HiQ – good development and strong margin

HiQ has developed well during the first half of the year. Net sales increased to SEK 406.2 (356.6) million, corresponding to organic growth of 14 percent. Operating profit (EBIT) increased to SEK 76.2 (71.3) million, equivalent to an operating margin of 18.8 (20.0) percent. Pre-tax profit increased to SEK 76.7 (72.1) million.

“HiQ has continued to develop well in the first half of 2006. Demand for specialist IT services is good and we are growing by 14 percent, combined with an operating margin of 18.8 percent – a good result,” says Lars Stugemo, President and CEO of HiQ. “We are continuing to work untiringly to develop HiQ as a company and I am proud of the work that all our employees carry out day by day. The company’s growth in recent years has injected new energy into the organisation and created a driving force for new initiatives both geographically and in terms of our areas of expertise. It’s tremendously inspiring,” says Stugemo. HiQ has been working for a long time on broadening its presence in several business sectors, with the result that the company is now a significant player in a number of different sectors. It is the automotive industry in which HiQ has experienced the fastest growth during the period. Gaming & entertainment, security & defence, industry and telecoms are other sectors in which HiQ is continuing to develop very well. “We are continuing to do business and to win new orders from leading clients in many different sectors. Today HiQ enjoys a very strong position in the Nordic IT market, which means that we can carry on developing very well,” continues Stugemo. HiQ’s President and CEO Lars Stugemo presents the report at 9.00 a.m. today, Wednesday 23 August, 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 Billberg, Head of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Manager HiQ, tel.: +46 (0)8-588 90 015, +46 (0)704-200 103, annika.billberg@hiq.se