Year-end Report Q4 2010

• Net sales decreased by 2% (increased by 5% excluding exchange rate effects and divestments) to SEK 109,142m (110,857)
• Net profit before tax, excluding restructuring costs, rose 6% (10% excluding exchange rate effects) to SEK 8,492m (8,004)                
• Restructuring costs amounted to SEK 931m (1,458)
• Profit for the period, excluding restructuring costs, rose 6% to SEK 6,281m (5,906)
• Earnings per share, including restructuring costs, rose 17% to SEK 7.90 (6.78)
• Cash flow from current operations was SEK 7,399m (11,490)
• The Board of Directors proposes an increase in the dividend, by 8%, to SEK 4.00 (3.70) per share

(Table included in attached pdf)

CEO'S COMMENTS

During the year, SCA increased its volumes in all business areas and grew its market shares for the global brands Tena, for incontinence care, and Tork, in the away-from-home (AFH) tissue market. Together with higher prices for both Tissue and Packaging and cost-cutting measures, this compensated for negative exchange rate effects and SEK 5.2bn in higher raw material costs. The Packaging operations showed a sharp improvement in profitability. Net profit for the period rose 6% (10% excluding exchange rate effects), and earnings per share, including restructuring costs, rose 17%.

Cash flow from current operations for 2010 was SEK 7,399m (11,490). The decrease is mainly attributable to a higher level of tied-up working capital as a result of higher raw material prices. Net debt decreased by SEK 6bn during the year.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2010, excluding effects of exchange rate movements and divestments, rose 8% compared with the same quarter a year ago, as a result of higher prices and volumes.

Operating profit for the fourth quarter of 2010, excluding restructuring costs and exchange rate effects, rose 5% compared with the same period a year ago. Price increases and cost-cutting measures, combined with higher volumes, compensated for SEK 1.7bn in higher raw material costs.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, operating profit for Personal Care and Tissue decreased compared with the same quarter a year ago, mainly due to higher raw material costs. The improved operating profit for Packaging is mainly attributable to higher prices and volumes, and savings from the restructuring programme. Operating profit for Forest Products decreased as a result of a drop in prices for publication papers. Compared with the third quarter, operating profit improved for Personal Care, Tissue and Packaging.

Continued favourable demand is expected in all of SCA's business areas.