Posten, the Swedish post office, has announced improved results for the first nine months of2005 thanks to growth in its logistics and direct mail businesses. Net sales rose slightly to SEK
18,285 million, operating profits improved considerably to SEK 942 million and net earnings grew toSEK 939 million.“We are seeing growth both in Direct Mail and Logistics, and efficiency improvements areoffsetting declining mail volumes,” commented President and CEO Erik Olsson. “Our firm financialfooting, recognized delivery performance quality and strong position in the Nordic region give usthe freedom of action needed to respond to growing competition and changes in the marketplace.”
In its logistics business, covering parcels and freight forwarding, revenues rose by two percent to SEK 4,995 million from January to September. Sales growth was driven by DPD parcels,palletised shipping and domestic overnight transportation. The Nordic logistics market was worthSEK 200 billion, and was growing at five per cent per year, Posten noted.
Posten’s cost reduction and productivity improvement programme, running 2004-06, was movingahead on schedule, Olsson said. In early 2006, Posten plans to re-define its consumer products andservices.
