Essity Aktiebolag (publ) announced consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017. For the year, the company's net sales increased 8.0% to SEK 109,265 million against SEK 101,238 million a year ago. Operating profit before amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (EBITA) rose 34% to SEK 12,550 million against SEK 9,347 million a year ago. Adjusted operating profit before amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (EBITA) rose 12% to SEK 13,405 million against SEK 11,992 million a year ago. Adjusted EBITA margin increased 0.5 percentage points to 12.3%. Adjusted profit before tax rose 6% to SEK 11,663 million against SEK 10,998 million a year ago. Profit for the period increased 107% to SEK 8,785 million against SEK 4,242 million a year ago. Earnings per share increased 114% to SEK 11.56 against SEK 5.41 a year ago. Adjusted earnings per share increased 46% to SEK 13.09 against SEK 8.99 a year ago. Cash flow from current operations increased 2% to SEK 8,745 million against SEK 8,563 million a year ago. Operating profit was SEK 11,905 million against SEK 9,008 million a year ago. Profit before tax was SEK 10,723 million against SEK 8,173 million a year ago. Earnings attributable to Owners of the parent was SEK 8,116 million against SEK 3,800 million a year ago. Adjusted profit for the period was SEK 9,472 million against SEK 6,643 million a year ago. Total adjusted operating profit was SEK 12,845 million against SEK 11,833 million a year ago. Net debt was SEK 52,467 million against SEK 35,173 million a year ago.

For the quarter, the company's Net Sales were SEK 28,664 million against SEK 26,772 million a year ago. Operating profit before amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (EBITA) was SEK 3,597 million against SEK 2,516 million a year ago. Profit for the period was SEK 3,066 million against SEK 1,170 million a year ago. Earnings attributable to Owners of the parent was SEK 2,889 million against SEK 985 million a year ago. Earnings per share to owners of the parent before and after dilution effects was SEK 4.11 against SEK 1.40 a year ago. Profit before tax was SEK 3,080 million against SEK 2,191 million a year ago. Operating profit was SEK 3,417 million against SEK 2,456 million a year ago. Adjusted EBITA was SEK 3,619 million against SEK 3,195 million a year ago. Adjusted profit before tax was SEK 3,101 million against SEK 2,879 million a year ago. Adjusted profit for the period was SEK 3,075 million against SEK 1,783 million a year ago.

For the full year on company basis, the company reported profit before tax was SEK 1,681 million. Operating loss was SEK 566 million. Net profit for the period was SEK 2,496 million.

The Board of Directors proposed a dividend of SEK 5.75 per share. April 16, 2018 is proposed as the record date for the right to receive dividends.