STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 23, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Interim Report, Axfood AB (publ.) 1 January-30 June 2003
. Retail sales for Axfood's wholly owned businesses in Sweden
rose by 14.6% during the first half of the year, and by 3.7% for
comparable units.
. Operating profit for the period January-June was SEK 518 m (450).
Operating profit includes a capital gain of SEK 110 m (25) on the
sale of real estate.
. Continued positive development for Willys, private labels and
central purchasing.
. Profit after tax was SEK 335 m (260).
. Earnings per share were SEK 6.29 (4.88).
Next reporting date The interim report for the first nine months of 2003 will be released on 23 October.
Full-year forecast
We believe that operating profit for the full year (excluding capital gains from real estate sales) will not exceed the previous year's level.
Stockholm, 23 July 2003 Axfood AB (publ.) The Board of Directors
For further information, please contact:
Mats Jansson, President and CEO, +46-8-553 998 10, mobile +46-70-569 48 11
Lars Nilsson, Executive Vice President, Deputy CEO and CFO, +46-8-553 998 11, mobile +46-70-569 66 33
Bodil Eriksson, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, +46-8-553 998 17, mobile +46-70-629 66 34
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http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/07/23/20030723BIT00290/wkr0002.pdf