Report January-November HL Display AB

Report January - November 1999 HL Display AB (publ) * Sales for January to November increased by 18.1% to SEK 709.7 m (601.0) compared to corresponding period 1998. During November sales was SEK 73.1 m (57.3), an increase by 27.6% * The periods profit before tax amounted to SEK 45.7 m (73.0). The profit for the month was SEK 4.8 m (-1.4) [REMOVED GRAPHICS] January to November 1999 in brief The consolidated sales for the period increased by 18.1 per cent to SEK 709.7 m (601.0). Net sales during November amounted to SEK 73.1 m (57.3), an increase by 27.6%. Operating profit for the period amounted to SEK 53.5 m (71.9). Profit before tax was SEK 45.7 m (73.0). This includes a translation loss on consolidation of SEK -4.1 m (+3.2). This is explained by the strengthening of the Swedish Krona to other Group currencies, primarily to the Euro, since the beginning of this year. The profit before tax of November was SEK 4.8 m (-1.4). Net investments in fixed assets amounted to SEK 38.6 m (56.1) during the period. In addition SEK 8.5 m (2.4) is related to acquisitions. During the period 50% of the shares in HL Trion AB in Lesjöfors have been sold to Trion International L.P. This is a part of the co-operation between the two companies. The period profit has been positively affected by SEK 0.9 m due to the transaction. The insurance company SPP has notified that surplus client company funds will be allocated to companies which have collectively agreed pension plans with SPP. Totally SEK 4.5 m has been allocated to the HL Display Group. The amount is not certain in either size or timing, consequently this has not been included in the accounting. HL Display launches new concept for Merchandising HL Display will shortly launch a new concept, Optishop@. The concept consists of a series of product groups, whose function aims at maximising the sales and profitability of the shops through an improved usage of the sales area. The innovation with the concept will reinforce HL Displays position as the number one supplier in Europe within the area of Merchandising. Optishop@ will gradually be introduced in all HL Display markets during the first quarter 2000. [REMOVED GRAPHICS] Stockholm 17.12.1999 Anders Remius Managing Director Reporting dates: Year end 12 25.01. report months 2000 1999 Monthly 1 month 16.02. report 2000 2000 Monthly 2 months 20.03. report 2000 2000 Shareholder 20.03. s' meeting 2000 Interim 3 months 18.04. report 2000 2000 Monthly 4 months 16.05. report 2000 2000 Monthly 5 months 19.06. report 2000 2000 Interim 6 months 17.07. report 2000 2000 HL Display shall increase customer profitability by offering the retail trade and its suppliers cost efficient, customer-adapted display systems. Production is to be flexible and delivery times are to be kept short. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/17/19991217BIT00510/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/17/19991217BIT00510/bit0002.pdf