Tobii Continues Sales Rise, Losses Due to Investment

Stockholm-based eyetracking technology firm Tobii has reported first half 2016 sales of SEK 493m ($US 57.5m), up 11 percent at constant currency. Continuing high investment in the Tobii Tech division outweighed profits elsewhere to leave an operating loss of SEK -46m.

The Group has around 700 employees split across three business units: Tobii Dynavox, which makes computers for use by people with special needs due to spinal cord injuries and other medical conditions; commercial eye-tracking equipment and services division Tobii Pro; and new product development division Tobii Tech whose current developments target markets such as computer games, PCs, virtual reality and vehicles.

Last year, the firm reported sales of SEK 967 million ($US 112.9m), up 41% after allowing for currency effects. During the previous six months it made major announcements relating to the launch of the 'world's first' large-scale eye-tracking-based survey panel, and the release of two new products, the IS4 eye tracking platform and the EyeChip (pictured).

The latest half year saw operating profit of SEK 55m from Tobii Dynavox and Tobii Pro, with a loss of SEK -101m due to investments in Tobii Tech. Earnings per share were SEK -0.47, down from -0.13 in H1 2015. During the second quarter, the company began delivery of the IS4 platform, launching several eye-controlled products; and elected Heli Arantola and Jan Wäreby as new members of its Board of Directors.

The company is online at www.tobii.com .