Nolato reports improved full-year earnings - Fourth quarter up 34 percent

In today’s year-end report, Nolato posted a very strong fourth quarter and improved full-year earnings. Income after financial items increased 34 percent for the fourth quarter to SEK 67 M and 12 percent for the full year to SEK 208 M. Earnings per share increased 34 percent to SEK 6.88 per share. January-December 2005 • Group sales were SEK 2,256 M (2,401) • Operating income increased 10 percent to SEK 221 M (201) • Income after financial items increased 12% to SEK 208 M (185) • Earnings per share increased 34% to SEK 6.88 (5.15) “2005 has been the best year so far in Nolato’s history,” noted Mr. Georg Brunstam, President and CEO of Nolato. “Every business area posted growth in earnings and strengthened its market positions.” Strong growth in Asia for mobile telephones, high efficiency in Nolato’s Swedish companies, improved earnings in Hungary and very strong growth in medical technology contributed to the good earnings. “Financially, we are now once again very strong, with good cash flow and an assets/equity ratio of 50 percent. After some weak years earlier in this decade, we reported a gradual improvement in 2003, which was followed by a good 2004 and now an even better 2005. We feel we’re well equipped for the future.” For 2006, according to Nolato’s view on its future prospects, Nolato Telecom is expected to increase its sales as a result of greater volumes and greater value per delivered unit. Nolato Industrial’s sales are expected to be relatively unchanged, while Nolato Medical is expected to continue its good growth in sales. The Board has proposed a 37 percent increase in the company’s dividend to SEK 2.40 per share (1.75). The Annual Meeting will be held on April 27, 2006. The complete year-end report can be downloaded from www.nolato.com