Strong earnings in all segments

President and CEO Klas Balkow’s comments on the second quarter 2018:

“Axfood delivered yet another strong quarter with good growth and profitability. Despite high comparison figures and the negative calendar effect from Easter, it was positive to note that all segments showed favourable performance. We summed up a record profit for a second quarter in which both Willys and Hemköp strongly improved their earnings. The strong growth in online continued, and with growing volumes comes a lower burden on earnings. ”

Second quarter summary

•  Consolidated net sales amounted to SEK 12,221 m (11,925), an increase of 2.5%. 
•  Operating profit was SEK 545 m (487), an increase of 11.9%. The operating margin was 4.5% (4.1%). 
•  Net profit for the period was SEK 429 m (379), and earnings per share before dilution were SEK 2.01 (1.81). 
•  In June the online pharmacy Apohem was launched.
•  Sara Kraft Westrell appointed as Axfood’s new Head of Corporate Communications and member of the Executive Committee. She will assume her position in October 2018.

First half summary

•  Consolidated net sales amounted to SEK 23,665 m (22,564), an increase of 4.9%.
•  Operating profit was SEK 980 m (884), correspond-ing to an operating margin of 4.1% (3.9%).
•  Net profit for the period was SEK 767 m (688), and earnings per share before dilution were SEK 3.62 (3.28).

No significant events have taken place after the balance sheet date.

Welcome to today’s conference call where President and CEO Klas Balkow together with CFO Anders Lexmon will present the second quarter of 2018. The presentation starts at 2:00 p.m. CET and can be followed via axfood.se or by phone:

Sweden: +46 8 566 426 97, UK: +44 203 0089 807, US: +1 855 8315 947.