UPM-Kymmene Approves €1.50 Dividend, Board Changes at 2026 AGM

UPM-Kymmene Corporation shareholders approved a €1.50 per share dividend for the 2025 financial year at the company’s Annual General Meeting held Thursday, alongside board changes and renewed authorizations for share issuance and buybacks.

The dividend will be distributed in two equal instalments of €0.75 per share, with payments scheduled for April 21 and November 6, 2026. The meeting also adopted the company’s 2025 financial statements and discharged the Board of Directors and CEO from liability for the period.

Shareholders confirmed the board will consist of nine members. Magnus Groth and Piia Karhu were elected as new directors, while Piia-Noora Kauppi and Kim Wahl stepped down. Existing members, including Pia Aaltonen-Forsell and Henrik Ehrnrooth, were re-elected.

The AGM approved the company’s remuneration report and policy in advisory votes. Board compensation levels remain largely unchanged, with annual base fees set at €240,000 for the chair, €150,000 for the deputy chair, and €120,000 for other members. Committee fees were increased for certain roles, particularly within the remuneration and nomination committees.

Ernst & Young Oy was reappointed as auditor and sustainability reporting assurer for 2027, with Mikko Järventausta serving as lead audit partner and responsible sustainability assurer.

The Board received authorization to issue up to 25 million new shares or related rights and to repurchase up to 50 million of the company’s own shares. Both authorizations are valid for 18 months. Additionally, the Board may allocate up to €1 million in charitable contributions under its Share and Care program.

Minutes of the meeting are expected to be published by April 23, 2026.