Interim Report January - June 2002
- Sales increased 4 percent to 6,850 MSEK (6,564)
- Operating income increased 19 percent to 1,245 MSEK (1,046)
- Income before taxes increased 19 percent to 1,103 MSEK (930)
- EBITDA increased 17 percent to 1,590 MSEK (1,357)
- EPS increased 23 percent to 2.07 SEK (1.68)
- EPS, excluding amortization, increased to 2.48 SEK (2.06)
- Total shares outstanding as of June 30, 2002 was 348.3 million (358.5)
Sales for the first six months increased by 4 percent, to 6,850 MSEK (6,564). Currency rates have affected sales negatively by 1 percentage point during the first six months. Organic growth amounted to 5 percent. Sales and operating income increased for smokeless products (snuff and chewing tobacco) as well as cigars and matches.
Operating income grew by 19 percent to 1,245 MSEK (1,046), with the significantly stronger performance versus sales primarily attributable to improved margins in snuff, cigars, and matches.
Net financial expense was -71 MSEK (-70). Net interest expense was -69 MSEK (-70).
Diluted EPS increased 23 percent to 2.07 SEK (1.68). EPS, excluding amortization on intangibles, increased to 2.48 SEK (2.06) or 20 percent.
| Summary of Consolidated Income Statement | |||
January – June | Full year | ||
| MSEK | 2002 | 2001 | 2001 |
| Sales | 6,850 | 6,564 | 13,635 |
| Operating income excluding items affecting comparability | 1,245 | 1,046 | 2,193 |
| Net income for the period | 730 | 621 | 1,228 |
For further information, please contact:
| Lennart Sundén, President and Chief Executive Officer | office | +46 8 658 01 75 |
| Sven Hindrikes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | office | +46 8 658 02 82 |
| mobile | +46 70 567 41 76 | |
| Bo Aulin, Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel | office | +46 8 658 03 64 |
| mobile | +46 70 558 03 64 | |
| Emmett Harrison, Vice President, Investor Relations | office | +46 8 658 01 73 |
| mobile | +46 70 938 01 73 | |
| Lin McKinnie, Vice President, Investor Relations (US) | office | +1 804 302 1912 |
| mobile | +1 917 592 7670 |
