SWECO AB (publ) Year-end report 2008

SWECO AB (publ) Year-end report 2008

Record profit and powerful growth

• Operating profit improved by 38 per cent to SEK 596.3 million (432.5).  

• Operating margin was 10.8 per cent (9.5).

• Net sales increased by 21 per cent to SEK 5,522.8 million (4,569.5).

• Profit before tax was SEK 588.2 million (425.7).

• Profit after tax was SEK 402.9 million (303.3), equal to earnings per share of
SEK 4.68 (3.53).

• The Board proposes a dividend of SEK 2.0 (2.00) per share.


Comments from CEO Mats Wäppling:

“In 2008 we recorded our best year ever with a dramatic improvement in earnings
and an operating margin that rose to 10.8 per cent. The units in Sweden and
Norway showed the strongest earnings growth. In the past year Sweco continued
its expansion and strengthened its market positions in both the Nordic region
and in Eastern and Central Europe. 

“Demand has been particularly keen for services in the environment, energy and
infrastructure areas, although we noted weaker demand in the construction sector
and parts of the industrial sector toward the end of the year. 

“Market conditions have continued to deteriorate, which is mainly affecting
industrial and building-related consulting services, and we are adapting our
resources as needed. At the same time, the outlook is bright in the majority of
Sweco's areas of operation. The fundamental drivers underlying demand for our
services are population growth and urbanisation, a growing awareness of
environmental and climate issues and modernisation of the new EU member states.
These trends are creating new business opportunities and generating healthy
demand primarily for environmental, energy and infrastructure services. Sweco's
strong market positions in these areas vouch for positive long-term development.


“Sweco's growth strategy stands firm. Our healthy finances provide a platform
for continued profitable growth in new markets in the years ahead.”




For additional information contact:

Mats Wäppling, President & CEO of SWECO AB (publ
Mobile +46 70 645 03 21 mats.wappling@sweco.se

Bo Jansson, Chief Financial Officer of SWECO AB (publ)
Telephone +46 8 695 66 06/+46 734 12 66 06 bo.jansson@sweco.se


The information contained herein may be subject to the disclosure requirements
of Sweco  pursuant to the Swedish Securities Exchange and Clearing Operations
Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted
for publication on 13 February 2009, xx:xx CET.