Year-end report for Sectra AB 2007/2008 fiscal year: Order bookings exceed 1 billion for first time

In its 2007/2008 year-end report, IT and medical-technology company Sectra reported its best order bookings and highest sales ever. The Group’s order bookings rose 48.5% to SEK 1,016.6 million (684.7) and net sales increased 10.5% to SEK 742.9 million (672.5). Profit after financial items rose 13.7% to SEK 79.8 million (70.2), corresponding to a profit margin of 10.7% (10.4).

Sectra’s net sales for the fourth quarter rose 9.6% to SEK 224.5 million (204.8). Profit after net financial items increased 80.8% to SEK 42.3 million (23.4), corresponding to a profit margin of 18.9% (11.4). Order bookings amounted to SEK 158.3 million (166.9).

“The year was characterized by exceptionally high order bookings,” says Jan-Olof Brüer, CEO and President of Sectra AB. “This is, among others, a result of securing large service and support contracts for medical imaging systems that were previously maintained by partners. These contracts give us increased credibility on the market.

“We also achieved our profit goal this year, a profit margin exceeding 10%. The Secure Communication Systems business area continues to post successes and contribute to the Group’s improved earnings.”

The international expansion continued and markets outside Sweden now account for 66.8% of the Group’s sales. Sectra has grown the most on the American market. Sectra is continuing its focus on expanding the distribution network, service organization and to strengthen the product offering on strategic markets.

“During the fourth quarter we took a step into the world’s next largest market for medical technology, Japan, through an agreement with a distributor and opening a local office,” continues Jan-Olof Brüer. “We have also strengthened our product offering on the American market with an integrated solution for information and image processing in radiology.”