STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 22, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Interim Report, Axfood AB (publ.) 1 January-30 September 2003:
-- Retail sales for Axfood's wholly owned businesses in Sweden rose 14.5% during the first three quarters of the year, with same-store sales rising 3.7%. Axfood's consolidated sales during the period amounted to SEK 24,972 m (24,535), an increase of 1.8 %.
-- Continued positive development for Willys, the wholesale business, private label products and central purchasing.
-- Operating profit for the period January-September was SEK 760 m (752). Operating profit includes a capital gain of SEK 110 m on the sale of real estate (25). Operating profit for the third quarter was SEK 242 m (302).
-- Axfood's financial position has been further strengthened. Interest-bearing net debt has decreased from SEK 1,349 m to SEK 561 m.
-- Profit after tax was SEK 494 m (437). Earnings per share were SEK 9.28 (8.22).
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 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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