Dentsply reports record financial results for third quarter of 2015

Dentsply has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2015, during which it achieved a net sales total of $648.9 million (429.21 million pounds).

This represented a year-on-year decrease of 8.4 percent in nominal terms, but an improvement of 1.4 percent on a constant currency basis, with a 9.1 percent headwind coming from foreign currency trends.

During the quarter, the firm was able to execute its global efficiency programme and realised its margin improvements ahead of schedule, while its adjusted operating margin of 20.9 percent improved 220 basis points.

Based on its results during the first nine months of 2015, the company has increased its full-year 2015 adjusted earnings guidance to the range of $2.58 to $2.64 per diluted share.

Bret Wise, Dentsply's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "Looking ahead, we are now poised to increase investment in growth opportunities, while also improving margins further – both important elements in driving shareholder value."

The company is in the process of executing a merger with Sirona, as agreed in September 2015. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016.