Year-end Report 1 January - 31 December 2008

1 JANUARY–31 DECEMBER 2008 (COMPARED WITH SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO)
• Net sales rose 19% during the period, to SEK 6,778 million (5,673). For comparable units the increase was 5%.
• Operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets (EBITA) rose 26% to SEK 820 million (650), and the EBITA margin was 12.1% (11.5%).
• Profit after tax rose 22% to SEK 510 million (419).
• Earnings per share were SEK 12.75 (10.48) for the period.
• The return on operating capital for the last 12 months was 36.7% (39.7%).
• The Board proposes a dividend of SEK 6.40 per share (5.25).

FOURTH QUARTER 2008 (COMPARED WITH SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO)
• Net sales rose 18% during the fourth quarter, to SEK 1,829 million (1,549). For comparable units the increase was 6%.
• Operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets (EBITA) rose 14% to SEK 193 million (169), and the EBITA margin was 10.6% (10.9%).
• Profit after tax rose 9% to SEK 119 million (109).
• Earnings per share were SEK 2.98(2.73) for the quarter.