Interim report 1 January - 31 March 2007

1 JANUARY – 31 MARCH 2007 (compared with the same period previous year)

• Net sales amounted to SEK 25,615m (25,400).
• Profit before tax amounted to SEK 1,863m (1,569).
• Net profit for the period amounted to SEK 1,434m (1,169).
• Earnings per share amounted to SEK 6.11 (4.96), an improvement of 23%.
• Several strategically important acquisitions and divestitures carried out in first quarter.


CEO’S MESSAGE

“Compared with the previous year, profit for the period improved by 23%. SCA also succeeded in improving its operating profit during the first quarter compared with the strong fourth quarter of 2006. The Packaging business area made a positive contribution, while weaker volumes within other business areas reduced the earnings improvement together with higher raw material costs for wood, pulp and recycled fibre. Market trends remain positive for all business areas. The rapid increases in raw material costs may have a negative earnings impact in the short term, although opportunities for continued price increases are good, which will gradually lead to improved margins.

SCA carried out a number of important acquisitions and divestitures during the first quarter, in line with our strategy. The sale of the North American packaging operations, acquisitions within the European tissue operations as well as in our growth regions, strengthen opportunities for long-term growth.”

Jan Åström, President and CEO



For further information, please contact:
Bodil Eriksson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, +46 8 788 52 34
Pär Altan, Vice President Media Relations, +46 8 788 52 37
Andreas Koch, Vice President Investor Relations, +46 8 788 51 30