Combitech presents year-end report for 2017

Technology consultancy company Combitech, an independent subsidiary of defense and security company Saab AB, is today releasing its annual report for 2017. The report shows strong growth in sales and earnings as well as increased operating margin.

Combitech’s sales increased by 28 percent and amounted to SEK 2,334 million, which is the highest amount to-date. The Swedish and Finnish operations have experienced a positive development during the year, with increased profits and an improved margin. The Norwegian operations have also improved. The number of employees increased by 71 people during the year to 1,881 in total by the end of the year. The need for recruitment continues to be high throughout 2018.

Key highlights during the year:

• On February 1, Combitech acquired technology consultancy company Tikab. Combitech is thereby broadening its service portfolio and reinforcing its position as the largest supplier in Sweden of technical product information.

• Atlas Copco, now Epiroc, has initiated a cooperation with Combitech on mining digitalization. Combitech's expertise in the digitalization of aviation, defense and telecom, as well as the technical platforms and working methods of the defense and security company Saab, were important for Epiroc's choice of Combitech as a digital partner.

• Combitech is strengthening its Nordic presence by establishing operations in Denmark in December and the formation of the wholly owned subsidiary Combitech A/S. Initially, the Danish operations will focus on Cyber Security. Combitech is one of the largest cyber security consultants in the Nordic region with approximately 250 information security consultants in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.

• Together with the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration (Luftfartsverket, LFV), Combitech is developing innovative technologies that increase safety at airports by reducing the likelihood of land vehicles on the runway, known as Runway Incursions (RWI). The system is called DRIWS and is a successful example of collaboration between research institutes and industry.

• Combitech, together with partners, has signed a framework agreement on IT security with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, (Försvarets materialverk, FMV). The purpose is to develop FMV's ability to deliver secure and accredited IT systems.

• Combitech's leadership program for managers continued throughout the year. In addition, two popular one-week courses were organized as part of the continuous development of staff skills. The two courses had approximately 1,650 participants in total.

“2017 was a very good year for Combitech. We are improving all key figures while at the same time operations is developing and new partnerships initiated. I am also happy that we are strengthening our Nordic presence by establishing operations in Denmark, complementing our presence in Sweden, Finland and Norway. Our customers mainly require support around the digital transformation and at the same time the interest in Cyber Security continues to be high. I count on 2018 to be an eventful year and look forward with confidence,” said Hans Torin, CEO of Combitech.

KEY FIGURES

Order situation
Order intake was SEK 2,287 million, an increase by 6 percent from the past year (SEK 2,161 million). The order intake is a mix of small and mid-sized orders, often related to framework agreements, as well as large orders running for several years. 

Sales revenue
Sales revenues were SEK 2,334 million, an increase by 28 percent compared to 2016 (SEK 1,825 million). The growth is organic and can mainly be attributed to a positive market development and increased occupancy.

Earnings and margin
Operating earnings (EBIT) increased by 34 percent to SEK 193 million (SEK 144 million). The operating margin was 8.3 percent, which is an increase compared to 2016 (7.9 percent).

Operating cash flow
The operating cash flow increased to SEK 171 million (SEK 131 million), mainly due to a higher result.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Hans Torin, CEO, Combitech
Phone: +46 (0)10 215 04 64, E-mail: hans.torin@combitech.se

Ann-Sofi Jönsson, IR Manager, Saab AB
Phone: +46 (0)8 463 02 14, E-mail: ann-sofi.jonsson@saabgroup.com 

ABOUT COMBITECH 
Combitech is an independent technology consultancy within the defense and security company Saab AB. We have a Nordic base, but we also work with our clients internationally. At Combitech, we are approximately 1,900 employees who believe in the future and are passionate about creating sustainable advantages for people, companies and society. We are a partner to our customers for growth and a uniting force for innovation, security and digitalization. Technology with a purpose. www.combitech.com

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