Dentsply International added to the S&P 500 Index

Dentsply International will be added to the S&P 500 Index, Standard & Poor’s has announced.

The dental products provider will replace Hercules. Dentsply shares rose 5.4 per cent to $30.67 (15 pounds) after-hours – following their closing at regular trading – which was down 90 cents at $29.10.

In May, Dentsply announced record sales and earnings for the three months and year ending December 31st 2007.

At the time Bret Wise, chairman and chief executive, said the company was very pleased with the acceleration of its sales growth and earnings performance in 2007.

He added Dentsply’s broad product portfolio, focus on consumables and global footprint position the business well for future success.

“Despite the volatility in the broader global markets, we remain confident in our ability to grow and experience another year of solid performance in 2008,” he continued.

“For full year 2008, we believe that internal sales growth will range from 5.5 per cent to 6.5 per cent and total sales growth should approach or exceed ten per cent.”