Skanska Year-end Report, 2002; Improved Earnings in Construction Operations and Strong Cash Flow During the Fourth Quarter


STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 13, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Skanska (Other OTC:SKSBF) (Stockholm:SKAb):


 -- Full-year 2002 operating income in construction-related operations 
    improved to SEK 2,519 M (370). Operating income improved gradually 
    during the year, due to a lower volume of project loss provisions
    and writedowns of current assets.

 -- Consolidated income of the Skanska Group reflects effects from the 
    strategic review undertaken during the later part of 2002, that was 
    presented January 14, 2003. During the year, restructuring expenses 
    and goodwill writedowns totaling SEK -2,016 M, of which SEK -1,645 M 
    was reported as items affecting comparability, were charged to 
    operating income.

 -- During 2002, the consolidated operating income of the Skanska Group 
    rose to SEK 2,621 M (2,523), before items affecting comparability 
    totaling SEK -1,645 M (-230). During the period October-December, 
    operating income fell to SEK 695 M (1,322).

 -- Full-year consolidated income after financial items declined to
    SEK 73 M (1,116). This included items affecting comparability
    totaling SEK -1,645 M (-230) and capital gains on the sale of 
    properties totaling SEK 294 M (2,155). During the fourth quarter, 
    income after financial items fell to SEK -989 M (1,248), including
    items affecting comparability totaling SEK -1,645 M (286) and gains
    on the sale of property totaling SEK 249 M (741).

 -- Order bookings continued to be adversely affected by a weak market
    for office construction and by a stronger exchange rate for the 
    Swedish krona. During the fourth quarter, however, order bookings
    rose in all segments compared to the same period of 2001.

 -- After the close of the report period, Skanska signed an agreement
    with the U.S.-based Blackstone Group on the divestment of ten 
    properties in Sweden. The sales price totaled SEK 2,060 M, with a 
    capital gain of SEK 490 M.

 -- The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 2.00 (3.00) per 
    share for the 2002 financial year.

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