Atlas Copco falls as Q3 earnings, margin disappoint

Atlas Copco AB

Today 12:49

** Shares in Atlas Copco ATCOa.ST fall 5.4% after the Swedish industrial group posted Q3 adjusted operating profit below market expectations
** Operating earnings before items affecting comparability rose to 10.20 billion Swedish crowns ($1.03 billion), lagging the 10.31 billion crowns expected by analysts 
** "The shares are down at time of writing, which may seem harsh given the order and sales beat, but we see this as reflecting the crowded nature of the name and the margin miss," JPM says in a note
** "The performance in Compressor Technique is disappointing with a miss on orders, sales, and adj. EBIT, and will be in focus on the call," JPM adds 
** Shares are on track for their worst day in eight months 

(Reporting by Jesus Calero)
((jesus.calero@thomsonreuters.com))