Operating profit amounted to SEK 868 million, compared to SEK 782 million in the same period last year. This was marginally higher than analysts' expectations.
"The beginning of the year has overall continued stable development in terms of both demand and results," said CEO Gerteric Lindquist in the report.
Sales came in at SEK 9,650 million, slightly lower than SEK 9,673 million in the same period last year. Analysts had on average expected sales of SEK 9,609 million, according to Bloomberg.
