Henry Schein said a mix of lower sales and a stronger U.S. dollar -- which impacted international performance -- is responsible for a 7.5% decrease in net sales for the fourth quarter of 2008 (end-December 27).
The company reported net sales of $1.6 billion for the fourth quarter, down from $1.7 billion in the same quarter last year. Net income for the quarter was $56.9 million, down from $78.3 million a year earlier.
Dental Group sales of $665 million were down 2.4% from the previous year's quarter. Dental consumables sales increased 1.4%, but dental equipment sales and service revenues declined 3.6%.
"Our fourth-quarter Dental Group results reflect the current economic environment and uncertainty, particularly impacting overall demand for dental equipment," said Stanley Bergman, chairman and CEO, in a press release.
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