Feb 24, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Södra is proposing to reward its forest owner members by distributing dividends totalling almost half its income for 2009, despite admitting “tough” economic conditions. The group has proposed profit dividends and a bonus capital issue totaling SEK 393 million ($54 million), as TTJ reported. “The proposal rewards members that choose to deliver all their wood to Södra, thus participating fully in our co-operative and helping build a strong Södra for the future,” said chairman Lars-Eric Åström. “The dividend proposal represents almost half the income for the year, which can be compared to the long-term objective to distribute one-third of income.” The proposals will be submitted to the AGM on May 19. Södra recorded overall operating profits of SEK 593 million ($81.7 million) for 2009, and profits of SEK 119 million ($16.4 million) for its timber division.