COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
Strong organic sales growth
Organic sales growth was exceptionally strong also in the second quarter, driven by good portfolio development and extra sales continuing at record high levels. Most of these extra needs of security are short term in its nature, and are expected to reduce during the second half of 2016. Securitas is well positioned to manage the higher levels of security needs and also the increasing concerns for operational disruptions at our customers’ sites by optimally combining on-site, mobile and remote guarding with electronic security, fire and safety, and corporate risk management. As a result we are presently growing faster than the security markets in the US and Europe as well as in many of the Ibero-American countries.
Earnings per share and operating margin improved
Earnings per share improved by 19 percent in the second quarter and by 16 percent in the first half of 2016, adjusted for changes in exchange rates. The operating result improved by 18 percent compared to the first half of last year, adjusted for changes in exchange rates, and the operating margin improved to 5.1 percent (4.7) in the quarter and to 4.9 percent (4.7) for the first six months.
Continued strong sales growth of security solutions and electronic security
Sales of security solutions and electronic security were strong in the first six months and in line with our expectations. We believe that we can continue to increase our sales of security solutions and electronic security at a high pace in the coming years and make this a substantial part of the Group’s total sales. The completed acquisition of Diebold’s North American Electronic Security business on February 1, 2016 also makes an important contribution in accelerating our transformation and we have also recently been able to agree on two medium sized electronic security acquisitions in Europe.
Alf Göransson
President and Chief Executive Officer
PRESENTATION OF THE INTERIM REPORT
Analysts and media are invited to participate in a telephone conference on August 4, 2016 at 14:30 p.m. (CET) where Securitas CEO Alf Göransson will present the report and answer questions. The telephone conference will also be audio cast live via Securitas web. To participate in the telephone conference, please dial in five minutes prior to the start of the conference call:
The United States: + 1 855 269 2605 Sweden:
+ 46 (0) 8 519 993 55 United Kingdom:
+ 44 (0) 203 194 0550
To follow the audio cast of the telephone conference via the web, please follow the link www.securitas.com/investors/webcasts. A recorded version of the audio cast will be available at www.securitas.com/investors/webcasts after the telephone conference.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Micaela Sjökvist, Head of Investor Relations, + 46 10 470 3013
Gisela Lindstrand, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, + 46 10 470 3011
Securitas is a global knowledge leader in security. We base our security solutions on customer-specific needs through different combinations of on-site, mobile and remote guarding, electronic security, fire and safety and corporate risk management. Everywhere from small stores to airports, our 330 000 employees are making a difference.
Securitas AB discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication at 13.00 (CET) on Thursday, August 4, 2016.
