Stora Enso, one of the world's largest producers of folding boxboard and cartonboard, is going to announce a 37% decrease in fourth quarter profits, compared with last year, according to a Reuters poll.

The median forecast for 4Q01 was EUR226 million (approximately US$200.4 million). Analysts predict 2002 profits will ease as paper prices are under pressure, an key indicator of profitability.

Stora Enso cited weakness in the markets coupled with production halts as the reason for lower fourth quarter earnings.