Monthly report as of May 1998

Sales of January to May increased by 35,2 % to MSEK 258,1 (190,9) compared to 1997 Profit before tax totalled MSEK 33,8 (32,1) Build-up of production capacity and development of new markets makes continued expansion possible [REMOVED GRAPHICS] May in brief The consolidated sales of January to May increased by 35,2 % to MSEK 258,1 (190,9). The increase is partially explained by sales in the new Shop Systems business area. The inflow of orders and quotations continues to be strong on all markets. The strategic decision to enter the shop systems market has proven to be successful and the business area continues to grow, this gives HL Display the future possibility to expand and meet up to the goals on long term growth rate. The Profit before tax of January to May amounted to MSEK 33,8 (32,1) which is according to plan. For the full year 1998 the profit is expected to exceed last years profit of MSEK 63,6. Profit before tax is affected by restatement difference losses of MSEK 2.5 compared to last year. The total financial net amounts to MSEK 0,0 (1,3). The production capacity and the marketing and sales organisations are increased in order to meet the strong growth in market demand. The production capacity in HL Display's Sundsvall factory has been increase by 43% since beginning of this year. Programs for increased capacity are also carried out in the other factories. Capital expenditures on fixed assets amounts to MSEK 27,4 (13,8). Financial Report dates: Interim report 6 months 1998 20/07/1998 Monthly report 7 months 1998 20/08/1998 Monthly report 8 months 1998 21/09/1998 Interim report 9 months 1998 19/10/1998 Monthly report 10 months 1998 20/11/1998 Monthly report 11 months 1998 21/12/1998 Stockholm 20/06/98 Anders Remius Managing Director HL Display's business concept is to offer the retail trade and its suppliers customer-adapted display systems, which with a high degree of flexibility, short response time and in a cost-efficient manner will provide price and product information to the ultimate customer at the point of sale.