Micronic shows strong sales and profit in first quarter

Taby, Sweden, April 20, 2005 - Micronic Laser Systems AB (Stockholm Exchange’s "Attract 40 list": MICR) today presented the Group’s Interim Report for January 1 - March 31, 2005.

* Order intake during the first quarter amounted to SEK 228 (218) million. * Net sales during the first quarter amounted to SEK 230 (97) million. * Operating result after first quarter amounted to SEK 9 (-31) million. * Result after financial items during the first quarter amounted to SEK 6 (-31) million. * The first quarter net result amounted to SEK 4 (-24) million, equal to SEK 0.11 (-0.62) per share. * The order backlog at the end of the first quarter was SEK 809 (911) million. “The period’s order intake was on par with our expectations and deliveries have progressed well. After the first quarter, we have a stable order backlog and record high sales with profit and positive cash flow. Profit for the period includes depreciation of SEK 32 million on previously capitalized development costs. The operating margin excluding this depreciation was 18 percent. The gross margin of 55 percent is also in line with our objectives. Research and development expenditure continued to decrease during the quarter. In the coming quarters we anticipate a certain increase in R&D costs and expect the full year figure to be approximately SEK 200 million. On the whole, we are very pleased with the company’s development in the first quarter of 2005,” stated Sven Lofquist, President and CEO of Micronic Laser Systems. “Demand from our customers in the market for display photomask pattern generators remains high, which indicates that the photomask market remains strong. In the semiconductor market, we are continuing our efforts to intensify marketing activities. We have not seen any effects from the general downturn in the market for semiconductor capital equipment, since our systems are not directly affected by volume production. In conclusion, we achieved a robust quarter and anticipate full year sales in excess of SEK 1 billion”, said Sven Lofquist. Company contact: Sven Lofquist President & CEO +46 8 638 52 00 sven.lofquist@micronic.se Agency contact: Luz Rodriguez The Loomis Group, Inc. +33 1 58 18 59 30 rodriguezl@loomisgroup.com