KESKO CORPORATION STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 09.08.2007 AT 11.00 1(2)
Kesko's sales increased by 12.0% in July
The Kesko Group's sales, excluding VAT, in July 2007 totalled €797.0 million, an increase of 12.0% over the corresponding period of the previous year. In January-July, the sales, excluding VAT, were €5,517.0 million, up 10.0% on the previous year. In January-July, the sales of foreign operations were €1,188.9 million, accounting for 21.5% of the Group's sales.
Kesko Food's sales increased by 5.8% in July and were €318.6 million.
Rautakesko's sales increased by 20.8% in July and were €223.5 million. Sales in Finland were up by 12.8% and in other countries by 25.9%. Sales growth in the Baltic countries was 33.1% and in Russia 44.8%.
VV-Auto's sales in July were €72.2 million, an increase of 20.4% on last year. In Finland, the number of first registrations of passenger cars represented by VV-Auto increased by 16.3% in July, while the total market decreased by 2.1%. The market share of passenger cars represented by VV-Auto was 16.7% (14.1%).
Anttila's sales in July were €48.8 million, up 9.7%. Seasonal sales and the sales of entertainment and home technology were successful. The sales of Kodin Ykkönen department stores increased by 15%. The sales of Anttila department stores increased by 3.9% and were affected by the closing of the City department store in Helsinki in January due to the expiry of the lease agreement.
Kesko Agro's sales in July were €57.0 million, up 7.9%. Sales in Finland decreased by 8.4%, which can be attributed to the fuel trade that fell short of the previous year's level. Sales in the Baltic countries grew by 39.8% thanks to good sales of agricultural machinery.
The whole stock exchange release is published at www.kesko.fi. You can download the release in pdf format from the link below.
