• Profit after financial items amounted to SKr 1,778 million (corresponding period 1998: 1,897). The profit for the third quarter was SKr 620 million compared with SKr 543 million for the second quarter.
  • Profit after tax for the period amounted to SKr 1,205 million (1,312), which corresponds to earnings per share of SKr 13.60 (14.80). The return on equity was 9.5 per cent (10.5).
  • Net turnover amounted to SKr 16,533 million (16,924).
  • During the third quarter, newsprint and magazine paper were in continued strong demand, and capacity utilisation at Holmen Paper was high. Prices were stable.
  • Demand for paperboard remained strong and Iggesund Paperboard noted an increase in its order intake and higher deliveries compared with the second quarter. Price increases have been announced.
  • Demand for fine paper was also buoyant and the seasonal downturn during the summer was less than normal. Fine paper prices were raised during the third quarter and further increases have been announced as of October.
  • With effect from October 1st 1999, MoDo and SCA have merged their operations within the fine paper and merchanting fields to form a new company, Modo Paper AB, in which they each have a 50 per cent interest. The intention is to list Modo Paper on the stock exchange, if possible during 2000.