STOCKHOLM, Sweden, April 23, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Axfood AB (publ.):
- Axfood's consolidated sales amounted to SEK 7,956 m (7,990), a decrease of 0.4%.
- Adjusted for Easter sales, which were during the first quarter in 2002, sales increased by approximately 1.9%. Retail sales for Axfood's wholly owned businesses in Sweden rose by 11.4% during the first quarter.
- Operating profit for the period January-March was SEK 206 m (234).
- Profit after net financial items was SEK 185 m (205).
- Axfood has signed an agreement on the sale of the company's Swedish real estate holdings. The transaction will be carried out on 30 April and is expected to generate a capital gain of approximately SEK 110 m during the second quarter.
- Axfood expanded its wholly owned retail business by seven new stores during the first quarter. The stores are expected to generate approximately SEK 900 m in annual sales.
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
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/04/23/20030423BIT01000/wkr0001.doc
The full report
http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/04/23/20030423BIT01000/wkr0002.pdf The full report