Dentsply highlights positive growth trends for 2015

Dentsply has published its financial results for the 2015 business year, a period characterised by encouraging signs of growth.

The firm's net sales for the year came to $2.67 billion (1.84 billion pounds), which was down by 8.5 percent year on year in nominal terms, but represented a constant currency-adjusted rise of 1.9 percent when exchange rate impacts were factored out.

Its fiscal 2015 adjusted earnings per diluted share grew five percent to $2.62, marking a double-digit increase on a constant currency basis. The company has been able to expand its margins ahead of schedule, allowing it to fund incremental investments to drive future growth.

Meanwhile, Dentsply is also making progress with its previously announced merger with Sirona Dental Systems, which will significantly expand the capabilities of the business when completed.

Bret Wise, Dentsply's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "We expect to provide consolidated earnings guidance for 2016 after the closing of the merger, which remains on track for completion within the first quarter of 2016."