Borregaard's operating revenues were NOK 1,949 million (NOK 1,714 million)2 in the 3rd quarter of 2024. EBITDA1 reached NOK 524 million (NOK 482 million). The result in both BioSolutions and Fine Chemicals increased while the result in BioMaterials was lower compared with the 3rd quarter of 2023.
Increased sales volume was the main reason for the improved result in BioSolutions. For BioMaterials, significantly higher deliveries were more than offset by increased wood costs and other operating expenses. The main reasons for the stronger result in Fine Chemicals were significantly higher deliveries of bioethanol and a favourable product mix for fine chemical intermediates. The net currency effects were slightly positive.
Profit before tax was NOK 326 million (NOK 318 million). Earnings per share were NOK 2.51 (NOK 2.38).
Borregaard will invest NOK 490 million to debottleneck and increase the capacity at the Sarpsborg site. The debottlenecking is the first out of two planned steps to increase capacity at the Sarpsborg site towards 2027. In total, the expected capacity increase is 5-10%. Production output is expected to increase gradually from the second half of 2026.
- We are pleased with the Group's solid performance in the quarter. The strategic investment decision to debottleneck the Sarpsborg site will increase capacity for lignin-based biopolymers, speciality cellulose and bioethanol. In addition, this investment will lead to higher raw material utilisation and a reduction of effluents to water, says President and CEO Per A. Sørlie.
Contacts:
Director Investor Relations, Knut-Harald Bakke, +47 905 79 164
SVP Organisation and Public Affairs, Dag Arthur Aasbø, +47 918 34 108
1. Operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and other income and expenses
2. Figures in parentheses are for the corresponding period in the preceding year
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5 - 12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
This stock exchange announcement was published by Lotte Kvinlaug, Investor Relations Officer at Borregaard ASA, on 30 October 2024 at 07:00 CET.
