Interim Report 1 January–30 June 2005

Interim Report 1 January–30 June 2005 2005:2 2005:1 0506 0406 Earnings per share, SEK 4.27 2.82 7.09 11.83 Cash flow from current operations per share, SEK 4.64 -0.11 4.53 6.28 Net sales, SEK M 23,986 22,518 46,504 44,027 Earnings after financial items, SEK M 1,361 894 2,255 3,815 Net earnings, SEK M 1,006 662 1,668 2,776 2005 compared with first half of2004 · Net sales amounted to SEK 46,504 M (44,027). · Earnings after taxes amounted to SEK 1,668 M (2,776)[1]. · Earnings per share amounted to SEK 7.09 (11.83). · Earnings after financial items amounted to SEK 2,255 M (3,815). Adjusted for items affecting comparability totaling SEK 425 M (44), earnings after financial items amounted to SEK 2,680 M (3,859). Compared with firstquarter of 2005 · Net sales amounted to SEK 23,986 M (22,518). · Earnings after taxes amounted to SEK 1,006 M (662)¹. · Earnings per share amounted to SEK 4.27 (2.82). · Earnings after financial items amounted to SEK 1,361 M (894). Adjusted for items affecting comparability totaling SEK 425 M in the first quarter, earnings after financial items amounted to SEK 1,361 M (1,319). Effective 2005, the Group’s financial reports are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). According to an EU directive, the application is mandatory for publicly listed companies. The effects of the conversion are reported as an adjustment in the opening balance of shareholders’ equity for 2004. All comparative figures for 2004 have been recalculated. A detailed description of the effects of the conversion from Swedish accounting standards to IFRS on opening and closing balance sheet totals for 2004, and earnings in 2004, is presented in the Annual Report for 2004 (Note 33). Effects of the conversion to IAS 32 and 39 as per January 1, 2005 are presented in detail in the interim report for the first quarter 2005. The first-quarter report also includes a presentation of the conversion’s effects on Group earnings and equity per quarter during 2004. For further information please visit www.sca.com. COMMENTS BY THE CEO In Europe, continued weak economic growth characterized our operations, with low growth values, tough competition and, in turn, price pressure, with particular emphasis on tissue and corrugated board operations. The stronger North American economy has led to improved demand for our products, with rising prices, which are compensating for higher raw material prices introduced earlier. After a weak first quarter, Personal Care in Europe reported more normal delivery rate during the second quarter. For European consumer tissue operations, price declines during the second quarter were not as sharp as declines during the first quarter and, in parallel, production costs were reduced as a result of the efficiency enhancement and rationalization programs that are been implemented. Price increases introduced during the first quarter in AFH-tissue both in Europe and North America yielded their full effects during the second quarter. Delivery volumes for European packaging operations were weak throughout virtually the entire first half of 2005. Some recovery was noted toward the end of the second quarter, however. At the same time, prices for containerboard and corrugated board continued to decline. In the publications paper segment, the labor conflict in Finland did not in the short-term cause any significant effects on operations. The low inventory levels, however, have led to an improvement in the supply and demand balance, particularly in the market for magazine paper. The cost-savings program approved and introduced earlier is proceeding according to plan and is expected to generate savings of SEK 1,200 M when full effects of the program are realized in 2006. In order to create better conditions for a favorable return on capital despite today’s depressed price levels, a comprehensive program comprising additional efficiency enhancement measures within the business groups was formulated during the spring and early summer. The new measures are intended to lead to a further improvement in earnings, corresponding to at least 1.5 percentage points, calculated as gross margin. This does not include consideration for the favorable effects on pricing that might be created by shutdowns of paper capacity in the packaging segment. The new rationalization program will be defined in August. Several new hygiene product launches are now in progress and planning stages, while a re-orientation is being implemented within the European and North American packaging operations towards customer segments that are not exposed to continued relocation to low-cost regions of the world. SCA has strong packaging operations, with a network of units that is unique in the industry, and the ability to serve global customers on three continents. A corresponding underlying strength lies within the areas comprising tissue and personal care products, which have been the focus of a substantial share of strategic investments during recent years. In Europe, we also have effective and strongly invested publication paper operations. The aim is that the strong efforts now in progress within the business areas, combined with the new efficiency enhancement program, will provide us with the competitiveness needed under today’s market conditions. MARKET OUTLOOK Within the tissue segment, demand remains strong but the consumer sector of the market in Europe is still characterized by overcapacity. Demand in the European packaging market grew somewhat stronger during the quarter. However, the higher volumes did not offset lower prices in the corrugated board segment and new testliner capacity has created imbalance in the market. The tissue market in North America remains strong and price increases are offsetting the effects of higher energy costs. Growth in the segment comprising personal care products remains stable in Europe and several markets outside Europe continue to show favorable growth. The balance between supply and demand for publication paper has improved. EARNINGS TREND SEK M 2005:2 2005:11 05061 04062 Hygiene Products 962 908 1,870 2,364 - Tissue 391 379 770 1,123 - Personal Care 571 529 1,100 1,241 Packaging 455 458 913 1,318 Forest Products 416 401 817 874 - Publication papers 113 121 234 206 - Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 303 280 583 668 Other -114 -530 -644 -228 Operating profit 1,719 1,237 2,956 4,328 Financial items -358 -343 -701 -513 Earnings after financial items 1,361 894 2,255 3,815 Income tax -355 -232 -587 -1,039 Net earnings 1,006 662 1,668 2,776 Earnings per share, SEK 4.27 2.82 7.09 11.83 1Including items affecting comparability, SEK -425 M before taxes and SEK -314 M after taxes. 2Including items affecting comparability, SEK -44 M before taxes and SEK -30 M after taxes. Compared with first half of 2004 Net sales increased by 6%. Currency movements had a negative impact of 2% on net sales. Operating profit was charged with SEK 425 M for rationalization programs. Combined with costs for measures approved during the fourth quarter of 2004, total costs for the programs amounted to SEK 1,150 M. Excluding items affecting comparability amounting to an expense of SEK 425 M (exp: 44), the operating profit declined by 23%, while earnings after financial items were down by 31% and net earnings and earnings per share declined by 29%. Currency movements had a negative impact of 3% on earnings. Return on equity amounted to 7% (10), and the return on capital employed was 7% (10). Compared with first quarter of 2005 Net sales increased by 7%. Currency movements had a positive impact of 2% on net sales. Excluding items affecting comparability totaling an expense of SEK 425 M in the first quarter, operating profit increased by 3%. Currency movements had a positive impact of 3% on earnings. The operating profit for Hygiene Products was 6% higher than the preceding quarter, while Packaging’s operating profit was in line with the preceding quarter and the operating profit of Forest Products improved by 4%. Financial items amounted to an expense of SEK 358 M (exp: 343). Financial items in the second quarter included dividends received from Industrivärden totaling SEK 23 M. The Group’s consolidated earnings after financial items, accordingly, excluding items affecting comparability of SEK 425 M in the first quarter, amounted to SEK 1,361 M (1,319), an increase of 3%. Currency movements had a positive impact of 3% on earnings. Earnings per share during the second quarter amounted to SEK 4.27 (2.82). TISSUE The tissue segment is characterized by shifting trends in different parts of the world. In Europe, price pressure on consumer tissue has somewhat declined. In the AFH-segment, price increases introduced earlier have now achieved their full effect and volumes in America are seasonally high. Compared with first half of 2004 Continued intensive competition in several of the Group’s markets led to a lower operating profit. The decline in earnings attributable to operations in Europe was mainly a result of lower prices for consumer tissue. This was partly offset, however, by price adjustments implemented gradually in the AFH-segment and by lower production costs attributable to the ongoing efficiency enhancement programs. AFH-operations in North America showed favorable trends as a result of higher prices and the efficiency enhancement programs, which were partly offset by rising energy costs. Compared with first quarter of 2005 Competitive pressure remained strong in the European consumer tissue sector, resulting in lower prices. Price increases and seasonally higher volumes improved earnings in North American operations. PERSONAL CARE The product segment is generally characterized by continued price pressure. The relationship between proprietary brands and retailer brands in Europe is shifting gradually toward an increase in retailer brands. To meet the competition from retailer brands, manufacturers have reduced prices on their proprietary brands. SCA’s clearly defined focus on efforts to continue to meet demand for retailer brands creates new opportunities in pace with the gradual rebalancing. Compared with first half of 2004 Price pressure, combined with increased raw material costs, led to a decline in operating profit that was offset partly by higher volumes, more effective raw materials utilization and acquisitions. Compared with first quarter of 2005 Operations during the second quarter reflected favorable volume trends that were offset in part by continued price pressure and higher costs for oil-based raw materials. PACKAGING Prices declined in the European market for corrugated board, in part due to weak demand in the beginning of the year, but also as a result of lower paper prices. Paper prices were impacted strongly by new capacity added during the first half of the year. Compared with first half of 2004 Earnings attributable to European packaging operations declined due to lower prices and higher energy costs. Structural changes initiated earlier resulted in reduced costs, which are still not enough, however, to compensate for the lower prices. In the North American packaging operations, price increases already implemented have not fully offset the cost increases for oil-based raw materials and energy. Compared with first quarter of 2005 Compared with the first quarter, prices continued to decline in Europe, which were offset by higher volumes, however. PUBLICATION PAPERS Effects of the Finnish strike had only marginal effects since most of the Group’s capacity was already committed to longer contracts. Compared with first half of 2004 Higher prices compensated for increased energy costs and negative currency effects. Compared with first quarter of 2005 The effects of higher prices did not fully compensate for the planned, weeklong maintenance stoppage in Ortviken during the second quarter. PULP, TIMBER AND SOLID-WOOD PRODUCTS Import prices for timber have declined as a result of storm damage during the winter. Compared with first half of 2004 Operating profit was lower compared with the preceding year, due to lower prices for solid-wood products and negative currency effects. Compared with first quarter of 2005 The operating profit improved compared with the first quarter, partly as a result of higher deliveries of solid-wood products. CASH FLOW SEK M 2005:2 2005:1 0506 0406 Net sales 23,986 22,518 46,504 44,027 Operating cash surplus 3,155 3,087 6,242 7,103 % of net sales 13 14 13 16 Current capital expenditures, net -1,163 -750 -1,913 -1,603 % of net sales -5 -3 -4 -4 Change in working capital -175 -1,266 -1,441 -2,140 Other operating cash flow changes -169 -156 -325 -166 Operating cash flow 1,648 915 2,563 3,194 Tax payment etc¹ -311 -704 -1,015 -1,374 Free cash flow 1,337 211 1,548 1,820 Per share, SEK 5.73 0.90 6.63 7.79 Interest payment after taxes -253 -237 -490 -352 Cash flow from current operations 1,084 -26 1,058 1,468 Per share, SEK 4.64 -0.11 4.53 6.28 Strategic investments and divestments -741 -662 -1,403 -9,129 Cash flow before dividend 343 -688 -345 -7,661 Dividend -2,455 - -2,455 -2,450 Conversion of debentures, warrants - - - 1 Sale of own shares 1 2 3 7 Net cash flow -2,111 -686 -2,797 -10,103 ¹Tax attributable to operating profit. Compared with first half of 2004 The operating cash surplus declined compared with the first six months 2004, while some increase was noted in current capital expenditures. Working capital, however, showed more favorable development compared with the preceding year. Taxes paid declined slightly compared with the preceding year, when taxes were impacted by substantial supplementary tax payments. Interest payments also increased, mainly as a result of acquisitions during 2004. Cash flow from current operations, accordingly, amounted to SEK 1,058 M (1,468). Compared with first quarter of 2005 Cash flow from current operations improved compared with the first quarter, mainly as the result of a significantly lower increase in working capital, and amounted to SEK 1,084 M (exp: 26). FINANCING AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Financial items increased to an expense of SEK 701 M (exp: 513). The increase was mainly attributable to acquisitions. Net debt amounted to SEK 42,550 M, an increase of SEK 6,727 M from the beginning of the year. Net cash flow amounted to a deficit of SEK 2,797 M, while negative currency effects showed a deficit of SEK 3,215 M and revaluations in compliance with IAS 19 for pensions, and IAS 39 for financial instruments, amounted to a deficit of SEK 715 M. The Group’s pension liabilities increased by SEK 1,063 M during the quarter. The increase was attributed primarily to lower interest rates and currency effects. A higher yield on assets held in funds partly helped to limit the increase. Negative effects on equity amounted to SEK 493 M[2]. Consolidated shareholders’ equity rose during the period by SEK 2,523 M to SEK 57,588 M. Net earnings for the period increased equity by SEK 1,668 M. Currency effects etc. impacted positively on shareholders’ equity by SEK 3,772 M, while dividends had a negative impact of SEK 2,451 M. Effects of revaluations in compliance with IAS 19 for pensions, and IAS 39 for financial instruments, had a negative impact of SEK 466 M. The debt/equity ratio, which amounted to 0.65 at the beginning of the year, totaled 0.74 (0.69) at the close of the quarter. The interest coverage multiple was 4.2 (8.4). PERSONNEL The average number of employees at the close of the quarter was 52,014, compared with 46,966 at the end of the second quarter in 2004. The increase represents the net amount of acquisitions and rationalization programs implemented within the Group during 2004. RATIONALIZATION PROGRAMS The program that was approved by the Board of Directors in January is proceeding according to plan. Combined with the measures approved during the fourth quarter of 2004, total costs for the programs amount to SEK 1,150 M, of which SEK 425 M has been charged against earnings for the year. The savings effects will be realized gradually during 2005. For full- year 2005, the effects are expected to total approximately SEK 600 M, of which SEK 200 M impacted earnings already during the first half of the year. Full effects of the programs, totaling SEK 1,200 M, will be realized beginning in 2006. After the close of the period, one of the Group’s smaller plants in Italy (Rovereto) was sold for approximately SEK 240 M as part of the ongoing rationalization program. The plant consists of three small tissue machines without conversion capacities and an older machine for the production of core board. The loss of capacity will be covered by other plants, among others the Group’s new tissue machine in Spain. OTHER This interim report was prepared in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council’s recommendation RR 31 and, with regard to the Parent Company, RR 32. The Group’s parent company, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (publ), owns the forestlands and other fixed properties that are part of the Group’s forestry operations and provide felling rights for standing timber to its subsidiary SCA Skog AB. In other respects, the parent company is a holding company whose main task is to own and manage shares in a number of business-group companies and to provide Group-wide management and administration. Operating revenues during the period January-June 2005 totaled SEK 74 M (79) and earnings before appropriations and taxes amounted to SEK 994 M (2,619). During the quarter, the Parent Company made no investments in shares and participations. Investments in properties and plant amounted to SEK 10 M (11) during the period. Liquid funds at the close of the period amounted to SEK 20 M (19). The Nordic tissue operations of Munksjö and two small packaging companies were acquired during the period. Munksjö was consolidated as per May 18, 2005. SHARE DISTRIBUTION 30 June 2005 Series A Series B Total Registered number of shares 40,427,755 194,608,943 235,036,698 Of which treasury shares - (1,643,117) (1,643,117) During the first half of 2005, 102 Series A shares were converted into Series B shares. The proportion of Series A shares at the close of the period totaled 17.2%. Computed in accordance with IFRS recommendations, the effects of outstanding personnel options programs correspond to a maximum dilution effect of 0.04%, which was taken into account in calculations of earnings per share during the period. Stockholm, 21 July 2005 SVENSKA CELLULOSA AKTIEBOLAGET SCA (publ) Jan Åström President and CEO This report is unaudited. BUSINESS AREA HYGIENE PRODUCTS SEK M 2005:2 2005:1 0506 0406 Net sales 12,258 11,606 23,864 21,694 Tissue 7,531 7,144 14,675 13,011 Personal Care 4,727 4,462 9,189 8,683 Operating surplus 1,701 1,636 3,337 3,672 Tissue 892 888 1,780 2,012 Personal Care 809 748 1,557 1,660 Operating profit 962 908 1,870 2,364 Tissue 391 379 770 1,123 Personal Care 571 529 1,100 1,241 Gross margin, % 13.9 14.1 14.0 16.9 Tissue 11.8 12.4 12.1 15.5 Personal Care 17.1 16.8 16.9 19.1 Operating margin, % 7.8 7.8 7.8 10.9 Tissue 5.2 5.3 5.2 8.6 Personal Care 12.1 11.9 12.0 14.3 Volume trend, % Tissue 4.6¹ -2.1¹ 14.42 4.82 Personal Care 8.0¹ -2.7¹ 7.32 6.52 1Compared with the immediately preceding quarter. 2Compared with corresponding period previous year. BUSINESS AREA PACKAGING SEK M 2005:2 2005:1 0506 0406 Net sales 8,094 7,642 15,736 15,769 Operating surplus 919 898 1,817 2,201 Operating profit 455 458 913 1,318 Gross margin, %¹ 11.4 11.8 11.5 14.0 Operating margin, %¹ 5.6 6.0 5.8 8.4 Production Liner products, kton 689 666 1,355 1,335 Deliveries Liner products, kton 690 651 1,341 1,331 Corrugated board, Mm2 1,105² 1,052² 2,157² 2,128² ¹ Adjusted for the external trading with linerboard, margins increase by about 2 percentage points. ² Volumes do not include volumes from protective packaging and other high-value segments. BUSINESS AREA FOREST PRODUCTS SEK M 2005:2 2005:1 0506 0406 Net sales 4,116 3,762 7,878 7,554 Publication papers 1,965 1,932 3,897 3,695 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 2,151 1,830 3,981 3,859 Operating surplus 758 738 1,496 1,522 Publication papers 330 334 664 634 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 428 404 832 888 Operating profit 416 401 817 874 Publication papers 113 121 234 206 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 303 280 583 668 Gross margin, % 18.4 19.6 19.0 20.1 Publication papers 16.8 17.3 17.0 17.2 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 19.9 22.1 20.9 23.0 Operating margin, % 10.1 10.7 10.4 11.6 Publication papers 5.8 6.3 6.0 5.6 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 14.1 15.3 14.6 17.3 Production Publication papers, kton 352 367 719 723 Solid-wood products, km³ 372 372 744 732 Deliveries Publication papers, kton 358 366 724 783 Solid-wood products, km³ 407 369 776 714 OPERATING CASH FLOW ANALYSIS 1 January–30 June SEK M 2005 2004 Operating cash surplus 6,242 7,103 Changes in working capital -1,441 -2,140 Current capital expenditures, net -1,913 -1,603 Other operating cash flow changes -325 -166 Operating cash flow 2,563 3,194 Financial items -701 -513 Income taxes paid -805 -1,220 Other 1 7 Cash flow from current operations 1,058 1,468 Acquisitions -305 -8,035 Strategic capital expenditures, properties -1,074 -977 Strategic structural expenditures -24 -117 Divestments 0 0 Cash flow before dividend -345 -7,661 Dividend -2,455 -2,450 Cash flow after dividend -2,800 -10,111 Conversion of debentures, warrants - 1 Sale of own shares 3 7 Net cash flow -2,797 -10,103 Net debt at beginning of period -35,823 -26,533 Net cash flow -2,797 -10,103 Adjustment to IFRS rules -715 - Currency effects -3,215 -942 Net debt at end of period -42,550 -37,578 Debt payment capacity 24% 36% Debt/equity ratio 0.74 0.69 STATEMENT OF EARNINGS 2005:2 2004:2 2005:1 0506 0406 SEK M SEK M SEK M SEK M SEK M Net sales 23,986 22,340 22,518 46,504 44,027 Operating expenses¹ -20,711 -18,644 -19,737 -40,448 -36,843 Operating surplus 3,275 3,696 2,781 6,056 7,184 Depreciation and write-down, properties and plant² -1,564 -1,473 -1,550 -3,114 -2,868 Share in earnings of associated companies 8 8 6 14 12 Operating profit 1,719 2,231 1,237 2,956 4,328 Financial items -358 -299 -343 -701 -513 Earnings before 2,255 taxes 1,361 1,932 894 3,815 Income taxes -355 -540 -232 -587 -1,039 Net earnings 1,006 1,392 662 1,668 2,776 Earnings attributable to: Parent company 1,656 shareholders 998 1,387 658 2,762 Minority interest 8 5 4 12 14 Earnings per share, SEK - before dilution effects 4.27 5.94 2.83 7.10 11.84 - after dilution effects 4.27 5.94 2.82 7.09 11.83 Return on shareholders’ equity 7% 10% 5% 7% 10% Return on capital employed 7% 10% 5% 7% 10% Margins(percent) Gross margin 13.7 16.5 12.4 13.0 16.3 Operating margin 7.2 10.0 5.5 6.4 9.8 Financial net margin -1.5 -1.3 -1.5 -1.5 -1.2 Profit margin 5.7 8.7 4.0 4.9 8.6 Tax and minority -1.5 -2.4 -1.0 -1.3 -2.4 Net margin 4.2 6.3 3.0 3.6 6.2 Specification of earnings per share Net earnings for the 1,668.0 period 1,006.0 1,392.0 662.0 2,776.0 Minority interest -8.0 -5.0 -4.0 -12.0 -14.0 Adjusted earnings 998.0 1,387.0 658.0 1,656.0 2,762.0 Average number of shares before dilution 233.4 233.3 233.4 233.4 233.3 Outstanding warrants 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 Average number of shares after dilution 233.5 233.5 233.5 233.5 233.5 Specifications of items affecting comparability 1Operating expenses - Rationalization -394 costs - -14 -394 -44 2 Depreciation and write-down, properties and plant - Write-down in connection with rationalization programs - - -31 -31 - STATEMENT OF EARNINGS 2005:2 2004:2 2005:1 0506 0406 EUR M1 EUR M1 EUR M2 EUR M3 EUR M4 Net sales 2,608 2,444 2,483 5,091 4,808 Operating expenses -2,252 -2,039 -2,176 -4,428 -4,023 Operating surplus 356 405 307 663 785 Depreciation and write- down, properties and plant -170 -161 -171 -341 -313 Share in earnings of associated companies 1 1 1 2 1 Operating profit 187 245 137 324 473 Financial items -39 -33 -38 -77 -56 Earnings after financial items 148 212 99 247 417 Income taxes -38 -59 -26 -64 -113 Net earnings 110 153 73 183 304 1Isolated quarterly amounts have been calculated as the difference between two accumulated results. 2The average exchange rate of 9.07 was applied in translation to EUR. 3The average exchange rate of 9.13 was applied in translation to EUR. 4The average exchange rate of 9.16 was applied in translation to EUR. BALANCE SHEET 30 June 2005 31 December 2004 SEK M EUR M¹ SEK M EUR M¹ Assets Goodwill 19,676 2,054 17,131 1,906 Other intangible assets 2,120 219 2,025 225 Tangible assets 78,934 8,372 74,714 8,314 Shares and participations 722 80 696 77 Long-term financial receivables² 1,647 175 1,126 125 Other long- term receivables 1,112 118 682 76 Total fixed assets3 104,211 11,018 96,374 10,723 Operating receivables and inventories 30,558 3,241 25,774 2,868 Short-term investments 407 43 891 99 Cash and bank balances 1,708 181 2,735 304 Total current assets4 32,673 3,465 29,400 3,271 Total assets 136,884 14,483 125,774 13,994 Shareholders’ equity Equity excluding minority interest 56,764 5,994 54,202 6,031 Minority interest 824 88 768 85 Total equity 57,588 6,082 54,970 6,116 Liabilities Provisions for pensions 5,239 556 4,388 488 Other provisions 12,664 1,340 12,346 1,374 Long-term interest- bearing debt 15,904 1,687 19,155 2,131 Other long- term interest- free liabilities 332 35 90 10 Total long- term liabilities5 34,139 3,618 35,979 4,003 Short-term interest- bearing debt7 25,090 2,661 15,776 1,755 Operating liabilities 20,067 2,122 19,049 2,120 Total current liabilities6 45,157 4,783 34,825 3,875 Total liabilities 79,296 8,401 70,804 7,878 Total equity and liabilitites 136,884 14,483 125,774 13,994 Debt/equity ratio 0.74 0.6510 Equity/assets 42% 44% CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY, SEK M Jan-June 2005 Jan–June 2004 Shareholders’ equity, 1 January8 54,970 49,754 Adjustment to IFRS rules9 95 3,588 Shareholders’ equity, 1 January, in accordance with IFRS 55,065 53,342 Result from fair value valuation - financial assets available for sale 9 - - change in actuarial gains and losses of pensions -493 - Cash-flow hedging 18 - Translation differences on hedge instruments of net investments 529 -474 Translation differences 3,196 964 Changes in minority interests incl. translation differences 44 16 Conversion of debentures, warrants - 1 Sale of own shares 3 7 Dividend -2,451 -2,450 Earnings for the period 1,668 2,776 Shareholders’ equity, 30 June 57,588 54,182 1The average exchange rate of 9.13 (8.99) was applied in translation to EUR. 2Of which pension assets 201 21 418 46 3Of which derivative instruments 663 70 4Of which derivative instruments 244 26 5Of which derivative instruments 372 39 6 Of which derivative instruments 935 99 7Contracted committed credit lines amount to SEK26.261 M. 82005 in accordance with IFRS as of 31 December 2004. 2004 in accordance with Swedish GAAP. 92005 pertains to IAS 32 and IAS 39. 2004 transition to IFRS at 1 January 2004. 10As per 1 January 2005 including adjustments for IAS 32 and IAS 32. Quarterly data Group OPERATING CASH FLOW ANALYSIS 2005 2004 SEK M II I IV III II I Operating cash surplus 3,155 3,087 3,371 3,634 3,658 3,445 Changes in working capital -175 -1,266 942 554 -771 -1,369 Current capital expenditures, net -1,163 -750 -1,596 -1,071 -1,020 -583 Other operating cash flow changes -169 -156 -195 5 -88 -78 Operating cash flow 1,648 915 2,522 3,122 1,779 1,415 Financial items -358 -343 -241 -330 -299 -214 Income taxes paid -204 -601 -367 -501 -878 -342 Other -2 3 11 4 5 2 Cash flow from current operations 1,084 -26 1,925 2,295 607 861 Acquisitions -256 -49 -1,757 4521 -7,047 -988 Strategic capital expenditures, properties -473 -601 -669 -752 -512 -465 Strategic structural expenditures -12 -12 -46 -63 -32 -85 Divestments 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cash flow before dividend 343 -688 -547 1,932 -6,984 -677 Dividend -2,455 - - -21 -2,450 - Cash flow after dividend -2,112 -688 -547 1,911 -9,434 -677 Conversion of debentures, warrants - - - - - 1 Sale of own shares 1 2 6 2 3 4 Net cash flow -2,111 -686 -541 1,913 -9,431 -672 1Preference shares have been reclassified and are treated as loans. . Quarterly data Group STATEMENT OF EARNINGS 2005 2004 SEK M II I IV III II I Net sales 23,986 22,518 23,128 22,812 22,340 21,687 Operating expenses¹ -20,711 -19,737 -20,222 -19,099 -18,644 -18,199 Operating surplus 3,275 2,781 2,906 3,713 3,696 3,488 Depreciation and write-down, properties and plant² -1,564 -1,550 -1,696 -1,588 -1,473 -1,395 Share in earnings of associated companies 8 6 2 4 8 4 Operating profit 1,719 1,237 1,212 2,129 2,231 2,097 Financial items3 -358 -343 -241 -330 -299 -214 Earnings after financial items 1,361 894 971 1,799 1,932 1,883 Income taxes4 -355 -232 111 -465 -540 -499 Net earnings 1,006 662 1,082 1,334 1,392 1,384 Earnings per share, SEK - before dilution effects 4.27 2.83 4.63 5.67 5.94 5.90 - after dilution effects 4.27 2.82 4.62 5.67 5.94 5.89 Margins (percent) Gross margin 13.7 12.4 12.6 16.3 16.5 16.1 Operating margin 7.2 5.5 5.2 9.3 10.0 9.7 Financial net margin -1.5 -1.5 -1.0 -1.4 -1.3 -1.0 Profit margin 5.7 4.0 4.2 7.9 8.7 8.7 Tax and minority -1.5 -1.0 0.5 -2.0 -2.4 -2.3 Net margin 4.2 3.0 4.7 5.9 6.3 6.4 Specifications of items affecting comparability 1Operating expenses - Rationalization costs - -394 -555 - -14 -30 2 Depreciation and write-down, properties and plant - Write-down in connection with rationalization programs - -31 -171 - - - 3Financial items - Sale of shares in Industrivärden - - 100 70 - - 4Income taxes - Tax treatment of loss carryforwards and changed tax rates - - 320 - - - Quarterly data Business areas 2005 2004 SEK M II I IV III II I NET SALES Hygiene Products 12,258 11,606 11,904 11,761 11,149 10,545 Tissue 7,531 7,144 7,336 7,249 6,652 6,359 Personal Care 4,727 4,462 4,568 4,512 4,497 4,186 Packaging 8,094 7,642 7,804 7,928 7,939 7,830 Forest Products 4,116 3,762 3,814 3,586 3,741 3,813 Publication papers 1,965 1,932 2,005 1,909 1,790 1,905 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 2,151 1,830 1,809 1,677 1,951 1,908 Other 288 232 298 265 268 256 Intra-group deliveries -770 -724 -692 -728 -757 -757 Total net sales 23,986 22,518 23,128 22,812 22,340 21,687 OPERATING SURPLUS Hygiene Products 1,701 1,636 1,712 1,878 1,881 1,791 Tissue 892 888 907 1,056 1,028 984 Personal Care 809 748 805 822 853 807 Packaging 919 898 1,036 1,172 1,138 1,063 Forest Products 758 738 800 773 782 740 Publication papers 330 334 354 340 317 317 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 428 404 446 433 465 423 Other -103 -491 -642 -110 -105 -106 Total operating surplus 3,275 2,781 2,906 3,713 3,696 3,488 OPERATING PROFIT Hygiene Products 962 908 998 1,093 1,186 1,178 Tissue 391 379 408 495 556 567 Personal Care 571 529 590 598 630 611 Packaging 455 458 580 706 697 621 Forest Products 416 401 457 446 457 417 Publication papers 113 121 137 127 104 102 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 303 280 320 319 353 315 Other -114 -530 -823 -116 -109 -119 Total operating profit 1,719 1,237 1,212 2,129 2,231 2,097 2005 2004 Percent II I IV III II I GROSS MARGINS Hygiene Products 13.9 14.1 14.4 16.0 16.9 17.0 Tissue 11.8 12.4 12.4 14.6 15.5 15.5 Personal Care 17.1 16.8 17.6 18.2 19.0 19.3 Packaging 11.4 11.8 13.3 14.8 14.3 13.6 Forest Products 18.4 19.6 21,0 21.6 20.9 19.4 Publication papers 16.8 17.3 17.8 17.8 17.7 16.6 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 19.9 22.1 24.5 25.8 23.8 22.2 OPERATING MARGINS Hygiene Products 7.8 7.8 8.4 9.3 10.6 11.2 Tissue 5.2 5.3 5.6 6.8 8.4 8.9 Personal Care 12.1 11.9 12.9 13.3 14.0 14.6 Packaging 5.6 6.0 7.4 8.9 8.8 7.9 Forest Products 10.1 10.7 12.0 12.4 12.2 10.9 Publication papers 5.8 6.3 6.9 6.7 5.8 5.4 Pulp, timber and solid-wood products 14.1 15.3 17.6 19.0 18.1 16.5 FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY Full year 20041 2003 2002 2001 20002 Earnings after financial items, SEK M 6,585 6,967 8,078 8,090 9,327 Earnings per share, SEK 22.11 21.84 24.54 24.05 30.64 Earnings per share, before goodwill amortization, SEK 22.11 26.51 29.15 28.40 33.76 Debt/equity ratio, times 0.63 0.44 0.49 0.51 0.39 Return on capital employed, % 9 11 13 14 18 Return on shareholders’ equity, % 10 10 12 13 20 ¹ Adjusted to IFRS. 2Adjusted historically to reflect new issues. CASH FLOW ANALYSIS 1 January–30 June SEK M 2005 2004 Current operations Earnings after financial items 2,255 3,815 Adjustment for items not included in cash flow 2,838 2,486 5,093 6,301 Taxes paid -805 -1,220 Cash flow from current operations before changes in working capital 4,288 5,081 Cash flow from changes in working capital Change in inventories -610 -582 Change in current receivables 232 -1,067 Change in operating liabilities -1,063 -491 Cash flow from current operations 2,847 2,941 Investment activities Acquisition of subsidiaries -282 -7,816 Acquisition of tangible and intangible fixed assets -3,050 -2,781 Proceeds from sale of equipment 80 201 Payment of loans to external parties 0 -97 Repayment of loans from external parties 33 0 Cash flow from investment activities -3,219 -10,493 Financing activities Sale of own shares 3 7 Borrowings 1,156 9,463 Dividend paid -2,455 -2,450 Cash flow from financing activities -1,296 7,020 Cash flow for the period -1,668 -532 Liquid funds at beginning of year 3,498 1,929 Translation differences in liquid funds 142 20 Liquid funds at end of period 1,972 1,417 Reconciliation with the operative cash flow analysis Cash flow for the period -1,668 -532 Deducted items: Repayment from/payment of loans to external parties -33 97 Increase/amortization of debt -1,156 -9,463 Added items: Net debt in acquired companies -23 -219 Accrued interests 100 13 Investments through financial leasing -17 0 Conversion of loan to shareholders’ equity - 1 Net cash flow according to operating cash flow -2,797 -10,103 Press conference SCA’s interim report for the period 1 January-30 June 2005 will be published on 21 July 2005. A press conference will be held at 13:00 CET in Stockholm, where Jan Åström, President and CEO, will present the results. Venue: Salén Konferenser, Aulan, Norrlandsgatan 15, Stockholm. Telephone conference The telephone conference will be held on 21 July 2005, at 15:00 CET, where Jan Åström will comment on the results. To participate, please call the number below at least 5 minutes prior to the conference call. Dial-in number UK: +44 (0) 207 162 0181 quote: SCA Dial-in number US: +1 334 323 6203 quote: SCA The interim report and the slide presentation will be available at www.sca.com/Investors. Webcasting The telephone conference will be webcasted live (listen-only) at www.sca.com. On 21 July in the evening, a recorded version will be available at www.sca.com/Investors. Requirements: Windows Media Player or Real Player. For further information please contact: Jan Åström, President and CEO. Telephone: +46 70 586 0701. Peter Nyquist, Senior Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations. Telephone: +46 70 575 2906. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [1]Earnings for the first quarter were affected by costs for rationalization measures of SEK 425 M before taxes, and SEK 314 M after taxes. [2]Actuarial gains and losses from the calculation of pensions are booked directly against shareholders' equity. This supplement to IAS 19 has not yet been approved by the EU. However, EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, which is the EU's expert group, has recommended approval.