STOCKHOLM, Sweden, April 27, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Alfa Laval AB: "Orders received during the first quarter 2005 increased with five percent, excluding exchange rate variations. Alfa Laval further strengthened its marked positions in a number of important areas. The demand has been on a continued high level, especially in North America, Latin America and Japan. The customer segments Marine & Diesel and Process Industry have continued to be particularly strong.
The adjusted EBITA-margin was 10.1 percent. The margin has been influenced by a weak US dollar and the substantial increases in raw material prices. Successively we expect our price increases to have further effect during the second half of the year."
Lars Renstrom, President and CEO, Alfa Laval
Summary of the first quarter 2005:
- Order intake increased to SEK 4,004 (3,929) million, meaning an increase by 5.1 percent excluding exchange rate variations.
- Net sales increased to SEK 3,268 (3,184) million, meaning an increase by 5.6 percent excluding exchange rate variations.
- Adjusted EBITA amounted to SEK 330 (383) million, including adverse foreign exchange effects of SEK 42 million.
- Adjusted EBITA-margin was 10.1 (12.0) percent.
- A comparison distortion cost of SEK 125 million has been charged to the income statement relating to the closure of the manufacturing sites in Madrid and Toronto.
- Result after financial items was SEK 76 (260*) million.
- Result after tax was SEK 64 (168*) million.
- Earnings per share was SEK 0.49 (1.38*).
- Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 17 (292) million.
* Comparison figure for 2004 changed according to IFRS.
Outlook for the near future
"In most of the markets that Alfa Laval serves the demand is expected to be on the same high level as during 2004. Alfa Laval also believes that the current high price level for some raw materials will remain, at least short term."
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