January-December 2006
\n- Sales increased by 161,000 tonnes to SEK 1,741.5 (1,504.1) million
\n- Operating profit totalled SEK 103.6 (-64.3) million and the operating margin improved to 5.91% (-4.31%)
\n- Profit after tax amounted to SEK 68.6 (-55.7) million, corresponding to SEK 7.13 (-5.78) per share
\n- Cash flow amounted to SEK 24.8 (-9.7) million
\n- Entry into the Norwegian market launched
\n- The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 2.25 (0.50) per share <\/p>\n
Fourth quarter
\n- Sales increased by 14% to SEK 488.5 (428.2) million
\n- Operating profit improved by 441,000 tonnes to SEK 33.8 (23.4) million
\n- The operating margin was 6.91% (5.51%)
\n- Cash flow amounted to SEK 41.4 (23.5) million
\n- Decision on new premises for NOTE Norrtelje
\n- Decision on new financial targets<\/p>\n
New financial targets
\n- Growth target: NOTE will increase market shares mainly through organic growth.
\n- Profitability target: NOTE will grow profitably. The profitability target over a business cycle expressed as return on equity after tax shall exceed 25%.
\n- Capital structure target: The equity ratio should be in the range of 25-35%.
\n- Dividend target: Dividends should be aligned with the average level of earnings over a business cycle and represent 30-50% of profit after tax over the long term. Dividends may also be used to adjust the capital structure. <\/p>\n
NOTE's year-end report for 2006 is available as of today as a PDF file on the group's website, www.note.se, and is attached to this press release. <\/p>\n
The interim report for January-March 2007 will be published on 25 April.<\/p>\n
For further information, please contact:
\nHenrik Nygren, Chief Financial Officer, tel. 08-568 990 03, 0709-77 06 86
\nAnnelie Wirdefeldt, IR\/Communications Manager, tel. 08-568 990 01, 076-815 99 99<\/p>\n