Interim Report January-September 1997

11/6/1997 6:00 AM EST

Interim Report

January - September 1997


Increase in consolidated net earnings.

Snuff and Matches report strong increases in earnings.

Higher sales reported by several divisions compensated for a decline in
Cigarettes Division sales.

Joint-venture agreement reached in Turkey with KAV for match production
and sales.


Swedish Match sales during the first nine months of 1997 rose 3% to SEK 5 580
M, compared with SEK 5 436 M during the corresponding period last year.
Expressed in
local currencies, that is, less currency effects, sales were largely
unchanged, compared with the first nine months of 1996. Higher sales by
several divisions, particularly the
Snuff Division, compensated for lower sales by the Cigarettes Division. This
decline
was caused mainly by hoarding toward year-end 1996 and the new agreement
regarding Prince cigarettes which became effective in May 1997, as well as a
general decline in the Swedish cigarette market.

Operating income increased from SEK 1 100 M to SEK 1 201 M. Before
nonrecurring items, operating income amounted to SEK 1 201 M, a marginal
decline compared with SEK 1 223 M during the first nine months of 1996. Lower
operating income reported by the Cigarettes Division was offset largely by
higher income reported by the Snuff,
Matches and Chewing Tobacco divisions.


Swedish Match

SEK M First nine months
1997 1996

Sales 5 580 5 436
Operating income before 1 201 1 223
nonrecurring items
Operating income 1 201 1 100
Income before taxes and minority 1 195 1 037
interests
Net income 812 715

Sales by division
12
SEK M First nine Percen months Full
months t ended year
1997 1996 change Sept 1996
30,97
Chewing Tobacco 868 811 7 1 100 1 043
Cigarettes 1 193* 1 419 -16 1 757 1 983
Cigars 498 495 1 681 678
Lighters 647 634 2 859 846
Matches 949 907 5 1 283 1 241
Pipe Tobacco 122 142 -14 176 196
Snuff 786 651 21 1 035 900
Group-wide
operations 517* 377 37 669 529
and

eliminations
Total 5 580 5 436 3 7 560 7 416

*After May 1, 1997, external invoicing of Prince cigarettes is reported under
Group-wide operations. Subcontracted
production remains within the Cigarettes Division. The change resulted in a
decline of SEK 147 M in sales of the
Cigarettes Division for the period. This amount is included in Group-wide
operations.


Operating income before nonrecurring items, by division
12
SEK M First nine Percen months Full
months t ended year
1997 1996 change Sept 1996
30,97
Chewing Tobacco 320 268 19 420 368
Cigarettes 413* 555 -26 647 789
Cigars 96 91 5 141 136
Lighters 39 37 5 50 48
Matches 109 82 33 145 118
Pipe Tobacco 23 28 -18 36 41
Snuff 370 303 22 498 431
Group-wide
operations -169* -141 -236 -208
and
eliminations
Total 1 201 1 223 -2 1 701 1 723

*Most of the contribution from sales of Prince cigarettes is reported under
the Cigarettes Division.


Division Chewing Tobacco
The Chewing Tobacco Division operates in the North American market. Sales
during the first nine months of 1997 rose 7%, compared with the corresponding
period last year, to SEK 868 M. The increase was attributable to the strong
U.S. dollar. Expressed in local currencies, sales were down 5%. The volume
decline for chewing tobacco, due to the declining total market, was offset to
some extent by higher prices.

Operating income during the period under review rose to SEK 320 M, an increase
of SEK 52 M compared with the corresponding period last year. Expressed in
local currencies, operating income increased 6%. Cost savings yielded
favorable effects on the division's operating margin.

Division Cigarettes
The Swedish market accounts for most sales invoiced by the Cigarettes
Division. Sales during the first nine months of 1997 amounted to SEK 1 193 M,
down 16% compared with the corresponding period a year earlier. As a result of
hoarding in the Swedish market toward year-end 1996, triggered by the increase
in tobacco tax and prices that took effect on January 1, 1997, estimated sales
of SEK 75 M that would normally have been booked in 1997 were invoiced toward
year-end 1996. The sharp price increase, necessitated by a 29% increase in
Swedish tobacco tax, effective August 1, 1997, resulted in a strong increase
in sales during July. This resulted in a sharp sales decline in August and
September. Effects of hoarding will also be reflected in sales during the
fourth quarter. The total market for cigarettes in Sweden declined 21% during
the first nine months of 1997, compared with the corresponding period last
year, of which 5% was caused by hoarding prior to last year's tax increase.
The market share of Swedish Match products was down marginally to 50%,
compared with 51% during the first nine months of 1996. It is still too early
to estimate sustained effects of the recent price increase on delivery volumes
and consumption.

The new agreement with Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S (STK) regarding sales
of Prince cigarettes came into effect on May 1, 1997. Under terms of the new

agreement, Swedish Match is responsible for production and distribution of
Prince cigarettes, and STK, through its subsidiary House of Prince, is
responsible for marketing.

Operating income during the first nine months of 1997 amounted to SEK 413 M, a
decline of SEK 142 M. The effects of hoarding on operating income toward year-
end 1996 have been estimated at approximately SEK 45 M. The new Prince
agreement, higher marketing expenses and lower volumes affected the division's
operating income adversely which, however, was offset largely by higher
prices.

During the past 12-month period, total tobacco tax and value-added tax on
tobacco products paid by Swedish Match in Sweden amounted to SEK 9 555 M (8
767).

Division Cigars
Western Europe is the most important market for the Cigars Division. Sales
during the first nine months of 1997 totaled SEK 498 M, an increase of SEK 3 M
compared with the corresponding period last year. Operating income rose from
SEK 91 M to SEK 96 M. Changes in the division's product mix, marked by a shift
toward the higher-price segment, yielded favorable effects on sales and
earnings.

The introductory sales of premium cigars in the U.S. continued and hand-rolled
cigar capacity in Indonesia was increased further.

Division Lighters
The most important markets for the Lighters Division are Western Europe,
Eastern Europe, the U.S. and certain parts of Asia. Sales during the first
nine months of the year amounted to SEK 647 M, a modest increase compared with
sales of SEK 634 M during the corresponding period last year. Volumes remained
largely unchanged. Sales were affected favorably by currency trends. Volume
growth in Eastern Europe continued. The volume decline in the U.S. continued
pending introduction of a new child-resistant disposable lighter. It is
expected to be on the market by mid-1998.

Operating income was affected favorably by currency trends, rising by SEK 2 M
to SEK 39 M during the nine-month period under review.

Division Matches
Sales by the Matches Division are concentrated primarily in Europe and Brazil,
but it also has large export volumes in markets around the world. Division
sales during the first nine months of 1997 amounted to SEK 949 M (907).
Expressed in local currencies, sales were largely unchanged compared with the
first nine months of 1996. Higher prices and currency gains compensated for a
marginal volume decline. Operating income rose by SEK 27 M to SEK 109 M. In
addition to factors mentioned above, production rationalization measures
implemented mainly in Brazil also had favorable effects on the division's
operating income.

After the close of the nine-month period under review, the Matches Division
reached a joint venture agreement with KAV of Turkey. Reference is also made
to the heading below, "Important business transactions after September 30,
1997."

Division Pipe Tobacco
The most important markets for the Pipe Tobacco Division are the U.S., Sweden
and the rest of Western Europe.

Sales during the first nine months of 1997 totaled SEK 122 M, a decline of SEK
20 M compared with the year-earlier period. Substantial deliveries originally
planned in the beginning of 1997 were made during the autumn of 1996 instead,
which was one reason for the decline in sales this year. Due to its lower
invoicing, operating income fell to SEK 23 M (28).

Division Snuff
Sales by the Snuff Division are concentrated primarily in Sweden and the U.S.
Total sales during the first nine months of 1997 amounted to SEK 786 M (651),

with the American market accounting for 15%. The increase in sales was
attributable to higher volumes in the U.S. market, increased tax-free sales
and higher prices in Sweden. Stronger volumes were reported in the North
American market, and the division's market share rose to 3%. Competition in
the U.S. has become more intense, leading to greater price competition and
price cuts of more than 35%.

Operating income improved to SEK 370 M, an increase of SEK 67 M, compared with
the corresponding period last year. Higher sales of pouched snuff and
increased prices in Sweden had favorable effects on operating income.

Group-wide operations
Consolidated expenses charged against operating income during the first nine
months of 1997 rose to SEK 169 M (141). The increase in Group-wide operating
expenses was caused by sponsorship costs for participation in the Whitbread
Round the World Race, an international yachting competition, and costs
incurred for the Swedish Match Global Challenge, an internal project. In
accordance with the Group's new structure introduced on January 1, 1997, the
Swedish Match Global Challenge is designed to strengthen global coordination
of Group operations and strengthen worldwide business activities.

Preliminary agreement in the U.S.
Uncertainties continue to surround the so-called "Global Settlement," a
preliminary agreement in the U.S. between the tobacco industry and certain
states. It is still not known if, and to what extent, new legislation will be
enacted, and it seems unlikely that a final decision will be reached during
1997. It's impossible at this time, therefore, to speculate over potential
effects of an agreement on the business activities of Swedish Match in the
American market.


Group income statement

12 months Full
SEK M First nine Percen ended year
months t
1997 1996 change Sept 30, 1996
1997
Sales, incl. 11 348 10 4 15 464 15
tobacco tax 891 007
Less tobacco tax -5 768 -5 -6 -7 904 -7
455 591
Sales 5 580 5 436 3 7 560 7 416
Cost of goods sold -2 734 -2 -2 -3 701 -3
686 653
Gross profit 2 846 2 750 3 3 859 3 763

Sales and
administration -1 659 -1 -8 -2 174 -2
costs, etc 541 056
Share in earnings
of 14 14 0 16 16
associated
companies
1 201 1 223 -2 1 701 1 723
Nonrecurring items - -123 - -123
Operating income 1 201 1 100 9 1 701 1 600

Net interest -13 -73 -21 -81
expense
Other financial 7 10 8 11
items, net
Net financial items -6 -63 -13 -70
Income before
income taxes and 1 195 1 037 15 1 688 1 530
minority interests
Income taxes -381 -323 -18 -497 -439
Minority interests -2 1 15 18

Net income 812 715 14 1 206 1 109


Group balance sheet summary

SEK M Sept 30, Dec 31,1996
1997
Intangible fixed assets 484 516
Tangible fixed assets 2 047 2 034
Financial fixed assets 289 277
Current operating assets 2 823 2 964
Current financial receivables 164 144
Liquid funds 755 942
Total assets 6 562 6 877

Shareholders' equity 2 652 2 314
Minority interests 19 54
Provisions 502 483
Long-term loans 205 4
Other long-term liabilities 45 8
Short-term borrowings 866 1 015
Other current liabilities 507 709
Current operating liabilities 1 766 2 290
Total shareholders' equity 6 562 6 877
and liabilities

Operating capital 3 588 3 224
Net debt 316 77


Financial result
Net interest items improved compared with the first nine months of 1996 as a
result of lower net debt. Other financial items, SEK 7 M (10) net, are
attributable primarily to exchange gains on net financial assets and
liabilities.

Investments, financing and liquidity
Group investments in tangible assets totaled SEK 194 M, compared with SEK 148
M during the first nine months of 1996. Depreciation according to plan
amounted to SEK 202 M (214). Liquid assets, including short-term investments,
totaled SEK 755 M at the close of the period under review, compared with SEK
942 M at year-end 1996. Liquid assets include bank deposits and investments in
treasury bills. Net debt at the close of the period was SEK 316 M, an increase
of SEK 239 M since December 1996. Net debt was low at year-end 1996 because
liabilities for income tax and tobacco excise taxes were approximately SEK 500
M higher than normal. These liabilities have since been reduced to a normal
level.

In September, the Group raised a three-year, fixed-interest bond loan in the
amount of SEK 200 M. The company's main loan financing is a Swedish commercial
paper program with a loan framework of SEK 2 000 M, of which SEK 650 M had
been utilized as of September 30, 1997.

Average number of Group employees
The average number of Group employees during the first nine months of 1997 was
6 337, compared with 6 646 during the corresponding period last year. The
average number of employees in Sweden was 1 408, compared with 1 487 last
year.

Important business transactions after September 30, 1997
Swedish Match and Kav Orman San S.A. signed a joint-venture agreement for
development of match, lighters and tobacco business operations in Turkey and
the Republics of Azerbaijan, Kirghizian, Turkmenistan among others. Under
terms of the agreement, a new company will be established in Turkey. Swedish
Match will own 60% and Kav 40%. Kav Orman S.A. will make a noncash transfer of
its existing match operations to the new company, and Swedish Match will cover

its ownership share through a new issue for cash amounting to USD 12 M.
Establishment of the new company is pending the approval of government
authorities. Based on match sales of more than SEK 100 M in 1996, Kav Orman is
the largest match manufacturer in Turkey, with a Turkish market share of 45-
50%.

Swedish Match has submitted a public offer to the shareholders of Treab Plus
AB. The offer totals SEK 16 M. A Swedish distributor of tobacco products and
tobacco-related products, Treab Plus AB reported sales of SEK 105 M in 1996.

Other information
This report has not been reviewed by Swedish Match's auditors.

The report on 1997 operations is scheduled to be released on February 24,
1998.

Göran Lindén
President and Chief Executive Officer

Key Data
12 month ended Full year
Sept 30, 1997 1996
Operating margin, %* 22.5 23.2
Return on operating 47.5 49.9
capital, % *
Return on shareholders' 53.9 57.3
equity, %
Interest coverage ratio, 25.9 9.6
times
Debt/equity ratio, % 11.8 3.2
Equity/assets ratio, % 40.7 34.4
Investments, SEK M 263 217
Operating cash flow, SEK 1 571 1 968
M*
Average number of 6 337 6 580
employees**

Share data
Income per share after
full tax,
before nonrecurring 2.60 2.59
items, SEK
after nonrecurring 2.60 2.39
items, SEK
Shareholders' equity per
share, SEK 5.72 4.99
Number of shares 463 558 252 463 558 252
outstanding

Earnings per share after full tax for the first nine months of 1997 amounted
to SEK 1.75 (1.54)

* Before nonrecurring items
** First nine months

Quarterly data

SEK M Q2/9 Q3/9 Q4/96 Q1/97 Q2/9 Q3/97
6 6 7

Sales, incl. tobacco 3 3 4 116 3 181 3 4 173
tax 715 793 994
Less tobacco tax -1 -1 -2 136 -1 -2 -2
867 938 497 052 219
Sales 1 1 1 980 1 684 1 1 954
848 855 942
Cost of goods sold -900 -893 -967 -807 -968 -959
Gross profit 948 962 1 013 877 974 995


Sales and -531 -484 -515 -548 -571 -540
administration costs,
etc.
Shares of earnings in
associated companies 5 4 2 5 4 5
Operating income before
nonrecurring items 422 482 500 334 407 460
Nonrecurring items -123 - - - -
Operating income 299 482 500 334 407 460

Net interest expense -26 -17 -8 -3 -4 -6
Other financial items, 1 0 1 21 3 -17
net
Net financial items -25 -17 -7 18 -1 -23
Income before income
taxes 274 465 493 352 406 437
and minority interests
Income taxes -94 -149 -116 -116 -110 -155
Minority interests -1 1 17 -2 -2 2
Net income 179 317 394 234 294 284


Sales by division
Full
SEK M Q2/9 Q3/9 Q4/9 year Q1/9 Q2/9 Q3/9
6 6 6 1996 7 7 7

Chewing Tobacco 267 296 232 1 043 295 261 312
Cigarettes 489 505 564 1 983 349 430 414
Cigars 168 168 183 678 151 186 161
Lighters 217 205 212 846 211 226 210
Matches 316 262 334 1 241 303 349 297
Pipe Tobacco 42 51 54 196 37 41 44
Snuff 221 229 249 900 238 267 281
Group-wide
operations 128 139 152 529 100 182 235
and eliminations
Total 1 1 1 7 416 1 1 1
848 855 980 684 942 954


Operating income before nonrecurring items, by division
Full
SEK M Q2/9 Q3/9 Q4/9 year Q1/9 Q2/9 Q3/9
6 6 6 1996 7 7 7

Chewing Tobacco 98 111 100 368 104 93 123
Cigarettes 189 223 234 789 94 144 175
Cigars 36 30 45 136 30 27 39
Lighters 15 11 11 48 10 13 16
Matches 33 24 36 118 26 43 40
Pipe Tobacco 5 14 13 41 5 9 9
Snuff 100 117 128 431 115 117 138
Group-wide
operations -54 -48 -67 -208 -50 -39 -80
and eliminations
Total 422 482 500 1 723 334 407 460