STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 24, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- With great sadness the Board of Directors of Industriforvaltnings AB Kinnevik (Nasdaq:KVIKA) (Nasdaq:KVIKB) announced that the Chairman of the Company, Mr. Jan Hugo Stenbeck, passed away on August 19, 2002. On August 22, Mr. Ulf Spang was appointed Chairman by the Board of Directors.
ADMINISTRATION
On August 27, Kinnevik finalised an agreement with Sveaskog on the sale of some 200,000 hectares of forest land, corresponding to just over a third of Korsnas's forests, and its sawmill operations. Supply agreements have been signed with Sveaskog that will ensure the supply of raw material to Korsnas Industrial in Gavle. The purchase price amounted to some MSEK 2,000 and capital gains amounted to some MSEK 750.
Since 1976, Kinnevik's shares have generated an average effective yield of 13% per year as a result of rising prices and dividends, including the value of subscription offers. During the past five years, Kinnevik's shares have generated an average effective yield of -13% per year.
The value of the Group's holdings of listed securities amounted to MSEK 4,277 at September 30, 2002, which is MSEK 8,450 lower than the value of MSEK 12,727 on December 31, 2001. On October 23, 2002, the value was MSEK 5,794, which means that book value exceeds market value of the Group's listed portfolio by MSEK 5,318 on that date. The book value of the shareholdings is subject to regular appraisal in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards.
RESULT FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2002
Net turnover for the first nine months of 2002 amounted to MSEK 4,719 (4,668). The Korsnas Holding group's net turnover amounted to MSEK 4,486 (4,460). The net turnover of Other subsidiaries amounted to MSEK 238 (209).
Operating income was MSEK 1,350 (747). This figure includes income from corporate development and income from sales of securities of MSEK 792 (146). After adjustment for these non-recurring items, operating income decreased by 7% from MSEK 601 to MSEK 558.
Kinnevik's interest in the earnings of associated companies amounted to a net loss of MSEK 640 (loss 201), of which Tele2 AB (Tele2) accounted for a loss of MSEK 40 (-), Millicom International Cellular S.A. (MIC) for a loss of MSEK 416 (loss 173) and Metro International S.A. (Metro) for a loss of MSEK 145 (-).
Financial revenue and expense amounted to a net expense of MSEK 274 (expense 277), of which exchange rate differences represented a loss of MSEK 20 (gain 10).
RESULT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2002
Net turnover for the third quarter of 2002 amounted to MSEK 1,511 (1,481). The Korsnas Holding group's net turnover amounted to MSEK 1,433 (1,420). The net turnover of Other subsidiaries amounted to MSEK 79 (62).
Operating income was MSEK 975 (203). This figure includes income from corporate development and income from sales of securities of MSEK 753 (-4). After adjustment for these non-recurring items, operating income increased by 7% from MSEK 207 to MSEK 222.
Kinnevik's interest in the earnings of associated companies amounted to a net loss of MSEK 395 (loss 27), of which Tele2 accounted for a loss of MSEK 40 (-), MIC for a loss of MSEK 299 (loss 7) and Metro for a loss of MSEK 47 (-).
Financial revenue and expense amounted to a net expense of MSEK 108 (expense 121), of which exchange rate differences represented a loss of MSEK 10 (loss 1).
MELLERSTA SVERIGES LANTBRUKS AB
After a period of generally warm, dry weather, this year the Swedish farms produced a good, normal harvest. As a result of the dry weather, the business's result was negatively affected by the heavy working required by the hard ground. The spell of wet weather at the end of June and beginning of July caused higher levels of fungal spores, which impaired quality. Consumer demand for organic foods is high. The proportion of organically cultivated crops is currently 55%, and this will increase further in coming years. The EU's acreage subsidies for 2002 will be about the same as last year's.
The weather in north-east Poland has been similar to that experienced by Sweden, which has given a somewhat better harvest than expected. Extensive cultivation of previously uncultivated land will not provide a harvest until the autumn of 2003. The estates in Poland cover a total area of 6,729 hectares, with 680 dairy cattle and 675 young animals. The net turnover of the Swedish operations was MSEK 6 (10) during the first nine months of the year, and the operating result was a loss of MSEK 3 (income 4). The net turnover of Rolnyvik, the Polish associate, amounted to MSEK 13 (12) and its operating result was a loss of MSEK 7 (loss 2).
KORSNAS HOLDING AB
Korsnas Holding AB is the parent company of Korsnas AB, which, together with its subsidiary companies, makes up the Korsnas group. The Korsnas group's net turnover for first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 4,486 (4,460) and its operating income was MSEK 571 (677). The operating margin was 12.7% (15.2). Income after financial net amounted to MSEK 631 (766).
Korsnas Forestry
The clearance of wind-blown trees from the late-autumn storms of 2001 was completed during the period. The lower efficiency of harvesting in storm damaged forests meant that total harvested volumes were lower than for the corresponding period last year. The storm felling has therefore had a significant and adverse impact on the result for the first three quarters. Operations are now back to normal. The wood market is characterised by relative stability as regards saw timber prices, while pulpwood prices are back at the levels that were established prior to the storm felling. The program to reduce the amount of capital invested in inventory has resulted in inventory of hardwood and softwood pulpwood being reduced by some 20% in a controlled manner. The procurement situation is stable and imports of pulpwood from Russia and the Baltic States are running smoothly, while the business in Latvia is developing according to plan.
On August 27, Kinnevik finalised an agreement with Sveaskog on the sale of some 200,000 hectares of forest land, corresponding to just over one-third of Korsnas' forests, and on its sawmill operations. Supply agreements have been signed with Sveaskog that will ensure the supply of raw material to Korsnas Industrial in Gavle. Korsnas Forestry's net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 1,111 (1,156) and operating income was MSEK 154 (169).
Korsnas Industrial
During the period, the market was characterised by higher demand for paper and paperboard products. The market for fluff pulp was stable. Overall, deliveries of paper, pulp and paperboard products for the first nine months were slightly below those in the corresponding period last year. The strong demand for paper and paperboard products has created opportunities for significant price increases. The market price of sack and kraft paper climbed by between 5 and 10% during the later part of the period, although, given the lower prices at the start of the year and the strengthening of the currency, the average price of market products from Korsnasverken was lower than for the corresponding period last year. Total revenue is therefore the same. On the cost side, the effects of the ongoing efficiency program continue to show through in reduced personnel costs etc. Cost-cutting measures are also being taken, as are measures to adapt personnel levels in individual product areas.
During the period, production at Korsnasverken amounted to 490,000 tonnes of pulp, which is 3% lower than the 506,000 tonnes produced in the same period last year. The decline in the output of market products is due to PM3 being shut down at the beginning of the year. Combined with strong sales, this means that inventory was reduced by 25% according to plan. The production of paper and paperboard on the remaining machines is running very smoothly, with capacity gradually increasing to above budgeted levels and with quality levels that meet expectations. Plans are in hand to gradually increase the total production of market products for coming periods. Despite cost-cutting measures, the price level in combination with a slightly lower level of production caused a slight deterioration in Korsnasverken's result. Inventory reductions have had an adverse effect on margins, but they have improved the cash flow.
The Kastet sawmill was sold to Sveaskog in August, thereby ending Korsnas's sawmilling operations. The market for redwood products was characterised during the period by improved prices. The extensive rationalisation program launched last year has had an effect in the form of lower costs, which, combined with a higher level of production than last year, resulted in improved profitability. However, the improvements did not match expectations and the sawmill was incurring continued losses until the time it was divested in August.
Korsnas Industrial's net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 3,127 (3,131) and operating income was MSEK 427 (588).
Korsnas Packaging
Korsnas Packaging is the second largest producer of paper sacks and paper bags in Europe with 12 production units. Sales are handled by offices in 15 European countries, with volumes amounting to more than 900 million sacks and bags a year. In 2001, Korsnas Packaging opened a production facility and a sales office in the USA. The packaging market is still characterised by weak demand, especially in Germany, Scandinavia, Great Britain and the USA. Despite higher sales volumes, net turnover was lower than for the corresponding period last year. Prices were raised in the third quarter in response to higher raw material prices, which resulted in an improved operating margin.
Sales via the recently opened business in the USA have continued to increase according to plan, despite difficult market conditions. Restructuring measures at the existing businesses in Europe are continuing at an intensive pace, and have involved further personnel cutbacks, amongst other measures. In 2002, the production units in Croatia and Finland were closed and the volumes transferred to other units, which has resulted in considerable savings. A sack factory was acquired in Germany during the first quarter, after which production capacity was transferred to the existing unit in Wilhelmstal.
Korsnas Packaging's net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 1,201 (1,234) and the operating result was a loss of MSEK 10 (loss 80).
CIS CREDIT INTERNATIONAL SERVICES AB
CIS provides a complete range of outsourcing services within debt collection, finance and payroll management. CIS's debt collection business is one of the largest in Scandinavia. Its experienced personnel and customised procedures enable CIS to help its customers maximise their payment flows. In the finance area, CIS offers all the services that are provided by a company's finance department such as sales and purchase ledgers, accounting and credit information. CIS's customers have access to specialists who handle the administration efficiently and to effective and flexible business systems with modern web interfaces. This enables customers to offer higher quality at lower cost and gives them the opportunity to sharpen the focus on their core businesses.
CIS's customers include the Swedish Judiciary Administration, Tele2, SCA, Carlsberg Denmark, MTG, Busslink and Nordea. There was a steady inflow of new customers during the period, including Parkerings Compagniet, Jula Postorder, Telenor's EDB Dolphin and Bane Tele. At September 30, 2002, CIS had 253 (279) employees. Net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 154 (121) and operating income amounted to MSEK 29 (4).
WORLDWIDE LOYALTY B.V.
The role of Worldwide Loyalty B.V. is to provide loyalty programs and targeted market activities for its customers through the "Collect" bonus club. The company commenced operations in 1998. Among the most important customers are Tele2, Viasat, Sydkraft, Flygvaruhuset, Hertz and First Hotels. Net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 27 (31). The operating result was a loss of MSEK 1 (loss of 23).
OTHER SUBSIDIARIES
Other subsidiaries include AirTime (AT) AB, N.P. Birraria Hugo's in Kosovo, Forvaltnings AB Eris & Co. and Bison Air AB. The business conducted by AirTime was transferred to Modern Times Group as of October 1, 2002, upon which date the company became dormant. In 2001, N.P. Birraria Hugo's started production of the only domestically produced lager beer in Kosovo. The net turnover of Other subsidiaries for the first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 51 (47) and the operating result was a loss of MSEK 8 (loss of 23).
ASSOCIATED COMPANIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS
At September 30, 2002, Kinnevik's long-term holdings comprised the following listed securities:
- Tele2 AB ("Tele2"), 6,498,880 "A" shares and 19,646,646 "B" shares corresponding to 24.7% of the votes and 17,7% of the capital. Since the end of the period, Kinnevik has purchased an additional 1,926,087 "B" shares, bringing its interest up to 25.3% of the votes and 19.0% of the capital.
- Millicom International Cellular S.A. ("MIC"), 17,349,500 shares, corresponding to 35.5% of the votes and capital.
- Metro International S.A. ("Metro"), 15,999,010 "A" shares and 460,000 "B" shares corresponding to 28.7% of the votes and 15.0% of the capital. - Modern Times Group MTG AB ("MTG"), 3,529,637 "A" shares and 1,418,081 "B" shares corresponding to 17.8% of the votes and 7.5% of the capital. - Viking Telecom AB ("Viking"), 4,657,000 shares corresponding to 23.6% of the votes and capital.
- Cherryforetagen AB ("Cherry"), 935,000 "A" shares and 4,918,833 "B" shares corresponding to 26.4% of the votes and 28.7% of the capital.
- Invik & Co. AB ("Invik"), 380,351 "A" shares and 11,079 "B" shares corresponding to 9.2% of the votes and 5.0% of the capital.
TELE2 AB
Following the reclassification by Tele2 of the Series "A" shares held by certain other shareholders to Series "B" shares in July 2002, and after the purchase of additional Tele2 shares in the third quarter, Kinnevik controlled 24.7% of the votes in Tele2 at September 30, as a result of which its holding is now classified as an associated company. As of July 2002, the equity method is used when making up the consolidated financial statements. The difference between the value stated in the consolidated accounts and the interest in Tele2's equity amounted to MSEK 4,327 at the time of acquisition. This comprises goodwill upon consolidation, which will be written off over ten years. In accordance with the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards recommendation RR13, Step-up Acquisitions, a sum of MSEK 940 has been taken direct to equity in Kinnevik's consolidated balance sheet. This amount corresponds to the effect on the asset value that would have been stated if the holding had been consolidated under the equity method as of the date of each acquisition.
The market value of Kinnevik's holding in Tele2 was MSEK 3,605 as of September 30, 2002. On October 23, the market value was MSEK 5,150. Tele2's "A" and "B" shares are listed on Stockholmsborsen's "O" list and on Nasdaq in New York.
Tele2 is the leading alternative pan-European telecommunications company offering fixed and mobile telephony, data network and Internet services under the brands Tele2, Tango and Comviq to 16.5 million people in 21 countries. Tele2 operates Datametrix, which specialises in systems integration, 3C Communications, operating public pay telephones and public Internet services; Transac, providing billing and transaction processing service; C3, offering co-branded pre-paid calling cards and IntelliNet and Optimal Telecom, the price-guaranteed residential router device. The Group offers cable television services under the Kabelvision brand name and together with MTG, owns the Internet portal Everyday.com.
Net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 22,791 (18,159). Operating income amounted to MSEK 1,215 (loss of 1,131) and result after financial net amounted to MSEK 679 (loss of 1,600).
MILLICOM INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR S.A.
The market value of Kinnevik's holding in MIC was MSEK 106 as of September 30, 2002. On October 23, the market value was MSEK 118. MIC's shares are listed on Nasdaq in New York and on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. MIC is a global provider of mobile telecom services with operations in Asia, Latin America and Africa. MACH, the world's leading GSM clearing company, is also a member of the MIC group. MIC is currently a shareholder in 18 companies in 17 countries that together represent a market of 444 million people. The total number of subscribers in these companies on September 30, 2002 was 3,970,101 (3,098,321), which represents an increase of 28% over the previous 12-month period. On a pro rata basis in relation to MIC's equity holdings, the number of subscribers was 2,823,223 (2,267,809), an increase of 24%. The subscriber base of Tele2, in which MIC has a minority interest, is not included in the above figures. Net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MUSD 450 (494). Operating income amounted to MUSD 67 (62). The company's result after financial net was a loss of MUSD 88 (loss of 69).
METRO INTERNATIONAL S.A.
The market value of Kinnevik's holding in Metro was MSEK 93 as of September 30, 2002. On October 23, the market value was MSEK 81. Metro's "A" and "B" shares are listed on Stockholmsborsen's "O" list and on Nasdaq in New York. Metro is the world's largest free newspaper and is published in 23 editions in 15 countries in 13 languages. The newspaper is the fastest expanding publication in the world with a total circulation of 4.1 million and more than 10 million readers per day. Revenue is generated by selling advertising space. Net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MUSD 96 (78). Operating result was a loss of MUSD 53 (loss of 64). The company's result after financial net was a loss of MUSD 64 (loss of 63).
FINANCIAL POSITION
The Group's liquid funds, including short-term investments and undrawn credit facilities, amounted to MSEK 2,383 (1,771) as of September 30, 2002. The Group's net interest-bearing debt amounted to MSEK 6,027 (7,130). The average cost of interest for the first nine months of the year was 4.9% (5.0%) (calculated as interest expense in relation to average interest-bearing debt excluding pension liabilities). The Group's fixed capital expenditure during the period amounted to MSEK 1,021 (719), of which MSEK 330 (264) related to material fixed assets and MSEK 691 (455) to financial fixed assets. The equity ratio was 55% (55%) at September 30, 2002. After taking into account the deficiency of listed securities, the equity ratio was 37% (51%).
The net effect of the Group's in- and outflows in foreign currencies represents, on an annual basis, a net inflow of approximately MSEK 1,500.
PARENT COMPANY
The parent company's net turnover for the first nine months of the year amounted to MSEK 10 (9). Income from corporate development and income from sales of securities amounted to a loss of MSEK 40 (income 150). Financial revenue and expense amounted to a net expense of MSEK 47 (expense 80). The parent company's result after financial net was a loss of MSEK 21 (income 39). Fixed capital expenditure amounted to MSEK 87 (30), of which MSEK 86 (30) related to investments in financial fixed assets. The parent company's liquid funds, including short-term investments and undrawn credit facilities, amounted to MSEK 1,740 (93) at September 30, 2002. Interest-bearing external debt amounted to MSEK 2,668 (4,291).
NEXT FINANCIAL REPORT
It is expected that the year-end release for 2002 will be published on February 13, 2003. Stockholm, October 24, 2002 President and Chief Executive Officer This interim report has not been subject to specific review by the company's auditors.
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