SCA has published its year-end report 2013. Highlights from the report includes:
- Net sales rose 4% (10% excluding exchange rate effects and divestments) to SEK 89,019m (85,408)
- Operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, rose 15% (19% excluding exchange rate effects and divestments) to SEK 9,934m (8,646)
- Profit before tax, excluding items affecting comparability, rose 21% (25% excluding exchange rate effects and divestments) to SEK 8,934m (7,382)
- Items affecting comparability totaled SEK -1,251m (-2,634), including revaluation of Vinda with a positive effect of SEK 564m (0)
- Earnings per share were SEK 7.90 (7.06)
- Cash flow from current operations was SEK 5,989m (7,271)
- The Board of Directors proposes an increase in the dividend by 5.6% to SEK 4.75 (4.50)
SCA’s CEO comments on the report:
SCA further strengthened its position in emerging markets in 2013. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the offer for the Chinese tissue company Vinda was completed, and SCA is today the majority owner of Vinda with 51.4% ownership in the company. SCA decided during the year to invest in local production of hygiene products in India and has launched Libero baby diapers and Tempo consumer tissue in the Indian market.
The efficiency programs in the hygiene and forest products operations are continuing according to plan.
Consolidated net sales for 2013, excluding exchange rate effects and divestments, rose 10% compared with a year ago. The increase is mainly attributable to acquisitions and higher volumes. Operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, exchange rate effects and divestments, rose 19%.
Cost savings, higher volumes, the acquisition in Europe and gains on forest swaps contributed to the earnings improvement. Operating profit for Personal Care and Tissue, excluding items affecting comparability, exchange rate effects and divestments, rose 4% and 27%, respectively.
