The year in summary

Net revenue

Net revenue increased to SEK 19,727 million, primarily as a result of large volumes and high prices.

Income

Income increased to SEK 2,271 million, thanks to raised pulp prices.

Return on capital employed

Return on capital employed was 23 per cent. The objective is not less than 10 per cent over a business cycle.

Equity ratio

The equity ratio was 61 per cent at the end of the year. Södra’s objective is 50 per cent to enable it to withstand fluctuations in the business cycle and other pressure factors.

Wood volume

Forestry activity was high and wood volumes totalled 16.6 million m³fub. The forestry activities were reorganised in 19 forestry operations areas.

New large sawmill

During the year, German sawmill machinery was purchased and moved to Värö where a large sawmill is being built. The new sawmill will have an annual capacity of 750,000 cubic metres.

Number of employees

At the end of the year, Södra had 3,943 employees, of which 579 in countries other than Sweden. A new human resources strategy was formulated during the year.

Dividend proposal

The Board proposes a dividend on contributed capital of 12 per cent and on wood deliveries of SEK 74 per m³fub of standard softwood saw logs and of 12 per cent on other wood ranges, or SEK 762 million in total. In addition, a bonus issue of SEK 89 million is proposed. A dividend of SEK 10 million is paid on subordinated debentures per contract. The Board’s proposal for profit allocation is presented here.