Biomet's consolidated net sales increase 6.6% to $822.5 million

Biomet, Inc. announced today financial results for its third quarter ended February 28, 2014.

Third Quarter Financial Results

• Consolidated net sales increased 6.6% (7.5% constant currency) worldwide to approximately $823 million
• Knee sales grew 8.4% (9.4% constant currency) worldwide, with U.S. growth of 7.7%
• S.E.T. sales increased 4.7% (5.8% constant currency) worldwide and grew 10.0% in the U.S.

Consolidated net sales increased 6.6% to $822.5 million worldwide during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to net sales of $771.5 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2013. Excluding the effect of foreign currency, consolidated net sales increased 7.5% during the third quarter. U.S. net sales increased 7.6% during the third quarter to $508.9 million, while Europe net sales increased 8.1% (5.7% constant currency) to $199.8 million and International (primarily Canada, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region) net sales decreased 0.1% (increased 9.9% constant currency) to $113.8 million.

Consolidated net sales reflect the combined net benefit of approximately 1.2% from additional revenue related to the acquisition of Lanx, Inc., lower revenue as a result of the bracing divestiture and certain decreased royalties. We had an additional selling day in most of our businesses in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to the prior year quarter.

Special items, after tax, totaled $173.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to $399.4 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Reported operating income was $0.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to operating loss of $237.4 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2013. Excluding special items, adjusted operating income totaled $218.3 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to $216.3 million during the prior year period.

Reported net loss in the quarter was $65.9 million, compared to a net loss of $304.5 million during the third quarter of the prior year. Excluding special items, adjusted net income totaled $107.3 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to $94.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Excluding special items, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 totaled $271.5 million compared to $264.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Reported cash flow from operations totaled $154.7 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to reported cash flow from operations of $145.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013. Free cash flow (operating cash flow minus capital expenditures) was $94.4 million, which included $100.4 million of cash interest paid in the quarter, compared to a free cash flow of $102.4 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, including $97.5 million of cash interest paid. Unlevered free cash flow (free cash flow plus cash paid for interest) was $194.8 million during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to $199.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

At February 28, 2014, reported gross debt was $5,831.7 million, and cash and cash equivalents, as defined in the Company's Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated August 2, 2012, totaled $212.4 million, resulting in net debt of $5,619.3 million, compared to $5,610.8 million at May 31, 2013.

Biomet's President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey R. Binder commented, "During our fiscal third quarter, we once again delivered balanced constant currency sales growth across our major geographies and our major product categories."