STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 15, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- As stated today's Report on operations in the year ended April 30, 2005, new financial objectives has been established for the Elekta Group, including a revised profitability objective to reach 14-16 not later than fiscal year 2007/08. For the first time in 10 years, the Board is proposing a dividend. In accordance with Elekta's dividend policy, an ordinary dividend of SEK 1.60 per share is proposed and, in addition, an extraordinary dividend of SEK 5.00 per share.
Elekta conducts its operations with financial objectives to achieve sustainable profitable growth. The objectives form the base for the Group's operational planning. The Board has revised the financial objectives for fiscal years 2005/06 -- 2007/08:
-- Elekta has an unchanged annual sales growth objective of
10-15 percent in local currency.
-- The Group has the objective to increase its profitability.
The operating margin objective has been increased to reach
14-16 not later than for fiscal year 2007/08.
-- Return on the Group's capital employed shall exceed 20 percent.
-- The Group's objective for financial stability has been revised.
The equity to assets ratio has been replaced by a net
debt/equity ratio objective that shall not exceed 0.25.
Dividend proposal
In accordance with the company's dividend policy, the Board proposes a dividend of SEK 1.60 per share, corresponding to SEK 50 M.
Against the background of the company's strong financial position, stable cash flow and current capital structure, the Board has also decided to propose a payout of an extra dividend of SEK 5.00 per share, corresponding to SEK 157 M.
Accordingly, the Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting a total dividend for fiscal year 2004/05 in an amount of SEK 6.60 per share which equals 86 percent of net profit for fiscal year 2004/05.
The Board also intends to propose to the Annual General Meeting on September 21, 2005 a new authorization for the Board to repurchase a maximum of five percent of the number of shares outstanding in Elekta AB. The decision on repurchases will be made ongoing during the year based on the share price performance, Elekta's financial position, profitability trend and investment needs. The Board intends to propose to the Annual General Meeting that any shares repurchased as part of the company's dividend policy will be canceled.
For further information, please contact: International: Peter Ejemyr, Group VP Corporate Communications Tel: +46 733 611 000 e-mail: peter.ejemyr@elekta.com United States: Lars Jonsteg, VP Investor Relations North America Tel: +46 708-783 735 e-mail: lars.jonsteg@elekta.com
About Elekta
Elekta is an international medical-technology Group, providing meaningful clinical solutions, comprehensive information systems and services for improved cancer care and management of brain disorders. All of Elekta's solutions employ non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques and are therefore clinically effective, gentle on the patient and cost-effective.
Clinical solutions include among others Leksell Gamma Knife(r) for non-invasive treatment of brain disorders and Elekta Synergy(t) for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Following the acquisition of IMPAC Medical Systems Inc. in April 2005, The Elekta Group is the world's largest supplier of oncology software.
Elekta's systems and solutions are used at over 3,000 hospitals around the world to treat cancer and manage clinical operations as well as to diagnose and treat brain disorders, including tumors, vascular malformations and functional disorders.
With approx. 1700 employees, Elekta's corporate headquarter is located in Stockholm, Sweden and the company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange under the ticker EKTAb. For additional information about Elekta, please visit www.elekta.com.
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