Smartbox Buy Helps Tobii Sales Increase

Eye-tracking hardware and software firm Tobii AB has reported results for the first quarter of 2019, with net sales up 20% in constant currency terms, to SEK 393m ($US 41.3m). With continuing high investment in R&D division Tobii Tech, operating loss was SEK -37m ($US 3.9m).

Tobii's two other business units grew profit: Tobii Dynavox - which makes specially designed computers for use by people with special needs - contributed SEK 19m to profit (up from 14m); while academic and commercial eye-tracking equipment and services seller Tobii Pro added SEK 23m (up from 15m).

Some of the sales increase was the result of the acquisition last year of British company Smartbox.

During the quarter, Tobii presented its new IS5 eye-tracking platform - with Dell launching the Alienware Area 51-m gaming notebook as the first product with integrated IS5; announced a contract with HTC for delivery of eye-tracking technology with its Vive Pro Eye VR headset; and launched the next generation of Tobii Aware, a software solution that enables more intuitive computers. However, the firm's integration of Smartbox has been delayed after competition regulator the CMA said it was looking into the buy, with a decision expected in July.

Since 1st April, Tobii's co-founder Mârten Skogö left his position as Chief Science Officer, and has been proposed as a new member of Tobii's Board.

CEO Henrik Eskilsson (pictured) said: 'Tobii has had a good start of the year with sales increases in all business units... Sales also grew sequentially despite a strong fourth quarter in 2018. In addition, the operating margin at Tobii Pro remained high at 20% also in this quarter. With continued breakthroughs in new segments and markets, as well as operating costs that have leveled off, I am optimistic about the continuation of the year'.

Tobii has around 1,000 employees, is headquartered in Sweden and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, with a home page at www.tobii.com .