Strategic Analysis Series
Swedish Companies 2024
Securitas
Strategic Analysis Report 2024
Intelligent Security Solutions Partner
Transforming the Security Industry
Executive Summary
Securitas is a world-leading safety and security solutions partner that helps make the world a safer place. With nine decades of deep experience, the company leverages technology and an innovative, holistic approach to transform the security industry.
SEK 162B
Total Sales 2024
336,000
Employees Globally
2024 Strong Performance
Securitas achieved 5% organic sales growth in 2024 with an operating margin of 6.9% (vs 6.5% in 2023). The company strengthened its operating margin to 7.3% in Q4 2024, demonstrating successful strategic execution.
Company Overview
Global Security Solutions Leader
Founded in 1934, Securitas has evolved from a traditional guarding company into a technology-enabled security solutions provider. The company's transformation accelerated under CEO Magnus Ahlqvist since 2018.
Key Business Metrics 2024
| Metric |
Value |
Details |
| Branch Offices |
~1,800 |
Local presence globally |
| Net Debt/EBITDA |
2.5 |
Strong balance sheet |
| Operating Cash Flow |
84% |
Strong cash generation |
| Technology & Solutions |
33% |
Share of total sales |
Business Segments
Three Regional Divisions
Securitas is organized into three main business segments: North America, Europe, and Ibero-America, complemented by an AMEA (Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia) division.
Securitas North America
Operations in US, Canada, and Mexico. Organized in three units: Guarding, Technology, and Pinkerton Corporate Risk Management.
40% of Group sales | 9.1% operating margin
Securitas Europe
Operations across 21 European countries. Major markets include Germany (20%), France (16%), Sweden (11%), Belgium (8%), and UK (7%).
43% of Group sales | Leading European position
Securitas Ibero-America
Operations in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Spain represents 61% of regional sales with strong growth potential.
9% of Group sales | Highest regional margins
AMEA & Other
Operations across 11 countries including Australia, China, India, and South Africa. Includes Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services.
8% of Group sales | Strategic growth areas
Financial Performance 2024
Strong Growth & Margin Improvement
Securitas delivered strong financial performance in 2024 with improved margins, robust cash flow, and successful strategic execution across all business segments.
Financial Performance Summary (SEK Million)
| Metric |
2024 |
2023 |
Growth |
| Total Sales |
161,921 |
157,249 |
+3.0% |
| Operating Income |
11,200 |
10,247 |
+9.3% |
| Operating Margin |
6.9% |
6.5% |
+0.4pp |
| EPS (SEK) |
9.01 |
2.24 |
+302% |
Q4 2024 Strong Finish
Q4 2024 delivered 4% organic growth with operating margin improving to 7.3%. Cash flow was strong at 153% of operating income, supporting accelerated deleveraging.
Technology & Solutions
Intelligent Security Platform
Securitas is transforming the security industry through technology integration, AI-powered analytics, and digital solutions that provide comprehensive protection for clients.
Global Security Operation Centers (GSOCs): Centralized command hubs monitoring thousands of sites with real-time incident response
AI-Powered Video Analytics: Intelligent cameras and software detecting anomalies, intrusions, and behavioral patterns
Integrated Access Control: Design, installation, and management of electronic access paired with intrusion detection
Security-as-a-Service: Subscription models where clients pay for outcomes rather than hours or devices
Remote Monitoring: 24/7 surveillance with automated alerts and rapid response capabilities
Technology Growth Strategy
Securitas targets 8-10% annual real sales growth in Technology & Solutions. The segment represented 33% of total sales in 2024 and achieved 6% real growth.
STANLEY Security Acquisition
Transformative Strategic Move
In 2022, Securitas completed the transformative acquisition of STANLEY Security for USD 3.2 billion, significantly strengthening its technology capabilities and market position.
Acquisition Impact & Synergies
| Metric |
Value |
| Purchase Price |
USD 3.2 billion |
| 2021 STANLEY Sales |
~USD 1.7 billion |
| Recurring Revenue |
40% of STANLEY sales |
| Cost Synergies Target |
USD 50 million (achieved) |
Strategic Benefits
The acquisition more than doubled Securitas' electronic security business. Going forward, approximately 50% of profit contribution is generated from higher-margin technology and solutions sales.
Sustainability Leadership
Science-Based Climate Targets
Securitas became the first global security company to have its climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), committing to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 42% by 2030.
Emission Reduction Target
42%
By 2030 (vs 2022 baseline)
Climate Recognition
Top 40
US government suppliers
Electric Vehicle Fleet
25%
Target by 2025
CDP Score
B
Above peer average
New Sustainability Strategy (2025)
Built on three pillars: Develop People, Decarbonize Business, and Demonstrate Integrity. By 2027, Securitas will expand carbon data to services.
Strategic Transformation
Five-Year Journey (2018-2023)
Under CEO Magnus Ahlqvist, Securitas embarked on a comprehensive five-year transformation to become an intelligent protective solutions partner, moving beyond traditional guarding services.
Strategic Reset: Formulated new five-year strategy with IMD Business School partnership
Technology Integration: Shifted from "boots-on-the-ground" to tech-enabled solutions
Digital Capabilities: Developed global client platform and AI-powered analytics
Portfolio Management: Divested non-core assets and optimized contract portfolio
Cultural Transformation: Built winning culture focused on innovation and client value
Transformation Results
The transformation delivered 19 consecutive quarters of operating margin improvement by Q3 2025. Securitas achieved record-high operating margin and 19% EPS growth in Q3 2025.
Business Optimization
Cost Efficiency & Portfolio Management
Securitas continues to optimize its business portfolio and operations to achieve structurally lower cost levels and improve long-term profitability.
Optimization Initiatives
| Initiative |
Target |
Status |
| Business Optimization Program |
MSEK 200 annual savings |
Completed Q3 2025 |
| Non-Performing Contracts |
Address majority in Europe & Ibero-America |
In progress |
| SCIS Government Business |
Close-down by end 2026 |
Started Q3 2025 |
Portfolio Refinement
Securitas is assessing its business mix to enhance long-term performance. The close-down of SCIS government business will positively impact Group profitability and cash generation.
Strategic Outlook
Future Growth Drivers
Securitas is well-positioned for continued growth, supported by increasing security threats, technology adoption, and the company's strategic initiatives.
Technology & Solutions Growth: Target 8-10% annual real sales growth in higher-margin tech-enabled services
Operating Margin Target: Achieve 8% operating margin by end of 2025
Organic Sales Growth: Target 5-7% average annual organic growth
AI & Automation: Leverage AI-powered analytics and automation for efficiency
Global Platform: Scale operations through global client platform and data insights
Resilient Business Model
Securitas' focus on local security services provides resilience against global trade shifts. The company's transformation into a technology-enabled partner positions it to capture growing demand for intelligent security solutions.
Strategic Recommendations
Building on Strong Foundation
Accelerate Technology Integration: Continue expanding AI-powered analytics and connected technology solutions
Focus on High-Margin Segments: Prioritize Technology & Solutions growth to improve overall profitability
Optimize Portfolio: Complete portfolio refinement and address remaining non-performing contracts
Leverage Sustainability Leadership: Use SBTi-validated targets and climate recognition as competitive advantages
Expand Recurring Revenue: Grow subscription-based services and long-term contracts
Strengthen Digital Capabilities: Invest in global platform and automation to scale operations efficiently
Investment Thesis
Securitas offers compelling investment opportunity as a transformed security leader with strong technology capabilities, proven margin improvement, and clear path to continued growth. The company's resilient business model positions it well for long-term value creation.
Thank You
Securitas Strategic Analysis 2024
Sources: Securitas Annual Report 2024; Q1 2025 & Q3 2025 Reports
Annual and Sustainability Report 2024; Press Releases
Analysis Date: January 2026