Axfood’s best year − again

Fourth quarter summary

• Consolidated net sales amounted to SEK 11,116 m (10,791), an increase of 3.0%.
  - Retail sales for Group-owned stores increased by 2.5%.
  - Like-for-like sales for Group-owned stores increased by 1.3%.
• Operating profit was SEK 401 m (448), corresponding to an operating margin of 3.6% (4.2%).
• Profit after financial items was SEK 399 m (441).
• Net profit was SEK 307 m (341), and earnings per share were SEK 1.46 (1.63).
• In December Axfood made a public cash offer to the shareholders of Matse Holding AB (publ), which is listed on Nasdaq First North.
• The Board of Directors proposes an ordinary dividend of SEK 6.00 per share (5.00, plus an extra dividend of 4.00).
• Axfood is focusing on growth and new investments, and the forecast is an operating profit in 2017 to be level with the outcome for 2016.

Summary full-year 2016

• Consolidated net sales amounted to SEK 43,355 m (41,247), an increase of 5.1%.
  - Retail sales for Group-owned stores increased by 4.0%.
  - Like-for-like sales for Group-owned stores increased by 2.0%.
• Operating profit was SEK 1,902 m (1,760), corresponding to an operating margin of 4.4% (4.3%).
• Profit after financial items was SEK 1,894 m (1,749).
• Net profit was SEK 1,473 m (1,361), and earnings per share were SEK 7.02 (6.48).

Significant events after the balance sheet date

• On 25 January 2017 Axfood executed its offer to the shareholders of Matse Holding AB (publ), as all conditions were fulfilled.