We have a new identity for the Atlas Copco Group

The Atlas Copco Group logo on a white background

We have a new identity for the Atlas Copco Group

The Atlas Copco Group logo on a white background

We have a new identity for the Atlas Copco Group

The Atlas Copco Group logo on a white background

We have a new identity for the Atlas Copco Group

The Atlas Copco Group logo on a white background

We have a new identity for the Atlas Copco Group

The Atlas Copco Group logo on a white background

We have a new identity for the Atlas Copco Group

The Atlas Copco Group logo on a white background

We have a new identity for the Atlas Copco Group

The Atlas Copco Group logo on a white background

We have a new identity for the Atlas Copco Group

The Atlas Copco Group logo on a white background

Enabling the transformation to a low-carbon society

Fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow, we have set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Thumbnail image for a video introducing our science-based targets

Enabling the transformation to a low-carbon society

Fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow, we have set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Thumbnail image for a video introducing our science-based targets

Enabling the transformation to a low-carbon society

Fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow, we have set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Thumbnail image for a video introducing our science-based targets

Enabling the transformation to a low-carbon society

Fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow, we have set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Thumbnail image for a video introducing our science-based targets

Enabling the transformation to a low-carbon society

Fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow, we have set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Thumbnail image for a video introducing our science-based targets

Enabling the transformation to a low-carbon society

Fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow, we have set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Thumbnail image for a video introducing our science-based targets

Enabling the transformation to a low-carbon society

Fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow, we have set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Thumbnail image for a video introducing our science-based targets

Enabling the transformation to a low-carbon society

Fully committed to being part of the solution for a better tomorrow, we have set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Thumbnail image for a video introducing our science-based targets

Are you up for a challenge?

Join us on an interactive journey to learn more about our culture.
Atlas Copco colleagues in discussion.

Are you up for a challenge?

Join us on an interactive journey to learn more about our culture.
Atlas Copco colleagues in discussion.

Are you up for a challenge?

Join us on an interactive journey to learn more about our culture.
Atlas Copco colleagues in discussion.

Are you up for a challenge?

Join us on an interactive journey to learn more about our culture.
Atlas Copco colleagues in discussion.

Are you up for a challenge?

Join us on an interactive journey to learn more about our culture.
Atlas Copco colleagues in discussion.

Innovation stories

Do you want to learn about our innovations? How operators benefit from our ergonomic equipment or how we secure a minimal impact on the environment?
Corporate people observing parts of products in the field, cover image, ideas, backlight, touch screen

Innovation stories

Do you want to learn about our innovations? How operators benefit from our ergonomic equipment or how we secure a minimal impact on the environment?
Corporate people observing parts of products in the field, cover image, ideas, backlight, touch screen

Innovation stories

Do you want to learn about our innovations? How operators benefit from our ergonomic equipment or how we secure a minimal impact on the environment?
Corporate people observing parts of products in the field, cover image, ideas, backlight, touch screen

Innovation stories

Do you want to learn about our innovations? How operators benefit from our ergonomic equipment or how we secure a minimal impact on the environment?
Corporate people observing parts of products in the field, cover image, ideas, backlight, touch screen

Innovation stories

Do you want to learn about our innovations? How operators benefit from our ergonomic equipment or how we secure a minimal impact on the environment?
Corporate people observing parts of products in the field, cover image, ideas, backlight, touch screen

Our annual Industrial Ideas magazine

features stories about how we innovate for a sustainable future and push technology and society forward together with our customers.
Atlas Copco's Industrial Ideas magazine

Our annual Industrial Ideas magazine

features stories about how we innovate for a sustainable future and push technology and society forward together with our customers.
Atlas Copco's Industrial Ideas magazine

Our annual Industrial Ideas magazine

features stories about how we innovate for a sustainable future and push technology and society forward together with our customers.
Atlas Copco's Industrial Ideas magazine

Our annual Industrial Ideas magazine

features stories about how we innovate for a sustainable future and push technology and society forward together with our customers.
Atlas Copco's Industrial Ideas magazine

Our annual Industrial Ideas magazine

features stories about how we innovate for a sustainable future and push technology and society forward together with our customers.
Atlas Copco's Industrial Ideas magazine
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Atlas Copco Interim report at March 31, 2001 (unaudited)

April 26, 2001

Slower growth - improved results

Near-term outlook  In North America, the demand for equipment and consumables related to manufacturing and construction output is expected to remain weak. Demand for equipment rental is expected to continue at a higher level than the underlying markets, supported by the outsourcing trend. Overall, the demand in Europe is foreseen to prevail at the present good level. In Asia, the high level of demand is expected to continue, particularly in China.  In summary, overall demand for Atlas Copco's products and services is expected to remain unchanged, even though the degree of uncertainty in the outlook has increased. Review of first-quarter business  Atlas Copco Group  Market development  The demand in North America slowed down during the first quarter. Customer purchases from equipment manufacturers decreased compared to the same period last year, partly due to the lower level of activity in the U.S. economy and partly due to a substantial de-stocking within the distribution channels. Demand for rental equipment, however, continued to increase although at a somewhat slower pace than in previous quarters.  The demand for investment-related products within the manufacturing and process industry remained favorable as a result of continued productivity enhancing investments.  Demand from the mining industry in this region decreased compared to last year.  In Europe, the overall level of demand continued to improve, but imbalance still exists in the region. Among the major markets, Italy, France and the U.K. recorded the best demand development in the region with a steady growth, while demand in Germany, primarily from the construction industry, remained relatively low. Demand from both manufacturing and mining industry improved further in Russia.  The overall positive development in Asia continued in the quarter. India and South Korea recorded improved demand while the already high level remained in China and southeast Asia. Orders and revenues  Orders received totaled MSEK 12,488 (11,088), up 13 percent from the first quarter of 2000. The increase consists of a 4 percent volume gain and a positive translation effect of 9 percentage points. The volume gain was achieved thanks to a further increase in orders for industrial compressors and for rental equipment, while sales of equipment to the construction industry, primarily professional electric tools, decreased. Geographically, the overall positive sales development in Europe and Asia managed to offset the negative impact of a slowing U.S. economy.  Revenues increased 15 percent, to MSEK 12,101 (10,517), corresponding to a 5 percent volume gain for comparable units. Earnings and returns  Operating profit for the first quarter increased 10 percent, to MSEK 1,463 (1,328), corresponding to a margin of 12.1 percent (12.6). These figures include MSEK 60 in restructuring charges for the Rental Service business area. Favorable foreign exchange effects from a weak Swedish Krona added about MSEK 150 to operating profit compared to last year. A large part of this was attributable to translation effects in March. Adjusted for currency effects and the non-recurring items, the margin was approximately 12 percent.  Net financial items amounted to MSEK -414 (-385), of which net interest items accounted for MSEK -423 (-378) and foreign exchange differences for MSEK +9 (-7). The interest cost was negatively affected by the high USD/SEK ratio, while lower short-term interest in the U.S. had a positive effect compared to last year.  Profit after financial items rose 11 percent, to MSEK 1,049 (943), corresponding to a margin of 8.7 percent (9.0). The total currency effect was about MSEK 100 positive compared to previous year.  Net profit for the quarter totaled MSEK 676 (586), or SEK 3.23 per share (2.80).  The return on capital employed was 14 percent (15), and the return on shareholders' equity totaled 13 percent (14) during the past 12 months. The Group's weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is approximately 7.5 percent (8), corresponding to a pretax cost of capital of approximately 11.5 percent. Cash flow and net indebtedness  The operating cash surplus after tax for the first quarter reached MSEK 1,692 (1,296).  Working capital increased MSEK 135 (decreased 20) in the quarter.  Total cash flow from operations reached MSEK 1,557 (1,316), corresponding to 13 percent (13) of Group revenues.  Net investments in tangible fixed assets were MSEK 359 (229).  Net cash flow after dividends and acquisitions reached MSEK 1,125 (953).  The Group's net indebtedness (defined as the difference between interest-bearing liabilities and liquid assets) amounted to MSEK 22,402 (18,782), of which MSEK 1,624 (1,395) was attributable to pension provisions. The debt/equity ratio (defined as net indebtedness divided by shareholders' equity) was 85 percent (87). Investments and depreciation  Gross investments in property, machinery, and buildings totaled MSEK 208 (196). Gross investments in rental equipment amounted to MSEK 559 (579). Depreciation on these two asset groups equaled MSEK 231 (222) and MSEK 655 (492) respectively, while amortization of intangible assets was MSEK 173 (156). People  At March 31, 2001, the number of employees was 26,442 (26,053). For comparable units, the number of employees decreased by 124 from March 2000. The corresponding decrease for the first quarter 2001 was approximately 600 employees. Share capital  Share capital totaled MSEK 1,048 (1,048) at the end of the period, distributed as follows. Accounting principles  This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council's recommendation RR20, Interim reports. A number of new accounting standards were implemented in Sweden as of January 1, 2001. The application of these new standards did not have any material effect on the Group's financial statements. Compressor Technique Business Area  The Compressor Technique business area consists of five divisions in the following product areas: industrial compressors, portable compressors, generators, and gas and process compressors.  Orders received during the first quarter were up 13 percent, at MSEK 4,216 (3,741), corresponding to an increase in volume of 7 percent. The positive translation effect into SEK was 7 percentage points while the net effect of structural changes was -1 percent.  Sales of industrial compressors continued to increase in the first quarter, due to generally improved demand in some geographical markets and the favorable market reception for new products. In spite of the slowdown in the U.S. construction market and the lack of major fleet investments from rental companies, overall sales of portable compressors and generators improved over the same period last year. The aftermarket business continued to increase in the quarter.  Demand in the U.S. was generally somewhat lower than in the same period last year and the trend in South America weakened during the period after several strong quarters. Most major markets in Europe, including Germany, had good, or very good, sales development in the quarter. In Asia, sales continued to increase with particularly strong results in China, India and Japan. Favorable development was also recorded in the Middle East and some African markets.  New small oil-injected screw compressors were successfully launched during the quarter.  Revenues increased 17 percent, to MSEK 3,928 (3,345), with volume up 11 percent compared to the same quarter the preceding year.  Operating profit improved 27 percent, to MSEK 738 (580), corresponding to an operating margin of 18.8 percent (17.3). The substantial improvement in results was attributable to higher volumes, and a positive exchange rate situation with a continued high USD/EURO ratio. Return on capital employed (past 12 months) increased to 65 percent (55). Construction and Mining Technique Business Area  The Construction and Mining Technique business area consists of five divisions in the following product areas: drilling rigs, rock drilling tools, exploration equipment, construction tools, and loading equipment.  Orders received totaled MSEK 1,794 (1,775), corresponding to a decrease in volume of 6 percent compared to a strong first quarter in 2000. There was a positive translation effect of 4 percent, and prices increased by about 1 percent. The net effect of structural changes was +2 percent.  Demand from the mining industry continued at a healthy level, primarily driven by good aftermarket development, while machine sales were somewhat lower than last year's very strong performance. Sales of light drilling and breaking equipment to the construction industry recorded a slowdown, partly due to the lower level of activity in most markets and from very low fleet investments from rental companies. Important orders for exploration drilling and ground-reinforcement equipment were received in the quarter, primarily in India and Russia.  Geographically, the best sales development was recorded in Western Europe, Africa and Asia.  In the period, the Atlas Copco Secoroc division successfully launched a new so-called drifter system for more efficient drilling and straighter holes.  Revenues were MSEK 1,828 (1,650), up 11 percent overall, corresponding to a volume increase of 3 percent.  Operating profit for the quarter rose 30 percent, to MSEK 185 (142), corresponding to a margin of 10.1 percent (8.6). The changes in exchange rates and the somewhat higher sales prices achieved contributed to an improved operating margin and overall results.  Return on capital employed (past 12 months) increased to 22 percent (15). Industrial Technique Business Area  The Industrial Technique business area consists of four divisions in the following product areas: industrial power tools, professional electric tools, and assembly systems.  Order intake increased 8 percent overall compared with the first quarter of 2000, to MSEK 2,969 (2,740), corresponding to a 1 percent increase in volume. The positive translation effect was 9 percent and prices increased by about 1 percent. Due to structural changes in India, orders and sales representing about 3 percent of the business area's orders in 2000 was transferred to Compressor Technique and Construction & Mining Technique.  Order intake from the motor vehicle industry for assembly tools and systems continued to be very strong in the quarter, both in the United States and in Europe. Orders for other industrial tools remained at a high level, particularly in Europe.  The demand for professional electrical tools for construction and installation work weakened in the quarter, primarily in North America. Lower demand from home-centers was compensated by an increase in product range coverage, while sales to industrial and hardware distribution channels decreased substantially.  Revenues were MSEK 2,838 (2,619), up 8 percent from the first quarter 2000. This corresponded to a flat volume development.  Operating profit increased 5 percent to MSEK 277 (263). The operating profit margin was 9.8 percent (10.0). The operating margin reflects lower volumes in the professional electric tools business, mitigated by operating cost adjustments, and a continued strong performance in the industrial tools segment. Return on capital employed (past 12 months) was 15 percent (14).  Rental Service Business Area  Since January 1, 2001, the Rental Service business area consists of a single division in the equipment rental industry in North America, providing services to construction and industrial markets.  Total revenues for the first quarter increased 21 percent, to MSEK 3,659 (3,023). The volume gain was 5 percent for comparable units. Translation effects from the much higher USD/SEK rate added 14 percent, while acquisitions and price changes had a net effect of +2 percent. On average, rental rates were still marginally lower than in the preceding year. Rental revenues, which accounted for 74 percent of total revenues, grew about 10 percent in volume in the quarter while sales of equipment, parts, and merchandise, representing 16 percent of revenues and sales of used equipment, representing 10 percent of revenues, decreased.  Equipment rental revenues continue to grow at a faster pace than the industries it serves because of the trend towards renting instead of owning equipment. The lower sales of new equipment, parts and merchandise reflect the general slowdown of activity in the construction sector. Sales of used equipment decreased, mainly as a temporary effect of organizational changes.  The merger of Prime and RSC was effective January 1, 2001. By the end of the first quarter all planned store consolidations and personnel reductions (approximately 450 employees) were finalized. In March, the company launched an additional rationalization program with a one-time cost of MSEK 60, which included the elimination of one organizational level and further personnel reductions (about 300 employees). The new measures aim to reduce costs and create a more efficient structure, better equipped to meet changes in the business environment.  Operating profit, including goodwill amortization, was MSEK 328 (390), corresponding to a margin of 9.0 percent. Excluding one-time items, the margin was 10.6 percent (12.9). The lower margin is because operating costs were too high in relation to revenues, and a combination of seasonally low revenues and a larger rental fleet than the previous year. Return on capital employed (past 12 months) was 5 percent (6).  Stockholm, April 26, 2001 Giulio Mazzalupi  President and Chief Executive Officer Financial Targets  The overall objective for the Atlas Copco Group is to achieve a return on capital employed that will always exceed the Group's total cost of capital. The targets for the next business cycle are to grow revenue at an annual rate of 8 percent, to have an average operating margin of 15 percent, and to continuously challenge the operating capital efficiency in terms of stock, receivables, and rental fleet utilization. Overall, this will ensure that shareholder value is created and continuously increased. The strategy to reach these objectives should follow the proven development path for all operational units in the Group: stability first, then profitability, and finally growth. Forward-looking statements  Some statements in this report are forward-looking, and the actual outcomes could be materially different. In addition to the factors explicitly discussed, other factors could have a material effect on the actual outcomes. Such factors include but are not limited to general business conditions, fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates, political developments, the impact of competing products and their pricing, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, interruptions in supply, and major customer credit losses. For further information:  Media  Annika Berglund, Senior Vice President, Group Communications  Phone: +46 8 743 8070, Mobile: +46 70 322 8070, [email protected]  Analysts  Mattias Olsson, Investor Relations Manager  Phone: +46 8 743 8291, Mobile: +46 70 518 8291, [email protected]  Presentations from Atlas Copco  For your convenience, a presentation of Atlas Copco's first quarter results will be published on Atlas Copco's Internet site. Please go to www.atlascopco-group.com > Investor > Presentations  Internet site for the Atlas Copco Group  More information is available at www.atlascopco-group.com.  Please note that you can register as a subscriber under My Profile.  Interim report, second quarter 2001  Atlas Copco will publish the interim report for the second quarter of 2001 on July 19, 2001.