ZURICH, Switzerland, Feb. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Nobel Biocare Group: (Pink Sheets:NBCHF)
-- Revenue in the fourth quarter amounted to EUR 116.2 million,
reflecting a growth of over 23% in local currencies. All regions
continued their strong expansion. Revenue for the full year
climbed to EUR 388.4 million, further improving growth to 22% in
local currencies excluding sales of the discontinued Gore
regenerative products (target 2004: greater than 19%).
-- Gross Margin in the fourth quarter reached a new high of 81.1% of
revenue. Gross Margin for the full year rose significantly to
79.6% compared with 76.4% in the prior year.
-- Profit from operations (EBIT) in the fourth quarter rose to EUR
43.1 million (30.0) and to EUR 118.1 million (87.2) for the full
year. The EBIT margin was at an all time high of 37.1% (30.9%)
for the fourth quarter and 30.4% (26.1%) for the full year
(target 2004: greater than 26.1%).
-- Net profit increased to EUR 35.1 million (27.6) in the fourth
quarter and to EUR 95.5 million (72.0) in 2004.
-- Basic earnings per share increased to EUR 1.37 (1.08) in the
fourth quarter and to EUR 3.73 (2.85) for the full year 2004.
-- The Board of Directors proposes an increased dividend of CHF 2.65
(approximately EUR 1.72) in honor of the 40 year anniversary of
the first dental implant system.
-- In 2004 Nobel Biocare continued its high pace of innovation with
various new concepts and solutions to address patient trends and
needs.
-- Around 165 000 dental professionals were trained at a wide
variety of education events.
The entire press release, including financial tables, is available here: http://www.newsbox.ch/public/2412/att/2292_fullyearreport.pdf