2004 - forth quarter, the strongest in the history of HiQ

In 2004 HiQ demonstrated strong growth and trebled its pre-tax profit. Net sales increased by 27 per cent to 512.9 (403.0) million. The profit before goodwill (EBITA) increased by SEK 38.1 million to SEK 71.6 (33.5) million, which is equivalent to an EBITA margin of 14.0 (8.3) per cent. The pre-tax profit increased by SEK 37.1 million to SEK 51.7 (14.6) million. The Board’s dividend proposal to the AGM is SEK 1.30 per share

“2004 was a very good year for HiQ. Our range of services is appreciated by our clients and we attract skilled employees, which make it possible for us to continue to increase our market share and to expand. We are entering the new year well equipped to continue developing our company and our offering,” says Lars Stugemo, President and CEO of HiQ. In 2004, HiQ seized every opportunity to grow and increase the company’s market share. 161 new employees were recruited during the year. HiQ also established a new subsidiary in Karlskrona and acquired the IT consultancy Cats. This has strengthened HiQ, both from a geographical perspective and in several important sectors such as telecoms, finance & insurance and industry. “In the fourth quarter we grew by 43 per cent with an operating margin before goodwill of 20.0 per cent – a very strong result. It is the strongest quarter in the history of HiQ so far, and we are obviously delighted with the company’s progress,” continues Stugemo. HiQ focused during the year on its efforts to specialise the range of services and expand the client base into several different sectors. HiQ’s President and CEO, Lars Stugemo, will present the report today, Tuesday, 8 February at 9 a.m. at HiQ’s office on Mäster Samuelsgatan 17, 9th floor in Stockholm. The report can be ordered by calling +46 (0)8 588 90 000 or downloaded at www.hiq.se For further information, please contact: Lars Stugemo, President and CEO of HiQ, tel.: +46 (0)8 588 90 000 Annika Larsson, CIO and head of Investor Relations at HiQ, tel.: +46 (0)8 588 90 015, +46 (0)704 200 103