AAK's Interim Report for the fourth quarter and Summarized Financial Statement, 2011

Fourth quarter 2011

· Net sales in the fourth quarter increased to SEK 4,483 million (3,930), mainly due to increased raw material prices and a better product mix, partly offset by a negative currency translation impact of SEK 137 million. Volume increased by 2 percent due to increases in speciality volumes, including the impact of the Golden Foods/Golden Brands acquisition; commodity volumes were down, mainly in the UK as expected.
· Operating profit amounted to SEK 265 million (251), an improvement of 6 percent. At fixed exchange rates operating profit improved by 10 percent.
· Earnings per share amounted to SEK 4.82 (4.98), a decrease of 3 percent, mainly due to higher taxes.

Full year 2011

· Net sales increased to SEK 16,695 million (14,808) mainly due to increased raw material prices and a better product mix, offset by a negative currency translation impact of SEK 983 million. Volume overall decreased by 1 percent due to lower commodity volumes, mainly in the UK. Speciality volumes continue to increase.                                                                                      
· Operating profit amounted to SEK 911 million (824), an improvement of 11 percent. At fixed exchange rates operating profit improved by 18 percent.
· Earnings per share amounted to SEK 14.72 (14.15), an improvement of 4 percent despite higher interest rates.
· Proposed dividend SEK 4.75 (4.50) an increase of SEK 0.25 or 6 percent.

 

Investor Relations contact:

Arne Frank, President and CEO
Phone: + 46 40 627 83 00

Anders Byström, Chief Financial Officer
Phone: + 46 40 627 83 00

Fredrik Nilsson, Head of Investor Relations
Phone: + 46 40 627 83 34
Mobile: + 46 708 95 22 21
E-Mail: fredrik.nilsson@aak.com

The information is that which AarhusKarlshamn AB (publ) is obliged to publish under the provisions of the Stock Exchange and Clearing Operations Act and/or the Trading in Financial Instruments Act.
The information was released to the media for publication on February 9, 2012 at 08.15 am CET.