Ronnie Leten comments on Atlas Copco’s Q1 results

April 20, 2011

Stockholm, Sweden, April 20, 2011: Atlas Copco today reported first-quarter results with very strong growth in all business areas, both in terms of orders received and operating profit. The development was good in nearly all geographical regions and Atlas Copco expects demand to grow somewhat in the near term.
“We have achieved a great result, thanks to the good global demand situation, our improved market presence in China and India, investments in products and services, and the hard work of our employees to strengthen the support for our customers,” says Ronnie Leten, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group.

Revenues increased 27% organically to MSEK 18 223 while orders received grew 33% organically to MSEK 21 675, a new record. Operating profit increased 52% to MSEK 3 987, corresponding to a record margin of 21.9% (17.2). The margin was positively affected by efficiency improvements, growing volumes and price increases, while changes in currency exchange rates had a negative impact of about one percentage point.

“We faced big challenges in the quarter with the turmoil in northern Africa and the Middle East, and the tragic events in Japan,” Ronnie Leten says. “We’re glad that our businesses are adapting well and that all of our employees are safe.”

Today, Atlas Copco announces a change to its business area structure, effective July 1, going from three to four more focused business areas (see separate press release).

“With a stronger operational focus on specific customer segments and a steady stream of innovations, we have an excellent opportunity to grow our share of the market,” Ronnie Leten says.

During the quarter, Atlas Copco presented an array of innovative new products, including a centrifugal compressor with significant energy savings and handheld hydraulic breakers with reduced vibration levels.

The overall demand for the Group’s products and services is expected to increase somewhat. The demand in the emerging markets as well as from the mining industry is expected to stay strong. Most other markets, except southern Europe and northern Africa, are expected to continue to develop positively.
Press release with the full Q1 report.

For further information please contact:
Daniel Frykholm, Media Relations Manager
46 (0)8 743 8060 or 46 (0)70 865 8060

Atlas Copco discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act.



110420 -en- CEO comments Q1 2011

110420 -en- CEO comments Q1 2011

Filename
_wkr0005_tcm17-1631549.pdf
Size
14 KB
Format
pdf