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BIOFORE
UPM’s performance in the first half
was significantly better compared to
the same period last year.
Operating profit excluding special
items increased to EUR 382 million
fromEUR 282 million in the first half
of last year. Operating profit percentage
rose up from 5.6% to 7.8%.
UPMPresident and CEO
Jussi
Pesonen
presented the Interim
Report and stated that the strong
performance was the result of the
ongoing and successful profit improve-
ment programme in particular. The
programme was launched a year ago
and has proceeded faster than expected.
“With the improved profit, the cash
flowwas strong and the balance sheet
grew stronger still. This also helps
us to pay a good dividend,” says
Pesonen.
Among UPM’s business areas,
UPMPaper ENA (Europe and North
America), UPMPaper Asia and UPM
Plywood succeeded in improving their
profitability. UPMEnergy’s profit
remained steady. UPMBiorefining and
Strong
first half for UPM
UPMRaftatac, on the other hand, did
not achieve their targets completely.
UPMBiorefining’s profit decreased
due to lower hardwood pulp prices in
the global market, maintenance shut-
downs at plants and a prolonged
start-up at the UPMKaukas pulpmill.
According to Jussi Pesonen, the
strategic projects that are designed to
enable UPM’s growth are progressing as
planned. UPM’s biorefinery that manu-
factures biofuels in Lappeenranta has
proceeded to its testing and commis-
sioning stage. In addition, the projects to
improve the production capacity of the
pulp business as well as the new invest-
ments into the UPMChangshumill in
China are proceeding on schedule.
According to Pesonen, UPM’s busi-
ness outlook is steady. The budding
rebound of the European economy
might ease the declining demand for
paper and wood products that has
continued for two years. In emerging
markets, on the other hand, a strong
growth is anticipated – especially in
Asia.
UPM’s financial development
and key figures can be conve-
niently followed through a
downloadable iPad applica-
tion. The new analysis tool is
particularly designed for inves-
tors and analysts.
The application provides UPM’s
key financial figures, share
prices, press releases, presenta-
tions and reports in a compact
and easy-to-use format. It also
provides links to the organisa-
tion’s investor webcasts, social
media channels and the UPM
Viewpoint blog.
The application is called UPM
IR APP and it is available for
download on the Apple App
Store free of charge.
Follow UPM’s
performance
on iPad
TEXT
MATTI REMES
PHOTOGRAPHY
UPM
The company visibly stepped up its performance
between January and June.