STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 7, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Billerud AB:
(All financial information relating to 2000 is pro forma) Quarter Full year 2001 2001 2000 IV III IV 2001 2000 Net turnover, MSEK 1, 735 1, 593 1,770 6,910 6,666 Operating profit, MSEK 265 246 386 1,299 1,384 Operating margin, % 15 15 22 19 21 Profit after financial 230 217 -1) 1,181 1,254 items, MSEK Earnings per share. SEK 2.98 2.45 -1) 13.81 14.40 1) Historical data not available -- Market demand was stable in the final quarter, but paper prices continued to fall. -- Operating profit in the final quarter was MSEK 19 or 8% higher than the third quarter, due to increased deliveries. -- Operating profit for the full year reached MSEK 1,299 (1,384). After adjustments for non-comparable items, the full year result was MSEK 1,346 (1,348). -- Synergy benefits from the formation of Billerud are calculated to have a positive effect on results of MSEK 55. -- Return on capital employed amounted to 27% (30).adjusted for non- comparable items the return was 28% (29). -- The Billerud share was listed for the first time on 20 November 2001. -- The Board proposes a dividend of SEK 3.50 per share. -- The Board proposes a buy-back of Billerud shares.
Billerud's CEO Bert Ostlund will present this financial statement at Operaterrassen in Stockholm today at 3 p.m. To participate, please call +46 8 562 08 60 or send an email to earings@financialhearings.com. Live telephone conference today at 3 p.m. on +44 20 8241 0004. See a film presentation of the conference on www.billerud.com from 9 p.m. today.
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