Axfood’s sales April 2005

Net sales* (excluding VAT) for stores in Sweden owned by the Group, decreased by 0.7% for the month of April, of which same-stores decreased by 6.4%. Consolidated net sales totalled SEK 2,670 m (2,897), a decrease by 7.8% compared with the same period a year ago. Easter fell during the month of Mars, in contrast with last year, when it was in April. As result, the calendar effect for April was approximately -6.0%. Under the period January-April 2005 the increase was 2.7% for stores in Sweden owned by the Group, of which same-stores decreased by 3.3%. Consolidated net sales totalled SEK 10,463 m (11,065), a decrease of 5.4%. Of total sales, the Swedish operations accounted for SEK 8,898 m (9,358) and Spar Finland for SEK 1,565 m (1,707). Hemköp’s sales decreased by 1,5% during the month, of which same-stores decreased by 8.4%. Accumulated sales decreased by 1.6%, of which same-stores decreased by 6.6%. Willys sales decreased by 0.5% during the month, of which same-stores decreased by 5.5%. Accumulated sales increased by 5.5%, of which same-stores decreased by 1,6%. Willys hemma decreased its sales by 2.7% during the month, of which same-stores decreased by 11.8%. Accumulated sales decreased by 5.9%, of which same-stores decreased by 11.9%. Spar Finland’s sales decreased by 7.0% or by 6.9% in local currency during the month. Accumulated sales decreased by 8.3%, in local currency the sales decreased by 7.5% compared with the same period a year ago. For stores owned by the Group the decrease in local currency was 1.7%, of which same-stores decreased by 8.9%. For stores owned by the Group accumulated sales in local currency decreased by 1.9% of which same-stores decreased by 8.9%. * The figures are preliminary, definite figures will currently be presented at www.axfood.se under Financial info.