Summary of Stora Enso Investor and Media Webcast Company Overview - **Company**: Stora Enso - **Event**: Investor and Media Webcast - **Key Participants**: Jutta Mikkola (Head of Investor Relations), Hans Sohlström (President and CEO), Niclas Rosenlew (CFO) Key Points Industry and Company Developments - Stora Enso is creating Europe's largest listed pure-play forest company through a de-merger, aimed at unlocking business potential and maximizing shareholder value [2][3] - The new forest company will manage 1.2 million hectares of forest land in Sweden, valued at approximately EUR 5.7 billion, and will be listed on the Stockholm and Helsinki Stock Exchanges [2][3] - The de-merger is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, pending board and shareholder approvals [3] Strategic Focus - Stora Enso will sharpen its focus on renewable materials, particularly renewable packaging, while the new forest company will operate independently [3][4] - The strategic review of Central European sawmills and building solutions operations is underway, with potential divestment being considered [5][6] Financial Insights - Historical data indicates that Swedish forest assets have appreciated at an average rate of 7% per year over the last 30 years, suggesting strong long-term value appreciation potential [4][18] - The company recently sold 175,000 hectares of forest land for EUR 900 million, reinforcing the appetite for such assets among investors [20][21] Management and Operational Changes - Thomas Hallenberg has been appointed as President and CEO of the new Swedish forest business entity [6][8] - A new business area focused on wood and energy has been established, integrating wood sourcing and trading operations [9][10] Revenue and Growth Opportunities - The new forest company will explore various revenue streams, including precision forestry, renewable energy, and carbon sequestration markets [17][18] - The management aims to maximize asset value through efficient forest management and innovative practices [17][18] Shareholder Value Maximization - Current Stora Enso shareholders will retain their ownership share in the new forest company, allowing them to choose their investment allocation based on risk and return preferences [21] - The company emphasizes that the timing of any divestment will be carefully considered to maximize shareholder value [28] Wood Supply and Cost Management - An 18-year wood supply agreement will be established, gradually decreasing committed volumes to Stora Enso while increasing volumes to third-party customers [23][35] - Currently, 93% of Stora Enso's wood supply is sourced externally, indicating a strong reliance on external procurement [24][35] Future Outlook - The management is confident that the de-merger and strategic focus will lead to improved performance and shareholder value [40] - The upcoming capital market day on November 25 will provide further insights into the new forest company and its operations [4][13] Additional Insights - The strategic review of the sawmill and building solutions business is aimed at ensuring that any divestment occurs at a time that reflects appropriate value for shareholders [27] - The integration of pulp mills into the renewable packaging strategy is seen as a competitive advantage for Stora Enso [29][30] This summary encapsulates the key developments and strategic directions discussed during the Stora Enso investor webcast, highlighting the company's focus on maximizing shareholder value through the de-merger and operational efficiencies.