The Board of Directors of Aftonbladet approved the accounts for the first quarter of 1997. The pre-tax profit for the period was SEK 19.6 million, an increase of SEK 4.9 million compared to the corresponding period last year (SEK 14.7 million). The Aftonbladet group, i.e. including the holding company Aftonbladet Hierta, had a pre-tax profit of SEK 16.7 million (9.7 million in 1996) – an increase of SEK 7 million.
Circulation revenues increased by 12% to SEK 299.1 million (267.2 million). Total revenues increased by 9%, from SEK 324 million in 1996 to SEK 352 million this year.
« The improved result is due to the sustained high circulation levels obtained during the first three months» comments managing director Gunnar Strømblad. «It is also worth noting that we obtained this result despite the cost increases associated with the special evening edition launched February 17. Advertisement sales have recovered in April after a decline during the first quarter compared to last year.»
To order Aftonbladets annual report for 1996, call Åsa Benholm, telephone
+ 46 8 725 2108 or use e-mail asa.benholm@aftonbladet.se.
For further information, contact
Sverre Munck, CFO telephone + 47 22 86 41 00