REPORT ON OPERATIONS 2004

• Turnover during 2004 rose by 36 percent to SEK 823.2 (607.4) million. • Operating income amounted to SEK 339.4 (821.0) million. • Operating income adjusted for one-time revenues and costs attributable to legal action in USA amounted to SEK 25.5 (-20.1) million. • Net income after tax amounted to SEK 263.2 (845.3) million for the year. • Earnings per share amounted to SEK 10.61 (34.06). • Good sales growth within all product areas. Strong increase within the Hospital Healthcare product area, 60 percent. • More than 1.5 million syringes have been sold during the year, which is more than double the number sold the previous year. • The Board proposes a regular dividend of SEK 3 per share and an extraordinary dividend of SEK 5 per share. Queries should be addressed to: Bengt Ågerup, President and CEO, Tel: +46 70-974 90 25. Erika Kjellberg Eriksson, Vice President and CFO, Tel: + 46 70-974 90 20. Anne Rhenman, Director Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Tel: +46 70-974 90 15