Full Press Release Details
Alcon Provides Estimate of Second Quarter Earnings
H nenberg, Switzerland July 13, 2004 Alcon
(NYSE:ACL) management announced today it expects second quarter diluted earnings per share to be in
the range of $0.94 to $0.96. This range includes an $0.18 per share favorable impact related to tax
items recorded in the second quarter that were previously announced in the company s first quarter conference
call. Excluding this tax benefit, earnings per diluted share for the second quarter are expected to
be in the range of $0.76 to $0.78.
projected earnings range reflects the expectation of a higher gross profit margin, due partly to favorable
currency factors and product mix. In addition, the company has realized production efficiencies from
the transfer of contact lens care manufacturing from Madrid, Spain to Fort Worth, Texas, which occurred
in the second half of last year. Alcon management said it would provide new full year earnings guidance
for 2004 in its upcoming conference call, scheduled for July 29 at 8:30AM Eastern Time.
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 statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors that 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.
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. Given these uncertainties,
you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. You should read this press
release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what
we expect. 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.
For information, contact:
MacHatton (Alcon Investor Relations)
Mary Dulle, APR (Alcon Public Relations)