Metsä Group's comparable operating result for 2024 was Euro 203 million, a 59% decrease from Euro 488 million in 2023, driven by weaker demand, higher raw material costs, and political strikes in Finland. Sales declined 6% to Euro 5.75 billion, while net cash flow from operations dropped to Euro 11 million from Euro 926 million in the previous year, according to the company's financial statements released on February 6, 2025.

Paperboard deliveries increased 7% to 1.47 million tonnes, with white kraftliner volumes up 3% to 480 thousand tonnes. However, pulp deliveries fell 10% to 2.48 million tonnes, and sawn timber shipments declined 17% to 1.19 million m³. The company cited weak construction demand in Europe and China as key challenges in the sawn timber segment.

The tissue and greaseproof paper business saw sales fall 8% to Euro 1.15 billion, with production curtailments and lower prices affecting profitability. Metsä Group announced plans for a Euro 370 million tissue paper mill expansion in Sweden by late 2025 and is considering a new facility in the UK.

Pulp price increases of 18% in Europe and 14% in North America supported revenues, but overall market conditions remained volatile. Metsä Fibre's Kemi bioproduct mill, which suffered a gas explosion, is expected to recover in 2025, with full capacity utilization anticipated. The company is also exploring an 80,000-tonne foodservice packaging investment at its Husum mill, with a decision expected by 2027.

For Q1 2025, Metsä Group expects an improvement in operating results compared to Q4 2024, supported by stable paperboard pricing and increased delivery volumes.