HiQ – 48% growth and operating profit trebled

In the first quarter 2005 HiQ has trebled its operating profit and exhibited 48 percent growth. Net sales increased to SEK 167.3 (113.3) million. Operating profit (EBIT) increased to SEK 31.0 (11.5) million, equivalent to an operating margin of 18.5 (10.2) percent. Pre-tax profit increased to SEK 31.4 (12.3) million. The Board has proposed a dividend of SEK 1.30 per share to the Annual General Meeting.

“HiQ has made a very strong start to the year. During the quarter HiQ announced the company’s biggest single order ever. We have signed an agreement worth SEK 160 million over three years with the American company GTECH, which consolidates our unique position within the gaming & entertainment sector,” says Lars Stugemo, President and CEO of HiQ. “All our subsidiaries are reporting good profitability and we are recruiting in all our regions – an effect of the great confidence that our clients are placing in us to develop their products and services,” continues Stugemo. The positive trend at the end of 2004 continued into the first quarter and demand for HiQ’s services is good. HiQ is continuing to grow in segments such as telecoms, gaming & entertainment, the automotive industry and the financial sector, with 59 new employees having been recruited in the first quarter. HiQ works continually on providing its clients with a specialist offering and high quality. “HiQ today stands stronger than ever. In the first quarter of the year we have seen continued positive development in the market. Our offering is appreciated by our clients and we are attracting skilled staff. That has enabled us to continue to win new orders and take market share while maintaining very good profitability,” continues Stugemo. HiQ’s President and CEO Lars Stugemo presents the report at 9.00 a.m. today, Tuesday 26 April, at HiQ’s 9th floor offices at Mäster Samuelsgatan 17 in Stockholm. The report can be ordered on +46 (0)8-588 90 000 or downloaded from www.hiq.se For further information, please contact: Lars Stugemo, President and CEO HiQ, tel.: +46 (0)8-588 90 000 Annika Larsson, Head of Corporate Communications HiQ, tel.: +46 (0)8-588 90 015, +46 (0)704-200 103, annika.larsson@hiq.se