Sustained strong result for the second quarter

Södra reported sustained strong operating profit of SEK 1,318 million (461) for the second quarter, the best quarterly result ever. The market trend was positive for all of Södra’s product categories and completed investments, efficiency improvements and restructuring are reflected in the result.

Lars Idermark, vd och koncernchef / President and CEO

“The strong result is mainly due to the favourable global economy, with high demand and a positive price trend for our products in both market pulp and the sawn timber area. We are also seeing the positive effects of our expansion investments, with higher production volumes at our pulp mills,” said Lars Idermark, President and CEO.

“The efficiency improvements and restructuring we have achieved in our sawn timber production also generated profit effects. In the second quarter, we decided to discontinue our operations in the Interior Wood segment. We are also making aggressive investments in other areas, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT),” said Lars Idermark.

“We are seeing growing demand for liquid biofuels made from woody biomass, and our investments to increase liquid biofuel production will continue. These are key investments for our future and are helping to create new business,” said Lars Idermark

Consolidated net sales for the second quarter rose 26 percent year-on-year to SEK 6,626 million (5,244), and the operating margin strengthened to 20 percent (9). For the first half-year, operating profit totalled SEK 2,257 million (951) – the strongest half-year figure in Södra’s history. Return on capital employed rose to 26 percent (12) and the equity ratio was 57 percent (55).

In the Södra Skog business area, operating profit totalled SEK 49 million (37) for the period. The result was impacted by continued weather challenges. Following a cold and snowy winter that made transportation difficult, the dry conditions of recent months have increased the fire danger and significantly impacted forest operations.

In the Södra Wood business area, operating profit totalled SEK 210 million (76) for the period, mainly reflecting the positive price level for sawn timber but also the ongoing restructuring process. The result refers solely to the sawmill operations, since the Interior Wood segment has largely been discontinued and is now reported under Other segments.

In the Södra Cell business area, operating profit totalled SEK 1,196 million (416) for the second quarter. The profit trend was mainly attributable to the high price level, a favourable USD exchange rate and the higher volumes enabled by expansion of the pulp mill at Värö.

Watch the video interview with Lars Idermark

April-June 2018 in brief:	2018	2017	2018	2017
	Apr-Jun	Apr-Jun	Jan-Jun	Jan-Jun
Net sales, SEK million	6,626	5,244	12,343	10,342
Operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and impairment, SEK million	1,615	724	2,832	1,474
Operating profit, SEK million	1,318	461	2,257	951
Operating margin, %	20	9	18	9