Stora’s Q4 results are out.
Q4/2024 (compared to Q4/2023)
• Sales increased by 7% to EUR 2,322 (2,174) million.
• Adjusted operating profit rose to EUR 121 (51) million.
• Adjusted operating profit margin increased to 5.2% (2.3%).
• IFRS operating profit was EUR -279 (-326) million. The result includes EUR -768 million in items affecting comparability related to impairments recorded in connection with the annual impairment test, and EUR 368 million in fair value changes and non-operating items mainly related to the increase in the fair value of standing timber (biological assets).
• Earnings per share were EUR -0.43 (-0.36) and earnings per share excluding fair value changes were EUR -0.81 (-0.64).
• The value of forest assets increased to EUR 8.9 (8.7) billion, corresponding to EUR 11.28 per share.
• Cash flow from operations was EUR 325 (323) million. Cash flow after investments was EUR 88 (-9) million.
• Net debt increased by EUR 540 million, mainly due to the Oulu mill’s board investment, and was EUR 3,707 (3,167) million.
• Net debt to adjusted EBITDA (last 12 months) improved to 3.0 (3.2). The target, below 2.0, remains unchanged.
Dividend proposal EUR 0.25 (0.20), to be paid in two installments.