ELEKTA ESTABLISHES NEW FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES AND PROPOSES DIVIDEND OF SEK 6.60
Stockholm, Sweden, June 14, 2005
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 The equity to assets ratio has been replaced by a net debt/equity ratio objective that shall not exceed 0.25.Dividend proposalIn accordance with the company’s dividend policy, the Board proposes a dividend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 cur-rent 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 5 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. ********