SCA Year-end Report 2003

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 27, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- SCA:

Dividend

- The Board proposes dividend of SEK 10.50 per share, an increase of 9%. Average dividend growth during the most recent five-year period thus amounts to 11% annually.

2003 compared with 2002

- Net sales amounted to SEK 85,338 M (88,046). Adjusted for currency and price effects, net sales increased by 4%. The corresponding increase during the preceding year amounted to 11%.

- Earnings after tax (net profit) totaled SEK 5,075 M (5,693).

- Earnings per share amounted to SEK 21.84 (24.54).

- Items affecting comparability in an amount of SEK 352 M (88) before taxes and SEK 356 M (88) after taxes are included in earnings after financial items and net earnings respectively(1).

Compared with third quarter 2003

- Earnings per share amounted to SEK 6.07 (4.88).

- Earnings improved and volumes increased in Consumer Tissue.

- Items affecting comparability in an amount of SEK 155 M (0) before taxes and SEK 202 M (0) after taxes are included in earnings after financial items and net earnings respectively(1).

Other

- Implementation of the structural program in the hygiene operations is being accelerated.

1) During 2003, earnings were affected by the sale of shares in the first quarter, as well as, during the fourth quarter, positive income effect of the release of badwill, costs for personnel reductions in the hygiene operations and a write-down of fixed assets. During the third quarter of 2002, earnings were affected by the sale of shares (see also page 10).


               Jan Astrom
    President and Chief Executive Officer

This report has not been subject to examination by the auditors.


For further information please contact: 
Lennart Persson, Executive Vice President and CFO
phone: +46 70 536 3347.

Peter Nyquist, Senior Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, phone: +46 70 575 2906.

SCA Year-end Report 2003

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