LINKOPING, Sweden, May 22, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Sectra is reporting best-ever results for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2002. Profit before tax increased by 56%, to SEK 61.4 million (39.3). Sales, which were also the highest in the company's history, rose by 37%, to SEK 426.3 million (291.6). Order bookings increased by 48% to SEK 459.7 million (310.5).
"Today we are presenting the results of operations in the best fiscal year in Sectra's 23-year history," said Jan-Olof Brer, President and CEO of Sectra AB. "Operations have developed well, notably in the field of medical systems, which have expanded substantially in Sweden and internationally. We have strengthened our leading position in the Scandinavian market for digital radiology systems as a result of a number of orders, mainly from the Norwegian market."
During the fourth quarter Sectra received the first order for its new digital Sectra MicroDose Mammography(TM) system from Helsingborgs Lasaretts AB. Sectra also acquired the operations of the Danish company Pronosco A/S in the same quarter. The company develops and markets a system for diagnosing and monitoring osteoporosis, a growing problem in the western world.
"The acquisition of the Pronosco business strengthens and supplements our range of medical systems," Jan-Olof Brer said.
During the year the NATO version of Sectra's eavesdrop-secure Tiger GSM telephone was approved for, as the only GSM telephone on the market, communication at the advanced NATO Secret security level. In connection with this approval the Norwegian and German defense forces both placed orders for the NATO version of the system.
"We have taken the first step into the NATO market and NATO approval is of great importance in connection with the sale of our defense products," continued Jan-Olof Brer.
During the fiscal year 2001/02 Sectra has noted growing interest on the part of potential customers, the media and analysts, and institutional ownership has increased. The increased attention has strengthened Sectra's brand name and the company's ability to gain the confidence of new customers in the international market.
"Sectra's strong position in its home market constitutes a solid platform for our continuing international expansion," Jan-Olof Brur said. "We will continue to develop our operations together with customers, employees and partners so that efficiency-improving technology will benefit as many as possible. Our objective, which is to continue to expand with favorable profitability, remains valid."
For further information, please contact: Sectra AB, Dr. Jan-Olof Brer, President and CEO, +46 13 23 52 09, job@sectra.se Visit Sectras website http://www.sectra.com
About Sectra
Sectra has its roots in Linkping Technical University and is one of Sweden's fastest growing high-tech companies in the IT area. Since the mid-1980s, Sectra has successfully conducted development and sales of high-technology medical IT and telecommunications products. Today, the business includes products in medical systems, secure communication systems and wireless information systems.
Business is conducted in six countries with a total of 250 employees. Sales for the fiscal year May 2001-April 2002 reached SEK 426 million. Since March 1999, Sectra's shares have been quoted on the O list of the Stockholm Exchange.
Preliminary Earnings Sectra AB (publ), for the period May 2001 - January 2002
Year in brief
- Order bookings increased 48 % to SEK 459.7 million (310.5). - Sales increased 46 % to SEK 426.3 million (291.6). - Profit before tax rose to SEK 61.4 million (39.3), up 56 %. - Earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.23 (0.85).
The fourth quarter in brief
- Order bookings increased 15 % to SEK 48.6 million (42.3). - Sales increased 60 % to SEK 160.0 million (100,2). - Profit before tax rose 14 % to SEK 22.2 million (19.4). - Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.38 (0.41).
Significant events during the fourth quarter
- Sectra received its first order for the digital mammography system,
Sectra MicroDose Mammography(TM), from the Helsingborg Hospital.
- The Arendal Hospital in Norway ordered Sectra's digital system for
processing and archiving radiology images.
- Sectra strengthened its product range in digital radiology by
acquiring the operations of the Danish company, Pronosco A/S, which
develops and markets software for diagnosing and following up
osteoporosis.
- Sectra was commissioned by the Swedish Defense to produce a
prototype of a mobile terminal for encryption of speech and data
combined with GPS positioning.
- Network operator Digita ordered a new mobile rescue system from
Sectra to provide real-time alarm and warning data for the Finnish
Rescue Services.
Significant events following the end of the quarter:
- SAAB signed a framework agreement with Sectra regarding the
eavesdrop-secure GSM telephone, Tiger. The agreement encompasses a
volume of 100 phones including accessories.
This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net
The following files are available for download:
www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/05/22/20020522BIT00090/wkr0001.doc The Full Report www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/05/22/20020522BIT00090/wkr0002.pdf The Full Report