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Alcon s Second Quarter Sales Increase 12.8 Percent

Key Takeaway: Alcon s Second Quarter Sales Increase 12.8 Percent HUNENBERG, Switzerland July 27, 2005 Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL) reported global sales of $1,172.0 million for the second quarter of 2005, an increase of 12.8 percent over global sales in the second quarter of 2004, or 10.1 percent e

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Alcon s Second Quarter Sales Increase 12.8 Percent
HUNENBERG, Switzerland July 27, 2005 Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL) reported global sales of $1,172.0 million for the second quarter of 2005, an increase of 12.8 percent over global sales in the second quarter of 2004, or 10.1 percent excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Net earnings for the second quarter of 2005 increased 34.5 percent to $325.0 million, or $1.04 per share on a diluted basis, compared to adjusted net earnings of $241.6 million or $0.78 per share for the second quarter of 2004. Adjusted net earnings for the second quarter of 2004 include non-GAAP adjustments reconciled in the table below. Reported net earnings for the second quarter of 2004 were $299.2 million, or $0.96 per share.
Our strong second quarter results demonstrated successful execution of our key strategies, said Cary Rayment, Alcon s chairman, president and chief executive officer. We benefited from geographic expansion and continued adoption of research-based new product technologies such as latest generation pharmaceutical and surgical products, including Vigamox , Travatan , CiproDex , AcrySof Natural , and Accurus 25 Gauge
technology. At the same time, we continued to leverage our global infrastructure to further drive profit growth. 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.
Second Quarter Sales Highlights
Highlights of sales for the second quarter of 2005 are provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are versus the second quarter of 2004.
U.S. sales grew 8.2 percent to $594.9 million, accounting for 50.8 percent of total sales.
International sales grew 17.9 percent to $577.1 million, accounting for 49.2 percent of total sales. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, International sales grew 12.3 percent.
Pharmaceutical sales grew 14.1 percent to $502.6 million and contributed 42.9 percent of total sales.
Sales of glaucoma products increased 18.4 percent, led by a 36.5 percent rise in sales of Travatan ophthalmic solution, which continued to build share on a global basis.
Sales of allergy products, including Patanol ophthalmic solution, rose 13.1 percent. Patanol has maintained its number one share position in the U.S., accounting for 67.6 percent of total ocular allergy prescriptions through May 2005 year-to-date (YTD).
Sales of infection/inflammation products rose 12.1 percent as sales of Vigamox ophthalmic solution offset the decline in Ciloxan ophthalmic solution, which lost patent protection in the second quarter of 2004. Vigamox is the leading ocular anti-infective in the U.S. with a 45.1 percent share of the fluoroquinolone category through May 2005 YTD.
Sales of otic products increased 19.5 percent led by Ciprodex otic suspension. The otic franchise, including Ciprodex and Cipro HC otic suspension, increased 4.1 share points in the U.S. through May 2005 YTD, compared to May YTD 2004, to reach 29.9 percent.
Surgical sales rose 13.4 percent to $520.8 million, accounting for 44.4 percent of total sales.
Sales of intraocular lenses increased 16.5 percent to $172.6 million. Sales growth was attributable to market share gains, continued adoption of the AcrySof Natural lens and global conversion from multi-piece to single-piece intraocular lenses. AcrySof ReSTOR global sales in the second quarter of 2005 and June 2005 YTD were $7.4 million and $10.4 million, respectively.
Sales of cataract and vitrectomy products rose 13.1 percent, with sales of vitreoretinal surgical accessories, cataract removal systems and cataract procedure paks being key drivers of growth in this sector.
Refractive revenue declined 9.4 percent due to a decrease in global equipment sales. However, procedural revenue increased due to growth in procedures and conversion to higher priced custom procedures.
Consumer eye care sales increased 6.4 percent to $148.6 million, accounting for 12.7 percent of total sales.
Sales of contact lens disinfectants declined 1.1 percent as growth from Opti-Free Express contact lens disinfectant did not offset declines in older disinfecting solutions.
Sales of artificial tears products increased 28.3 percent as Systane lubricant eye drops continued to gain global market share.
Second Quarter Earnings Highlights
Highlights of earnings for the second quarter of 2005 are provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are versus the second quarter of 2004.
Gross profit margin increased 1.9 percentage points to 75.5 percent of sales, primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies, product mix and reduced royalty expense. During the second quarter, the company completed the restructuring of a royalty agreement on its leading glaucoma drug, Travatan ophthalmic solution, which reduces future royalty payments in exchange for an upfront payment.
As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses decreased to 29.2 percent from 30.1 percent. The company continued to exercise good cost control by taking advantage of its global operating infrastructure. The decrease also reflects the costs of Patanol advertising campaigns, most of which occurred in the first quarter of 2005 while more of the 2004 costs were in the second quarter.
As a percent of sales, R&D expenses remained the same at 8.6 percent.
Led primarily by increased gross margins, operating income increased 20.7 percent to $419.8 million, or 35.8 percent of sales, from 33.5 percent of sales.
The company s six month effective tax rate was 23.5 percent. This represents a decline in the effective tax rate of 4.2 percentage points compared to the 2004 full year adjusted tax rate of 27.7 percent. The reduction in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the resumption of funding a portion of research and development expenses in the U.S. The 2004 full year adjusted effective tax rate includes non-GAAP adjustments reconciled in the table below. The reported effective tax rate for the full year 2004 was 22.6 percent.
Second Quarter Research and Development Update
Summarized below are updates on key research and development activities.
The company filed a Pre-marketing Approval (PMA) application, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the AcrySof toric intraocular lens, designed for use in cataract patients with pre-existing astigmatism. The FDA has accepted this PMA filing for review.
The company received an approvable letter from the FDA for its New Drug Application (NDA) for RETAANE 15 mg (anecortave acetate suspension) an investigational treatment for preserving the vision of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. The company said it held an initial meeting with the FDA in July to discuss the approvable letter and will continue discussions with the Agency in its efforts to gain approval.
Almost 1,900 patients have been enrolled in the two risk reduction clinical trials on RETAANE . The company expects to enroll the full complement of 2,500 patients for the trials by the end of 2005. Once fully enrolled, these studies are expected to last four years.
The company submitted its European Marketing Authorisation Application for its Travoprost plus Timolol Fixed Combination glaucoma treatment.
The company filed a PMA application with the U.S. FDA for the treatment of hyperopia with astigmatism for its LADARVision CustomCornea system.
Financial guidance for the full year 2005 is provided below.
Sales are expected to be between $4,350 million and $4,400 million.
Diluted earnings per share are expected to be between $3.40 and $3.45.
The company raised its expectations for global sales of the AcrySof ReSTOR lens to be between $45 million and $55 million for the full year 2005. These sales are included in the company s updated full year 2005 guidance.
On May 6, 2005, the company reported that a jury in the U.S. District Court in Delaware had rendered a verdict that the company infringed two U.S. patents owned by Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. The amount of the verdict was $94.8 million. No judgment has been entered and the litigation continues in progress. In several motions filed in July 2005, the company has asked the court to set aside the verdict, and the company will appeal if necessary. The company s management believes that it is premature to predict the likely liability, if any, in this case, and therefore, the company s full year 2005 guidance does not include any provision for an adverse outcome.
Alcon, Inc. is the world s leading eye care company, with sales of $3.9 billion in 2004. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for more than 50 years, 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 Nestl , S.A., the world s largest food company. All trademarks noted in this release are the property of Alcon, Inc., with the exception of Cipro and Ciprodex , which is the property of Bayer AG and licensed to Alcon. Vigamox is
licensed to Alcon by Bayer AG.
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)
(USD in millions, except share and per share data)
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
2005 2004 2005 2004
Sales $ 1,172.0 $ 1,039.2 $ 2,242.5 $ 2,002.8
Cost of goods sold 287.7 274.2 576.3 564.0
Gross profit 884.3 765.0 1,666.2 1,438.8
Selling, general and administrative 341.8 312.3 678.3 603.1
Research and development 100.8 89.3 199.3 180.2
Amortization of intangibles 21.9 15.7 42.0 31.2
Operating income 419.8 347.7 746.6 624.3
Other income (expense):
Gain (loss) from foreign currency, net (0.6 ) (4.8 ) 1.8 (3.2 )
Interest income 12.5 4.5 20.6 10.2
Interest expense (9.4 ) (6.3 ) (18.1 ) (13.3 )
Other, net 0.3 - - -
Earnings before income taxes 422.6 341.1 750.9 618.0
Income taxes 97.6 41.9 176.4 127.8
Net earnings $ 325.0 $ 299.2 $ 574.5 $ 490.2
Basic earnings per common share $ 1.06 $ 0.98 $ 1.88 $ 1.60
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.04 $ 0.96 $ 1.85 $ 1.58
Basic weighted average common shares 306,520,335 305,357,938 305,729,518 306,107,207
Diluted weighted average common shares 312,047,408 310,678,556 311,280,508 310,902,151
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Three Months Ended %Foreign %Change in
June 30, Currency Constant
2005 2004 %Change Change Currency
GEOGRAPHIC SALES
United States:
Pharmaceutical $ 311.0 $ 284.0 9.5 % - % 9.5 %
Surgical 214.3 196.8 8.9 - 8.9
Consumer Eye Care 69.6 69.1 0.7 - 0.7
Total United States Sales 594.9 549.9 8.2 - 8.2
International:
Pharmaceutical 191.6 156.5 22.4 6.2 16.2
Surgical 306.5 262.3 16.9 5.2 11.7
Consumer Eye Care 79.0 70.5 12.1 5.9 6.2
Total International Sales 577.1 489.3 17.9 5.6 12.3
Total Global Sales $ 1,172.0 $ 1,039.2 12.8 % 2.7 % 10.1 %
PRODUCT SALES
Infection/inflammation $ 171.0 $ 152.6 12.1 %
Glaucoma 156.2 131.9 18.4
Allergy 135.4 119.7 13.1
Otic 60.1 50.3 19.5
Other pharmaceuticals/rebates (20.1 ) (14.0 ) N/M
Total Pharmaceutical 502.6 440.5 14.1 2.2 % 11.9 %
Intraocular lenses 172.6 148.1 16.5
Cataract/vitreoretinal 333.8 295.1 13.1
Refractive 14.4 15.9 (9.4 )
Total Surgical 520.8 459.1 13.4 2.9 10.5
Contact lens disinfectants 74.3 75.1 (1.1 )
Artificial tears 43.5 33.9 28.3
Other 30.8 30.6 0.7
Total Consumer Eye Care 148.6 139.6 6.4 2.9 3.5
Total Global Sales $ 1,172.0 $ 1,039.2 12.8 % 2.7 % 10.1 %
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.
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Six months ended %Foreign %Change in
June 30, Currency Constant
2005 2004 %Change Change Currency
GEOGRAPHIC SALES
United States:
Pharmaceutical $ 563.6 $ 519.6 8.5 % - % 8.5 %
Surgical 411.7 377.4 9.1 - 9.1
Consumer eye care 140.8 137.6 2.3 - 2.3
Total United States Sales 1,116.1 1,034.6 7.9 - 7.9
International:
Pharmaceutical 371.0 300.0 23.7 6.0 17.7
Surgical 597.4 525.6 13.7 5.1 8.6
Consumer eye care 158.0 142.6 10.8 5.3 5.5
Total International Sales 1,126.4 968.2 16.3 5.3 11.0
Total Global Sales $ 2,242.5 $ 2,002.8 12.0 % 2.6 % 9.4 %
PRODUCT SALES
Infection/inflammation $ 332.6 $ 302.1 10.1 %
Glaucoma 310.5 259.7 19.6
Allergy 222.1 198.0 12.2
Otic 103.1 84.7 21.7
Other pharmaceuticals/rebates (33.7 ) (24.9 ) N/M
Total Pharmaceutical 934.6 819.6 14.0 2.2 % 11.8 %
Intraocular lenses 328.9 290.1 13.4
Cataract/vitreoretinal 648.7 581.2 11.6
Refractive 31.5 31.7 (0.6 )
Total Surgical 1,009.1 903.0 11.7 2.9 8.8
Contact lens disinfectants 151.2 150.4 0.5
Artificial tears 87.2 68.4 27.5
Other 60.4 61.4 (1.6 )
Total Consumer Eye Care 298.8 280.2 6.6 2.6 4.0
Total Global Sales $ 2,242.5 $ 2,002.8 12.0 % 2.6 % 9.4 %
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.
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
June 30, Dec 31,
2005 2004
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,210.6 $ 1,093.4
Short term investments 233.4 138.2
Trade receivables, net 823.7 696.8
Inventories 408.9 455.2
Deferred income tax assets 175.0 176.1
Other current assets 84.7 84.4
Total current assets 2,936.3 2,644.1
Long term investments 128.1 -
Property, plant and equipment, net 804.0 830.2
Intangible assets, net 337.4 329.3
Goodwill 550.6 549.2
Long term deferred income tax assets 67.7 66.4
Other assets 52.0 48.9
Total assets $ 4,876.1 $ 4,468.1
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 176.3 $ 126.2
Short term borrowings 1,087.5 911.6
Current maturities of long term debt 5.6 4.5
Other current liabilities 863.9 835.1
Total current liabilities 2,133.3 1,877.4
Long term debt, net of current maturities 71.5 71.9
Long term deferred income tax liabilities 20.9 23.3
Other long term liabilities 318.4 307.6
Contingencies
Shareholders equity:
Common shares 43.3 42.7
Additional paid-in capital 732.7 547.3
Accumulated other comprehensive income 108.3 225.4
Deferred compensation (1.3 ) (2.6 )
Retained earnings 1,925.8 1,653.6
Treasury shares, at cost (476.8 ) (278.5 )
Total shareholders' equity 2,332.0 2,187.9
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 4,876.1 $ 4,468.1
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Six months ended June 30,
2005 2004
Cash provided by operating activities:
Net cash from operating activities $ 653.5 $ 462.3
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (65.1 ) (74.6 )
Purchases of intangible assets (2.8 ) -
Net purchases of investments (220.1 ) (47.6 )
Other 1.3 1.1
Net cash from investing activities (286.7 ) (121.1 )
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities:
Net proceeds from (repayment of) short term debt 186.7 (227.8 )
Repayment of long term debt (4.8 ) (8.7 )
Dividends on common shares (302.0 ) (169.4 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 119.8 13.4
Acquisition of treasury shares (200.5 ) (173.1 )
Net cash from financing activities (200.8 ) (565.6 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (48.8 ) (17.4 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 117.2 (241.8 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,093.4 1,086.0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,210.6 $ 844.2
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for the following:
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized $ 18.8 $ 14.5
Income taxes $ 74.6 $ 119.2
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Disclosures (Unaudited)
(USD in Millions, except per share data)
Quarter ended June 30, 2004 (1)
Non-GAAP Non-GAAP
Reported Adjustment Adjusted
Net Earnings $ 299.2 $ (57.6) $ 241.6
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.96 $ (0.18) $ 0.78
Year ended December 31, 2004 (1)
Non-GAAP Non-GAAP
Reported Adjustment Adjusted
Effective Tax Rate 22.6% 5.1% 27.7%
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.
For more information, contact:
Investor Relations and Strategic Corporate Communications
Last updated: Jul 27, 2005