SCA – Year-end Report 2017

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2017 (compared with the year-earlier period, continuing operations)
•Net sales increased 8% to SEK 16,664m (15,373)
•Adjusted EBITDA improved 15% to SEK 3,761m (3,269)
•The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 22.6% (21.3)
•Adjusted operating profit totaled SEK 2,624m (2,155)
•Operating profit totaled SEK 2,511m (2,271)
•Net profit for the period totaled SEK 1,873m (1,770)
•Earnings per share amounted to SEK 2.67 (2.52)
•Operating cash flow totaled SEK 2,273m (1,917)
•The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 1.50 per share

COMMENTS ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2017 was a strong year for SCA, with a generally healthy demand and price trend within all segments and geographies. Sales grew by 8% and adjusted EBITDA increased by 15%. The main contribution to this improvement was from kraftliner and wood products. The improvement in earnings took place despite project costs linked to the major investment in the Östrand pulp mill, more extensive maintenance stops than in 2016 and additional costs for SCA following the split.

The market trend in 2017 was positive for all SCA products, apart from publication paper where the market was stable. At the end of the year, the market for publication paper improved slightly. There were price increases for wood products, pulp and kraftliner during the year. These price increases were implemented successively. The price of publication paper decreased during the first six months of the year and was stable during the second half of the year.

Production remained stable in 2017. Pulp production was at slightly lower levels than in 2016 due to the ongoing expansion project and longer maintenance stops. Production of wood products and paper was higher in 2017 than in the previous year.
more at: https://www.sca.com/en/about-sca/currently-in-sca/press-releases/2018/year-end-report-2017/