Ronnie Leten comments on Atlas Copco's Q2 results

Ronnie Leten comments on Atlas Copco's Q2 results

Stockholm, Sweden, July 17, 2009: Global demand for Atlas Copco's products
remained on a low level in the second quarter, and the Group continued
implementing restructuring measures to adapt capacity and costs and increase
efficiency. Revenues and earnings fell from a year earlier. Profitability was in
line with the first quarter and the cash flow was strong.

“We have achieved a strong result in light of the tough demand situation, and we
will continue optimizing our manufacturing structure,” says Ronnie Leten,
President and CEO of the Atlas Copco Group. “We expect demand to remain weak in
most industries and regions and stay around the current level in the near term.”


Revenues in the second quarter fell 14% to MSEK 16 155, an organic decline of
27%. Organic order intake dropped 37%. Operating profit was MSEK 2 066,
corresponding to a margin of 12.8%. Adjusted for restructuring costs, the margin
was 14.4%. The operating cash flow increased to MSEK 2 492 (396), supported by
reduced inventory customer receivables levels. 

During the quarter, the number of employees was reduced by about 1 600, giving a
total reduction of the workforce since September 2008 of 5 440, which will save
more than MSEK 2 000 annually. 

“While the Group is undertaking many efforts to reduce costs, we always have the
long-term view in mind,” Ronnie Leten says. “We are continuing to invest in
product development, services and in market presence. The future of Atlas Copco
depends on our ability to continue to deliver excellent service and improve the
productivity and energy efficiency for our customers. The introduction of the
Carbon Zero compressors at the end of the second quarter demonstrates our
strength in this area.” 

On June 30, Atlas Copco introduced Carbon Zero, a range of compressors which
have been certified by the German TÜV institute as being able to recover 100% of
the electrical input power for heating water.

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. 

Atlas Copco is a world leading provider of industrial productivity solutions.
The products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment,
generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly
systems, to related aftermarket and rental. In close cooperation with customers
and business partners, and with 136 years of experience, Atlas Copco innovates
for superior productivity. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the Group's
global reach spans more than 160 markets. In 2008, Atlas Copco had 34 000
employees and revenues of BSEK 74 (BEUR 7.7). Learn more at www.atlascopco.com.