Interim Report, Axfood AB (publ.) for the period 1 January – 31 March 2005

Axfood’s consolidated sales during the first quarter of 2005 amounted to SEK 7,793 m (8,168), a decrease of 4.6%. Retail sales for Axfood’s wholly owned stores in Sweden rose 3.8% (2.7%), with a 2.1% decrease in same-store sales (+5.0%). Retail sales for wholly owned stores in Spar Finland decreased by 1.9% in local currency, with an 8.9% drop in same-store sales. Operating profit for the first quarter increased to SEK 231 m (215). Profit after tax was SEK 163 m (151). Earnings per share were SEK 2.99 (2.83).