Stable production but lower prices and market terms as well as weaker dollar affect profits
"Boliden's operating profit for the fourth quarter totalled SEK 590 million, which is a significant fall in comparison with previous quarters and is expected to be below market estimates. Boliden is greatly exposed to US dollar exchange rates, the price of zinc metal and TC/RC's for copper and zinc. A fall in the price of zinc affects mines and smelters negatively both in ongoing business and revaluation of stocks. During the fourth quarter the zinc price has fallen by 37% compared with the same period in 2006 and by 18% since the third quarter. A large amount of Boliden's copper production is based on purchased concentrate where prices are regulated by long-term contracts, which are adjusted annually. The TC/RC's for copper have decreased significantly during the fourth quarter compared with the previous year, due to a shortage of copper concentrate. Production during the fourth quarter was stable."
Lennart Evrell
Q4 2007
· Revenues fell to SEK 7,290 million (SEK 9,728 m).
· The operating profit totalled SEK 590 million (SEK 2,225 m).
· The profit for the period was SEK 364 million (SEK 1,750 m).
· Earnings per share totalled SEK 1.33 (SEK 6.04).
· Cash flow from operating activities totalled SEK 509 million (SEK 2,947 m).
Full year 2007
· Revenues fell to SEK 33,204 million (SEK 35,213 m).
· The operating profit fell to SEK 5,428 million (SEK 8,522 m).
· The profit for the period was SEK 3,787 million (SEK 6,268 m).
· Earnings per share totalled SEK 13.37 (SEK 21.66).
· Cash flow from operating activities totalled SEK 3,730 million (SEK 8,010 m).
· The cost of dividends paid and the redemption and buy-back of shares totalled approximately SEK 6.8 billion.
Important Events
· Lennart Evrell new CEO on 1st January 2008.
· Boliden Area reduces production 2008-2009.
· The Board of Directors will revert at a later date regarding their proposal for dividends for 2007 to the Annual General Meeting.
___________________
Contact persons for information:
Lennart Evrell, President and CEO [email protected] Tel +46 8 610 16 02
Eva Kaijser, SVP Investor Relations & Group Communications [email protected] Tel +46 8 610 15 60 Mobile +46 70 932 09 01
Carina Wång, Acting CFO [email protected] Tel +46 8 610 15 21
See attached the complete Interim Report.
www.boliden.com