Interim report for the three months ended 31 March 2008

* First quarter revenue rose 8 per cent at fixed exchange rates and 8 per cent in SEK to SEK 1,632 M (1,508).
* Operating profit improved by 5 per cent to SEK 403 M (382).
* Operating margin was 24.7 per cent (25.3).
* Profit after tax amounted to SEK 274 M (266).
* Earnings per share were SEK 1.89 (1.83).


Comments from the CEO

“Seco Tools posted continued strong revenue growth for the first quarter of 2008, despite an early Easter holiday which pushed down revenue for the period by around 2-3 per cent.

Growth in all regions was generally good, at roughly the same rates as in the corresponding period of last year. In North America, Seco Tools maintained stable growth despite macroeconomic unrest in the region. Development in the emerging economies of Asia and Central and Eastern Europe remained favourable. On the whole, we see no indication of slowing in demand.

Healthy revenue growth and a stable price scenario resulted in robust earnings for the quarter, although margins were impacted by ambitious long-term market efforts and capacity expansion. Operating margin for the period came in at 24.7 per cent and return on both total assets and equity reached 40 per cent. Examples of market investments other than resource expansion during the quarter included the opening of new Technology Centers in Poland and Hungary.”


For additional information contact Kai Wärn, President and CEO, (Tel: +46 223-401 10) or Patrik Johnson, CFO (+46 223-401 20).
E-mail can be sent to investor.relations@secotools.com