Swiss implant maker Nobel Biocare reported revenues of 286.4 million euros ($408 million U.S.) for the first half of 2011 (end-June 30), a 1.4% decrease from revenues of 291.6 million euros ($415.9 million) for the same period in 2010.
Net profit for the first half of the year was 28.8 million euros ($41 million), down 50.7% from a net profit of 58.3 million euros ($83 million) for the same period in 2010. The company attributed the decrease primarily to lower operating profits and the nonrecurrence of exceptional currency gains recorded in the first quarter of 2010.
The company saw continued double-digit growth in implant-based prosthetics, while sales of copings and small-unit bridges declined and scanner sales generated lower revenues, according to Nobel Biocare.
"In 2011, we won't grow in line with the market, which is expected to grow by 3% to 4%," said CEO Richard Laube in a conference call August 12. "But we expect to grow in line with the market in 2012."
Nobel Biocare plans to revamp its sales structure, focus more on clients, and boost innovation, but Laube cautioned that a weaker economy could hurt business given that most of the firm's implant products are paid by clients out of their pockets.
The company said it will launch three new implant products this fall:
- NobelReplace Conical Connection combines the tapered NobelReplace implant body with an advanced internal conical connection and built-in platform shift to increase soft tissue health and volume, according to the company.
- The NobelReplace Platform Shift combines an internal trichannel connection with the benefits of platform-shifting to enhance soft-tissue healing and provide natural-looking aesthetics.
- The NobelActive line will be expanded with the addition of a 3.0-mm implant.
Nobel Biocare will also introduce a new version of the NobelClinician software and a new concept for postgraduate dental training and education.
