Södra’s second quarter net sales amounted to 6.63 billion SEK (642.6 million €) and thus increased by 26.4% compared to last year. Net sales of the first half of the year rose to 12.34 billion SEK (1.19 billion €; +19.4%). In the first six months of 2018, Södra reports an operating profit of 2.257 billion SEK (218.9 million €). Compared to the same period of 2017, it grew by 137.7%. The company’s cashflow after investments was 1.51 billion SEK (146.4 million €; +682.4%), its equity ratio reached 57%. According to Södra, these first half-year results represent a historic record. At the moment, all the signs indicate a similarly positive development in the second half of 2018.
Södra Wood, which comprises the company’s sawmill operations, has seen positive results as well. Cumulative sales amounted to 2.796 billion SEK (271.1 million €; +4.7%) in the first half of the year. The business area’s operating profit grew by 207% compared to last year, totalling 310 million € (30.1 million €). This mainly reflects the excellent price level for sawn timber but also the positive effects of the ongoing restructuring process. The second quarter (210 million SEK; +176%) was the strongest quarter in the business Södra Wood’s history.
Södra Cell is the company’s biggest business area with a total operating profit of 2.122 billion SEK (205.8 million €; +132.7%) in the first six months of the year.
