Highlights of the fourth quarter of 2009
- Net sales amounted to SEK 28,215m (28,663) and income for the period was SEK 664m (-474), or SEK 2.34 (-1.68) per share.
- Net sales declined by 1% in comparable currencies, due to continued weak markets.
- Price and mix continued to have a positive effect on sales.
- Operating income amounted to SEK 2,023m (-389), corresponding to a margin of 7.2%, excluding items affecting comparability.
- Results improved across all business areas.
- Lower costs for raw materials positively impacted income. However, costs for raw materials increased in the quarter compared to the third quarter of 2009.
- Cost savings, sales prices and lower costs for raw materials contributed strongly to the improvement in income.
- Extra contributions of SEK 3,935m to Group pension funds in fourth quarter resulting in appropriate funding levels and reduced balance-sheet risk exposure to pension commitments.
- Continued strong operating cash flow in the quarter, excluding extra pension contributions, resulted in a very strong cash flow for 2009.
- The Board proposes a dividend for 2009 of SEK 4.00 (0.00) per share.