Pharmaceutical News and Articles

Alcon's Fourth Quarter Sales Rise 20.0 Percent

HUNENBERG, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 7, 2008 - Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL) reported global sales of $1,469.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, an increase of 20.0 percent over global sales for the fourth quarter of 2006, or 12.8 percent excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and the acquisition of WaveLight AG, a leading manufacturer of refractive lasers. Sales in the fourth quarter of 2007 included $15.1 million of sales related to WaveLight products since Alcon's acquisition of 77.4 percent of WaveLight's outstanding shares completed on November 9, 2007. Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2007 were $376.5 million, or $1.25 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $354.7 million, or $1.16 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2006. Adjusted net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2007, which exclude a $16.8 million after-tax loss related to the WaveLight acquisition and refractive integration, were $393.3 million, or $1.31 per diluted share, an increase of 10.9 percent over net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2006.

For the full year 2007, Alcon reported global sales of $5,599.6 million, an increase of 14.4 percent over 2006 global sales of $4,896.6 million, or 10.7 percent excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and WaveLight revenues. Net earnings for 2007 were $1,586.4 million, or $5.25 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $1,348.1 million, or $4.37 per share for the full year 2006, an increase of 17.7 percent.

For the full year 2006, excluding the impacts of the settlement of certain patent lawsuits with a competitor and charges related to the impairment of the company's refractive assets, adjusted net earnings were $1,342.6 million, or $4.35 per diluted share in 2006. For the full year 2007, excluding the impacts of the WaveLight acquisition and refractive integration and charges related to the impairment of the company's refractive assets, adjusted net earnings were $1,627.4 million, or $5.39 per diluted share, an increase of 21.2 percent over 2006.

Reconciliations of reported and adjusted results for the fourth quarter and full year are included in the financial tables below.

"I am extremely pleased with our results for 2007, because they validate the strength of our business and financial model. They reflect our ability to take advantage of our established global organization to drive market share gains with our leading brands and with new products in both developed and less-developed markets. Combining this capability with the positive market environment for eye care, we expect to continue to deliver strong sales growth and even faster earnings growth, as we have since our IPO," said Cary Rayment, Alcon's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Fourth Quarter Sales Highlights

Highlights of sales for the fourth quarter of 2007 are provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are versus the fourth quarter of 2006.

-- Pharmaceutical sales grew 21.5 percent to $578.2 million, or 16.4 percent on a constant currency basis. Sales of glaucoma products increased 28.3 percent to $236.5 million, led by sales of the Travatan(R) family of ophthalmic solutions and Azopt(R) ophthalmic suspension. Sales of Travatan(R) products increased 38.7 percent due to market share gains in the U.S. for Travatan Z(R) ophthalmic solution, the Japanese launch of TRAVATANZ(TM) ophthalmic solution and higher international sales of DuoTrav(TM) ophthalmic solution. Sales of Azopt(R) ophthalmic suspension rose 27.1 percent this quarter. Sales of anti-infective and anti-inflammatory products rose 16.3 percent to $212.3 million. The three key brands in this category, Vigamox(R) ophthalmic solution, Tobradex(R) ophthalmic suspension, and Nevanac(R) ophthalmic suspension, all posted growth rates in excess of 14.0 percent. Sales of allergy products grew by 30.7 percent to $91.1 million primarily because of market share gains in the U.S. resulting from the 2007 introduction of Pataday(TM) ophthalmic solution. Otic product sales grew by 29.2 percent to $50.9 million led by U.S. market share gains of CiproDex(R) Otic suspension. U.S. pharmaceutical growth was impacted favorably by growth in wholesaler inventories due to relatively lower wholesaler/retailer inventory levels at the end of the third quarter of 2007.

-- Surgical sales grew 20.3 percent to $700.8 million, or 13.6 percent on a constant currency basis. Surgical sales include $15.1 million generated by WaveLight AG in the period after the acquisition. Sales of intraocular lenses increased 24.3 percent to $259.3 million. In terms of units, AcrySof(R) intraocular lenses grew 14.5 percent, well in excess of the growth rate of cataract procedures. Dollar growth in intraocular lenses was higher than unit growth because of currency and continued migration to higher performance products such as AcrySof(R) Natural and AcrySof(R) IQ intraocular lenses outside the United States. In addition, sales of premium intraocular lenses, which include the AcrySof(R) ReSTOR(R) Aspheric intraocular lens and the AcrySof(R) Toric intraocular lens, grew 45.6 percent globally to $40.4 million. Sales of cataract and vitreoretinal products grew 16.1 percent to $420.1 million, including global sales of the Infiniti(R) vision system, viscoelastics, procedure packs and disposables. Unit shipments of the Infiniti(R) vision system grew more than 20 percent in the quarter, supported by growing demand for the OZil(R) torsional handpiece. Refractive revenue increased 75.4 percent due to revenues generated by WaveLight AG after the acquisition, offset in part by declines in procedure revenue generated from the installed base of LADAR(R) excimer lasers.

-- Consumer eye care sales increased 14.5 percent to $190.7 million, or 8.9 percent on a constant currency basis. Sales of contact lens disinfectants grew 13.6 percent to $104.7 million, because of share gains for OPTI-FREE(R) RepleniSH(R) and OPTI-FREE(R) EXPRESS(R) multi-purpose disinfecting solutions on a global basis. According to A.C. Nielsen Top Line, on a combined basis, these two leading brands accounted for 49.8 percent of the U.S. market for branded contact lens disinfectants in the four week period ending December 22, 2007, approximately 3.5 percentage points greater than in the same four week period in the prior year. Demand for these solutions also continued to grow outside the United States, which translated to market share gains in many countries. Sales of artificial tears increased 25.5 percent to $61.1 million, led by continued global growth of Systane(R) lubricant eye drops.

Fourth Quarter Earnings Details

Highlights of earnings for the fourth quarter of 2007 are provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are versus the fourth quarter of 2006. Comparisons are also made between non-GAAP adjusted results for the fourth quarter of 2007, excluding the impact of the acquisition of WaveLight AG and refractive integration, and the results for the fourth quarter of 2006. These adjustments are discussed above and also are reconciled to reported results in the financial tables below.

-- Gross profit margin declined 0.8 percentage points to 74.7 percent of sales. On an adjusted basis, this decline was 0.1 percentage point, driven mainly by unfavorable geographic mix and reimbursement pressures on a global basis that offset favorable product mix and manufacturing efficiencies.

-- Selling, general and administrative expenses were 30.0 percent of sales. Adjusted SG&A expenses were 29.8 percent of sales, an improvement of 1.7 percentage points that came from operating synergies from the company's global operations and because exchange fluctuations had a greater impact on sales than on SG&A expenses.

-- Research and development expenses were 10.9 percent of sales. Adjusted R&D expenses were 10.7 percent of sales, a decline of 0.3 percentage points from the same period of the prior year, as the impact of foreign exchange caused sales to grow faster than R&D expenses, which are incurred mainly in U.S. dollars.

-- Operating income increased 21.5 percent to $477.4 million. Adjusted operating income increased 26.9 percent to $498.5. This growth was due to double-digit sales growth, focused expense control and lower intangible amortization, as well as the exchange impact discussed above.

-- Non-operating income net of expenses declined from $18.6 million to $2.0 million, primarily due to realized and unrealized losses on investments and higher interest expense related to the company's share repurchase program.

-- The effective tax rate was 21.5 percent. On an adjusted basis, the effective tax rate was 21.4 percent, compared to 13.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006. The tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2007 included a modest shift in the geographical earnings mix and tax expenses related to reserve adjustments to reflect developments in ongoing audits. The tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2006 reflected a significant decrease in tax expense because of the retroactive extension of the research and development tax credit in the United States.

New Product and R&D Pipeline Update

Summarized below are updates on selected new products and significant research and development activities.

-- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approved TRIESENCE(TM) injectable triamcinolone suspension for visualization of the vitreous during vitrectomy and treatment of sympathetic ophthalmia, temporal arteritis, uveitis, and ocular inflammatory conditions that are unresponsive to topical corticosteroids.

-- The FDA approved the PUREPOINT(TM) laser for retinal photocoagulation.

-- Alcon received the final approval of Nevanac(R) from the European Medicines Evaluation Agency ("EMEA") in December.

-- The company filed a marketing application with EMEA for AZARGA(TM) ophthalmic pharmaceutical preparation. AZARGA(TM) is a fixed combination of brinzolamide and timolol for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

Financial Guidance

Alcon's current financial guidance for the full year 2008 and the factors impacting this guidance are provided below.

-- Total sales are expected to be between $6,175 and $6,275 million.

-- Diluted earnings per share are expected to be between $6.24 and $6.30. This range includes SG&A expenses related to the expansion and relocation of the company's Swiss operations and integration expenses related to the company's refractive surgery manufacturing and other operations, which will be booked to cost of goods sold.

Other Items

-- On November 9, 2007, Alcon acquired 77.4% of the shares of WaveLight AG through a tender offer for this leading manufacturer of refractive lasers.

-- Alcon's board of directors approved a $1.1 billion share repurchase program on December 5, 2007. The program included a three for one pro-rata purchase of shares from the company's majority shareholder, Nestle SA.

-- Alcon's board of directors will propose to shareholders a dividend of 2.63 Swiss francs per share, which at exchange rates effective on February 6, 2008 was equal to about $2.39 per share. The proposal will be voted on at the company's Annual General Meeting for shareholders on May 6, 2008 in Zug, Switzerland.

-- Alcon's board of directors also will propose to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting that the company cancel 7.7 million Alcon common shares, which were repurchased in 2007. The cancellation will become effective after the fulfillment of certain formal Swiss law requirements.

-- Mr. Joe Weller advised the Board of Directors of Alcon, Inc. that he will be stepping down from his position as director of Alcon for personal reasons, effective May 6, 2008. Mr. Weller has been a director of Alcon since May, 2006 and has contributed greatly to Alcon's business and financial success during the past two years. Alcon extends its thanks and appreciation to Mr. Weller for his contributions to the Company and wishes him every success in his future endeavors.

-- Alcon's Board of Directors will propose to shareholders that Mr. Paul Bulcke be elected for a one-year term of office, effective May 6, 2008, replacing Mr. Weller's position as a director of Alcon whose term of office would have expired in 2009. Mr. Bulcke joined the Nestle Group in 1979 and is currently Executive Vice President. In September 2007, the Board of Directors of Nestle S.A. decided to propose to the shareholders that Mr. Bulcke be elected to the Board at Nestle's next Annual General Meeting on April 10, 2008. The Board of Directors of Nestle S.A. further declared their intention to appoint Mr. Bulcke as "Administrateur delegue"/Chief Executive Officer of Nestle and to have him take on his new responsibilities on that same day. Alcon is very pleased that Nestle is recommending Mr. Bulcke as an Alcon director for shareholder consideration and approval at the May, 2008 Annual General Meeting in Zug, Switzerland.

Company Description

Alcon, Inc. is the world's leading eye care company, with sales of $5.6 billion in 2007. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for more than 60 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon's majority shareholder is Nestle, S.A., the world's largest food company. Moxifloxacin, the active ingredient in Vigamox(R), is licensed to Alcon from Bayer AG. Ciprodex(R) is a registered trademark of Bayer AG and licensed to Alcon, Inc. by Bayer Healthcare AG. -0-

                     ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

          (USD in millions, except share and per share data)


                     Three months ended        Twelve months ended

                           Dec 31,                   Dec 31,

                  ------------------------- --------------------------

                      2007         2006         2007         2006

                  ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------


Sales             $   1,469.7  $   1,224.9  $   5,599.6  $    4,896.6

Cost of goods

 sold                   371.3        300.2      1,398.2       1,215.1

                  ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------


  Gross profit        1,098.4        924.7      4,201.4       3,681.5


Selling, general

 and

 administrative         441.6        385.9      1,694.0       1,398.5

Research and

 development            160.0        134.5        564.3         512.1

In process

 research and

 development              9.3           --          9.3            --

Amortization of

 intangibles             10.1         11.4         50.7         198.8

                  ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------


  Operating

   income               477.4        392.9      1,883.1       1,572.1


Other income

 (expense):

  Gain (loss)

   from foreign

   currency, net          2.6          2.2         11.2          (7.9)

  Interest income        23.5         18.2         69.3          74.1

  Interest

   expense              (19.3)       (10.0)       (50.0)        (42.6)

  Other, net             (4.8)         8.2         15.4          21.2

                  ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------


  Earnings before

   income taxes         479.4        411.5      1,929.0       1,616.9


Income taxes            102.9         56.8        342.6         268.8

                  ------------ ------------ ------------ -------------


  Net earnings    $     376.5  $     354.7  $   1,586.4  $    1,348.1

                  ============ ============ ============ =============



Basic earnings

 per common share $      1.27  $      1.17  $      5.32  $       4.43

                  ============ ============ ============ =============


Diluted earnings

 per common share $      1.25  $      1.16  $      5.25  $       4.37

                  ============ ============ ============ =============


Basic weighted

 average common

 shares            297,619,875  302,000,977  298,353,894   304,279,489


Diluted weighted

 average common

 shares            301,284,135  305,934,140  302,162,019   308,671,707

-0-
                     ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                             Global Sales

                          (USD in millions)


                                                              %Change

                          Three months ended         Foreign     in

                               Dec 31,               Currency Constant

                          ------------------

                            2007      2006   %Change %Change  Currency

                          --------  -------- ------- -------- --------

GEOGRAPHIC SALES

United States:

Pharmaceutical           $  296.8  $  255.3    16.3%       -%    16.3%

Surgical                    265.1     243.6     8.8        -      8.8

Consumer Eye Care            85.3      79.3     7.6        -      7.6

                          --------  --------


 Total United States

  Sales                     647.2     578.2    11.9        -     11.9

                          --------  --------


International:

Pharmaceutical              281.4     220.6    27.6     11.1     16.5

Surgical                    435.7     338.9    28.6     11.6     17.0

Consumer Eye Care           105.4      87.2    20.9     10.7     10.2

                          --------  --------


 Total International

  Sales                     822.5     646.7    27.2     11.3     15.9

                          --------  --------


Total Global Sales       $1,469.7  $1,224.9    20.0%     6.0%    14.0%

                          ========  ========


PRODUCT SALES

Infection / inflammation $  212.3  $  182.6    16.3%

Glaucoma                    236.5     184.4    28.3

Allergy                      91.1      69.7    30.7

Otic                         50.9      39.4    29.2

Other pharmaceuticals /

 rebates                    (12.6)     (0.2)    N/M

                          --------  --------


 Total Pharmaceutical       578.2     475.9    21.5      5.1%    16.4%

                          --------  --------


Intraocular lenses          259.3     208.6    24.3

Cataract / vitreoretinal    420.1     361.7    16.1

Refractive                   21.4      12.2    75.4

                          --------  --------


 Total Surgical             700.8     582.5    20.3      6.7     13.6

                          --------  --------


Contact lens

 disinfectants              104.7      92.2    13.6

Artificial tears             61.1      48.7    25.5

Other                        24.9      25.6    (2.7)

                          --------  --------


 Total Consumer Eye Care    190.7     166.5    14.5      5.6      8.9

                          --------  --------


 Total Global Sales      $1,469.7  $1,224.9    20.0%     6.0%    14.0%

                          ========  ========


N/M - Not Meaningful

Note: Percent Change in Constant Currency calculates sales growth

 without the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Management

 believes constant currency sales growth is an important measure of

 the company's operations because it provides investors with a clearer

 picture of the core rate of sales growth due to changes in unit

 volumes and local currency prices.  This measure is considered a non-

 GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the

 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain reclassifications

 have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year

 presentation.

-0-
                     ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                             Global Sales

                          (USD in millions)


                         Twelve months

                              ended                Foreign  %Change in

                            Dec 31,               Currency   Constant

                       ------------------

                         2007      2006   %Change  %Change   Currency

                       --------  -------- ------- --------- ----------

GEOGRAPHIC SALES

United States:

Pharmaceutical        $1,279.5  $1,170.6     9.3%        -%       9.3%

Surgical               1,011.8     950.4     6.5         -        6.5

Consumer Eye Care        381.2     342.7    11.2         -       11.2

                       --------  --------


 Total United States

  Sales                2,672.5   2,463.7     8.5         -        8.5

                       --------  --------


International:

Pharmaceutical         1,034.3     836.6    23.6       7.1       16.5

Surgical               1,488.0   1,253.4    18.7       6.8       11.9

Consumer Eye Care        404.8     342.9    18.1       6.4       11.7

                       --------  --------


 Total International

  Sales                2,927.1   2,432.9    20.3       6.8       13.5

                       --------  --------


Total Global Sales    $5,599.6  $4,896.6    14.4%      3.4%      11.0%

                       ========  ========


PRODUCT SALES

Infection /

 inflammation         $  814.5  $  730.2    11.5%

Glaucoma                 830.1     693.8    19.6

Allergy                  446.8     386.6    15.6

Otic                     257.0     237.0     8.4

Other pharmaceuticals

 / rebates               (34.6)    (40.4)    N/M

                       --------  --------


 Total Pharmaceutical  2,313.8   2,007.2    15.3       3.0%      12.3%

                       --------  --------


Intraocular lenses       919.4     794.4    15.7

Cataract /

 vitreoretinal         1,528.8   1,357.7    12.6

Refractive                51.6      51.7    (0.2)

                       --------  --------


 Total Surgical        2,499.8   2,203.8    13.4       3.8        9.6

                       --------  --------


Contact lens

 disinfectants           440.2     370.6    18.8

Artificial tears         233.2     200.4    16.4

Other                    112.6     114.6    (1.7)

                       --------  --------


 Total Consumer Eye

  Care                   786.0     685.6    14.6       3.1       11.5

                       --------  --------


 Total Global Sales   $5,599.6  $4,896.6    14.4%      3.4%      11.0%

                       ========  ========


N/M - Not Meaningful

Note: Percent Change in Constant Currency calculates sales growth

 without the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Management

 believes constant currency sales growth is an important measure of

 the company's operations because it provides investors with a clearer

 picture of the core rate of sales growth due to changes in unit

 volumes and local currency prices.  This measure is considered a non-

 GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the

 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain reclassifications

 have been made to prior year amounts to conform with current year

 presentation.

-0-
                     ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

          Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

                          (USD in millions)


                                                   Dec 31,   Dec. 31,

                                                    2007       2006

                                                 ---------- ----------

                     Assets

Current assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents                      $ 2,134.3  $ 1,489.2

  Short term investments                             669.8      321.0

  Trade receivables, net                           1,089.2      912.8

  Inventories                                        548.5      473.8

  Deferred income tax assets                          89.3      122.5

  Other current assets                               293.7      142.8

                                                 ---------- ----------


    Total current assets                           4,824.8    3,462.1


Long term investments                                 41.8       91.1

Property, plant and equipment, net                 1,030.0      920.7

Intangible assets, net                                89.6       95.2

Goodwill                                             626.0      553.2

Long term deferred income tax assets                 322.1      235.7

Other assets                                          81.3       69.3

                                                 ---------- ----------


    Total assets                                 $ 7,015.6  $ 5,427.3

                                                 ========== ==========


      Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity


Current liabilities:

   Accounts payable                              $   208.7  $   168.9

   Short term borrowings                           1,751.1      926.5

   Current maturities of long term debt                1.3        5.8

   Other current liabilities                         901.1      899.9

                                                 ---------- ----------


    Total current liabilities                      2,862.2    2,001.1

                                                 ---------- ----------


Long term debt, net of current maturities             52.2       49.0

Long term deferred income tax liabilities             23.9       10.1

Other long term liabilities                          702.6      453.5

Contingencies


Shareholders' equity:

   Common shares                                      43.1       43.9

   Additional paid-in capital                      1,299.8    1,064.5

   Accumulated other comprehensive income            203.0      127.3

   Retained earnings                               3,392.2    3,201.9

   Treasury shares, at cost                       (1,563.4)  (1,524.0)

                                                 ---------- ----------


    Total shareholders' equity                     3,374.7    2,913.6

                                                 ---------- ----------


    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 7,015.6  $ 5,427.3

                                                 ========== ==========

-0-
                     ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

     Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

                          (USD in millions)


                                                  Twelve months ended

                                                     December 31,

                                                 ---------------------

                                                    2007       2006

                                                 ---------  ---------


Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    Net earnings                                 $ 1,586.4  $ 1,348.1

    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to

     cash provided from operating activities:

        Depreciation                                 159.7      158.5

        Amortization of intangibles                   50.7      198.8

        In process research and development            9.3         --

        Share-based payments                          84.7       81.2

        Tax benefit from share-based

         compensation                                 15.6         --

        Deferred income taxes                        (26.3)    (105.9)

        Loss (gain) on sale of assets                (11.7)       2.6

        Provisions for losses                           --     (120.3)

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities,

     net of effects from business acquisition:

        Trading securities                          (405.1)      74.0

        Trade receivables                            (95.1)    (148.7)

        Inventories                                    3.4      (11.5)

        Other assets                                (129.4)      (5.7)

        Accounts payable and other current

         liabilities                                 110.4      (93.9)

        Other long term liabilities                  116.9       28.7

                                                 ---------  ---------


        Net cash from operating activities         1,469.5    1,405.9

                                                 ---------  ---------


Cash provided by (used in) investing activities:

  Purchases of property, plant and equipment        (227.2)    (222.3)

  Proceeds from sale of assets                         3.1        1.5

  Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired     (111.5)        --

  Purchase of intangible assets                       (0.1)        --

  Purchase of available-for-sale investments         (36.6)    (371.0)

  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale

   investments                                       145.2      425.7

                                                 ---------  ---------


        Net cash from investing activities          (227.1)    (166.1)

                                                 ---------  ---------


Cash provided by (used in) financing activities:

  Net proceeds from (repayment of) short term

   debt                                              729.4     (108.3)

  Proceeds from issuance of long term debt             1.3         --

  Repayment of long term debt                         (6.1)      (6.3)

  Dividends on common shares                        (612.8)    (416.8)

  Acquisition of treasury shares                  (1,003.4)    (899.2)

  Proceeds from exercise of stock options            189.8      109.8

  Tax benefits from share-based payment

   arrangements                                       95.2       96.1

                                                 ---------  ---------


        Net cash from financing activities          (606.6)  (1,224.7)

                                                 ---------  ---------


Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash

 equivalents                                           9.3       16.9

                                                 ---------  ---------


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents            645.1       32.0

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     1,489.2    1,457.2

                                                 ---------  ---------


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period         $ 2,134.3  $ 1,489.2

                                                 =========  =========

-0-
                     ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

          Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Disclosures (Unaudited)

               (USD in millions, except per share data)


                                Year ended December 31, 2007 (1)

                          --------------------------------------------

                                      Non-GAAP Adjustments

                                    ------------------------

                                                 WaveLight

                                                Acquisition

                                                      &

                                    Refractive   Refractive  Non-GAAP

                          Reported  Impairment  Integration  Adjusted

                          --------- ----------- ------------ ---------


Sales                     $5,599.6  $       --  $     (15.1) $5,584.5

Cost of goods sold         1,398.2       (24.0)       (16.4)  1,357.8

                          --------- ----------- ------------ ---------


  Gross profit             4,201.4        24.0          1.3   4,226.7


Selling, general and

 administrative            1,694.0          --         (7.9)  1,686.1

Research and development     564.3          --         (6.4)    557.9

In process research and

 development                   9.3          --         (9.3)       --

Amortization of

 intangibles                  50.7        (8.7)        (1.5)     40.5

                          --------- ----------- ------------ ---------


  Operating income         1,883.1        32.7         26.4   1,942.2


Other income (expense):

  Gain (loss) from

   foreign currency, net      11.2          --           --      11.2

  Interest income             69.3          --           --      69.3

  Interest expense           (50.0)         --           --     (50.0)

  Other, net                  15.4          --           --      15.4

                          --------- ----------- ------------ ---------


Earnings before income

 taxes                     1,929.0        32.7         26.4   1,988.1


Income Taxes                 342.6        11.9          6.2     360.7

                          --------- ----------- ------------ ---------


  Net Earnings            $1,586.4  $     20.8  $      20.2  $1,627.4

                          ========= =========== ============ =========


Diluted earnings per

 common share             $   5.25  $     0.07  $      0.07  $   5.39

                          ========= =========== ============ =========


Selected ratios as

 percent of sales

-------------------------

Gross profit                  75.0%                              75.7%

Selling, general and

 administrative               30.2                               30.2

Operating income              33.6                               34.8


Other selected financial

 ratios

-------------------------

% Operating Income Growth     19.8%                              21.5%

% Net Earnings Growth         17.7                               21.2


(1) The items above adjusted for charges related to impairment of

 certain refractive assets, the company's refractive business

 integration, and the company's revenues and expenses related to the

 acquisition of WaveLight, AG are considered non-GAAP financial

 measures as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the U.S.

 Securities and Exchange Commission. Alcon presents these non-GAAP

 measures to improve the comparability and consistency of financial

 results of Alcon's core business activities and to enhance the

 overall understanding of Alcon's performance and future prospects.

 Growth rates reflect performance versus the same period in the prior

 year.  Revenues from WaveLight products reported above are not

 reflective of revenues that will be reported by WaveLight AG for the

 same period due to intercompany sales eliminations, currency

 fluctuations and other factors.

-0-
                     ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

          Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Disclosures (Unaudited)

               (USD in millions, except per share data)


                               Year ended December 31, 2006 (1)

                         ---------------------------------------------

                                     Non-GAAP Adjustments

                                   -------------------------

                                      Patent

                                     Lawsuits    Refractive   Non-GAAP


                          Reported  Settlement   Impairment   Adjusted

                          --------  -----------  -----------  --------


Sales                    $4,896.6  $        --  $        --  $4,896.6

Cost of goods sold        1,215.1           --        (19.1)  1,196.0

                         --------- ------------ ------------ ---------


  Gross profit            3,681.5           --         19.1   3,700.6


Selling, general and

 administrative           1,398.5        119.0           --   1,517.5

Research and development    512.1           --           --     512.1

Amortization of

 intangibles                198.8           --       (125.7)     73.1

                         --------- ------------ ------------ ---------


  Operating income        1,572.1       (119.0)       144.8   1,597.9


Other income (expense):

  Gain (loss) from

   foreign currency, net     (7.9)          --           --      (7.9)

  Interest income            74.1           --           --      74.1

  Interest expense          (42.6)          --           --     (42.6)

  Other, net                 21.2           --           --      21.2

                         --------- ------------ ------------ ---------


  Earnings before income

   taxes                  1,616.9       (119.0)       144.8   1,642.7


Income taxes                268.8        (21.5)        52.8     300.1

                         --------- ------------ ------------ ---------


  Net earnings           $1,348.1  $     (97.5) $      92.0  $1,342.6

                         ========= ============ ============ =========


Diluted earnings per

 common share            $   4.37  $     (0.32) $      0.30  $   4.35

                         ========= ============ ============ =========


Selected ratios as

 percent of sales

------------------------


Selling, general and

 administrative              28.5%                               31.0%

Operating income             32.1                                32.6


(1) The items above adjusted for settlement of patent lawsuits and

 impairment charges of certain refractive assets are considered non-

 GAAP financial measures as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the

 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Alcon presents these non-

 GAAP measures to improve the comparability and consistency of

 financial results of Alcon's core business activities and to enhance

 the overall understanding of Alcon's performance and future

 prospects. Growth rates reflect performance versus the same period in

 the prior year.

-0-
                     ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

          Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Disclosures (Unaudited)

               (USD in millions, except per share data)


                              Three months ended December 31, 2007 (1)

                              ----------------------------------------

                                                  Non-GAAP

                                                 Adjustments

                                               ---------------

                                                  WaveLight

                                                 Acquisition

                                                      &

                                                 Refractive   Non-GAAP

                                                              --------

                                  Reported       Integration  Adjusted

                              -----------------  -----------  --------


Sales                          $       1,469.7  $     (15.1) $1,454.6

Cost of goods sold                       371.3        (13.2)    358.1

                              ----------------- ------------ ---------


  Gross profit                         1,098.4         (1.9)  1,096.5


Selling, general and

 administrative                          441.6         (7.9)    433.7

Research and development                 160.0         (4.3)    155.7

In Process research and

 development                               9.3         (9.3)       --

Amortization of intangibles               10.1         (1.5)      8.6

                              ----------------- ------------ ---------


  Operating income                       477.4         21.1     498.5


Other income (expense):

  Gain (loss) from foreign

   currency, net                           2.6           --       2.6

  Interest income                         23.5           --      23.5

  Interest expense                       (19.3)          --     (19.3)

  Other, net                              (4.8)          --      (4.8)

                              ----------------- ------------ ---------


Earnings before income taxes             479.4         21.1     500.5


Income Taxes                             102.9          4.3     107.2

                              ----------------- ------------ ---------


  Net Earnings                 $         376.5  $      16.8  $  393.3

                              ================= ============ =========


Diluted earnings per common

 share                         $          1.25  $      0.06  $   1.31

                              ================= ============ =========


Selected ratios as percent of

 sales

-----------------------------

Gross profit                              74.7%                  75.4%

Selling, general and

 administrative                           30.0                   29.8

Operating income                          32.5                   34.3


(1) The items above adjusted for charges related to impairment of

 certain refractive assets, the company's refractive business

 integration, and the company's revenues and expenses related to the

 acquisition of WaveLight, AG are considered non-GAAP financial

 measures as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the U.S.

 Securities and Exchange Commission. Alcon presents these non-GAAP

 measures to improve the comparability and consistency of financial

 results of Alcon's core business activities and to enhance the

 overall understanding of Alcon's performance and future prospects.

 Growth rates reflect performance versus the same period in the prior

 year.  Revenues from WaveLight products reported above are not

 reflective of revenues that will be reported by WaveLight AG for the

 same period due to intercompany sales eliminations, currency

 fluctuations and other factors.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements principally relate to statements regarding the expectations of our management with respect to the future performance of various aspects of our business. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "hope," "intend," "estimate," "project," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the views of our management as of the date of this press release with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause future results to differ include, but are not limited to, the following: the development of commercially viable products may take longer and cost more than expected; changes in reimbursement procedures by third party payers may affect our sales and profits; competition may lead to worse than expected financial condition and results of operations; currency exchange rate fluctuations may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations; pending or future litigation may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations; litigation settlements may adversely impact our financial condition; the occurrence of excessive property and casualty, general liability or business interruption losses, for which we are self-insured, may adversely impact our financial condition; product recalls or withdrawals may negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations; government regulation or legislation may negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations; changes in tax laws or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we and our subsidiaries are subject to taxation may adversely impact our financial performance; supply and manufacturing disruptions could negatively impact our financial condition or results of operations. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Contact

Alcon, Inc.
Doug MacHatton, 817-551-8974
Vice President, Investor Relations
and Strategic Corporate Communications
Doug.machatton@alconlabs.com
or
Matthew Head, 817-551-8550
Director, Investor Relations
Matthew.head@alconlabs.com
www.alcon.com

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