Biomet, Inc. (Biomet) has reported preliminary results for the fiscal 2009. For the period, Biomet reported net sales of $2.5 billion, up 5%, compared with net sales of $2.3 billion for the previous year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, net sales increased 8% fiscal 2009. Reconstructive product sales grew 5% (9% constant currency) worldwide during the fiscal 2009, with 11% growth in the US.

Fourth Quarter Net Sales Results

Net sales increased 1% (7% constant currency) to $639 million, with 9% growth in the US

Reconstructive sales, excluding dental, increased 3% (11% constant currency) worldwide, with 12% US growth

Hip sales increased 1% (9% constant currency) worldwide, with 11% growth in the U. S.

Knee sales increased 4% (11% constant currency) worldwide and increased 10% in the US

Spine sales increased 16% (18% constant currency) worldwide and grew at a rate of 22% in the US

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, net sales increased 1% to $639.3 million from $635.6 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008. On a constant currency basis, net sales increased 7% during the fourth quarter.

Reconstructive product sales decreased 1% (+7% constant currency) worldwide during the fourth quarter and increased 9% in the US. Excluding dental sales, reconstructive sales increased 3% (11% constant currency) worldwide with 12% domestic growth.

Fourth quarter hip sales increased 1% (9% constant currency) and increased 11% in the US. The company continued to experience strong market demand for its press-fit stems, including the traditional and Microplasty versions of the Taperloc Hip Stem; Echo Hip stem options; as well as sales of the Bi-Metric and Aura Hip Stems in the European market. Key acetabular products during the quarter were the M2a-Magnum System, including the new Tri-Spike cups; the Ringloc and Regenerex Ringloc Modular Systems; Antioxidant Infused Technology E-Poly Liners; and the Exceed ABT (Advanced Bearing Technologies) System, which is only available outside the US.

Knee sales increased 4% (11% constant currency) during the fourth quarter, with 10% growth in the US. Strong sales of the Vanguard® Complete Knee System contributed to the growth, as well as excellent market acceptance of E-Poly® Tibial Bearings and the Signature™ Personalized Patient Care program.

During the fourth quarter, dental reconstructive device sales decreased 19% (-13% constant currency) worldwide with a 15% decrease in the US. The fiscal 2009 fourth quarter sales were up against strong growth rates from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 of 16% worldwide (constant currency) and 15% in the US. Further, dental reconstructive sales continue to be under pressure due to the impact of the economic environment and the discretionary nature of dental implant procedures. Fourth quarter dental reconstructive sales increased slightly compared to third quarter sales, indicating a potential sign of stabilization.

Fixation sales were flat (+5% constant currency) worldwide and increased 1% in the US during the fourth quarter. Double-digit sales growth of craniomaxillofacial fixation products and positive sales growth for external fixation contributed to the fourth quarter fixation sales, while internal fixation sales were flat and electrical stimulation sales experienced a slight decline. During the fourth quarter, the TraumaOne™ Fixation System continued to contribute to the craniomaxillofacial fixation sales growth.

Spine product sales increased 16% (18% constant currency) worldwide during the fourth quarter, with 22% growth in the US as a result of continued strong sales of spine hardware and spinal stimulation devices. Domestic sales of spine hardware and orthobiologics for the spine were particularly strong during the fourth quarter, increasing at a rate of 29%. Key products driving the fourth quarter spine sales growth in the US included the Solitaire™ Anterior Spine System, the Polaris™ Deformity System and the non-invasive SpinalPak® Spinal Stimulation System. In Europe, the Synergy™ and Array® Spinal Systems led spine sales growth.

Sales of “other” products increased 1% (7% constant currency) worldwide and increased 9% in the US during the fourth quarter. Strong sales growth for sports medicine products was partially offset by decreased sales of softgoods and bracing products. During the fourth quarter, sports medicine sales grew at a double-digit rate in the US and worldwide, on a constant currency basis, for the fifth consecutive quarter.

On a geographic basis, US sales increased 9% during the fourth quarter to $392.0 million; Europe sales decreased 14% (+4% constant currency) to $179.0 million; and International sales (primarily Canada, South America, Mexico and the Pacific Rim) decreased 3% (+6% constant currency) to $68.3 million. Excluding dental and the impact of foreign currency, global sales growth during the quarter was 11%, while US sales increased at a rate of 12%; Europe sales grew 9%; and International sales increased 6%.

Hip sales increased 8% (11% constant currency) during fiscal year 2009, with 14% growth in the US. Growth drivers of hip sales during fiscal 2009 were press-fit hip stems, including the traditional and Microplasty versions of the Taperloc Hip Stem; and numerous acetabular options including the M2a-Magnum™ System; the Ringloc and Regenerex Ringloc Modular Systems; Antioxidant Infused Technology E-Poly Liners; and the Exceed ABT (Advanced Bearing Technologies) System, which is available only outside the US.

Knee sales increased 8% (12% constant currency) worldwide during fiscal year 2009 and increased 11% in the US. Key products that contributed to fiscal 2009 knee sales growth were the VanguardComplete Knee System, the Oxford Partial Knee System, E-Poly Tibial Bearings and the Signature Personalized Patient Care program.

Dental reconstructive device sales decreased 9% (-6% constant currency) worldwide and decreased 8% in the US during fiscal year 2009. As a result of the out-of-pocket expense typically associated with dental implant procedures, the weak global economy has had a significant effect on the selection of treatment options for replacement of lost teeth.

Fixation sales increased 2% (4% constant currency) worldwide during fiscal year 2009, with a decrease of 1% in the US. Product categories contributing to fixation sales growth during fiscal year 2009 were craniomaxillofacial fixation and internal fixation.

Spine product sales increased 7% (7% constant currency) worldwide, with 12% growth in the US during fiscal year 2009. The company’s spine business sales continued to improve each quarter throughout fiscal year 2009.

Sales of “other” products increased 5% (7% constant currency) worldwide and increased 12% in the US principally due to continued strong demand for Biomet’s sports medicine products.

During fiscal year 2009, US sales increased 10% to $1,527.9 million; Europe sales decreased 3% (+6% constant currency) to $711.7 million; and International sales (primarily Canada, South America, Mexico and the Pacific Rim) grew 4% (8% constant currency) to $264.5 million. Excluding dental and the foreign currency effect, global sales increased 10% with US sales growth of 11%, Europe sales growth of 9%, and an increase of 8% for International sales.

Biomet and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and market products used primarily by musculoskeletal medical specialists in both surgical and non-surgical therapy.