Atlas Copco: Order level remained high before the COVID-19 downturn

“We are helped by being a global, diversified company, present in almost all industries, but we are in no way immune to the economic impact this crisis might lead to”, said Mats Rahmström. “These are challenging times and our operations were increasingly affected during the quarter. To keep our production and offices going, where we can and where it is allowed, is the best way we can support our people, our customers, our suppliers and critical functions in society.”

The order development for vacuum equipment was strong in the quarter, reflecting several global digitalization trends. The other business areas, Compressor Technique, Industrial Technique and Power Technique were all, in various degrees, affected negatively by the developing economic situation during the quarter.

Orders received in the first quarter grew to MSEK 28 039 (26 812), an organic decline of 2 percent. Revenues reached MSEK 25 098 (24 181), an organic decline of 3 percent. Reported operating profit increased 2 percent to MSEK 5 124 (5 048). Excluding items affecting comparability, the adjusted operating profit decreased 3 percent to MSEK 5 099 (5 262), corresponding to a margin of 20.3 percent (21.8). The return on capital employed was 29 percent (33).

The current economic situation makes the near-term outlook very uncertain, but demand for Atlas Copco’s products and services is expected to deteriorate significantly in most industries and regions.

“We plan for different scenarios and have action plans for each of them, and we put the safety of our employees first in everything we do. We continue to prioritize investments in strategic R&D projects and in digital solutions for service and sales to ensure the success of our customers and business partners,” said Mats Rahmström.