GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Oct. 22, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Nobel Biocare (Other OTC:NBCHF) (Stockholm:NOBE): Positive growth momentum and continued profitability increase in Q3 2003. Revenue was up 17.4% in local currencies excluding sales of the discontinued Gore products in the third quarter; 14.3% in local currencies including Gore products. Profit from operations (EBIT), before restructuring expenses in 2002, increased by 15.7% and amounted to EUR 16.2 million in the third quarter.
During the first nine months of 2003, revenue increased by 16.7% in local currencies excluding sales of the discontinued Gore products and amounted to EUR 236.8 million; 15.3% in local currencies including Gore products. Profit from operations (EBIT), before restructuring expenses in 2002, increased by 18.9% and amounted to EUR 57.3 million during the first nine months of 2003. In local currencies, EBIT increased by 42.8%.
Net profit increased by 76.9% to EUR 44.4 million during the first nine months of 2003.
Earnings per share increased by 76.0% to EUR 1.76 during the first nine months of 2003.
The previously announced profitability targets for 2003 of 26-28% EBITA margin and 23-25% EBIT margin will be reached. We expect to be close to our revenue growth target of 20% in local currencies (excluding sales of Gore products) for 2003. 22 October 2003
NOBEL BIOCARE HOLDING AG
Heliane Canepa President & CEO
Financial reporting: Full Year 2003 Report 6 February 2004
Nobel Biocare is an innovative, medical devices group and the world leader in innovative esthetic dental solutions with its brands Branemark System(R), Replace(R) Select (dental implants) and Procera(R) (individualized dental prosthetics).
Nobel Biocare is a one-stop shop for restorative esthetic dentistry, offering a wide range of innovative Crown & Bridge & Implant products, as well as training & education and clinically-documented treatment concepts.
Nobel Biocare has around 1 300 employees and in 2002 revenue totaled EUR 311.2 million. The global headquarters are located in Gothenburg, Sweden, while production takes place at four production sites in Sweden and the US. Nobel Biocare has its own sales organizations in 28 countries.
The shares of the parent company Nobel Biocare Holding AG are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange and on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Sweden.
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