Second quarter
* Sales totalled SEK 1,614 M (1,553), up 4%.
In local currencies, growth was 6%
* Operating profit amounted to SEK 102 M (124), down 17%
* Profit after tax was SEK 72 M (88), down 18%
* Earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.14 (1.38), down 17%
Six months
* Sales totalled SEK 3,076 M (2,940), up 5%.
In local currencies, growth was 6%
* Operating profit amounted to SEK 203 M (243), down 17%
* Profit after tax was SEK 145 M (173), down 16%
* Earnings per share amounted to SEK 2.29 (2.71), down 15%
* Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 176 M (512)
Events after the end of the reporting period
* Sales in November amounted to SEK 662 M (636), up 4%.
In local currencies, growth was 5%
* On 3 December 2012, Clas Ohlson was included in the Nasdaq OMX Sustainability Index
CEO Klas Balkow comments:
“Clas Ohlson continues to strengthen its position and capture market share in a turbulent market. The weak market trend during the quarter impacted sales and earnings compared with the year-earlier period.
With a strong financial position, we continue to invest for growth and expansion. During the quarter, for example, we opened five new stores and launched a mobile-adapted version of our e-shopping offering in all markets, an important part of our efforts to add new supplementary and interacting sales channels.
“We have had a good start to this year’s Christmas shopping period, not least through our e-shopping and sales of snow blowers and low-energy lighting,” says Klas Balkow, President and CEO.
Analyst and media conference
An analyst and media conference will be held today, Wednesday 12 December. For participation, please visit http://about.clasohlson.com or www.financialhearings.com
For more information, please contact:
Klas Balkow, CEO and President, Clas Ohlson AB: +46 (0)247-447 55
John Womack, Director of Information and IR, Clas Ohlson AB: +46 (0)247-444 05
The information in this press release comprises information that Clas Ohlson AB (publ) is required to disclose pursuant to the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was released for publication at 08:00 (CET) on Wednesday December 12 2012.