Mondi Q3 earnings rise, forestry valuation remains nil

(Sharecast News) - Paper and packaging firm Mondi said on Thursday that Q3 underlying earnings had risen to �196m, though the figure was lower on a sequential basis once forestry fair value movements were stripped out.

Mondi said planned maintenance shuts weighed on profitability, while input costs were higher than expected as energy prices continued to climb and wood costs increased across Central and Eastern Europe.

Supported by firm order books, Mondi announced further price rises across several paper grades, with the benefit expected to come through late this year and into 2027.

Pricing momentum in corrugated packaging helped offset rising input costs in containerboard, though competitive pressure and a lag in passing through paper price increases continued to squeeze margins in corrugated solutions. Uncoated fine paper saw seasonally softer demand and higher costs, while flexible packaging delivered positive pricing in Kraft Paper and paper bags. Consumer Solutions performed well, helped by resilient order books and earlier pricing actions.

Mondi also said forestry fair value gain was nil in the quarter, with the firm warning that volatile energy markets - particularly South African diesel - meant that Q4 was also likely to see no gain.

The FTSE 250-listed group added that it continues to transfer customer volumes from converting plants scheduled to close later this year and has sold one solidboard converting plant, with a second sale agreed, as part of ongoing efforts to optimise its asset base and improve returns.

As of 1010 BST, Mondi shares had sunk 10.11% to 734.60p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com

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