Mondi Shares Jump 13% as Investors Eye Packaging Market Recovery

Mondi plc’s shares rose about 13% to roughly 894p after the company reported a first‑half pretax loss of €240 million and cut its interim dividend to 9.42 cents per share. Investors focused on signs of a recovery in the packaging market, including higher packaging paper prices, a stronger order book and progress on cost‑efficiency programmes.

Underlying EBITDA fell 33% to €379 million, while cash generated from operations was €347 million and net debt remained at €2.6 billion. The group cited volatile wood and energy costs, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, as ongoing pressures. Capital‑expenditure guidance for the full year was reduced to around €500 million.

Chief Executive Andrew King said the second half started with better trading momentum, and CFO Mike Powell highlighted price increases introduced in the first half that are expected to lift margins in the third quarter.