- The Group's net turnover for January-March 2009 amounted to MSEK 4 529 (January-March 2008: 4 875).
- Profit after tax was MSEK 245 (271).
- Earnings per share amounted to SEK 2.9 (3.2). The return on equity was 6.4 per cent (6.4).
- The operating profit was MSEK 415 (446). Increases in prices of newsprint and paperboard had a favourable effect on the result, whereas weak demand and extensive production curtailments lowered it.
- The operating profit was MSEK 131 higher than for the fourth quarter of 2008. The improvement in the result is mainly explained by higher prices and lower costs. Low deliveries had a negative effect on the result.
- Demand for newsprint in Europe was 15 per cent lower in the first quarter than during the corresponding period in 2008. Prices were increased.
- Deliveries of virgin fibre board to Europe declined by 15 per cent during the first quarter of 2009. Following increases during the second half of 2008 prices have remained stable.