Volvo Q4 Net Profit Rises 40%

Volvo AB

reported a 40% gain in its fourth-quarter net profit. Volvo's quarterly net profit climbed to SEK4.8 billion, from SEK3.4 billion, in the year-ago period, versus analysts' estimates of SEK4.7 billion. Its sales climbed 18% to SEK86.5 billion from SEK73.4 billion, versus analysts' expectations of SEK81.05 billion. Volvo's orders in the quarter fell to 57,700 trucks, from 62,100. The company's board of directors proposed a dividend of SEK3.00 per share, versus SEK2.50 in 2010. Volvo shares closed at $13.37 yesterday.