05.11.15
SCA reported first quarter net sales of SEK 27,958m ($3.3 billion), a 15% increase (6% excluding exchange rate effects). Organic sales growth, excluding exchange rate effects, acquisitions and divestments, was 6%. Operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, rose 9% to SEK 2,872 million ($340.5 million). The operating margin, excluding items affecting comparability, was 10.3%. Profit before tax, excluding items affecting comparability, rose 11% to SEK 2,602m ($308.5 million).
In personal care, sales rose 15% to SEK 8,319m ($986 million). Organic sales growth, which excludes exchange rate effects, acquisitions and divestments, was 6%, of which volume accounted for 4% and price/mix for 2%. Organic sales growth was 4% in mature markets and 10% in emerging markets. Emerging markets accounted for 43% of sales. Exchange rate effects increased sales by 9%.
For incontinence products, under the Tena brand, organic sales growth was 3%. Growth is attributable to Western Europe and emerging markets, which compensated for lower sales in North America. For baby diapers, organic sales growth was 7%. Growth is mainly attributable to Europe. For feminine care products, organic sales growth was 16%, mainly attributable to emerging markets and Western Europe.
Operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, rose 6% (a decrease of 2% excluding currency translation effects) to SEK 869m ($103 million). Profit was favorably affected by higher volumes, a better price/mix and cost savings. Higher raw material costs resulting from higher pulp prices and the stronger U.S. dollar had a negative earnings impact. Investments were made in increased marketing activities for incontinence products and in India.
In personal care, sales rose 15% to SEK 8,319m ($986 million). Organic sales growth, which excludes exchange rate effects, acquisitions and divestments, was 6%, of which volume accounted for 4% and price/mix for 2%. Organic sales growth was 4% in mature markets and 10% in emerging markets. Emerging markets accounted for 43% of sales. Exchange rate effects increased sales by 9%.
For incontinence products, under the Tena brand, organic sales growth was 3%. Growth is attributable to Western Europe and emerging markets, which compensated for lower sales in North America. For baby diapers, organic sales growth was 7%. Growth is mainly attributable to Europe. For feminine care products, organic sales growth was 16%, mainly attributable to emerging markets and Western Europe.
Operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, rose 6% (a decrease of 2% excluding currency translation effects) to SEK 869m ($103 million). Profit was favorably affected by higher volumes, a better price/mix and cost savings. Higher raw material costs resulting from higher pulp prices and the stronger U.S. dollar had a negative earnings impact. Investments were made in increased marketing activities for incontinence products and in India.