Year-end report for 2004 and fourth quarter interim report

- Invoicing in the fourth quarter rose 18 percent, at fixed exchange rates, with operating profit rising 30 percent from the preceding year. - Invoicing for the full year totaled SEK 4,333 M (3,917). - Profit after tax for the full year amounted to SEK 544 M (434). - Earnings per share before dilution for the full year were SEK 18.80 (15.05). - The Board proposes an ordinary dividend of SEK 15.00 (14.00) per share and an extraordinary dividend of SEK 10.00 (0.00) per share. Comments by the President Strong market position and record earnings for 2004 ”The Group’s market position strengthened during the year, as reflected in larger market shares. Order intake, operating profit and earnings per share for Seco Tools reached record levels, while profitability and return were highly favorable. The combination of a competitive product program, the strongest in many years, plus good sales efforts contributed to the success,” notes Kai Wärn, President and CEO of Seco Tools. For additional information, contact Kai Wärn, President and CEO, Tel +46 223-401 10 or Tomas Eliasson, CFO, Tel: +46 223-401 20. E-mail may be sent to investor.relations@secotools.com Previously published financial information is available under the section "Investor Relations" at the Seco Tools website (www.secotools.com). Seco Tools’ corporate registration number is 556071-1060 and the address is Seco Tools AB, 737 82 Fagersta, Sweden. The telephone number to the Group’s head office is +46 223-400 00.