"The macroeconomic environment has remained uncertain throughout the quarter. Despite this, the overall demand for Atlas Copco Group's products and services remained relatively stable compared to the previous year", said Vagner Rego. "The overall demand for service, including the specialty rental business, grew with increased order volumes in all regions."

The order intake in the second quarter decreased 8% to MSEK 40 087 (43 654). Currency had a negative effect of 9%. The order intake declined organically 1%. Revenues decreased 8% to MSEK 41 210 (44 803), an organic decline of 2%. Operating profit was MSEK 8 493 (9 466), corresponding to a margin of 20.6% (21.1). Adjusted operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, reached MSEK 8 411 (9 785), corresponding to a margin of 20.4% (21.8). Return on capital employed was 26% (29).

"During the quarter we have acquired several exciting companies. We are pleased to welcome new technology, competence and people to the Group. Another contribution to our production and innovation capabilities is our new Wuxi campus in Jiangsu province, China, which we inaugurated in May."

In the near term, while the outlook for the global economy continues to be uncertain, Atlas Copco Group expects that the customer activity will remain at the current level.