Securitas Stock Price, News & Analysis

Securitas AB has announced its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for May 5, 2021, to be conducted via postal voting due to COVID-19 restrictions. Shareholders must be recorded in the share register by April 27, 2021, to participate. Key agenda items include the election of a new Board, dividend proposal of SEK 4.00 per share, and approval of guidelines for senior management remuneration. The Board proposes authorization for share buybacks and a long-term incentive program. Notably, the total fees for Board members are set at SEK 8,950,000.

Securitas has introduced a significant update to its global brand identity, marked by the tagline 'See a different world'. This change emphasizes the company's commitment to innovation and a human-centric approach to security. The updated logo is the first major redesign since 1972 and will be gradually implemented across all platforms, including uniforms and vehicles. With 355,000 employees and a goal to double electronic security sales by 2023, Securitas aims to engage a broader audience and strengthen its market position.

Securitas has acquired Dansk Brandteknik A/S for approximately MDKK 110 (MSEK 149), enhancing its fire and safety services in Denmark. This acquisition aligns with Securitas' strategy to double its security solutions sales by 2023. Dansk Brandteknik reported annual sales of MDKK 60 (MSEK 81) in 2020, with 70% from recurring revenue. The integration is expected to create cross-selling opportunities and be accretive to EPS from 2021. Acquisition costs are anticipated at MSEK 6 over 2021-2022.

Securitas has successfully issued a EUR 350 million Eurobond as part of its EUR 4 billion EMTN program on Feb. 22, 2021. The bond features a coupon rate of 0.250% and will mature on Feb. 22, 2028. Proceeds from this issuance will be utilized to refinance existing credit facilities and for general corporate purposes. Joint lead managers for the bond included BBVA, Citi, ING, KBC, and SEB.

The Nomination Committee of Securitas proposes Jan Svensson as the new Chair of the Board at the Annual General Meeting on May 5, 2021. New board members include Gunilla Fransson, Harry Klagsbrun, and Johan Menckel, while Carl Douglas and others will not seek re-election. Jan Svensson has extensive leadership experience, having previously served as CEO of Investment AB Latour. The Committee believes this new leadership will positively influence the company. Full details and rationale will be shared in the AGM notices.

Securitas announced key leadership changes to its Group Management team, effective April 1, 2021, with Brett Pickens appointed Divisional President for AMEA, and Andreas Lindback set to become Group CFO on August 16, 2021. Pickens has been instrumental in driving strategy in the AMEA region, while Lindback has a strong track record since joining Securitas in 2011. Bart Adam, the current CFO, will step down after a 21-year tenure but will assist as a strategic advisor until February 2022. These changes aim to enhance specialized services and client-centric solutions.

Securitas announced a business transformation in Europe and Ibero-America aimed at increasing operating margins to approximately 6.5% and 6.0% by 2024. This initiative includes planned costs affecting comparability of around MSEK -1,400 and capital expenditures of about MSEK -1,100 from 2021 to 2023. The ongoing modernization program and enhanced IT investments are expected to yield financial benefits by 2022. CEO Magnus Ahlqvist emphasized the importance of evolving client needs and the focus on small and medium enterprises.