Sectra’s interim report for the first six months 2012/2013: Sectra increases order intake
The IT and medical technology company Sectra reports a year-on-year increase in order bookings of 13.9% to SEK 217.0 million (190.6) for the second quarter of the fiscal year. Excluding a nonrecurring item in the year-earlier period, net sales for the quarter increased 1.8% to SEK 192.7 million (189.2) and the operating profit rose by 15.6% to SEK 23.0 million (19.9). The result corresponds to an operating margin of 11.9% (10.5).
Sectra’s order bookings rose in markets outside Europe. The largest increase was noted in the US, where order bookings of SEK 55 million represent a two-fold increase compared with the corresponding quarter in the preceding year. Sectra’s strategy is to become stronger, primarily, in markets where the company already holds an established position, such as Northern Europe and North America, and to expand in selected markets with growth potential.
“We noted an increase in order bookings and improved earnings,” says Torbjörn Kronander, CEO and President of Sectra AB. “The results of our initiatives include higher order bookings in the US as well as in the Middle East and Russia, which are new markets for us.”
For the six-month period, Sectra’s net sales rose 1.4% to SEK 363.6 million (358.5) and operating profit increased by 3.0% to SEK 27.1 million (26.3). The result corresponds to an operating margin of 7.5% (7.3). Profit after net financial items was SEK 25.1 million (40.3), corresponding to a profit margin of 6.9% (11.2). The comparisons relate to the result in the year-earlier period excluding a nonrecurring item attributable to the divestment of the MicroDose business in the preceding fiscal year.
When the Group’s financial goals were reviewed in autumn 2010, the Board’s assessment was that Sectra was well-positioned to reach the new goals within a period of about three years. Based on current market trends, the Board and Executive Management contend that Sectra’s ability to achieve the growth and profitability goal has shifted forward in time.
The information in this press release is such that Sectra AB (publ) is obligated to disclose in compliance with the Swedish Securities and Clearing Operations Act. The information was submitted for publication on December 4, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. (CET).
For further information
Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, President and CEO of Sectra AB, Tel: +46 (0)13-23 52 27
About the Sectra Group
Sectra was founded in 1978 and has its roots in Linköping University in Sweden. The company’s business operation includes cutting-edge products and services within the niche segments of medical IT and secure communication. Sectra has offices in 12 countries and operates through partners worldwide. Sales in the 2011/2012 fiscal year totaled SEK 823 million. The Sectra share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm exchange. For more information, visit www.sectra.com.
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