Strong market position and strong financial position

Strong market position and strong financial position

HiQ is performing well in 2009, with strong cash flows and a very good financial
position, despite the continuing effect of the economic downturn on the IT
consultancy sector. Net sales amounted to SEK 778.9 million and operating profit
(EBIT) to SEK 99.6 million, an operating margin of 12,8 percent. Cash flow from
operations amounted to SEK 82.2 million.

“The market remains tough and the third quarter is always the weakest from a
seasonal aspect. In a year like 2009, when the economic situation is weak, the
seasonal effect is even stronger following lower market activity.  Despite this
we continue to deliver strong results,” says Lars Stugemo, President and CEO of
HiQ.

“I am incredibly proud of the great engagement and hard work put in by all our
colleagues that enables HiQ to remain Sweden's best IT and management
consultancy. Our co-workers are our most important assets and I am very happy
that we recently were named the best employer of the IT-consulting industry in
the yearly survey by Universum Communications. That we can attract skilled
people is of course crucial to us,” Stugemo continues.

HiQ is today a significant player in the Nordic market with a broad client base,
a strong geographical presence and a strong financial position.  The economic
situation has also led to restructuring in a number of sectors, creating
opportunities for HiQ to win new business and further strengthen its market
position. 

“In a weaker economic situation it is all the more important to be in a strong
market position. HiQ is in a strong financial position, has good customer
relations and a strong brand, all of which favours us in a tougher market,” says
Lars Stugemo.
  
HiQ's projects are about helping our clients to use communication as a way to
develop, improve and become more streamlined. Clients include leading players in
various segments including the public sector, industry, telecoms, defence,
gaming & entertainment and finance. During the period new agreements were signed
with clients such as SEB, Volvo Cars, Ascom Sweden AB, Stockholm Local Transport
(SL), Kuusakoski and Mentice.

“New technology is emerging all the time, and this creates opportunities for new
types of companies and services. We are seeing increased demand for the
development of mobile and web applications in areas such as media and
entertainment. We see this as an exciting area for HiQ in the future. Our
clients are striving to develop their products and services continually in order
to remain competitive. We help them to do so,” concludes Stugemo. 

HiQ's President and CEO Lars Stugemo presents the report at 9:00 a.m. today,
Monday 19 October, at HiQ's 9th floor offices at Mäster Samuelsgatan 17 in
Stockholm. 

The report can be requested by telephoning +46 (0)8-588 90 000 or downloaded
from www.hiq.se

For further information, please contact:
Lars Stugemo, President and CEO HiQ, tel.: +46 (0)8-588 90 000
Annika Billberg, Head of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations HiQ 
tel.: +46 (0)8-588 90 015, +46 (0)704-200 103, annika.billberg@hiq.se

HiQ is an IT and management consultancy company focusing on high-tech solutions
in the fields of communications and software development. The company is a
leading player in these fields and the Nordic region is its domestic market. HiQ
employs more than 1,000 people at offices in the Nordic region and in Eastern
Europe. HiQ is listed on Nasdaq OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm MidCap. For more
information, please visit www.hiq.se.