KESKO CORPORATION STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 10.01.2007 AT 11.00 1(3)
The Kesko Group sales were up by 5.3% in December
The Kesko Group's sales from continuing operations, excluding VAT,
in December 2006 totalled 791.1 million, an increase of 5.3% over
the corresponding period last year. In 2006 as a whole, the sales
from continuing operations, excluding VAT, totalled 8,855.1
million, representing an increase of 10.4% over last year.
Rautakesko's business operations in Norway and Russia, acquired in
July 2005, are included in the figures of the comparable period,
which has affected sales growth since August. In the whole of
2006, the total sales from foreign operations were 1,827.0
million, accounting for 20.6% of the Group's sales.
Kesko Food's sales progressed well in December and were up by
4.9%. The sales to the K-market and K-extra chain retailers
progressed particularly well (+11.1%).
Rautakesko's sales in December grew by 16.4% to 156.9 million.
Sales in Finland were at last year's level. Abroad, sales
increased by 25.5%. Sales growth in the Baltic countries was 27.0%
and in Russia 57.1%.
Keswell's sales in December were 131.9 million, up 3.0%. The
exceptionally warm weather in December lowered winter goods sales.
Anttila's sales increased by 5.8%. The sales of Musta Pörssi Oy
were lower than last year.
VV-Auto's sales in December were 39.2 million, which is up by
9.2% on last year. The market share of passenger cars represented
by VV-Auto was 14.4% (14.0%) of all passenger cars sold in 2006.
Konekesko's sales in December were 13.6 million, a decrease of
15.4%. The downturn is due to the disposal of the warehouse
technology business included in the figures of the comparison
year.
Kesko Agro's sales in December were 71.1 million, down 4.6%.
Sales in Finland dropped by 10.4% due to the tractor and fuel oil
trade. Sales in the Baltic countries increased by 4.3%.
Kauko-Telko's sales in December were 21.5 million, down 10.7% on
the previous year, which was due to the disposal of certain
business operations.
The Kesko Group's sales from continuing operations, excluding VAT,
in December 2006:
December 2006 1.1. - 31.12.20
06
million Change, Change,
% million %
Kesko Food, Finland 357.8 4.8 3,636.9 4.8
Kesko Food, other 1.3 49.2 16.4 80.0
countries
Kesko Food, total 359.1 4.9 3,653.3 5.0
Rautakesko, Finland 47.2 -0.4 852.9 5.8
Rautakesko, other 109.7 25.5 1,314.2 58.6
countries
Rautakesko, total 156.9 16.4 2,167.1 32.6
Keswell, Finland 128.0 2.6 1,010.2 7.1
Keswell, other countries 3.9 20.3 49.6 22.4
Keswell, total 131.9 3.0 1,059.8 7.7
VV-Auto, Finland 37.9 8.7 786.2 13.4
VV-Auto, other countries 1.3 26.9 20.3 47.0
VV-Auto, total 39.2 9.2 806.5 14.0
Konekesko, Finland 11.9 -24.2 171.4 0.2
Konekesko, other 1.7 445.5 31.7 7.4
countries
Konekesko, total 13.6 -15.4 203.1 1.3
Kesko Agro, Finland 39.9 -10.4 479.7 -5.2
Kesko Agro, other 31.2 4.3 279.2 15.9
countries
Kesko Agro, total 71.1 -4.6 758.9 1.6
Kauko-Telko, Finland 10.1 -37.2 141.0 -27.6
Kauko-Telko, other 11.4 42.8 108.0 10.2
countries
Kauko-Telko, total 21.5 -10.7 249.0 -15.0
Others/eliminations -2.2 -42.6
Finland, total 630.0 1.9 7,028.1 4.0
Other countries, total 161.1 21.6 1,827.0 44.6
Continuing operations, 791.1 5.3 8,855.1 10.4
total
Discontinuing operations, 31.6 -30.7 461.9 14.6
total
Eliminations 0.0 2.3
Grand total 822.7 3.3 9,319.3 10.6
According to the agreement signed on 9 October 2006, Kesko Food
sold its 50% shareholding in Rimi Baltic AB to ICA Baltic AB on 18
December 2006. Starting from October, Rimi Baltic was treated as a
discontinuing operation until the completion of the deal.
On 1 October 2006, Kaukomarkkinat Oy changed its name to Kauko-
Telko Oy. Starting from 1 March 2006, VV-Auto's sales figures
include the sales of the new Volkswagen and Audi retail outlets
acquired. On 1 November 2005, Kesko Food's ownership interest in
Pikoil Oy changed from 50% to 100% and its sales are 100% included
in the figures starting from 1 November 2005. Kesko acquired
Norgros AS on 7 July 2005 and the Stroymaster chain on 28 July
2005. Their sales were included in Rautakesko's sales figures as
from the acquisition dates. Indoor Group Ltd was acquired on 21
January 2005 and its sales were included in Keswell's sales
figures as from 22 January 2005.
Change, % indicates the percentage change over the comparable
period of the previous year.
In December 2006, the number of trading days in Keskos wholesale
was 18, which was two less than in December 2005. The total number
of trading days in 2006 was two less than in the previous year.
Kesko publishes advance information about the K-Group's retail
sales quarterly, in connection with the interim financial reports.
Further information is available from Paavo Moilanen, Senior Vice
President, Corporate Communications, tel. +358 1053 22764.
Kesko Corporation
Paavo Moilanen
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
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