Operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, totalled SEK 871 million (1 442). Profit after tax for January–September 2013 was SEK 481 million (January–September 2012: 950). The decline was attributable to a stronger Swedish krona, lower selling prices for printing paper and production disruptions at Iggesund Paperboard, according to Holmen.
Compared with the second quarter, operating profit rose by SEK 19 million to SEK 326 million. There was a significant increase in income from paperboard. Earnings for the second quarter included SEK +102 million from the establishment of a jointly-owned wind power company.
The market situation for paperboard was good. Demand for printing paper continued to decline but the market balance for newsprint is good as a result of shutdowns. The market for sawn timber remained weak.
