Jul 21, 2015. /Lesprom Network/. Stora Enso's 2Q sales of Euro 2 562 million were Euro 17 million lower than a year ago. Sales decreased due to declining paper demand and the divestments of the Uetersen mill in Germany and Corenso, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Sales in the divested units in the 2Q 2014 were Euro 77 million. Lower volumes in the Wood Products division were offset by new delivery volumes from Montes del Plata in the Biomaterials division and increased sales in the Consumer Board and Packaging Solutions divisions excluding Corenso.

Operational EBIT was Euro 207 million, a decrease of Euro 2 million. The operational EBIT margin was 8.1%.

Stora Enso's CEO Karl-Henrik Sundström comments on the 2Q 2015 results: "In the 2Q, Stora Enso generated strong cash flow, and sales increased by 4.8%, excluding structurally declining paper and divested businesses, compared to the 2Q 2014. This growth shows the ability of our businesses to transform.

Operational EBIT margin remained unchanged at 8.1% compared to the second quarter of a year ago, even though the Consumer Board division was negatively affected by production challenges at the Imatra and Skoghall mills and lower harvesting volumes in Guangxi, China, amounting to Euro 12 million. Moreover, preparations ahead of the start-up of the Guangxi mill increased fixed costs by Euro 10 million. Return on capital employed for the Group decreased to 9.4% from 9.8%.

When it comes to outlook, sales in the 3Q 2015 are estimated to be similar to the amount of the Euro 2 562 million in the 2Q 2015. Operational EBIT is expected to be in line with the Euro 207 million recorded in the 2Q 2015. During the 3Q, there will be maintenance shutdowns at several mills."

Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wood and paper on global markets.