
Total 2 402 2 608 2 635 10 486 2 657 2 585 2 664 2 579

Sales comprise mainly sales of products and are typically recognised at a point in time when Stora Enso transfers control of products to a customer.

Product and service sales by segment

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Consumer Board Product sales 637 672 631 2 611 634 645 688 643
Service sales 3 3 3 11 3 3 3 3
Packaging Solutions Product sales 298 315 338 1 340 351 329 328 332
Service sales 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1
Biomaterials Product sales 324 386 391 1 610 410 407 407 387
Service sales 8 8 7 25 5 6 6 7
Wood Products Product sales 375 406 400 1 619 398 399 429 392
Service sales 5 6 3 3 1 0 1 1
Paper Product sales 687 708 757 3 043 755 773 748 767
Service sales 3 4 3 23 6 5 7 5
Other Product sales 549 627 690 2 430 665 579 587 599
Service sales 237 241 232 995 248 252 257 239
Inter-segment sales Product sales -499 -548 -599 -2 307 -590 -583 -562 -573
Service sales -226 -222 -223 -922 -229 -232 -236 -224
Total 2 402 2 608 2 635 10 486 2 657 2 585 2 664 2 579

Operational EBIT by segment

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Consumer Board 73 72 54 231 24 50 65 91
Packaging Solutions 29 39 51 245 59 68 57 61
Biomaterials 39 103 103 427 91 125 109 102
Wood Products 27 35 29 165 42 48 47 29
Paper 50 50 69 234 45 65 54 69
Other 13 -12 17 23 9 2 -5 17
Operational EBIT 231 287 324 1 325 271 358 327 369
Fair valuations and non-operational items1 -25 -25 -7 45 37 5 17 -14
Items affecting comparability -36 -120 -4 20 47 0 -28 0
Operating Profit (IFRS) 170 142 313 1 390 356 363 317 355
Net financial items -55 -48 -31 -180 -41 -58 -60 -22
Profit before Tax 115 93 282 1 210 315 305 257 333
Income tax expense -57 -41 -56 -221 -16 -101 -44 -60
Net Profit 59 52 226 988 299 204 213 273

1 Fair valuations and non-operational items include CO2 emission rights, valuations of biological assets, and the Group's share of income tax and net financial items of EAI. Until the end of 2018, fair valuations and non-operational items also included equity incentive schemes and related hedges. The previous periods have not been restated due to immateriality.

Items affecting comparability (IAC), fair valuations and non-operational items

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Impairments and impairment reversals -14 6 -3 0 0 0 0 0
Restructuring costs excluding impairments -5 -31 -1 0 0 0 0 0
Acquisition and disposals -15 -88 0 20 47 0 -28 0
Other -2 -8 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total IAC on Operating Profit -36 -120 -4 20 47 0 -28 0
Fair valuations and non-operational items -25 -25 -7 45 37 5 17 -14
Total -61 -145 -11 65 84 5 -11 -14

As an update to Bergvik Skog restructuring transactions reported in Q2/2019, an expense of EUR 7 million was recorded as items affecting comparability in Q3/2019. The amount includes an update to reclassification of exchange rate differences historically accumulated to equity (CTA reserve) through the Income Statement and other expenses directly related to transaction. In Q2/2019 as a result of the Bergvik Skog restructuring transactions, an expense of EUR 88 million was recorded as items affecting comparability. This includes a reclassification of exchange rate differences historically accumulated to equity (CTA reserve) through the Income Statement of EUR -171 million in Other operating expenses. In addition, a net gain of EUR 82 million on the transaction was presented in Share of results of equity accounted investments.

Items affecting comparability (IAC) by segment

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Consumer Board 0 -4 -4 0 0 0 0 0
Packaging Solutions -6 17 0 0 0 0 0 0
Biomaterials 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wood Products 0 -10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Paper -21 -27 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other -9 -96 0 20 47 0 -28 0
IAC on Operating Profit -36 -120 -4 20 47 0 -28 0
IAC on tax 2 6 1 -27 0 -27 0 0
IAC on Net Profit -35 -115 -3 -8 47 -27 -28 0
Attributable to:
Owners of the Parent -35 -115 -3 -8 47 -27 -28 0
Non-controlling interests 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
IAC on Net Profit -35 -115 -3 -8 47 -27 -28 0

Fair valuations and non-operational items1 by segment

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Consumer Board 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 -1
Packaging Solutions 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 -1
Biomaterials -2 1 0 -3 3 -2 -3 -1
Wood Products 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 -1
Paper -3 -3 5 0 -4 -1 4 1
Other -20 -23 -12 51 38 7 17 -11
FV and Non-operational Items on
Operating Profit
-25 -25 -7 45 37 5 17 -14

1 Fair valuations and non-operational items include CO2 emission rights, valuations of biological assets, and the Group's share of income tax and net financial items of EAI. Until the end of 2018, fair valuations and non-operational items also included equity incentive schemes and related hedges. The previous periods have not been restated due to immateriality.

Operating profit/loss by segment

EUR million Q3/19 Q2/19 Q1/19 2018 Q4/18 Q3/18 Q2/18 Q1/18
Consumer Board 73 68 50 230 25 50 65 90
Packaging Solutions 23 56 51 244 59 68 56 60
Biomaterials 37 104 103 425 94 123 106 101
Wood Products 27 25 29 164 42 48 47 28
Paper 26 20 74 234 41 65 58 70
Other -16 -132 5 93 95 9 -16 6
Operating Profit (IFRS) 170 142 313 1 390 356 363 317 355
Net financial items -55 -48 -31 -180 -41 -58 -60 -22
Profit before Tax 115 93 282 1 210 315 305 257 333
Income tax expense -57 -41 -56 -221 -16 -101 -44 -60
Net Profit 59 52 226 988 299 204 213 273

Key exchange rates for the euro

One Euro is Closing Rate Average Rate
30 Sep 2019 31 Dec 2018 30 Sep 2019 31 Dec 2018
SEK 10.6958 10.2548 10.5672 10.2567
USD 1.0889 1.1450 1.1237 1.1815
GBP 0.8857 0.8945 0.8830 0.8847

Transaction risk and hedges in main currencies as at 30 September 2019

EUR million USD SEK GBP
Estimated annual operating cash flow exposure 1 403 -975 305
Transaction hedges as at 30 September 2019 -702 609 -134
Hedging percentage as at 30 September 2019 for the next 12 months 50% 62% 44%

Changes in exchange rates on Operational EBIT

Operational EBIT: Currency strengthening of +10% EUR million
USD 140
SEK -98
GBP 31

The sensitivity is based on the estimated net operating cash flow for the next 12 months. The calculation does not take into account currency hedges, and it assumes that no changes occur other than exchange rate movement in a currency. A currency weakening would have the opposite impact.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

  • Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
  • Level 2: other techniques, for which all inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly;
  • Level 3: techniques which use inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair values that are not based on observable market data.

The valuation techniques are described in more detail in the Group's Financial Report.

Carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities by measurement and fair value categories: 30 September 2019

EUR million Amortised cost Fair value
through OCI
Fair value
through
Income
Statement
Hedge
accounted
derivatives
Total
carrying
amount
Fair value
Financial assets
Listed securities - 9 - - 9 9
Unlisted securities - 493 4 - 496 496
Non-current interest-bearing receivables 72 - - 4 76 76
Trade and other operative receivables 966 36 - - 1 002 1 002
Short-term interest-bearing receivables 3 - 2 11 16 16
Cash and cash equivalents 713 - - - 713 713
Total 1 753 538 6 15 2 312 2 312
EUR million Amortised cost Fair value
through
Income
Statement
Hedge
accounted
derivatives
Total
carrying
amount
Fair value
Financial liabilities
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities 3 473 1 34 3 508 3 867
Current portion of non-current debt 332 - - 332 332
Short-term interest-bearing liabilities 640 5 56 700 700
Trade and other operative payables 1 361 22 - 1 383 1 383
Bank overdrafts 19 - - 19 19
Total 5 824 28 90 5 942 6 301

The following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

EUR million Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Listed securities 9 - - 9
Unlisted securities - - 496 496
Trade and other operative receivables - 36 - 36
Derivative financial assets - 17 - 17
Total financial assets 9 53 496 559
Trade and other operative liabilities - - 22 22
Derivative financial liabilities - 96 - 96
Total financial liabilities - 96 22 118

Carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities by measurement and fair value categories: 31 December 2018

EUR million Amortised cost Fair value
through OCI
Fair value
through
Income
Statement
Hedge
accounted
derivatives
Total
carrying
amount
Fair value
Financial assets
Listed securities - 13 - - 13 13
Unlisted securities - 415 8 - 422 422
Non-current interest-bearing receivables 54 - - - 54 54
Trade and other operative receivables 1 092 44 - - 1 136 1 136
Short-term interest-bearing receivables 1 - 5 49 55 55
Cash and cash equivalents 1 130 - - - 1 130 1 130
Total 2 277 472 13 49 2 811 2 811
EUR million Amortised cost Fair value
through
Income
Statement
Hedge
accounted
derivatives
Total
carrying
amount
Fair value
Financial liabilities
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities 2 265 - - 2 265 2 541
Current portion of non-current debt 403 - - 403 403
Short-term interest-bearing liabilities 604 7 63 675 675
Trade and other operative payables 1 627 21 - 1 648 1 648
Bank overdrafts 1 - - 1 1
Total 4 901 28 63 4 992 5 268

The following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

EUR million Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Listed securities 13 - - 13
Unlisted securities - - 422 422
Trade and other operative receivables - 44 - 44
Derivative financial assets - 54 - 54
Total financial assets 13 98 422 533
Trade and other operative liabilities - - 21 21
Derivative financial liabilities - 70 - 70
Total financial liabilities - 70 21 91

Reconciliation of level 3 fair value measurement of financial assets and liabilities: 30 September 2019

EUR million Q1-Q3/19 2018 Q1-Q3/18
Financial assets
Opening balance at 1 January 422 318 318
Gains/losses recognised in income statement -1 -2 -2
Gains/losses recognised in other comprehensive income 80 104 158
Additions 0 3 0
Disposals -5 -1 -1
Closing Balance 496 422 474
EUR million Q1-Q3/19 2018 Q1-Q3/18
Financial liabilities
Opening balance at 1 January 21 20 20
Gains/losses recognised in income statement 1 1 1
Closing Balance 22 21 21

Level 3 Financial Assets

The level 3 financial assets consist mainly of PVO shares for which the valuation method is described in more detail in the Annual Report. The valuation is most sensitive to changes in electricity prices and discount rates. The discount rate of 3.03% used in the valuation model is determined using the weighted average cost of capital method. A +/- 5% change in the electricity price used in the DCF would change the valuation by EUR +98 million and -68 million, respectively. A +/- 1%-point change in the discount rate would change the valuation by EUR -72 million and +205 million, respectively.

Stora Enso shares

Trading volume

Helsinki Stockholm
A share R share A share R share
July 68 436 67 163 653 178 818 23 841 756
August 59 375 51 629 012 72 748 21 448 525
September 83 382 59 942 805 112 606 28 221 885
Total 211 193 178 735 470 364 172 73 512 166

Closing price

Helsinki, EUR Stockholm, SEK
A share R share A share R share
July 12.95 10.44 139.00 111.20
August 12.15 10.17 132.00 110.10
September 12.75 11.06 137,50 118,40

Average number of shares

Million Q3/19 Q3/18 Q2/19 2018
Periodic 788.6 788.6 788.6 788.6
Cumulative 788.6 788.6 788.6 788.6
Cumulative, diluted 789.5 789.7 789.7 789.9

Calculation of key figures

Operational return on capital employed,
operational ROCE (%)
100 x Annualised operational EBIT
Capital employed1 2
Operational return on operating capital,
operational ROOC (%)
100 x Annualised operational EBIT
Operating capital 2
Return on equity, ROE (%) 100 x Net profit/loss for the period
Total equity2
Net interest-bearing liabilities Interest-bearing liabilities – interest-bearing assets
Net debt/equity ratio Net interest-bearing liabilities
Equity3
Earnings per share (EPS) Net profit/loss for the period3
Average number of shares
Operational EBIT Operating profit/loss excluding items affecting comparability (IAC) and fair valuations
of the segments and Stora Enso's share of operating profit/loss excluding IAC and
fair valuations of its equity accounted investments (EAI)
Operational EBITDA Operating profit/loss excluding operational decrease in the value of biological assets,
fixed asset depreciation and impairment, IACs and fair valuations. The definition
includes the respective items of subsidiaries, joint arrangements and equity
accounted investments.
Net debt/last 12 months' operational
EBITDA ratio
Net interest-bearing liabilities
LTM operational EBITDA
Fixed costs Maintenance, personnel and other administration type of costs, excluding IAC and
fair valuations
Last 12 months (LTM) 12 months prior to the end of reporting period
TRI Total recordable incident rate = number of incidents per one million hours worked

1 Capital employed = Operating capital – Net tax liabilities 2

Average for the financial period 3

Attributable to the owners of the Parent

List of non-IFRS measures

Operational EBITDA Depreciation and impairment charges excl. IAC
Operational EBITDA margin Operational ROCE
Operational EBIT Earnings per share (EPS), excl. IAC
Operational EBIT margin Net debt/last 12 months' operational EBITDA ratio
Profit before tax excl. IAC Fixed costs to sales
Capital expenditure Operational ROOC
Capital expenditure excl. investments in biological assets Cash flow from operations
Capital employed Cash flow after investing activities

Contact information

FI-00101 Helsinki, Finland SE-107 24 Stockholm, Sweden Tel. +358 2046 131 Klarabergsviadukten 70

P.O.Box 309 P.O.Box 70395 storaenso.com/investors Visiting address: Kanavaranta 1 Visiting address: World Trade Center Tel. +46 1046 46 000

Stora Enso Oyj Stora Enso AB storaenso.com

For further information, please contact:

Seppo Parvi, CFO, tel. +358 2046 21205 Ulla Paajanen, SVP, Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 763 8767 Ulrika Lilja, EVP, Communications, tel. +46 72 221 9228

Stora Enso's Q4 and full year 2019 results will be published on

30 January 2020

Part of the bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions and paper. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has some 26 000 employees in over 30 countries. Our sales in 2018 were EUR 10.5 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). storaenso.com/investors

It should be noted that Stora Enso and its business are exposed to various risks and uncertainties and certain statements herein which are not historical facts, including, without limitation those regarding expectations for market growth and developments; expectations for growth and profitability; and statements preceded by "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "foresees", or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Since these statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, they involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (1) operating factors such as continued success of manufacturing activities and the achievement of efficiencies therein, continued success of product development, acceptance of new products or services by the Group's targeted customers, success of the existing and future collaboration arrangements, changes in business strategy or development plans or targets, changes in the degree of protection created by the Group's patents and other intellectual property rights, the availability of capital on acceptable terms; (2) industry conditions, such as strength of product demand, intensity of competition, prevailing and future global market prices for the Group's products and the pricing pressures thereto, price fluctuations in raw materials, financial condition of the customers and the competitors of the Group, the potential introduction of competing products and technologies by competitors; and (3) general economic conditions, such as rates of economic growth in the Group's principal geographic markets or fluctuations in exchange and interest rates. All statements are based on management's best assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and Stora Enso assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement except to the extent legally required.

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.