STOCKHOLM, Sweden, April 11, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Sapa (Other OTC:SPKKF): Improved profitability and increased sales volumes
- Earnings per share increased by one SEK to 2.50 (1.50) - Delivered volumes rose by 9 per cent - Improved operating margin both in Profiles and Heat Transfer - Increased market share for Heat Transfer - Profit before tax improved by 66 per cent to MSEK 137 (82) Sapa in brief Jan-Mar 2003 Jan-Mar 2002 Net sales, MSEK 2,758 2,821 Operating profit, MSEK 151 101 Operating margin, % 5.5 3.6 Profit before tax, MSEK 137 82 Earnings per share, SEK 2.50 1.50 Deliveries, tonnes 76,790 70,660 Debt/equity ratio 0.31 0.41
"The combination of increased volumes and improved productivity is shown in a continued strong increase in profit and improved profitability in difficult market conditions. In the U.S. we continue to gain market share despite an uncertain market situation. Heat Transfer's positive development continues and the large investment in Finspang is now showing a return," commented Staffan Bohman, President and CEO of Sapa.
For further information please contact: Staffan Bohman, CEO, tel. +46-8-459 59 11 Bo Askvik, CFO, tel. +46-8-459 59 18 Stefan Thorheim, VP Control, Accounting and Taxes, tel. +46-8-459 59 17
This report is also available on Sapa's website: www.sapagroup.com.
A slide presentation of this release can be downloaded as a PDF-file. Select Financial Information/Quarterly Reports.
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/04/11/20030411BIT00120/wkr0001.doc
The Full Report
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/04/11/20030411BIT00120/wkr0002.pdf The Full Report