Alcon reports 12.8% sales increase for second quarter

HUNENBERG, Switzerland – Alcon Inc. reported global sales of $1.17 billion for the second quarter of 2005, an increase of 12.8% over global sales in the same quarter last year.

Net earnings for the company in the second quarter of 2005 increased 34.5% to $325 million, or $1.04 per share on a diluted basis, compared with adjusted net earnings of $241.6 million or $0.78 per share for the second quarter of 2004.

“Our strong second quarter results demonstrated successful execution of our key strategies,” said Cary Rayment, Alcon’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, in a press release. “We benefited from geographic expansion and continued adoption of research-based new product technologies such as the latest generation pharmaceutical and surgical products … We also look forward to the significant new market opportunity presented by the AcrySof ReStor intraocular lens and plan to capitalize upon this to drive future surgical franchise growth.”

U.S. sales grew 8.2% to $594.9 million, accounting for 50.8% of total company sales. International sales grew 17.9% to $577.1 million, accounting for 49.2% of total sales.

Sales of glaucoma products increased by 18.4% over last year’s figures, and sales of allergy products rose by 13.1%. IOL sales increased 16.5% to $172.6 million, according to the company.

Sales growth was attributable to gains in market share, according to the press release.