STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 5, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Holmen (Stockholm:HOLMa):
-- The Group's profit after financial items was MSEK 2,564
(2001: 2,294). Holmen Paper's operating profit declined by MSEK 746,
while Iggesund Paperboard's increased by MSEK 363. The figure for
2001 included negative items affecting comparability of MSEK 620.
The Group's profit for the fourth quarter amounted to MSEK 611 (Q3, 2002: 676). The fourth quarter operating profits for Holmen Paper and Iggesund Paperboard were MSEK 156 and MSEK 22 lower respectively than for the third quarter, whilst Holmen Skog's operating profit was MSEK 93 higher.
-- The profit after tax was MSEK 1,959 (2,186). The return on equity
was 13.7 per cent (16.0).
-- The Board proposes payment of a dividend of SEK 11 (10) per share.
-- The market situation for newsprint and magazine paper remained weak
during the fourth quarter. Holmen Paper's deliveries increased
slightly, but production continued to be restricted. Prices were
unchanged for the fourth quarter. Prices will be lower in 2003, but
the negotiations have not been finalised.
The market situation for paperboard was stable during the fourth quarter. Iggesund Paperboard's deliveries showed a seasonal decline. Price increases have been implemented.
-- The decision to build a new newsprint machine at the Group's Spanish
mill has been postponed until further notice.
For further information please contact:
Goran Lundin, President and CEO,
tel +46 8 666 21 00
Anders Almgren, CFO
tel +46 8 666 21 16
Christer Lewell, Public Relations Director
tel +46 8 666 21 15
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