BUSINESS AREA
FINLAND & BALTICS

The business area includes the Group’s operations in Finland and the three Baltic countries.

First quarter

Net sales decreased by 1 percent in the first quarter compared to last year and amounted to SEK 556 M (562). Tonnage was unchanged while positive price and mix effects of 4 percent was counteracted by negative currency effects of 5 percent. The operating result increased to SEK 52 M (23) mainly due to a strong development in the Finnish operations. Adjusted for inventory gains and losses of SEK 6 M (-6), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 46 M (29).

Tonnage decreased somewhat in the Finnish operations, despite this they delivered increased net sales and gross margin and a very strong underlying result compared to last year. This was achieved through higher steel prices, proactive pricing and lower costs. There has been a gradual increase in demand mainly from the manufacturing industry.

The Baltic operations showed positive profitability through increased volume.