Metsa Tissue Achieved Its Targeted Financial Result for 2002 -- Profit Improved to Eur 37.1 Million

ESPOO, Finland, Feb. 6, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Metsa Tissue Oyj:

 -- Profit before extraordinary items improved to EUR 37.1 million
    (27.1 million in 2001).

 -- Turnover fell by 0.3 per cent to EUR 647.8 million
    (649.6 million).

 -- Earnings per share were EUR 0.93 (0.80).

 -- Return on capital employed was 13.2 per cent and return on equity
    18.1 per cent.

 -- The gearing ratio fell to 77.5 per cent (123.2 per cent at 
    December 31, 2001).

 -- EUR 90 million investments were launched as part of development
    programmes.

 -- Business operations in Poland were expanded.

 -- The profit and cash flow targets for 2002 were achieved.

 -- The Board of Directors proposes that no dividend be paid for the
    2002 financial year.

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 www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/02/06/20030206BIT00040/wkr0001.doc
 The Full Report

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 The Full Report