Atlas Copco AB announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017. For the quarter, the company reported revenues of SEK 30,865 million as compared to SEK 28,495 million for the same period last year. Operating profit was SEK 6,233 million as compared to SEK 5,785 million for the same period last year. Profit before tax was SEK 5,946 million as compared to SEK 5,618 million for the same period last year. Profit for the period from continuing operations was SEK 4,243 million as compared to SEK 4,254 million for the same period last year. Profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent was SEK 4,182 million or SEK 3.40 diluted per share as compared to SEK 2,450 million or SEK 2.01 diluted per share for the same period last year. Net cash from operating activities was SEK 6,493 million as compared to SEK 6,517 million for the same period last year. Investments in property, plant and equipment were SEK 591 million as compared to SEK 411 million for the same period last year. Investments in intangible assets were SEK 237 million as compared to SEK 210 million for the same period last year. Operating cash flow was SEK 5.5 billion in the quarter.

For the full year, the company reported revenues of SEK 116,421 million as compared to SEK 101,356 million for the same period last year. Operating profit was SEK 24,200 million as compared to SEK 19,798 million for the same period last year. Profit before tax was SEK 23,129 million as compared to SEK 18,805 million for the same period last year. Profit for the period from continuing operations was SEK 16,762 million as compared to SEK 13,785 million for the same period last year. Profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent was SEK 16,671 million or SEK 13.63 diluted per share as compared to SEK 11,931 million or SEK 9.79 diluted per share for the same period last year. Net cash from operating activities was SEK 21,380 million as compared to SEK 18,281 million for the same period last year. Investments in property, plant and equipment were SEK 1,742 million as compared to SEK 1,369 million for the same period last year. Investments in intangible assets were SEK 1,021 million as compared to SEK 1,027 million for the same period last year. Return on capital employed was 30% as compared to 27% for the same period last year. Return on equity was 30% as compared to 24% for the same period last year.

For 2018, the company is expecting somewhere in the region of 25% to 26% effective tax rate.