William Demant A/S announces sales figures up 13% for 2016

This represents an increase of 13% compared to the year 2015. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached 286 million Euros, an increase of 12.1% versus 2015. The European continent accounted for 43% of sales and North America for 39%.

The hearing aids segment contributed most strongly to these sales, with 88%. This segment showed organic growth of 6%, partly thanks to the launch of Oticon Opn. In Europe, the acquisition of Audika also contributed to this growth. The diagnostics division contributed 9% to total sales and growth was 3%. Lastly, the implants segment, which contributed 3% to total sales, saw organic growth of 7% during the year 2016, despite a slower than expected launch of the Neuro cochlear implant in certain countries, specifically France.

“2016 was a strong year for William Demant,” says Niels Jacobsen, current Chief Executive Officer who will be replaced by Søren Nielsen in April. “Overall, our activities resulted in a record year for our Group. Leveraging on our R&D, global infrastructure, and distribution network across the Group gives us a truly competitive edge,” he adds. For 2017, the group is expecting operating profit between 269 and 336 million Euros.