UPM-Kymmene Corporation Stock Exchange Release 8 January 2009 at 08:00
UPM has reviewed the financial targets for its businesses to correspond with the
company's new business structure effective from 1 December 2008. The company's
long-term target is an operating profit margin that exceeds 10 percent. The
return on equity target is at least five percentage points above the yield of a
10 year risk-free investment. The gearing ratio is to be kept below 90 percent.
In line with new financial targets, also the dividend policy has been reviewed.
UPM intends to pay as an annual dividend at least one third of net cash flow
from operating activities less operational capital expenditure. To promote
stability in dividends, net cash flow will be calculated as an average over a
three year period. Remaining funds are to be allocated between growth capital
expenditure and debt reduction.
UPM's new financial targets emphasise the importance of cash flow in steering
the business. In order to secure financial flexibility, the company has raised
the priority of debt reduction. This emphasises the company's aim to meet the
requirements of capital markets for an investment grade borrower.
The minimum dividend for 2007 calculated according the new dividend policy would
have been EUR 0.42, whereas the actual dividend for 2007 was EUR 0.75. The
Board's dividend proposal for 2008 will be published in the Financial Review on
5 February 2009.
For further information, please contact:
Mr Olavi Kauppila, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, tel. +358 204 15
0658
Mr Jyrki Salo, Executive Vice President and CFO, tel. +358 204 15 0011
UPM, Corporate Communications
Media Desk, tel. +358 40 588 3284
communications@upm-kymmene.com
UPM-Kymmene Corporation
Pirkko Harrela
Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications
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