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AAK

Quarterly Report Feb 21, 2008

2874_10-k_2008-02-21_8011c0b3-febd-4c5e-b88f-6b292d7859b6.pdf

Quarterly Report

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AarhusKarlshamn Q 4, 2007

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT, FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

Fourth quarter 2007

  • Net sales +21 %, SEK 3,709 million (3,057).
  • Operating result excluding non-recurring items and IAS 39 +65 %, SEK 178 million (108).
  • Profit after tax, SEK 166 million (58).
  • Earnings per share SEK 4.04 (1.38)
  • The company has filed an insurance claim of SEK 47 million for December, related to the impact of the Danish incident. This amount has not yet been recognized as income.

The full year

  • Net sales +19 %, SEK 13,005 million (10,929).
  • Operating result excluding non-recurring items and IAS 39 +44 %, SEK 653 million (455).
  • The company has filed an insurance claim of SEK 47 million for December, related to the impact of the Danish incident. This amount has not been recognized as income.
  • Non-recurring items in Q 2, SEK -150 million (-102).
  • Profit after tax, SEK 319 million (177). Earnings per share SEK 7.67 (4.18).
  • Proposed dividend of SEK 4.00 (4.00) per share.

Operating profit 2007

"Earnings for 2007 are the AAK Group's highest since the merger of 2005, primarily on account of increased Cocoa Butter Equivalents (CBE) sales and implemented synergies. The company has filed an insurance claim of SEK 47 million for December, related to the impact of the Danish incident. This amount has not yet been recognized as income", says CEO, Jerker Hartwall in a comment to the report.

KEY FIGURES SEK million

Q 4 Q 4 Full
year
Full
year
2007 2006 2007 2006
Net sales 3,709 3,057 13,005 10,929
Gross contribution, excluding IAS 39 921 747 3,134 2,723
Operating profit excluding IAS 39 178 108 653 455
Non-recurring items (rationalisation programme) - -40 -150 -157

BUSINESS AREAS – GROSS CONTRIBUTION PER KG

Q 4, +47 % Q 4, +14 % Q 4, +11 % 3.57 to 5.24 SEK/kg 1.84 to 2.10 SEK/kg 0.70 to 0.78 SEK/kg Full year, +26 % Full year, +7 % Full year, +1 %

3.51 to 4.42 SEK/per kg 1.65 to 1.76 SEK/per kg 0.78 to 0.79 SEK/per kg

Chocolate & Confectionery Fats Food Ingredients Technical Products & Feed

AarhusKarlshamn SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

THE CEO's COMMENTS

Operating result has improved in all business areas. Cocoa Butter Equivalents (CBE) and synergies have strongly affected the result, while the specialisation strategy has been further developed.

The full year 2007

Earnings for 2007 are the AAK Group's highest since the merger of 2005. The improvement in result is primarily attributable to increased CBE sales and implemented synergies. The operating result amounted to SEK 653 million (455). The company has filed an insurance claim of SEK 47 million, related to the impact of the Danish incident. This claim has not yet been recognized as revenue.

During 2007 the company has had a negative operating cash flow after investments of SEK 1,083 million. The major part of this amount has been used for strategic purchases of shea and investments in the new CBE plant in Aarhus, Denmark. The cash flow has also been negatively affected by the general substantial increase in raw materials.

Fourth quarter 2007

The result for the fourth quarter is the AAK Group's best quarter so far, despite the incident. The improvement in earnings is primarily attributable to increased CBE sales. The operating result amounted to SEK 178 million (108). The company has filed an insurance claim of SEK 47 million, related to the impact of the Danish incident. This claim has not yet been recognized as revenue. The loss of earnings has primarily affected business area Chocolate & Confectionery Fats but has also impacted upon the results respectively of business area Food Ingredients and Technical Products & Feed.

Food Ingredients during the quarter shows good development of gross contribution per kilo. The costs have increased due to acquired units and effects of the accident in Denmark.

Technical Products & Feed show continued improvement of underlying profitability and gross contribution has increased. The quarter has been affected by higher raw material costs caused by compensation deliveries on account of the accident in Aarhus.

The speciality strategy

CBE market growth continues to be strong. Capacity utilisation for our chocolate fats has been high during the past year up until the accident.

AAK is world leader within the CBE sector, and therefore the key raw material of shea is an especially important factor. In order to increase the quantity of shea, a number of projects are being conducted in order to strengthen logistics from West Africa to our factory in Aarhus. We are now seeing positive results from initiatives taken and for 2008 we have good access to the shea raw material.

The specialisation strategy for Food Ingredients and Technical Products & Feed continues to yield positive effect in the form of increased gross contribution per kilo.

Important events 2007

Acquisition Croda Food Service, second quarter

In order to increase integration forward in the value chain and strengthen market position within the bakery sector, AAK has acquired Croda Food Service from Croda plc. The acquired business, which has sales of more than SEK 230 million on an annual basis, is based in Oldham, Great Britain, and provides the bakery sector with a number of different projects and services, together with specially adapted delivery systems. The acquisition generated a profit during 2007.

Baby food, second quarter

Within the specialty fats area of baby food, AAK entered into an agreement concerning a joint venture cooperation (50/50) with Enzymotec, an Israeli development company specialising in advanced lipids (special fats) with specific health-promoting effects. This will strengthen AAKs world-leading position in this area.

Deinking, third quarter

Business Area Technical Products & Feed entered into an agreement for the acquisition of the business unit, Deinking Chemicals, from Ciba Specialty Chemicals Oy in Finland. Products for Deinking (de-inking of wastepaper) is based on speciality fatty acids. The acquisition is an integration forward in the value chain. Sales are about SEK 25 million on an annual basis and will exert a positive impact on earnings from 2008.

Crushing capacity

The discussions reported earlier with Lantmännen concerning increased crushing capacity (oil recovery from rapeseed) are ongoing.

AAK will use its share from the crushing plant for food oils, while the other share will be used for raw materials for biodiesel.

Rationalisation programme (non recurring items)

The earnings for the second quarter were burdened by the cost of SEK 150 million rationalisation programme, primarily affecting the Swedish and Danish production units. Of the total restructuring costs, SEK 50 million have no cash flow impact. The programme is estimated to produce savings of about SEK 100 million on a full year basis commencing 2010.

The accident in Aarhus, Denmark

On 4 December, a fire caused by an explosion occurred in AAK's factory in Aarhus, Denmark. Unfortunately, one employee, was killed. The accident occurred in that part of the factory where vegetable oils are used as components in special fats for chocolate and confectionery products.

At the time of the accident, AAKs new factory for CBE was ready for trials. The new factory, which was not damaged in the accident, is independent of the old plant and is being commissioned.

Approval by authorities for start-up has been delayed on account of the incident.

The raw material inventories of shea were unaffected by the event.

The company has started the process of restoring damaged buildings, equipment and infrastructure in order to recommission the old factory. The process equipment is, in the main undamaged. The start-up is currently estimated to take place in the second half of 2008.

In view of the current situation the company is prioritising the start up of production so as to be able to resume deliveries to the customers as well as other actions to limit the negative impact of the incident.

AAK has filed an insurance claim of SEK 47 million. This claim is presently subject to a verification and approval process by the insurance company. During 2008 AAK will file claims of the same nature for substantial amounts. The insurance compensation will be recognized as revenue when the insurance company has completed its verification and approval process.

Future prospects

The specialisation strategy has been developed further. Cocoa Butter Equivalents (CBE) will continue to be a growth-engine after the start-up of the new factory and restoration of the old factory. Acquisitions and organic growth will progressively improve margins in Food Ingredients.

Synergies of about SEK 175 million will be fully realised during 2008. The major part of this program has effected the 2007 profit. The rationalisation programme in the Nordic Area of about SEK 100 million being developed will show full effect in 2010.

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

Financial overview

Income statement Q 4 Q 4 Change Full year Full year Change
SEK million 2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %
Net sales 3,709 3,057 21 13,005 10,929 19
Gross contribution excluding non
recurring items and IAS 39 921 747 23 3,134 2,723 15
Operating profit exc. non-recurring items
and IAS 39 178 108 65 653 455 44
Operating profit/loss incl. non-recurring items
and IAS 39 294 110 167 646 342 89
Profit after net financial income/expense 229 94 144 448 268 67
Profit for the period after tax 166 58 186 319 177 80
Thereof shareholders' share 166 56 196 314 171 84
Earnings per share, SEK 4.04 1.38 193 7.67 4.18 83
Key
figures
Q 4
2007
Q 4
2006
Full year
2007
Full year
2006
Number of outstanding shares at close of period ('000) 41,384 41,384 41,384 41,384
Of which own shares ('000) 516 539 516 539
Return on capital employed, %* 10.1 5.9 10.1 5.9
Return on equity, %* 13.8 5.5 13.8 5.5
Equity per share, SEK 58.94 56.01 58.94 56.01
Net debt/equity ratio 1.75 1.31 1.75 1.31
Equity/assets ratio, % 28 33 28 33
Average number of employees 2,569 2,529 2,569 2,529

* Rolling 12 month.

Gross
contribution**
Q4 Q4 Full year Full year
SEK million 2007 2006 2007 2006
Chocolate & Confectionery Fats 376 261 1,270 1,019
Food Ingredients 482 431 1,585 1,461
Technical Products & Feed 59 52 233 202
Group Functions 4 3 46 41
Subtotal excluding IAS 39 effects 921 747 3,134 2,723
IAS 39 effects 116 42 143 44
Total for the Group 1,037 789 3,277 2,767
Operating
profit/loss**
Full Full
Q4 Q4 year year
SEK million 2007 2006 2007 2006
Chocolate & Confectionery Fats 106 27 356 164
Food Ingredients 81 89 278 268
Technical Products & Feed 12 15 65 53
Group Functions -21 -23 -46 -30
Subtotal excluding IAS 39 effects 178 108 653 455
IAS 39 effects 116 42 143 44
Total for the Group 294 150 796 499

** All amounts are excluding non-recurring items.

The Group, fourth quarter

Unless otherwise specified, all amounts on pages 5- 8 are excluded IAS 39 effects.

Net sales

The Group's net sales increased by SEK 652 million, 21 percent, primarily on account of higher raw material prices. The negative currency effect amounted to SEK 93 million.

Gross contribution

Gross contribution rose by SEK 174 million, 23 percent, including a negative currency effect of SEK 10 million. Gross contribution per kilo improved primarily due to the increased proportion of specialty products in Chocolate & Confectionery Fats, and to increased CBE volumes particularly.

Operating profit

Operating profit excluding non recurring items amounted to SEK 178 million (108), an improvement of SEK 70 million. The result included a negative currency effect of SEK 4 million. During the fourth quarter, synergy effects increased by SEK 25 million. As from the fourth quarter of 2007, the full annual effect of SEK 175 million has been attained.

The result includes the effect of IAS 39 (fair value movements in raw materials and currency derivatives) which affected earnings by SEK 116 million (42). These changes in market value affect earnings but have no effect on cash flow.

Profit after financial items

The Group's profit after financial items (including IAS 39) amounted to SEK 229 (94) million. Net financial income/-expense totalled SEK -65 million (-16) on account of an increased interest burden resulting from higher borrowing.

Investments

Group's investments amounted to SEK 212 million (129). The largest individual investment during the period was the increased CBE capacity in Aarhus.

Cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities before investments amounted to SEK -266 million (50). Working capital increased by SEK 570 million, primarily on account of strategic stockpiling of shea and the effect of sharply increased raw material prices. Cash flow after net investments of SEK 206 million (129) amounted to SEK -472 million (-79).

Financial position

The Group's equity as at 31 December 2007 totalled SEK 2,443 million (2,319) and the balance sheet total was SEK 8,857 million. The equity/assets ratio was 28 (33) percent. The Group's net borrowings as at 31.12.07 amounted to SEK 4,279 million. Unutilised credit facilities granted totalled SEK 1,111 million.

Personnel

The average number of employees in the Group as at 31 December 2007 rose to 2,569 (31 December 2006: 2,529), primarily on account of acquisitions concluded.

Group Functions

The activities of the Group Functions are primarily concerned with joint Group items related to the Group's development and administration. In addition to the costs in the Parent Company, Group Functions include the operations in Ceylon Trading. In the previous year, items of non-recurring character of SEK 2 million were included, primarily arising from the cost of the introduction to the Stockholm Stock Exchange, OMX.

Business Area Chocolate & Confectionery Fats

Fourth quarter

(including Lipids for Care)

Net sales

Net sales for the business area rose by SEK 218 million, 24 percent, largely as a result of higher Cocoa Butter Equivalents (CBE) volumes.

Gross contribution

Gross contribution improved by SEK 115 million, 44 percent in comparison to the previous year. This increase was due to an improvement in product mix, with a considerably increased proportion of CBEproducts, and lower volumes of other less complex chocolate fat replacers. Gross contribution per kilo improved by 47 percent, due to a favourable product mix, from SEK 3.57 to SEK 5.24 per kilo.

Operating profit

Results improved by SEK 79 million 293 percent primarily on account of increased, access to the CBE raw material, shea, relative to the previous year. The result for Lipids for Care was substantially unchanged compared with the previous year.

Price trend – cocoa butter

The price diagram below shows that the cocoa butter price - the component which CBE replaces - remains at a relatively high level. CBE prices have also risen due to limited global supply.

Price trend – Cocoa Butter

External factors/activities

Strong market growth of CBE continues. Capacity utilisation of our chocolate fats was high during the year, until the accident.

Although the supply of shea from the previous year's harvest has been good, AAK has not received the quantity desired against the background of the considerable demand for CBE during 2007.

In order to increase the supply of shea, a number of projects have been initiated to strengthen logistics from West Africa to our factory in Aarhus. We are now seeing positive results of initiatives taken and for 2008 we have good access to the shea raw material. The cost of acquiring the raw material will probably increase.

The accident in Aarhus, Denmark

The impact of the incident is explained at page 3.

Chocolate & Confectionery Fats

(including Lipids for Care)

Q 4 Q 4 Full year Full year
SEK million 2007 2006 2007 2006
Net sales 1,130 912 3,914 3,351
Gross contribution 376 261 1,270 1,019
Gross contribution
per kilo 5.24 3.57 4.42 3.51
Operating profit exc.
non-recurring items 106 27 356 164
Operating profit incl.
non-recurring items 106 24 260 89
Volumes
(thousand tonnes) 72 73 288 290

Business Area Food Ingredients Fourth quarter

Net sales

Net sales for the business area rose by SEK 347 million, 20 percent, primarily as a result of higher raw materials prices.

Gross contribution

Gross contribution improved by SEK 51 million, 12 percent to SEK 482 million relative to the previous year. Gross contribution per kilo improved from SEK 1.84 to SEK 2.10 per kilo.

Operating profit

Operating profit has declined by SEK 8 million, 9 percent to SEK 81 million. Costs have increased on account of acquired units and temporary effects of the incident in Denmark. The Business Area, were it not for the accident in Denmark, could have reached a better result.

External factors/activities

The accelerated consumption of vegetable oils within the energy sector has driven up raw materials prices for the Group and this will probably continue. This, in turn, involves further competitive pressure within the retail trade, which places all participants in the food industry's value chain under strong price pressure. The requirements for innovative, cost-effective solutions are increasing. Increased palm prices involve the higher application of capital, primarily in inventories.

Raw material prices – palm, rapeseed and soya

Continental Europe

During the fourth quarter, Continental Europe experienced high capacity utilisation resulting in increased volumes.

UK

Sales were unchanged during the quarter, volume decreased, but the product mix with the proportion of specialty products improved. Operating profit increased in comparison with the preceding year.

USA

Sales and volumes rose. The operating result improved in relation to the previous year.

Mexico

Sales, volume and operating result improved in comparison with the previous year.

Food Ingredients

Q 4 Q 4 Full year Full year
SEK million 2007 2006 2007 2006
Net sales 2,122 1,775 7,500 6,177
Gross contribution 482 431 1,585 1,461
Gross
Contribution per kilo 2.10 1.84 1.76 1.65
Operating profit exc.
non-recurring items 81 89 279 268
Operating profit incl.
non-recurring items 81 62 230 235
Volumes
(thousand tonnes) 230 234 898 884

Business Area Technical Products & Feed Fourth quarter

Net sales

Net sales for the business area grew by SEK 96 million, 32 percent, as a result of significantly higher volumes, primarily in Business Sector Feed, and high capacity utilisation.

Gross contribution

Gross contribution improved by SEK 7 million, 13 percent, to SEK 59 million in comparison with the previous year. This improvement is due both to increased volumes and higher capacity utilisation. Gross contribution per kilo improved by 11 percent, due to an increased proportion of specialty fatty acids, from SEK 0.70 to SEK 0.78 per kilo.

Operating profit

The result deteriorated by SEK 3 million, 20 percent to SEK 15 million. The quarter has been affected by high raw material costs caused by replacement deliveries on account of the accident in Aarhus. Technical Products & Feed shows continued improved underlying profitability, whilst gross contribution has improved. The Business Area, were it not for the accident in Denmark, could have achieved better result.

External factors/activities

Rising palm oil prices reduced the competition from Asia. Measures taken within the EU to increase the proportion of biomass for energy production mean that we continue to face rising raw materials prices. The announced cooperation concerning a joint crushing plant with Lantmännen will further strengthen AAK's competitiveness.

Tefac

Both sales and volume have increased, primarily on account of an increased proportion of speciality fatty acids. The result is unchanged compared with the previous year. Business area Deinking Chemicals acquired from Ciba Specialty Chemicals Oy in Finland will have a positive impact on earnings as from next year.

Binol

Binol continues to strengthen its position in the Nordic Area as the leading supplier of environmentally adapted lubricants, especially within the metal-working and the forestry and installation industries.

This is the result of several years' development work in close proximity to customers, and a developed holistic concept in parallel with a strong increase in interest in environmentally adapted products over the last few years. Sales and volumes have increased during the year and earnings continue to be good.

Feed

Both sales and volume have increased and operating result is unchanged.

Technical Products & Feed

Q 4 Q 4 Full year Full year
SEK million 2007 2006 2007 2006
Net sales 392 296 1,307 1,057
Gross
Contribution 59 52 233 202
Gross
Contribution per kilo 0.78 0.70 0.79 0.78
Operating profit exc.
non-recurring items 12 15 65 53
Operating profit incl.
non-recurring items 12 7 60 45
Volumes
(thousand tonnes) 76 74 295 261

FULL YEAR, JANUARY – DECEMBER

Sales were SEK 13,005 million (10,929), an increase of SEK 2,076 million, 19 percent, primarily on account of higher raw material prices and volume increases within the CBE segment.

Gross contribution rose by SEK 411 million, 15 percent, to SEK 3,134 million. 51 percent of the improvement is from business area Chocolate & Confectionery Fats and primarily from increased CBE volumes.

Gross contribution per kilo increased by 12 percent from SEK 1.90 per kg to SEK 2.12 per kg, largely due to increased CBE volumes.

Operating profit for the full year, excluding nonrecurring items and IAS 39, totalled SEK 653 million (455), an increase of SEK 198 million, or 44 percent. Changes in exchange rates since the beginning of the year exerted a negative effect on the result of SEK 18 million.

Net financial income/expense was SEK -198 million (-74) and earnings after net financial income/expense amounted to SEK 448 million (268), an increase of 67 percent. The tax rate was 29 percent (34). The lower tax rate is explained by non-recurring items (deferred tax) in connection with the reduction of the tax rate in Denmark. The tax rate excluding nonrecurring effects would have amounted to about 31 percent. The result for the period amounted to SEK 319 million (177). Earnings per share were SEK 7.67 (4.18).

Cash flow from ongoing activities was SEK -383 million (177). Working capital increased by SEK 1,164 million, primarily as a result of strategic stockpiling of shea and the effect of higher raw material prices. The Group's net investments totalled SEK 700 million (501) which include the new CBE plant for CBE in Aarhus, Denmark. After investment, acquisitions and disposals, cash flow amounted to SEK -1,083 million (-324).

The average number of employees was 2,569 (2,529 on 31 December 2006), an increase of 40 persons from the beginning of the year, primarily on account of acquisitions concluded.

IMPORTANT EVENTS AND ACQUISITIONS

Important events and acquisitions are described on page 2-3.

RELATED PARTIES

No significant changes have taken place in relationships or transactions with related parties since the annual report for 2006.

RISKS & UNCERTAINTY FACTORS

All business operations involve risk – a controlled approach to risk taking is a prerequisite in maintaining good profitability. Risk may be dependent on events in the outside world and may affect a specific sector or market, and the risk may also be purely company-specific.

At AAK, effective risk management is a continuing process which is carried on within the framework of operational management and forms a natural part of the day-to-day monitoring of operations.

External risks

The AAK Group is exposed to fierce competition, which characterises the industry, as well as fluctuations in raw material prices which affect capital tied up.

Financial risk

The operations of the AAK Group involve exposure to significant financial risks, particularly currency risks and raw material price risks.

Operational risk

Raw materials used in the operation are agricultural products, and availability may therefore vary due to climatic and other external factors.

Over and above the risks and uncertainties described in AAK's 2006 Annual Report, no other significant risks or uncertainties have emerged.

ACQUISITIONS

Business unit Deinking Chemicals has a sales of approximately SEK 25 million.

Carrying
amount in Recognized
acquired Fair value value in the
Amount in SEK million operations adjustments Group
Intangible assets - 14 14
Tangible assets 1 0 1
Net identifiable assets 1 14 15
Goodwill - - -
Consideration paid - - 15
Cash and cash equivalents acquired - - -
Net cash paid - 15

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

This interim report has been prepared in accordance with IFRS, with the application of IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, and the Annual Accounts Act. The accounting policies and assessment policies adopted and the basis for assessment are the same as those used in the most recent annual report.

COMPULSORY REDEMPTION

The compulsory redemption procedure as regards outstanding minority shares in AarhusKarlshamn Sweden AB (previous company name, Karlshamns AB) was completed during the fourth quarter of 2007. This procedure was commenced during the autumn of 2005 immediately after the merger took place, against the background of the fact that minority shareholders equivalent to 1.8 percent of the share capital of AarhusKarlshamn Sweden AB had not accepted the offer that AarhusKarlshamn AB (publ) had made for this company. AarhusKarlshamn AB (publ) has subsequently, through pre-emptive access to the minority shareholders' shares, consolidated all shares as regards AarhusKarlshamn Sweden AB in the company's and Group's accounts in June 2006.

Through a legally binding judgment by the Arbitration Committee, the minority shareholders have now received compensation of an amount of SEK 141.73 per share, together with interest on the amount equivalent to SEK 13.42 per share, i.e., a total of SEK 155.15 per share.

The judgment and payment thus mean that the compulsory redemption procedure has been completed.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2008

The annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday 21 May 2008, in the afternoon, in Europaporten, in Malmö, Sweden. The latest notification date for attendance at the meeting is Thursday 15 May. The notification date to vote at the meeting is 15 May 2008.

PROPOSED DIVIDEND

The board of directors and the President and CEO propose that a dividend of SEK 4:00 (4:00) per share be paid for the financial year 2007. The proposed notification dated for the dividend is 26 May, and it is expected that the dividend will reach shareholders on 29 May.

INFORMATION DATES

The 2007 Annual Report will be published during week 16, 2008.

The interim report for the first quarter of 2008 will be published on 21 May, 2008.

The interim report for the second quarter of 2008 will be published on 12 August, 2008.

The interim report for the third quarter of 2008 will be published on 31 October, 2008.

EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

No significant events have occurred after the balance sheet date.

THE PARENT COMPANY

The parent company's invoiced sales during 2007 were SEK 23 million (17). Profit/loss after financial items for the parent company amounted to SEK -42 million (75).

Interest-bearing liabilities minus cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing assets totalled SEK 221 million (83 as at 31 December 2006). Investments in tangible assets amounted to SEK 0 million (1).

The parent company's balance sheet and income statement are shown on page 16.

Accounting policies

AarhusKarlshamn AB is the parent company of the AAK Group. The Company has prepared its financial reports in accordance with the Annual Account Act and the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council's recommendation RR32:06, Reporting for Legal Entities, as stated in the Annual Report for 2006.

Changes in the balance sheet

Increased borrowing by the parent company after the start of the year is substantially attributable to the dividend of SEK 165 million, approved by the Annual General Meeting.

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

THE GROUP'S PERFORMANCE

Consolidated income statement

SEK million Q 4
2007
Q 4
2006
Full year
2007
Full year
2006
Net sales 3,709 3,057 13,005 10,929
Other income 7 33 23 44
Total operating income 3,716 3,090 13,028 10,973
Raw materials, consumables and goods for resale -2,686 -2,316 -9,629 -8,061
Other external costs -334 -270 -1,177 -1,186
Cost of remuneration to employees -300 -303 -1,164 -1,063
Depreciation/amortisation and impairment losses -89 -81 -385 -306
Other expenses -13 -10 -27 -15
Total operating expenses -3,422 -2,980 -12,382 -10,631
Operating profit 294 110 646 342
Interest income 3 6 15 15
Interest expense -68 -37 -204 -102
Other financial items 0 15 -9 13
Profit before tax 229 94 448 268
Tax -63 -36 -129 -91
Profit for the year 166 58 319 177
Attributable to minority share 0 2 5 6
Attributable to Parent Company's shareholders 166 56 314 171
SHARE DATA
Number of shares, thousand 41,384 41,384 41,384 41,384
Thereof own shares 516 539 516 539
Earnings per share, SEK* 4.04 1.38 7.67 4.18
Equity per share, SEK 58.94 56.01 58.94 56.01
Market value on closing date 117.00 201.00 117.00 201.00

* The calculation of earnings per share is based on a weighted average number of outstanding shares. At present, the Group has no outstanding convertible debentures or outstanding subscription options.

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

Summary consolidated balance sheet

SEK million 2007-12-31 2006-12-31
ASSETS
Goodwill 614 579
Other intangible assets 115 59
Tangible assets 2,964 2,752
Financial assets 141 164
Total non-current assets 3,834 3,554
Inventories 2,451 1,512
Current receivables 2,405 1,738
Cash and cash equivalents 167 129
Total current assets 5,023 3,379
TOTAL ASSETS 8,857 6,933
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity 2,409 2,287
Minority share 34 32
Total equity including minority share 2,443 2,319
Non-current liabilities 4,489 2,716
Accounts payable 723 502
Other current liabilities 1,202 1,396
Total current liabilities 1,925 1,898
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 8,857 6,933

No changes have arisen in contingent liabilities.

Change in the Group's equity

Total Minority Total equity
Equity share including
SEK million minority share
Opening equity 01-01-2007 2,287 32 2,319
Disposal of own shares 5 - 5
Translation differences -34 -2 -36
Dividend paid -163 -1 -164
Profit for the period 314 5 319
Closing equity 31.12.07 2,409 34 2,443
Total Minority Total equity
Equity share including
SEK million minority share
Opening equity 01.01.06 3,504 50 3,554
Acquisition of the minority in AAK Sweden AB -39 -19 -58
Disposal of own shares 8 - 8
Translation differences -177 -5 -182
Dividend paid
Profit for the period
-1,180
171
-
6
-1,180
177

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

Summary cash flow statement for the Group

Q 4 Q 4 Full year Full year
SEK million 2007 2006 2007 2006
Operating activities
Cash flow from operating activities before
change in working capital 304 165 781 502
Change in working capital -570 -116 -1,164 -325
Cash flow from operating activities -266 50 -383 177
Investing activities
Cash flow from investing activities -206 -129 -700 -501
Financing activities
Cash flow from financing activities 506 -203 1,125 254
Cash flow for the period 34 -282 42 -70
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 133 419 129 211
Exchange rate difference in cash and cash equivalents 0 -8 -4 -12
Cash and cash equivalents at close of period 167 129 167 129

Change in working capital of SEK –1,164 million includes unfavourable exchange rate difference of SEK 52 million.

Summary of earnings and key ratios, January – December 2007

SEK million Q 4 Q 4 Full year Full year
2007 2006 2007 2006
Net sales 3,709 3,057 13,005 10,929
Gross contribution exc. non-recurring items
and IAS 39
Gross contribution, %
921
25
747
24
3,134
24
2,723
25
Operating profit exc. non-recurring items and IAS 39 178 108 653 455
Operating margin, %, exc. non-recurring items and IAS 39 5 4 5 4
Operating profit incl. non-recurring items exc. IAS 39 178 68 503 298
Operating margin, %, incl. non-recurring items exc. IAS 39 5 2 4 3
Operating profit incl. non-recurring items and IAS 39 294 110 646 342
Operating margin, %, incl. non-recurring items and IAS 39 8 4 5 3
Net profit for the period 166 58 319 177
Attributable to Parent Company's shareholders 166 56 314 171
Attributable to minority share 0 2 5 6
Operating profit before depreciation/amortisation (EBITDA) 383 191 1,031 648
Operating cash flow after investments -471 -79 -1,083 -325
Investments 212 129 712 501
- thereof acquisitions 15 - 119 37
Equity attributable to Parent Company's shareholders 2,409 2,287 2,409 2,287
Minority share 34 32 34 32
Net borrowings 4,273 3,036 4,273 3,036
Equity/assets ratio, % 28 33 28 33
Net debt/equity ratio, multiple 1.75 1.31 1.75 1.31
Capital employed 7,199 5,830 7,199 5,830

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

* Amounts are excluding effects of IAS 39.

Consolidated income statement

2006 2007
SEK million Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Full year Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Full year
Net sales 2,797 2,599 2,476 3,057 10,929 2,971 2,965 3,360 3,709 13,005
Gross contribution
inc. non-recurring items* 675 567 663 745 2,650 737 726 750 921 3,134
Gross contribution*
exc. non-recurring items 675 638 663 747 2,723 737 726 750 921 3,134
Operating profit exc.
non-recurring items* 119 101 127 108 455 162 152 161 178 653
Financial items -20 -16 -22 -16 -74 -36 -41 -56 -65 -198
Profit/loss after financial items 106 -18 86 94 268 128 -77 168 229 448
- thereof changes in value of
raw materials and derivatives 12 -1 -9 42 44 2 -38 63 116 143

Gross contribution exc. non-recurring items, business areas*

2006 2007
SEK million Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Full year Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Full year
Chocolate & Confectionery Fats 287 222 249 261 1,019 307 289 298 376 1,270
Food Ingredients 331 348 351 431 1,461 358 365 380 482 1,585
Technical Products & Feed 50 49 51 52 202 57 58 59 59 233

Operating profit exc. non-recurring items, business areas*

2006
SEK million Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Full year Q 1 2007
Q 2
Q 3 Q 4 Full year
Chocolate & Confectionery Fats 72 27 38 27 164 97 70 83 106 356
Food Ingredients 45 66 68 89 268 55 72 71 81 279
Technical Products & Feed 12 14 12 15 53 17 18 18 12 65
Group Functions -10 -6 9 -23 -30 -7 -8 -11 -21 -47
Operating profit Group 119 101 127 108 455 162 152 161 178 653

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

THE PARENT COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE

The Parent Company's income statement

Full year Full year
SEK million 2007 2006
Net sales 23 17
Other income 1 0
Total operating income 24 17
Other external costs -26 -40
Personnel costs -29 -21
Depreciation/amortisation and impairment losses 0 0
Other expenses 0 0
Total operating expenses -55 -61
Operating loss -31 -44
Interest income and similar items 0 127
Interest expense and similar items -11 -8
Profit/loss before tax -42 75
Tax 12 14
Net profit for the year -30 89

Summary balance sheet for the Parent Company

SEK million 2007-12-31 2006-12-31
ASSETS
Other intangible assets 0 0
Tangible assets 2 2
Financial assets 5,838 5,838
Total non-current assets 5,840 5,840
Current receivables 68 93
Cash and cash equivalents - -
Total current assets 68 93
TOTAL ASSETS 5,908 5,933
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity 4,348 4,512
Total equity 4,348 4,512
Non-current liabilities 221 83
Accounts payable 5 4
Other current liabilities 1,334 1,334
Total current liabilities 1,339 1,338
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 5,908 5,933

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

Malmö, 21 February, 2008

Ulrik Svensson Jerker Hartwall Annika Westerlund Leif Håkansson

Melker Schörling Carl Bek-Nielsen Martin Bek-Nielsen Mikael Ekdahl Chairman of the Board Vice Chairman

John Goodwin Märit Beckeman Ebbe Simonsen Anders Davidsson

President & CEO Trade union Trade union representative representative

For further information please contact Corporate Communication, telephone +46 40 627 83 00

Auditors' Review Report

We have conducted a review of the financial information for AarhusKarlshamn AB (publ) for the period 2007. The Board of Directors and the President are responsible for preparing and presenting this interim report in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this interim report, based on our review.

We conducted our review in accordance with the Standard on Review Engagements (SÖG) 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by FAR. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the Standards on Auditing in Sweden RS and other generally accepted auditing practices. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain a level of assurance that would make us aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Therefore, the conclusion expressed based on a review does not provide the same level of assurance as a conclusion expressed based on an audit.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying interim report in all material respects, is not prepared in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act'.

Malmö 21 February 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

Anders Lundin Eric Salander

Authorised Public Accountant Authorised Public Accountant

The information is that which AarhusKarlshamn AB (publ) is obliged to publish under the provisions of the Stock Exchange and Clearing Operations Act and/or the Trading in Financial Instruments Act. The information was released to the media for publication on 21 February 2008 at 8.45 a.m.

SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2007 INTERIM REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AS OF 31 DECEMBER 2007

211 19 Malmö, Sweden

AarhusKarlshamn AB (publ) Telephone Fax E-mail Corporate ID No. Skeppsgatan 19 +46 40 627 83 00 +46 40 627 83 11 [email protected] 556669-2850

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