· Group turnover excluding VAT for the year amounted to SEK 53,695 m
(48,238), an increase of 11 per cent compared to last year. With
comparable exchange rates, the increase was 12 per cent.
· Profit after financial items was SEK 11,005 m (9,609) an increase of
15 per cent. Group profit after tax amounted to SEK 7,275 m (6,386)
corresponding to SEK 8.79 (7.72) per share.
· Turnover excluding VAT for the fourth quarter increased by 14 per cent
(with comparable exchange rates 14 per cent) and amounted to SEK 15,874
m (13,923) excluding VAT.
· Operating margin for the fourth quarter amounted to a very
satisfactory 25.0 per cent (22.9).
· Profit after financial items for the fourth quarter was SEK 4,056
m (3,274), an increase by 24 per cent.
· In 2005, 145-155 stores are planned to open, among those three stores
in Ireland and one store in Hungary. Both countries are new markets for
the group.
· The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 8.00 (6.00) per
share.
