Posten, the Swedish postal operator, increased its net sales by 9% to SEK 19,883 million (EUR2193.18 million) over the first nine months of 2006. The bulk came from consolidation of IT
subsidiary Stralfors, and higher direct mail and logistics volumes. Similarly, most of the 14% Q3increase to SEK 6,757 million (EUR 745.33) was due to Stralfors.The Swedish postal operator improved its nine-month operating profits by 70% to SEK 1,601million (EUR 176.6 million), driven largely by higher productivity, cost-saving measures and lowerlike-for-like personnel costs. In the third quarter, Posten’s operating profits dropped from SEK548 million to SEK 531 million (EUR 58.87 million). The company’s net profits rose 40% to SEK 1,313million over the first nine months, while Q3 net profits dropped from SEK 558 million to SEK 449million.
Posten continued to grow its logistics business over the first nine months, generating 8%growth to net sales of SEK 5,406 million (EUR 596.31 million). Parcel services accounted for halfof this growth. In Sweden, higher volumes were driven by the strong economy and moredistance-selling (B2C), while Nordic parcel operations also grew, Posten said. Total parcel volumesrose 7% in the third quarter.
Erik Olsson, Posten president and CEO, commented: “Posten’s business is growing anddelivering good results. Our more intensive efforts on the market have shown results. We have alsobeen able to use the potential created by Sweden’s strong economy, the flourishing advertisingmarket, and the increasing domestic and global trade, all of which result in increased demand forour communication and logistic solutions.”
On the group’s logistics activities, he noted: “Our success on the logistics market requiresthat we offer our own attractive logistics services in the Nordic region, and that we establishcompetitive cooperation in international networks.” Logistics, including parcel services, willbecome one of four new corporate subsidiaries from January 1, 2007, under the group’srestructuring.
