Strong growth and record earnings

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2012

• Net sales of SEK 2,093.5 million (1,786.1).
• Operating profit of SEK 182.5 million (191.6).
• Operating margin of 8.7 per cent (10.7).
• Profit after tax of SEK 114.3 million (129.0) and earnings per share of SEK 1.23 (1.41).

JANUARY – DECEMBER 2012

• Net sales of SEK 7,503.5 million (5,987.6).
• Operating profit of SEK 659.3 million (531.3).
• Operating margin of 8.8 per cent (8.9).
• Profit after tax of SEK 459.8 million (374.8) and earnings per share of SEK 4.97 (4.11).
• Net debt of SEK 409.3 million (net receivable of SEK 140.9 million).
• The Board proposes a dividend of SEK 3.25 (3.00) per share.

Comments from CEO Tomas Carlsson:

“2012 was a record year for Sweco. We grew by 25 per cent and improved our operating profit by SEK 128 million. At the same time, we maintained an operating margin of close to 9 per cent. The top-performing business area was Sweco Finland with an operating margin of 11.7 per cent.

“Through the acquisition of FMC Group we created a leading player in Finland and since then we have further strengthened our position in the Finnish market. The acquisition was a key factor behind Sweco’s successes in 2012.

“The fourth quarter saw falling demand for services in the housing sector and in certain industrial segments. However, most areas of operation are continuing to enjoy healthy demand.

“Earnings, growth and cash flow for 2012 show that Sweco stands strong even in an economic downturn, which gives us excellent potential to capitalise on the opportunities available in the market. Our growth strategy is unchanged – we will continue our trajectory of profitable growth, both organically and through acquisitions.”