Continued growth and increase in earnings during the fourth quarter
Full-year 2009
Net turnover increased by 9 percent during the year and amounted to MSEK 595.1 (548.4). Adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, growth was -3 percent.
Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) decreased by 2 percent to MSEK 78.1 (79.8).
Profit before tax increased by 1 percent and amounted to MSEK 68.3 (67.6).
Profit after tax decreased by 2 percent and amounted to MSEK 44.3 (45.0).
Earnings per share decreased by 2 percent to SEK 2.45 (2.50).
The fourth quarter 2009
Net turnover increased by 5 percent during the fourth quarter and amounted to MSEK 162.4 (155.4). Adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, growth was 13 percent.
Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) increased by 3 percent to MSEK 24.4 (23.7).
Profit before tax increased by 13 percent to MSEK 23.3 (20.6).
Profit after tax increased by 9 percent to MSEK 14.9 (13.7).
Earnings per share increased by 9 percent to SEK 0.83 (0.76).
Summary of BTS' and the market's development during the fourth quarter
Demand for training and consultancy services has weakened compared to the previous year. However, demand for BTS' services has been better than for the market as a whole. Continued positive trends were noted on the US market during the fourth quarter.
Earnings were positively impacted by increased earnings in BTS North America, APG and BTS Other markets. Earnings were negatively impacted by a decrease in earnings in BTS Europe and by changes in foreign exchange rates.
New clients secured during the fourth quarter included Bausch & Lomb, LG Electronics, Local Insight Media, Miller Coors, Sanofi-Aventis, Schindler, Snickers Workwear and ThyssenKrupp, among others.
Dividend
The proposed dividend is SEK 1.20 (1.20) per share.