Sales for the third quarter ended at MNOK 124 (MNOK 117), an increase of 6.5%.
Sales YTD September ended at MNOK 391 (MNOK 350), an increase of 11.6%. Currency
neutral sales of own products was down 5.6% for the quarter and up 1.2% YTD
September. Operating profit (EBIT) for the quarter ended at MNOK 34 giving a
27.0% EBIT margin (MNOK 34, a 29.2% margin). YTD September EBIT is up 4.2% and
ended at MNOK 109, giving a 27.9% margin (MNOK 105, a 29.9% margin).
Regional performance varies widely this quarter: Currency neutral, AMERICAS
sales is down 10% for the quarter due to fewer systems sold as capital related
to the challenging macro-economy. EMEA delivers 32% growth for the quarter and
14% YTD. APAC is going through transition from distributor to direct sales
channel in China, and is down 55% this quarter.
Higher operating expenses is related to increased commercial activities and
strengthening of the sales organizations in several countries, including the
newly established direct sales organizations in Canada and China.