Interim report January - September

ATLAS COPCO INTERIM REPORT (unaudited) Nine months ended September 30, 1998 Improved operating margin SEK m. January-September Change 1998 1997 % Revenues 24,895 21,577 +15 Operating profit 3,221 2,698 +19 - as a percentage of revenues 12.9 12.5 Profit after financial items 2,691 2,565 +5 - as a percentage of revenues 10.8 11.9 Earnings per share, SEK 9.26 8.67 +7 The Atlas Copco Group increased revenues for the first nine months of 1998 to SEK 24,895 m. (21,577), up 15 percent. Orders received increased 10 percent, to SEK 24,917 m. (22,610). For comparable units, revenues were up 5 percent, while orders received were up 1 percent. The Atlas Copco Group's profit after financial items increased to SEK 2,691 m. (2,565). The profit margin was 10.8 percent (11.9). ------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1998/10/22/19981022BIT00230/81022-e.doc