Third quarter
* Sales amounted to SEK 2,049 M (1,906), up 7%.
In local currencies, growth was 7%
* Operating profit amounted to SEK 307 M (270), up 14%
* Profit after tax amounted to SEK 220 M (194), up 14%
* Earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.46 (3.05), up 13%
9 months
* Sales amounted to SEK 4,988 M (4,664), up 7%.
In local currencies, growth was 7%.
* Operating profit amounted to SEK 550 M (504), up 9%
* Profit after tax amounted to SEK 393 M (364), up 8%
* Earnings per share amounted to SEK 6.18 (5.71), up 8%
* Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 1,044 M (485)
Events after the end of the reporting period
* Sales in February amounted to SEK 427 M (383), up 12%.
In local currencies, growth was 10%
CEO Klas Balkow comments:
“We are continuing to grow in a generally weak retail sector, and we noted our highest ever quarterly earnings. We are continuing to develop our strong base in the Nordic region, with particularly favorable development in Finland.
With strong finances and a strong cash flow, we are investing in continued expansion toward our long-term objective of becoming a leading European retail trade chain. We plan to open 15-20 new stores during the coming financial year,” says Klas Balkow, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Analyst and media conference
An analyst and media conference will be held today, Thursday 8 March. 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)70 678 24 99
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 Thursday 8 March 2012.