STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 14, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Atlas Copco:
Q4: Strong Cash Flow, Weaker Demand
-- Order volumes fell 5%.
-- Profit after financial items was MSEK 1,054 (1,371), including
restructuring costs of MSEK 200.
-- Operating margin, excluding items affecting comparability, was
11.8% (14.4).
-- Low rental revenues had a negative effect on profits.
-- Earnings per share were SEK 3.36 (4.12).
-- Operating cash flow was a record MSEK 1,863 (815).
Note: All comparative figures are for the fourth quarter of 2000, unless otherwise stated.
Oct.-Dec. Change Jan.-Dec. Change
2001 2000 % 2001 2000 %
Orders received 12,343 12,177 +1 50,916 46,628 +9
Revenues 13,117 12,841 +2 51,139 46,527 +10
Operating profit* 1,348 1,823 -26 6,130 6,392 -4
- as a percentage 10.3 14.2 12.0 13.7
of revenues
Profit after
financial 1,054 1,371 -23 4,700 4,689 0
items* 0 9
- as a percentage 8.0 10.7 9.2 10.1
of revenues
*Items affecting -200 -20 -260 -26
comparability
Earnings per share,
SEK 3.36 4.12 -18 14.63 13.95 +5
Equity capital per
share, SEK 133 115
Return on capital
employed
(12-month values) 13 15
Dividend
The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of SEK 5.50 (5.25) per share be paid for the 2001 fiscal year.
Outlook
The current overall decline in demand is foreseen to continue in the near-term. As a consequence, lower volumes and profitability are anticipated in the first quarter, primarily in the equipment rental business.
There are some indications of an improved business environment in North America, which could positively affect demand in the latter part of the year.
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