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Swedish Match Interim / Quarterly Report 2012

May 4, 2012

2979_10-q_2012-05-04_c49cea9e-f4b7-4b3a-ac8d-13fb2f3cbcc9.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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Interim Report January – March 2012

  • Sales for the first quarter increased by 10 percent to 2,917 MSEK (2,646). In local currencies, sales for the first quarter increased by 9 percent
  • Operating profit from product areas1) for the first quarter increased by 24 percent to 903 MSEK (729). In local currencies, operating profit from product areas1) increased by 22 percent
  • Operating profit2) increased by 23 percent to 972 MSEK (793) for the first quarter
  • EPS (basic) for the first quarter amounted to 3.27 SEK (2.50)
  • 1) Operating profit for Swedish Match product areas, which excludes share of net profit in STG.
  • 2) Operating profit for the Group includes share of net profit in STG.

CEO Lars Dahlgren comments:

Swedish Match delivered strong growth in both sales and operating profit in the first quarter.

In local currencies, sales increased for all our product areas compared to the first quarter of the prior year, up in total by 9 percent, and, operating profit increased by 22 percent with particularly strong performance for Scandinavian snus and US mass market cigars.

In Scandinavia, the snus business delivered a solid 15 percent increase in sales and increased profitability despite a mix shift toward more lower priced products in Sweden.

In the US moist snuff business, while sales were flat on somewhat lower volumes, both operating margin and operating profit grew.

We continue our investments behind General snus in the US, with an expansion now underway into seven new geographies. Test market activities for snus through SMPM International show promising signs in Canada, and St. Petersburg, Russia.

Our US mass market cigar business continued to excel during the quarter, with shipment volumes growing by 36 percent in the quarter, and sales increasing by more than 20 percent in local currency.

Our Group strategy is to position Swedish Match as the global smokefree leader, to leverage our strong platforms in Other tobacco products (US mass market cigars and chewing tobacco) to maximize long term profitability, to continue our operational excellence for Lights, and, through active ownership, realize the potential of Scandinavian Tobacco Group.

MSEK January-March Full year
2012 2011 2011
Sales 2,917 2,646 11,666
Operating profit from product areas1) 903 729 3,365
Operating profit2) 972 793 3,702
Profit before income tax 838 665 3,180
Profit for the period 668 533 2,538
Earnings per share, basic (SEK) 3.27 2.50 12.14

Summary of consolidated income statement

1) Excluding share of net profit in STG. 2) Including share of net profit in STG.

Sales and results for the first quarter

Sales for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 10 percent to 2,917 MSEK (2,646) compared to the same period of the previous year. Currency translation has affected the sales comparison positively by 43 MSEK. In local currencies, sales increased by 9 percent.

In the first quarter, sales for the product area Snus and snuff increased by 13 percent to 1,206 MSEK (1,068) and operating profit improved by 21 percent to 568 MSEK (469) despite higher international snus investments. In local currencies sales increased by 11 percent, driven by strong performance in Scandinavia, while operating profit increased by 21 percent. The operating margin for the Snus and snuff product area was 47.1 percent (44.0).

Scandinavian snus sales were up by 15 percent compared to the first quarter of the prior year, on flat shipment volumes. Volumes were impacted by both timing (Easter) effects and hoarding effects, adjusted for these effects volumes in Scandinavia are estimated to have increased by 1 percent in the quarter compared to the same period of the prior year. In the US, sales of snus and snuff in local currency were flat on approximately 4 percent lower volumes from prior year.

For Other tobacco products, sales in the first quarter increased by 16 percent, to 675 MSEK (583). In local currency, sales increased by 11 percent. Operating profit in local currency increased by 17 percent and reported operating profit increased 21 percent to 297 MSEK (245). Currency translation has affected the sales and operating profit comparison positively by 27 MSEK and 11 MSEK respectively. Compared to the first quarter of the prior year, sales and operating profit grew significantly for the US mass market cigar business while for chewing tobacco, sales and operating profit declined. Operating margin for Other tobacco products increased to 44.0 percent (41.9).

Operating profit from product areas increased by 24 percent to 903 MSEK (729). In local currencies, the operating profit increased by 22 percent. Currency translation has affected the comparison positively by 14 MSEK. Operating margin for the first quarter was 33.3 percent (30.0). EBITDA margin was 35.9 percent (32.6).

Operating profit, including share of net profit from STG, increased to 972 MSEK (793). The share of net profit from STG, after interest and tax, amounted to 69 MSEK (65) for the first quarter.

Basic earnings per share for the first quarter amounted to 3.27 SEK (2.50) while diluted earnings per share amounted to 3.24 SEK (2.49).

Sales by product area

Full
January-March Chg year
MSEK 2012 2011 % 2011
Snus and snuff 1,206 1,068 13 4,726
Other tobacco products 675 583 16 2,388
Lights 350 336 4 1,346
Other operations 687 659 4 3,206
Sales 2,917 2,646 10 11,666

Operating profit by product area

Full
January-March Chg year
MSEK 2012 2011 % 2011
Snus and snuff 568 469 21 2,181
Other tobacco products 297 245 21 1,049
Lights 57 58 -2 240
Other operations -19 -43 -105
Operating profit from product areas 903 729 24 3,365
Share of net profit in STG1) 69 65 6 337
Operating profit 972 793 23 3,702

1) The share of net profit in STG for the first quarter 2011 includes restructuring charges of 5 MSEK before tax. For the full year 2011, the share of net profit in STG includes restructuring charges of 66 MSEK before tax.

In order to reconcile to the Group's profit before income tax amounting to 838 MSEK (665) for the first quarter, the Group's net finance cost needs to be deducted from the operating profit with an amount of 134 MSEK (128).

Operating margin by product area

January-March Full
year
Percent 2012 2011 2011
Snus and snuff 47.1 44.0 46.1
Other tobacco products 44.0 41.9 44.0
Lights 16.3 17.3 17.9
Operating margin from product areas1) 31.0 27.5 28.8
Operating margin2) 33.3 30.0 31.7

1) Excluding share of net profit in STG.

2) Including share of net profit in STG.

EBITDA by product area

Full
January-March Chg year
MSEK 2012 2011 % 2011
Snus and snuff 611 506 21 2,337
Other tobacco products 319 265 20 1,130
Lights 67 68 -2 281
Other operations -16 -41 -94
EBITDA from product areas 980 797 23 3,655
1)
Share of net profit in STG
69 65 6 337
EBITDA 1,049 862 22 3,992

1) The share of net profit in STG for the first quarter 2011 includes restructuring charges of 5 MSEK before tax. For the full year 2011, the share of net profit in STG includes restructuring charges of 66 MSEK before tax.

EBITDA margin by product area

Full
January-March year
Percent 2012 2011 2011
Snus and snuff 50.6 47.4 49.4
Other tobacco products 47.2 45.4 47.3
Lights 19.0 20.3 20.9
EBITDA margin from product areas1) 33.6 30.1 31.3
2)
EBITDA margin
35.9 32.6 34.2

1) Excluding share of net profit in STG.

2) Including share of net profit in STG.

Snus and snuff

Sweden is the world's largest snus market measured by per capita consumption. A substantially larger proportion of the male population uses the Swedish type of moist snuff called snus* compared to cigarettes. The Norwegian market is smaller than the Swedish market but has in recent years experienced strong volume growth. The US is the world's largest moist snuff market measured in number of cans and is about five times larger than the Scandinavian snus market. In Sweden and Norway, Swedish Match has a leading position. In the US, the Group is well positioned as the third largest player. Some of the best known brands include General, Ettan, Grovsnus, Göteborgs Rapé, Catch, and Kronan in Sweden, and Timber Wolf, Longhorn and Red Man in the US.

The first quarter

*

In local currencies, sales for the product area Snus and snuff increased by 11 percent during the first quarter compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Reported sales increased by 13 percent to 1,206 MSEK (1,068) and reported operating profit amounted to 568 MSEK (469). For the first quarter, sales and operating profit improved in Scandinavia versus the first quarter of the prior year. In the US, sales and operating profit for snus and snuff were flat versus the first quarter of the prior year.

In Scandinavia, shipment volumes measured in number of cans, were flat in the first quarter compared to the first quarter of the prior year. On January 1, 2012, the weight based excise tax on snus in Sweden was increased by 13.7 percent. This, in combination with price increases, resulted in trade hoarding in Sweden in the fourth quarter of 2011 of approximately 2 million cans, and trade destocking in the first quarter. The trade destocking in Sweden was offset by strong shipment volumes to Norway in the quarter. When adjusted for Easter effects and year-end hoarding effects, shipment volumes in Scandinavia are estimated to have increased by about 1 percent versus the first quarter of the prior year. Sales revenues in Scandinavia grew by 15 percent in the first quarter. Operating profit and operating margin in Scandinavia in the first quarter increased versus the same quarter of the previous year.

In the US, sales of snus and snuff were flat in local currency during the first quarter versus the first quarter of the prior year. US volumes measured in number of cans were down 4 percent versus the prior year's first quarter. Operating profit increased

Swedish snus is moist snuff which is produced using a special heat treated process, much like pasteurization, as opposed to other moist snuff products for which a fermentation process is used.

for moist snuff, but including the increased investments behind Swedish snus in the US the operating profit for snus and moist snuff combined was flat. For General snus in the US the trends are encouraging, and the Company continued to increase distribution in the quarter. General snus is now being launched in seven additional cities and is currently available in more than 4,500 stores across the US.

The operating margin for the product area was 47.1 percent (44.0).

Other tobacco products

The product area Other tobacco products consists of US mass market cigars and chewing tobacco. Swedish Match is a major player in the US mass market cigar market, with such well known brands as White Owl, Garcia y Vega, and Game by Garcia y Vega. Swedish Match offers a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points for US mass market cigars. Swedish Match is the leading producer of chewing tobacco in the US where the product is mainly sold in the southern states of the country. Well known brands include Red Man and Southern Pride. The market for chewing tobacco shows a declining trend.

The first quarter

During the first quarter, sales for the product area Other tobacco products increased by 11 percent in local currency compared to the same period of the previous year, and operating profit increased by 17 percent in local currency, driven by US mass market cigars. Reported sales for the product area amounted to 675 MSEK (583) and reported operating profit was 297 MSEK (245). The operating margin was 44.0 percent (41.9).

During the first quarter, US mass market cigar volumes grew by 36 percent and sales increased by more than 20 percent in local currency compared to the same period in the previous year. The growth for US mass market cigars is attributable to the continued success of recent product introductions. The line of sweets cigars in FoilFresh® packaging, remains an important contributor to the strong volume growth. This has been further supported by the launch in the first quarter of White Owl Silver cigars, as well as strong growth in Game small cigars. Operating profit and operating margin increased versus prior year.

US chewing tobacco sales in the first quarter were down by 3 percent in local currency, and operating profit was also lower. Shipment volumes of own brands declined by 11 percent, while contract manufacturing volumes were above prior year levels, following inventory adjustments in previous quarters.

Lights

Swedish Match is the market leader in a number of markets for matches. The match brands are mostly local, with leading positions in their home countries. Larger brands include Solstickan, Fiat Lux, Swan, Tres Estrellas, Feudor, and Redheads. The Group's main brand for disposable lighters is Cricket. Swedish Match's largest market for lighters is Russia.

The first quarter

During the first quarter sales for the product area Lights amounted to 350 MSEK (336). In local currencies, sales increased by 4 percent. Operating profit amounted to 57 MSEK (58) and the operating margin was 16.3 percent (17.3).

For lighters, sales and operating profit in local currencies increased compared to the first quarter of the prior year as a result of strong volume performance. For matches, sales and operating profit declined in local currencies, mainly as a result of a weaker country mix and lower volumes.

Other operations

Other operations are primarily the distribution of tobacco products on the Swedish market, and corporate overhead costs.

The first quarter

Sales in Other operations for the first quarter amounted to 687 MSEK (659). Operating loss for Other operations was 19 MSEK (43). Operating loss in the first quarter of 2012 was positively affected by a one time income from termination of a distribution agreement relating to the divested pipe tobacco operations. During the first quarter of 2011, the operating loss included redundancy costs following an organizational change.

Scandinavian Tobacco Group

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) was established on October 1, 2010, following a merger between the tobacco activities in Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S and the European mass market cigar, US premium cigar and pipe tobacco businesses of Swedish Match. The Danish company Skandinavisk Holding A/S holds 51 percent of the shares in STG, and the remaining 49 percent are held by Swedish Match. STG is the world's largest manufacturer of cigars, a world leader in pipe tobacco, and holds a strong position within fine cut tobacco in Scandinavia and the US. STG's leading brands include Café Crème, La Paz, Henri Wintermans, Macanudo, CAO, Partagas (USA), Cohiba (USA), Erinmore, Borkum Riff, Colts and Tiedemanns. On March 1, 2011, STG acquired Lane Limited in the US (Lane) from Reynolds American Inc. Lane produces pipe tobacco, fine cut tobacco and little cigars.

Please see Note 3 for a summary of STG consolidated income statement.

The STG result, and consequently the Swedish Match reported share of the net result in STG, may for some reporting periods be partly based on estimates due to differences in reporting time schedules. Any differences between such estimates and the actual result of STG for the period, are adjusted in the following reporting period.

The first quarter

Sales for Scandinavian Tobacco Group increased by 13 percent to 1,334 MDKK (1,179) during the first quarter compared to the same quarter of the previous year. In local currencies, excluding Lane effects, sales increased by 5 percent. Reported EBITDA amounted to 258 MDKK (235).

For premium cigars, sales increased on higher shipment volumes, and operating profit increased more in percentage terms, as a result of realized synergies and the stronger volume performance. Sales through mail order and Internet channels in particular showed a strong performance in the quarter.

For mass market cigars the general market decline in European markets continued in the quarter, partly driven by the introduction of a smoking ban in Belgium in hotels, restaurants and cafés. STG shipments were also negatively influenced by a strike in the Houthalen plant. Despite these developments, STG increased sales and operating profit and gained market shares in key markets.

Pipe tobacco/fine cut sales and operating profit declined somewhat, mainly as a result of volume declines in export markets, while the strong performance in Europe continued.

Lane performance during the first quarter was according to expectations for the domestic US market, while volumes for export markets for pipe tobacco and little cigars were below plan which negatively impacted sales and EBITDA.

The first quarter of 2012 includes the Lane business for three months, while it was included only for one month in the first quarter of 2011. The first quarter of 2011 also included one month of sales and EBITDA related to cigar brands in Australia which were divested during that quarter. On a comparable basis, EBITDA increased by 3 percent for total STG.

Net finance cost for the quarter increased to 33 MDKK (10), due to a higher average net debt following the Lane transaction, increased interest rates and adverse currency effects. The reported tax rate for the quarter was 26.1 percent. Profit for the period amounted to 117 MDKK (112) including a positive adjustment of 17 MDKK (2) relating to differences between estimates and actual result for the previous period.

The Swedish Match share of net profit in STG amounted to 69 MSEK (65).

On April 26, 2012, the Annual General Meeting of STG decided that a dividend of in total 350 MDKK would be paid to the shareholders and Swedish Match received its share of the dividend, 204 MSEK, on April 27.

Taxes

For the first quarter, the reported tax expense amounted to 170 MSEK (132), corresponding to a tax rate of 20.3 percent (19.9). The reported tax rate excluding associated companies and joint ventures was 22 percent (22).

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) for the first quarter amounted to 3.27 SEK (2.50), while diluted EPS was 3.24 SEK (2.49).

Depreciation and amortization

In the first quarter, total depreciation and amortization amounted to 77 MSEK (68), of which depreciation on property, plant and equipment amounted to 62 MSEK (55) and amortization of intangible assets amounted to 14 MSEK (13).

Financing and cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities for the first quarter amounted to 307 MSEK compared with 523 MSEK for the same period previous year. The main reasons for the decrease in cash flow from operations in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period 2011 are higher tobacco tax payments relating to hoarding at the end of 2011.

Investments in property, plant and equipment during the first quarter amounted to 39 MSEK (52).

Net finance cost for the first quarter increased to 134 MSEK (128).

The net debt as per March 31, 2012 amounted to 8,733 MSEK compared to 8,886 MSEK at December 31, 2011.

In the first quarter share repurchases, net, of 230 MSEK were made. During the first quarter new bond loans of 463 MSEK were issued. Repayment of loans for the same period amounted to 759 MSEK. As at March 31, 2012 Swedish Match had 9,744 MSEK of interest bearing debt excluding retirement benefit obligations compared to 10,038 MSEK at December 31, 2011. During the remainder of 2012, 556 MSEK of this debt falls due for payment. As of March 31, 2012, Swedish Match had 1,415 MSEK in unutilized committed credit lines.

Cash and cash equivalents amounted to 2,226 MSEK at the end of the period, compared with 2,533 MSEK as of December 31, 2011.

Average number of employees

The average number of employees in the Group during the first quarter was 3,824 compared with 3,880 for the full year 2011.

Share structure

During the first quarter, Swedish Match repurchased 1.4 million shares for 367 MSEK at an average price of 250.52 SEK, following authorization from the Annual General Meeting held in 2011. During the first quarter the Company sold 0.9 million treasury shares at an average price of 144.71 SEK, totaling 137 MSEK, as a result of option holders exercising options. Total shares bought back by Swedish Match since the buyback program started have been repurchased at an average price of 100.87 SEK.

As per March 31, 2012 Swedish Match held 9.3 million shares, corresponding to 4.39 percent of the total number of shares. The number of shares outstanding, net as per March 31, 2012, amounted to 203.7 million. The Company has issued call options of which an amount corresponding to 4.0 million shares exercisable in gradual stages from 2012-2015 were outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

In April 2012, a further 123,000 shares have been repurchased for 33 MSEK at an average price of 267.66 SEK.

Annual General Meeting and repurchase of own shares

The Annual General Meeting on May 2, 2012 re-elected Andrew Cripps, Karen Guerra, Conny Karlsson, Robert F. Sharpe, Meg Tivéus and Joakim Westh as Board members. Conny Karlsson was re-elected Chairman of the Board and Andrew Cripps was re-elected Deputy Chairman of the Board.

The Annual General Meeting approved the Board's proposal to pay a dividend to the shareholders of 6.50 SEK per share for at total of 1,324 MSEK, based on the number of shares outstanding as per March 31, 2012. In addition, a decision was made to cancel 7 million shares held in treasury with a simultaneous bonus issue, without issuing new shares, of an amount equivalent to the reduction of share capital through the cancellation of shares. With the latter transaction the Company's share capital will not decrease through the cancellation of shares. The total number of registered shares in the Company before the cancellation of shares is 213.0 million and the total number of outstanding shares as of May 2 was 203.5 million.

The Annual General Meeting also authorized the Board of Directors to decide on the acquisition, on one or more occasions prior to the next Annual General Meeting, of a maximum of as many shares as may be acquired without the Company's holding at any time exceeding 10 percent of all shares in the Company. The shares shall be acquired on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm at a price within the price interval registered at any given time, i.e. the interval between the highest bid price and the lowest selling price. The Board has decided to execute share repurchases under this mandate in the time period until the Annual General Meeting in 2013.

Outlook

For the full year 2012, we expect continued growth in revenues and operating profit led by a solid development for Snus and snuff and Other tobacco products.

During the year, we will continue to invest for growth for snus internationally. In the US we will expand distribution and invest further in marketing activities to build awareness and generate trial. In SMPM International, the plan is to add at least one additional test market during the year.

We expect both the Scandinavian snus market and the US market for moist snuff to continue to grow in volume terms in 2012.

In the US mass market cigar business, we will launch additional innovative products and we expect to continue to grow faster than the overall market and generate increased sales and profits in local currency. The trend of declining volumes for US chewing tobacco is expected to continue.

The tax rate for 2012, excluding one time items as well as associated companies and joint ventures, is expected to be around 22 percent.

The Company maintains its long term financial strategy and dividend policy, and we remain committed to returning cash not needed in operations to shareholders.

Risk factors

Swedish Match faces intense competition in all of its markets and for each of its products and such competition may increase in the future. In order to be successful the Group must promote its brands successfully and anticipate and respond to new consumer trends. Restrictions on advertising and promotion may, however, make it more difficult to counteract loss of consumer loyalty. Competitors may develop and promote new products which could be successful, and could thereby have an adverse effect on Swedish Match results of operations.

Swedish Match has a substantial part of its production and sales in the US as well as in Brazil, Norway and EMU member countries. Consequently, changes in exchange rates of euro, Norwegian krona, Brazilian real and in particular the US dollar may adversely affect the Group's results of operations, cash flow, financial condition or relative price competitiveness in the future. Such effects may occur both in local currencies and when such local currencies are translated into Swedish currency for purposes of financial reporting.

Regulatory and fiscal changes related to tobacco and other taxes, as well as to the marketing, sale and consumption of tobacco products, in the countries where the Group is operating may have an adverse effect on Swedish Match results of operations.

For a further description of risk factors affecting Swedish Match, see the Report of the Board of Directors in the published Swedish Match annual report for 2011.

Swedish Match AB (publ)

Swedish Match AB (publ) is the Parent Company of the Swedish Match Group.

Sales in the Parent Company, for the first quarter amounted to 14 MSEK (13). Profit before income tax amounted to 676 MSEK (loss 310) and net profit for the first quarter amounted to 781 MSEK (net loss 229).

The main sources of income for the Parent Company are dividends and Group contributions from subsidiaries. During the first quarter the Parent Company received dividends amounting to 1,077 MSEK (-).

Part of the Group's treasury operations are within the operations of the Parent Company including the major part of the Group's external borrowings. The majority of these loans have fixed interest rates and hence any changes in interest rates would have an immaterial impact on the result of the Parent Company.

No capital expenditures on tangible fixed assets have been recognized during the first quarter 2012, nor during 2011. During the first quarter 9 MSEK (7) have been capitalized in intangible assets as an investment in software development on an ERP system for the Group.

The total cash flow for the period was zero (0) as the Parent Company does not hold any cash and bank balances.

During the first quarter, new bond loans of 463 MSEK were issued and repayment of loans amounted to 759 MSEK. During the period the Parent Company made share repurchases of 367 MSEK (1,180) and sold 0.9 million (0.5) treasury shares for 137 MSEK (67).

Forward-looking information

This report contains forward-looking information based on the current expectation of the Swedish Match Group's management. Although management deems that the expectations presented by such forward-looking information are reasonable, no guarantee can be given that these expectations will prove correct. Accordingly, the actual future outcome could vary considerably compared to what is stated in the forward-looking information, due to such factors as changed market conditions for Swedish Match's products and more general conditions regarding business cycles, market and competition, changes in legal requirements and other political measures, and fluctuation in exchange rates.

Additional information

This report has not been reviewed by the Company's auditors. The half year 2012 report will be released on July 20, 2012.

Stockholm, May 4, 2012

Lars Dahlgren President and CEO

Key data

12 months
January-March ended Full year
2012 2011 March 31, 2012 2011
Operating margin, % 33.3 30.0 32.5 31.7
Operating capital, MSEK 7,474 6,966 7,474 7,224
Return on operating capital, % 53.8 51.7
EBITDA, MSEK1) 1,049 862 4,179 3,992
EBITA, MSEK2) 986 807 3,939 3,759
Net debt, MSEK 8,733 8,223 8,733 8,886
Net debt/EBITA2) 2.2 2.4
Investments in property, plant and equipment,
MSEK3) 39 52 232 245
EBITA interest cover 7.5 6.7 7.6 7.4
Excluding share of net profit in STG
EBITA, MSEK2) 918 742 3,598 3,422
Net debt/EBITA2) 2.4 2.6
Share data
Earnings per share, basic, SEK 3.27 2.50 12.92 12.14
Earnings per share, diluted, SEK 3.24 2.49 13.01 12.07
Number of shares outstanding at end of period 203,655,265 209,408,074 203,655,265 204,172,141
Average number of shares outstanding, basic 204,069,318 212,807,915 206,816,540 209,001,190
Average number of shares outstanding, diluted 205,687,877 213,857,724 205,494,079 210,296,918

1) Operating profit adjusted for depreciation, amortization and write-downs of tangible and intangible assets.

2) Operating profit adjusted for amortization and write-downs of intangible assets.

3) Including investments in forest plantations of 8 MSEK (7).

Consolidated income statement in summary

MSEK January-March Chg 12 months
ended
March 31,
Full year Chg
2012 2011 % 2012 2011 %
Sales, including tobacco tax 5,769 5,158 24,273 23,662
Less tobacco tax -2,852 -2,512 -12,336 -11,997
Sales 2,917 2,646 10 11,937 11,666 2
Cost of goods sold -1,376 -1,298 -5,852 -5,774
Gross profit 1,541 1,348 14 6,085 5,892 3
Selling and administrative expenses -635 -617 -2,534 -2,516
Share of net profit/loss in associated companies and
joint ventures 66 62 331 327
Operating profit 972 793 23 3,881 3,702 5
Finance income 6 10 32 37
Finance costs -140 -138 -562 -560
Net finance cost -134 -128 -529 -523
Profit before income tax 838 665 26 3,353 3,180 5
Income tax expense -170 -132 -680 -642
Profit for the period 668 533 25 2,673 2,538 5
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Parent 667 533 2,672 2,538
Non-controlling interests 0 0 0 1
Profit for the period 668 533 25 2,673 2,538 5
Earnings per share, basic, SEK 3.27 2.50 12.92 12.14
Earnings per share, diluted, SEK 3.24 2.49 13.01 12.07

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

MSEK 12 months
January-March ended Full year
2012 2011 March 31, 2012 2011
Profit for the period 668 533 2,673 2,538
Other comprehensive income
Translation differences related to foreign operations -125 -224 41 -57
Translation differences included in profit and loss -1 - -1 0
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 64 -48 90 -22
Reclassification adjustments for gains/losses on cash flow
hedges included in profit and loss - - 0 0
Actuarial gains and losses attributable to pensions, including
payroll tax 114 96 -335 -353
Share of other comprehensive income in associated
companies and joint ventures -91 -82 81 90
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive
income -63 -26 106 143
Other comprehensive income, net of tax for the period -102 -284 -17 -199
Total comprehensive income for the period 565 249 2,656 2,340
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Parent 565 249 2,655 2,339
Non-controlling interests 0 0 0 1
Total comprehensive income for the period 565 249 2,656 2,340

Consolidated balance sheet in summary

MSEK March 31, 2012 December 31, 2011
Intangible assets 967 992
Property, plant and equipment 2,032 2,076
Investments in associated companies and joint ventures 4,415 4,481
Other non-current financial receivables1) 1,320 1,395
Current operating assets 2,916 3,031
Other current investments and current financial assets 0 0
Cash and cash equivalents 2,226 2,533
Total assets 13,876 14,507
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent -1,266 -1,602
Non-controlling interests 2 2
Total equity -1,264 -1,599
Non-current provisions 1,068 1,070
Non-current loans 8,956 8,535
Other non-current financial liabilities2) 1,616 1,787
Current provisions 72 84
Current loans 531 1,283
Other current liabilities3) 2,897 3,347
Total equity and liabilities 13,876 14,507

1) Includes pension assets of 68 MSEK (67) and derivative financial instruments of 53 MSEK (62) used to hedge the Parent Company's bond loans denominated in euro.

2) Includes pension liabilities of 1,283 MSEK (1,449) and derivative financial instruments of 284 MSEK (247) used to hedge the Parent Company's bond loans denominated in euro.

3) Includes current financial derivatives of 26 MSEK (33) used to hedge the Parent Company's bond loans denominated in euro.

Consolidated cash flow statement in summary

MSEK January-March
2012 2011
Operating activities
Profit before income taxes 838 665
Adjustment for share of net profit/loss in associated companies and joint ventures -66 -62
Adjustments for other non-cash items and other 91 102
Income tax paid -139 -104
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital 724 602
Cash flow from changes in working capital -417 -78
Net cash from operating activities 307 523
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment -39 -52
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1 0
Purchase of intangible assets -9 -8
Investments in other companies1) - -4
Changes in financial receivables etc. 2 1
Net cash used in investing activities -45 -62
Financing activities
Changes in loans -296 -244
Repurchase of own shares -367 -1,180
Stock options exercised 137 67
Other 3 -2
Net cash used in financing activities -523 -1,360
Net decrease/increase in cash and cash equivalents -262 -899
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 2,533 3,275
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents -46 -81
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 2,226 2,295

1) Investments in other companies 2011 pertain to acquisition of 13 percent of the shares in Secure Vending AB in an amount of 4 MSEK.

Change in shareholders' equity

MSEK Equity
attributable to
holders of
Non-controlling
the Parent interests Total equity
Equity at January 1, 2011 -484 2 -482
Profit for the period 533 0 533
Other comprehensive income, net of tax for the period -284 0 -284
Total comprehensive income for the period 249 0 249
Repurchase of own shares -1,180 - -1,180
Stock options exercised 67 - 67
Equity at March 31, 2011 -1,349 2 -1,347
Equity at January 1, 2012 -1,602 2 -1,599
Profit for the period 667 0 668
Other comprehensive income, net of tax for the period -102 0 -102
Total comprehensive income for the period 565 0 565
Repurchase of own shares -367 - -367
Stock options exercised 137 - 137
Equity at March 31, 2012 -1,266 2 -1,264

Parent Company income statement in summary

MSEK January-March
2012 2011
Sales 14 13
Administrative expenses -55 -43
Operating loss -41 -30
Result from participation in Group companies 1,077 -
Result from participation in joint ventures - -4
Net finance cost -360 -276
Profit/Loss before income tax 676 -310
Income tax 105 80
Profit/Loss for the period 781 -229

Parent Company statement of comprehensive income

MSEK January-March
2012 2011
Profit/Loss for the period 781 -229
Other comprehensive income
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 64 -48
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income -17 13
Other comprehensive income, net of tax for the period 47 -35
Total comprehensive income for the period 828 -265

Parent Company balance sheet in summary

MSEK Mar 31, 2012 Mar 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2011
Intangible and tangible fixed assets 67 51 60
Non-current financial assets 49,369 50,667 49,373
Current assets 285 512 2,172
Total assets 49,720 51,229 51,605
Equity 20,124 20,200 19,525
Untaxed reserves 124 1 124
Provisions 75 113 71
Non-current liabilities 27,376 26,704 26,960
Current liabilities 2,021 4,212 4,924
Total liabilities 29,472 31,029 31,955
Total equity and liabilities 49,720 51,229 51,605

Note 1 – Accounting principles

This report for the Group is prepared in accordance with the Accounting Standard IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and applicable rules in the Annual Accounts Act. The report for the Parent Company is prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act, Chapter 9 and RFR 2.

The new or amended IFRS standards and IFRIC interpretations, which became effective January 1, 2012, have had no material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In all other aspects, the accounting principles and basis of calculations in this report are the same as in the annual report of 2011.

Note 2 – Related parties transactions

The Group's related parties include joint ventures, associated companies and key management personnel with significant influence over the Company. Key management personnel with significant influence over the Company are Swedish Match Board of Directors and members of the Group Management Team.

In the normal course of business, Swedish Match conducts various transactions with associated companies and joint ventures. Transactions are conducted at an arms-length basis. At the end of the first quarter 2012, receivables from these companies amounted to 43 MSEK and total payables to these companies amounted to 2 MSEK. During the first quarter 2012, total sales to associated companies and joint ventures amounted to 58 MSEK and total purchases from associated companies and joint ventures amounted to 19 MSEK.

No transactions with key management personnel besides normal remuneration have been conducted during the period.

Note 3 – Scandinavian Tobacco Group

Summary of STG consolidated income statement

January - March Change
MDKK 2012 2011 %
Sales 1,334 1,179 13
EBITDA (excluding one time items) 258 243 6
EBITDA 258 235 10
Operating profit 169 161 5
Net finance cost -33 -10
Income tax expense -35 -40
Net profit for the period 100 110 -9
Adjustment from previous period1) 17 2
Adjusted net profit for the period 117 112 5

MSEK

Swedish Match's share of net profit 69 65 6

1) Adjustment relating to differences between estimates and actual results for the previous period.

Quarterly data1)

MSEK Q1/12 Q4/11 Q3/11 Q2/11 Q1/11 Q4/10 Q3/10 Q2/10 Q1/10
Sales, including tobacco tax 5,769 6,262 6,208 6,033 5,158 5,471 7,044 6,676 5,870
Less tobacco tax -2,852 -3,198 -3,198 -3,089 -2,512 -2,671 -3,221 -2,976 -2,588
Sales 2,917 3,064 3,011 2,944 2,646 2,801 3,823 3,701 3,282
Cost of goods sold -1,376 -1,515 -1,495 -1,467 -1,298 -1,338 -1,896 -1,805 -1,624
Gross profit 1,541 1,549 1,516 1,478 1,348 1,463 1,927 1,896 1,658
Selling and administrative expenses
Share of net profit/loss in associated
-635 -648 -604 -647 -617 -621 -878 -955 -902
companies and joint ventures 66 120 71 74 62 -65 1 4 -2
972 1,022 983 904 793 777 1,049 945 755
Larger one time items
Net gain from pension settlements
Capital gain from transfer of
- - - - - 59 - - -
businesses to STG - - - - - 585 - - -
Operating profit 972 1,022 983 904 793 1,421 1,049 945 755
Finance income 6 8 10 9 10 8 6 5 8
Finance costs -140 -142 -140 -140 -138 -207 -134 -134 -115
Net finance cost -134 -134 -130 -131 -128 -199 -128 -129 -106
Profit before income tax 838 888 853 773 665 1,221 921 816 649
Income tax expense -170 -183 -169 -157 -132 -148 -192 -180 -130
Profit for the period 668 705 684 616 533 1,074 729 637 519
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Parent 667 705 684 615 533 1,073 729 636 519
Non-controlling interests 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Profit for the period 668 705 684 616 533 1,074 729 637 519

1) Includes businesses transferred to STG for the first nine months of 2010.

Sales by product area

MSEK Q1/12 Q4/11 Q3/11 Q2/11 Q1/11 Q4/10 Q3/10 Q2/10 Q1/10
Snus and snuff 1,206 1,266 1,199 1,193 1,068 1,178 1,174 1,116 1,054
Other tobacco products 675 578 613 613 583 557 631 664 588
Lights 350 364 333 313 336 379 352 347 351
Other operations 687 856 866 826 659 687 806 722 615
Sales from product areas 2,917 3,064 3,011 2,944 2,646 2,801 2,964 2,849 2,608
Businesses transferred to STG1) - - - - - - 859 852 674
Sales 2,917 3,064 3,011 2,944 2,646 2,801 3,823 3,701 3,282

1) Sales for businesses transferred to STG for the first nine months of 2010.

Operating profit by product area

MSEK Q1/12 Q4/11 Q3/11 Q2/11 Q1/11 Q4/10 Q3/10 Q2/10 Q1/10
Snus and snuff 568 581 590 540 469 567 592 487 434
Other tobacco products 297 255 278 272 245 208 259 270 204
Lights 57 80 59 44 58 87 58 68 66
Other operations -19 -18 -18 -26 -43 -26 -35 -32 -48
Operating profit from product
areas 903 898 909 829 729 836 874 793 655
Share of net profit/loss in STG1) 69 124 74 74 65 -60 - - -
Businesses transferred to STG2) - - - - - - 143 118 73
Subtotal 972 1,022 983 904 793 777 1,017 911 728
Net gain from pension settlements - - - - - 59 - - -
Capital gain from transfer of
businesses to STG - - - - - 585 - - -
Reversal of depreciation and
amortizations relating to assets
held for sale - - - - - - 32 34 27
Total larger one time items - - - - - 644 32 34 27
Operating profit 972 1,022 983 904 793 1,421 1,049 945 755

1) The share of net profit in STG during 2011 includes restructuring charges of 66 MSEK before tax in total. The share of net loss in STG in 2010 (fourth quarter) includes restructuring charges, other transaction costs and IFRS acquisition adjustments amounting to 175 MSEK before tax.

2) Operating profit for businesses transferred to STG for the first nine months of 2010.

Operating margin by product area 1)

Percent Q1/12 Q4/11 Q3/11 Q2/11 Q1/11 Q4/10 Q3/10 Q2/10 Q1/10
Snus and snuff 47.1 45.9 49.2 45.3 44.0 48.1 50.4 43.6 41.2
Other tobacco products 44.0 44.1 45.3 44.4 41.9 37.4 41.0 40.7 34.7
Lights 16.3 21.9 17.7 13.9 17.3 23.0 16.3 19.6 18.7
Operating margin from product
areas2) 31.0 29.3 30.2 28.2 27.5 29.9 29.5 27.8 25.1
Operating margin3) 33.3 33.4 32.7 30.7 30.0 27.7 26.6 24.6 22.2

1) Excluding larger one time items.

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2) Excluding share of net profit/loss in STG.

3) Including share of net profit/loss in STG.

For further information, please contact:

Lars Dahlgren, President and Chief Executive Officer Office +46 8 658 0441, Mobile +46 70 958 0441

Joakim Tilly, Chief Financial Officer Office +46 8 658 0213, Mobile +46 76 860 9597

Emmett Harrison, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications and Sustainability Office +46 8 658 0173, Mobile +46 70 938 0173

Richard Flaherty, President US Division, US Investor Relations contact Office +1 804 787 5130, Mobile +1 804 400 1774

The character of the information in this report is such that it shall be disclosed by Swedish Match AB (publ) in accordance with the Swedish Securities Markets Act. The information was disclosed to the media on May 4, 2012 at 08.15 a.m. (CET).

Swedish Match AB (publ), Box 7179, SE-103 88 Stockholm, Sweden Visiting address: Västra Trädgårdsgatan 15. Telephone: +46 8 658 0200 Corporate Identity Number: 556015-0756 www.swedishmatch.com

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