Swedish Match Report on Operations full year 2003


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 11, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Swedish Match:

- Sales declined by 4% and reached 13,036 MSEK (13,643)

- Sales and operating income were up 3% in local currencies

- Net profit in Swedish Crowns increased by 9% and amounted to 1,558 MSEK (1,429)

- EPS increased by 14% and was 4.68 SEK (4.10)

- Continued strong cash flow

- The Board proposes an increased dividend to 1.70 SEK (1.60)


For further information, please contact:
Lennart Sunden, 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 +1 804 868 8127

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The following files are available for download:

http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/02/11/20040211BIT20310/wkr0006.pdf

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