Securitas AB Full Year Report January - December 2004

2004 confirms that Securitas is back to positive organic sales growth and increased income supported by strong cash flow

• Sales in the fourth quarter increased by 3 percent to MSEK 15,222 (14,676), adjusted for changes in exchange rates, acquisitions and divestitures. For the full year sales increased by 3 percent to MSEK 59,687 (58,850), adjusted for changes in exchange rates, acquisitions and divestitures.

• Operating income in the fourth quarter increased by 3 percent to MSEK 1,108 (1,084), adjusted for changes in exchange rates. Operating margin was 7.3 percent (7.4). For the full year operating income increased by 10 percent to MSEK 3,994 (3,732), adjusted for changes in exchange rates. Operating margin increased to 6.7 percent (6.3). In the fourth quarter operating income includes non-recurring charges in Cash Handling Services (MSEK 27) and Direct (MSEK 8), total MSEK 35.

• Income before taxes in the fourth quarter increased by 6 percent to MSEK 701 (659), adjusted for changes in exchange rates. For the full year income before taxes increased by 18 percent to MSEK 2,328 (1,998), adjusted for changes in exchange rates.

• Net income in the fourth quarter increased by 10 percent to MSEK 450 (410). For the full year the increase was 18 percent to MSEK 1,467 (1,242).

• Earnings per share after full taxes increased 9 percent to SEK 1.22 (1.12) in the fourth quarter. For the full year the increase was 16 percent to SEK 4.01 (3.45).

• Free cash flow increased 40 percent to MSEK 2,530 (1,801) representing 94 percent (73) of adjusted income.

• Dividend for 2004 is proposed to be SEK 3.00 (2.00) per share.


Comments from the CEO, Thomas Berglund

"The development in 2004 confirms that Securitas has returned to positive organic sales growth and increased income supported by strong cash flow.

Security Services Europe, Security Systems, Direct and Cash Handling Services (which represent 77 percent of Group operating income) have together demonstrated strong organic sales growth and margin development. Security Services USA has stabilized in sales, but has not yet achieved positive organic sales growth during 2004 and is still experiencing pressure on profitability.

The outlook for 2005 is a continuing positive development in line with 2004 driven by the same divisions as in 2004. Security Services USA is expected during 2005 to turn positive in organic sales growth and be more in line with the market, whereas margins are expected to continue to be under pressure."

The full report including tables can be downloaded from the following link.