Interim Report Q1 2017

Adjusted EBITDA for the Group's continuing operations (forest products business) for the first quarter of 2017 decreased 1% compared with the corresponding period a year ago. This decrease was mainly attributable to higher energy and raw material costs and a revaluation of approximately SEK 40m related to a fair value measurement of electricity certificates. Higher volumes and prices combined with exchange rate effects had a positive effect on earnings.

Net sales for the Group's hygiene business for the first quarter of 2017 rose 4.2% compared with the corresponding period a year ago. Organic sales increased 1.0%. Organic sales increased 5.2% in emerging markets, which accounted for 36% of net sales, and decreased 0.9% in mature markets.

Adjusted EBITA for the Group's hygiene business for the first quarter of 2017, excluding currency translation effects, acquisitions and divestments, rose 4% compared with the corresponding period a year ago. This increase was primarily attributable to higher volumes, a better price/mix, cost savings and other measures to improve profitability. Selling costs were higher, and investments were made in increased marketing activities. Higher energy and raw material costs had a negative effect on earnings. The Group's adjusted EBITA margin increased 0.2 percentage points to 11.5%. Operating cash flow rose 60%. The adjusted return on capital employed increased 0.1 percentage points to 15.6%.

On April 3, 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of BSN medical, a leading medical solutions company that will be included in the Group's hygiene business.

For further information, please contact:
Fredrik Rystedt
CFO and Executive Vice President
+46-8-788-51-31

Johan Karlsson
Vice President Investor Relations
Group Function Communications
+46-8-788-51-30

Linda Nyberg
Vice President Media and Online
Group Function Communications
+46-8-788-51-58

Joséphine Edwall-Björklund
Senior Vice President
Group Function Communications
+46-8-788-52-34

NB:

This information is such that SCA is obligated to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. This report has been prepared in both Swedish and English versions. In case of variations in the content between the two versions, the Swedish version shall govern. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 8:00 CET on April 27, 2017. This interim report has not been reviewed by the company's auditors.

Karl Stoltz
Media Relations Manager
+46-8-788-51-55

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SOURCE SCA