February 2, 2006
Record fourth quarter ends record year
Decision to explore a divestment of the Rental Service business.Orders received up 29%, +11% in volume.Revenues reached MSEK 15 033 (11 592), up 12% in volume.Operating profit margin increased to 19.7% (15.4). Operating profit was MSEK 2 955 (1 784), supported by MSEK 600 in positive currency effects compared to previous year.Profit after financial items increased 61% to MSEK 2 896 (1 798), including changes in accounting for share based payments. Net profit was MSEK 2 182 (1 292), including a gain on discontinued operations of MSEK 217. Earnings per share were SEK 3.46 (2.05). Operating cash flow totaled MSEK 878 (1 274).The Board proposes 42% increase in the dividend to SEK 4.25 per share and a share buy-back program.
Near-term demand outlook
The demand for Atlas Copco's products and services, from all major customer segments such as mining, infrastructure and other non-residential construction, manufacturing and process industry, is expected to remain at the current high level.