SKF Half-year report 2010

"Our sales developed positively in the quarter driven primarily by a continued strong automotive business and an improvement in the industrial business. The very good sales development and higher manufacturing level combined with the cost reduction activities undertaken resulted in a strong result for the SKF Group, a record in terms of operating profit and operating margin.

In the third quarter we expect a continued good level of sales for the Group being significantly higher than last year. All regions and divisions will see good growth even if we expect lower sales to the car industry in Europe. Manufacturing will be kept at the same level as the second quarter which means it will be significantly higher than last year."

The increase of 10.9% in net sales for the quarter, in SEK, was attributable to:

volume 16.6%, price/mix -0.5% and currency effects -5.2%.

For the first half year, the increase of 3.9%, in SEK, was attributable to:

volume 10.8%, price/mix -0.4% and currency effects -6.5%.

Outlook for the third quarter of 2010

Development compared to third quarter last year

The demand for SKF products and services is expected to be significantly higher for the Group, the divisions and for the different geographical areas.

Development compared to the second quarter 2010 and adjusted for normal seasonality

The demand is expected to be slightly higher for the SKF Group in total. It is expected to be unchanged in Europe, slightly higher in North America and higher in Asia and Latin America. For the Automotive Division it is expected to be relatively unchanged and for the Industrial Division and Service Division it is expected to be slightly higher.

Manufacturing level

The manufacturing level will be significantly higher year on year and relatively unchanged compared to the second quarter, adjusted for normal seasonality.

Source SKF