Mats Rahmström comments on Atlas Copco’s Q4 2017

“Our winning teams ensured we had a strong end to a record year,” said Mats Rahmström, President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group. “We are happy to see that our focus on creating value for customers is successful. Orders received in the fourth quarter grew to MSEK 30 372 (27 617), an organic increase of 14%. Revenues were MSEK 30 865 (28 495), and the operating profit margin was 20.2% (20.3). Orders received grew for all five business areas and in all major geographic regions. Vacuum Technique posted the biggest order intake growth, 29%, amid strong demand from all customer segments, such as the semiconductor and manufacturing industries and laboratories. Innovative products launched in the quarter include a large oil-free centrifugal compressor that offers easy preventive maintenance, dry scroll vacuum pumps with high robustness and low noise level, wireless socket selectors to support error proofing processes in tightening applications, a high-capacity and automation-ready underground mine truck, and lightweight and space-saving portable compressors. Also in the quarter, Atlas Copco announced the acquisitions of a French steam boiler rental company, a U.S. mining distributor, a South African exploration manufacturing business, and an Australian rock drills specialist. “We continue to focus on organic growth complemented with strategic acquisitions,” Mats Rahmström said. The ongoing split of the Group is proceeding according to plan.