Henry Schein reported record financial results for its 2012 fourth quarter (end-December 29), with net sales of $2.4 billion, up 2.9% compared with the fourth quarter of 2011.
Net income for the quarter was $112.5 million, up 7.4% compared with the fourth quarter of 2011.
The dental aspect of Henry Schein's business saw mixed result during the fourth quarter. Global Dental sales of $1.3 billion declined 2.4%. However, growth in other areas was robust, particularly in North America dental equipment with growth of 21.9% and overall growth in North America dental of 7%.
While international dental merchandise internal growth in local currencies was 2.2%, a decline in equipment sales of 9.2% reflected a cautious spending environment in much of Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, as well as in Australia, explained Stanley Bergman, chairman and CEO, in a press release. Equipment sales in Germany were likely negatively impacted by the timing of the upcoming International Dental Show in Cologne, he noted.
For all of 2012, the company reported net sales of $8.9 billion, up 4.8% compared with 2011. Net income was $388.1 million.
