Medical and dental products supplier Ebos positive

Medical and dental products supplier Ebos said it was expecting "an intensely competitive and exacting year ahead, for which we are well prepared".

Shareholders at yesterday's annual meeting were told that despite the expected challenging conditions, Ebos was confident the current level of dividend payout ratio was "likely to be sustainable in the 2006 year".

Chairman Rick Christie said that having diversified its operational base, Ebos was "well prepared for any downswing in the economic cycle, and will continue to pursue growth prospects".

The company was comfortable with present debt-equity ratios, but was considering a range of funding alternatives in relation to possible acquisitions, he said.

"Ebos' strategy is to extract more value from existing sectors whilst making new acquisitions with potential to quickly generate additional earnings," he said.

Opportunities are seen for the relatively new business unit in Occupational Safety and Health, particularly in the areas of hearing protection, eye and face protection and respiratory protection.

Ebos shares closed yesterday at $4.36. The stock has traded between $3.70 and $5.00 in the last year.

- NZPA