Net sales increased by 32% to SEK 1,972 M (1,494)

Operating profit (EBITA) increased by 121% to SEK 188 M (85)

Operating margin (EBITA) increased to 9.5% (5.7)

After-tax profit increased to SEK 112 M (51)

Diluted earnings per share amounted to 1.42 SEK (0.41).

 

Lindab International AB reports that its net sales for the first quarter reached SEK 1,972 million, achieving a significantly improved profit (EBITA) of SEK 188 million. This constitutes a 121 percent increase compared to the same period in 2006.

 

"Concerted efforts within the organisation, backed-up by the positive construction trend; a mild winter, and the successful integration of our latest acquisitions are the primary explanations for the successful development during the first quarter," says CEO and President, Kjell Åkesson.

 

The volume growth has been very strong throughout all the key markets within both business areas. The mild winter has mainly influenced sales in the Building Components division within the Profile business area, particularly in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, regions that are most sensitive to seasonal factors.

 

In Western Europe net sales increased by 51 percent compared to the same period last year. This is partly due to efforts made within the Ventilation business area, notably the strategic acquisitions of CCL in the UK and Airbat in France, both of which have contributed well.

 

"Our strategy to focus on core products and to reinforce market positions remains. During the quarter we have launched our new duct system Lindab Safe Click, which has been very well received on the market. We also continue our expansion in Eastern Europe, where net sales grew by 65 percent in the first quarter. The production unit in St Petersburg for the Ventilation business area is now up and running and in the next quarter building work on the new Moscow plant for Building Systems will start," says Kjell Åkesson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LINDAB

Kjell Åkesson, CEO

Email: kjell.akesson@lindab.com

Tel. +46 (0)431 850 00 / 850 07

 

Nils-Johan Andersson, CFO

Email: nils-johan.andersson@lindab.com

Tel. +46 (0)431 85075

 

 

 

Lindab is an international group that develops, manufactures and markets sheet metal products and system solutions for the construction sector.

 

The two business areas, Profile  and Ventilation offer complete solutions for construction systems and indoor climate, as well as individual construction and ventilation components for all types of buildings.

 

The Lindab group has approximately 4,900 employees in 29 countries and generated sales of SEK 7,609 million in 2006.  Its head office is located in Grevie near Bastad in southwestern Sweden.

 

The key market is commercial construction, representing 80 percent of sales, while residential construction amounts to 20 percent. Geographical main markets are the Nordic countries with 42 percent of sales in 2006; the growth market Central and Eastern Europe, representing 28 percent and Western Europe, which accounted for 24 percent. Other markets made up the remaining 6 percent.

 

The share is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Principal owners are Ratos, Sjätte AP-fonden and Skandia Liv.

 

For more information visit www.lindab.com