Dentsply expresses satisfaction with fiscal results for first quarter

Dentsply has continued to meet its financial targets in the first quarter of 2014, despite the persistence of challenging economic conditions.

Net sales for the three-month period came to $730.1 million (430.31 million pounds) which was slightly down on Q1 2013. However, when excluding precious metals content, the $689.2 million total represented a first-quarter record.

Meanwhile, its adjusted earnings per diluted share grew 13.5 percent to $0.59, driven by strong operating margin expansion. The firm will now look to accelerate efforts to leverage its global platform and cost structure, to drive higher financial returns.

Dentsply's adjusted earnings per diluted share for the full year are now expected to be in the range of $2.47 to $2.55.

Bret Wise, chairman and chief executive officer of Dentsply, said: "We are slightly ahead of our earnings growth expectations for the start of the year, and are anticipating making some important investments to enhance our long-term growth and profitability."

Dentsply employs more than 2,800 people worldwide and does business in over 120 countries.