Year end report for 2002

YEAR END REPORT FOR 2002 * The Group's profit after financial items was MSEK 2,564 (2001: 2,294). Holmen Paper's operating profit declined by MSEK 746, while Iggesund Paperboard's increased by MSEK 363. The figure for 2001 included negative items affecting comparability of MSEK 620. The Group's profit for the fourth quarter amounted to MSEK 611 (Q3, 2002: 676). The fourth quarter operating profits for Holmen Paper and Iggesund Paperboard were MSEK 156 and MSEK 22 lower respectively than for the third quarter, whilst Holmen Skog's operating profit was MSEK 93 higher. * The profit after tax was MSEK 1,959 (2,186). The return on equity was 13.7 per cent (16.0). * The Board proposes payment of a dividend of SEK 11 (10) per share. * The market situation for newsprint and magazine paper remained weak during the fourth quarter. Holmen Paper's deliveries increased slightly, but production continued to be restricted. Prices were unchanged for the fourth quarter. Prices will be lower in 2003, but the negotiations have not been finalised. The market situation for paperboard was stable during the fourth quarter. Iggesund Paperboard's deliveries showed a seasonal decline. Price increases have been implemented. * The decision to build a new newsprint machine at the Group's Spanish mill has been postponed until further notice. For further information please contact: Göran Lundin, President and CEO, tel +46 8 666 21 00 Anders Almgren, CFO, tel +46 8 666 21 16 Christer Lewell, Public Relations Director, tel +46 8 666 21 15. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/02/05/20030205BIT00480/wkr0001.doc The full report http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/02/05/20030205BIT00480/wkr0002.pdf The full report