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Alcon s Third Quarter Sales Rise 11.0 Percent

Key Takeaway: Alcon s Third Quarter Sales Rise 11.0 Percent HUNENBERG, Switzerland October 24, 2007 Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL) reported global sales of $1,335.7 million for the third quarter of 2007, an increase of 11.0 percent over global sales for the third quarter of 2006, or 7.9 percent on a

Full Press Release Details

Alcon s Third Quarter Sales Rise 11.0 Percent
HUNENBERG, Switzerland October 24, 2007 Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL) reported global sales of $1,335.7 million for the third quarter of 2007, an increase of 11.0 percent over global sales for the third quarter of 2006, or 7.9 percent on a constant currency basis. Net earnings for the third quarter of 2007 increased 78.9 percent to $415.3 million, or $1.38 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $232.1 million, or $0.76 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2006. Net earnings in the third quarter of 2007 included charges for a workforce reduction in the company s refractive laser business associated with the planned acquisition and integration of WaveLight AG. Net earnings in the third quarter of 2006 included an impairment charge related to certain assets of the company s refractive laser business. The after-tax impact of these charges was $3.4 million,
or $0.01 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2007 and $92.0 million, or $0.30 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2006. Excluding these charges, adjusted net earnings in the third quarter of 2007 were $418.7 million, or $1.39 per diluted share and in the third quarter of 2006 were $324.1 million, or $1.06 per share on a diluted basis. As a result, adjusted net earnings in the third quarter of 2007 grew 29.2 percent compared to adjusted net earnings in the third quarter of 2006, while adjusted earnings per diluted share rose 31.1 percent. Reconciliations of reported and adjusted results are provided in tables later in this press release.
Significant growth in our international business has delivered another quarter of improved financial performance, said Cary Rayment, Alcon s chairman, president and chief executive officer. Alcon s strategy of building brands globally and directly supporting eye care professionals worldwide through our global infrastructure continues to serve as a solid foundation for growth.
Third Quarter Sales Highlights
Highlights of sales for the third quarter of 2007 are provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are between the third quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2006.
Third Quarter Earnings Details
Highlights of earnings for the third quarter of 2007 are provided below. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are between reported results for the third quarter of 2007 and the third quarter of 2006. Comparisons are also made between non-GAAP adjusted results for the third quarter of 2007, excluding the reduction in force related to the impending acquisition of WaveLight, AG, and the third quarter of 2006, excluding the refractive impairment charge. A reconciliation of reported results to non-GAAP results is provided in tables at the back of this release.
New Product and R&D Pipeline Update
Summarized below are updates on selected new products and significant research and development activities.
Alcon s current financial guidance for the full year 2007 and the factors impacting this guidance are provided below.
Alcon, Inc. is the world s leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $4.9 billion in 2006. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for 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 Nestl , S.A., the world s largest food company. Moxifloxacin, the active ingredient in Vigamox , is licensed to Alcon from Bayer AG.
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)
(USD in millions, except share and per share data)
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
2007 2006 2007 2006
Sales $ 1,335.7 $ 1,203.8 $ 4,129.9 $ 3,671.7
Cost of goods sold 324.6 301.4 1,026.9 914.9
Gross profit 1,011.1 902.4 3,103.0 2,756.8
Selling, general and administrative 403.8 361.1 1,252.4 1,012.6
Research and development 130.9 134.0 404.3 377.6
Amortization of intangibles 10.3 146.3 40.6 187.4
Operating income 466.1 261.0 1,405.7 1,179.2
Other income (expense):
Gain (loss) from foreign currency, net 3.6 (0.7 ) 8.6 (10.1 )
Interest income 11.0 16.9 45.8 55.9
Interest expense (9.5 ) (10.8 ) (30.7 ) (32.6 )
Other, net 1.9 4.4 20.2 13.0
Earnings before income taxes 473.1 270.8 1,449.6 1,205.4
Income taxes 57.8 38.7 239.7 212.0
Net earnings $ 415.3 $ 232.1 $ 1,209.9 $ 993.4
Basic earnings per common share $ 1.39 $ .77 $ 4.05 $ 3.26
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.38 $ .76 $ 4.00 $ 3.21
Basic weighted average common shares 297,829,693 302,626,095 298,601,255 305,047,340
Diluted weighted average common shares 301,516,463 306,869,441 302,457,862 309,594,257
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Three months ended Foreign %Change in
Sept 30, Currency Constant
2007 2006 %Change %Change Currency
GEOGRAPHIC SALES
United States:
Pharmaceutical $ 299.6 $ 288.3 3.9 % - % 3.9 %
Surgical 255.4 239.0 6.9 - 6.9
Consumer Eye Care 99.5 91.4 8.9 - 8.9
Total United States Sales 654.5 618.7 5.8 - 5.8
International:
Pharmaceutical 247.7 208.4 18.9 6.5 12.4
Surgical 330.5 289.7 14.1 6.1 8.0
Consumer Eye Care 103.0 87.0 18.4 6.3 12.1
Total International Sales 681.2 585.1 16.4 6.2 10.2
Total Global Sales $ 1,335.7 $ 1,203.8 11.0 % 3.1 % 7.9 %
PRODUCT SALES
Infection/inflammation $ 191.1 175.0 9.2 %
Glaucoma 209.0 175.7 19.0
Allergy 83.3 72.9 14.3
Otic 67.6 77.8 (13.1 )
Other pharmaceuticals/rebates (3.7 ) (4.7 ) N/M
Total Pharmaceutical 547.3 496.7 10.2 2.7 % 7.5 %
Intraocular lenses 215.4 191.8 12.3
Cataract/vitreoretinal 362.0 324.7 11.5
Refractive 8.5 12.2 (30.3 )
Total Surgical 585.9 528.7 10.8 3.3 7.5
Contact lens disinfectants 116.6 99.5 17.2
Artificial tears 57.2 51.2 11.7
Other 28.7 27.7 3.6
Total Consumer Eye Care 202.5 178.4 13.5 3.1 10.4
Total Global Sales $ 1,335.7 1,203.8 11.0 % 3.1 % 7.9 %
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.
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Nine months ended Foreign %Change in
Sept 30, Currency Constant
2007 2006 %Change %Change Currency
GEOGRAPHIC SALES
United States:
Pharmaceutical $ 982.7 $ 915.3 7.4 % - % 7.4 %
Surgical 746.7 706.8 5.6 - 5.6
Consumer Eye Care 295.9 263.4 12.3 - 12.3
Total United States Sales 2,025.3 1,885.5 7.4 - 7.4
International:
Pharmaceutical 752.9 616.0 22.2 5.7 16.5
Surgical 1,052.3 914.5 15.1 5.1 10.0
Consumer Eye Care 299.4 255.7 17.1 4.9 12.2
Total International Sales 2,104.6 1,786.2 17.8 5.2 12.6
Total Global Sales $ 4,129.9 $ 3,671.7 12.5 % 2.6 % 9.9 %
PRODUCT SALES
Infection/inflammation $ 602.2 547.6 10.0 %
Glaucoma 593.6 509.4 16.5
Allergy 355.7 316.9 12.2
Otic 206.1 197.6 4.3
Other pharmaceuticals/rebates (22.0 ) (40.2 ) N/M
Total Pharmaceutical 1,735.6 1,531.3 13.3 2.2 % 11.1% %
Intraocular lenses 660.1 585.8 12.7
Cataract/vitreoretinal 1,108.7 996.0 11.3
Refractive 30.2 39.5 (23.5 )
Total Surgical 1,799.0 1,621.3 11.0 2.9 8.1
Contact lens disinfectants 335.5 278.4 20.5
Artificial tears 172.1 151.7 13.4
Other 87.7 89.0 (1.5 )
Total Consumer Eye Care 595.3 519.1 14.7 2.4 12.3
Total Global Sales $ 4,129.9 3,671.7 12.5 % 2.6 % 9.9 %
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.
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
Sept 30, Dec. 31,
2007 2006
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 826.9 $ 1,489.2
Short term investments 798.9 321.0
Trade receivables, net 1,042.1 912.8
Inventories 534.7 473.8
Deferred income tax assets 135.7 122.5
Other current assets 162.7 142.8
Total current assets 3,501.0 3,462.1
Long term investments 80.0 91.1
Property, plant and equipment, net 963.5 920.7
Intangible assets, net 54.9 95.2
Goodwill 555.6 553.2
Long term deferred income tax assets 273.3 235.7
Other assets 78.1 69.3
Total assets $ 5,506.4 $ 5,427.3
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 166.1 $ 168.9
Short term borrowings 799.5 926.5
Current maturities of long term debt 1.2 5.8
Other current liabilities 938.0 899.9
Total current liabilities 1,904.8 2,001.1
Long term debt, net of current maturities 50.1 49.0
Long term deferred income tax liabilities 10.7 10.1
Other long term liabilities 493.6 453.5
Contingencies
Shareholders equity:
Common shares 43.1 43.9
Additional paid-in capital 1,260.1 1,064.5
Accumulated other comprehensive income 184.6 127.3
Retained earnings 3,016.0 3,201.9
Treasury shares, at cost (1,456.6 ) (1,524.0 )
Total shareholders' equity 3,047.2 2,913.6
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 5,506.4 $ 5,427.3
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Nine months ended September 30,
2007 2006
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net earnings $ 1,209.9 $ 993.4
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities:
Depreciation 119.5 122.7
Amortization of intangibles 40.6 187.4
Share-based payments 72.6 65.8
Tax benefit from share-based compensation 13.4 --
Deferred income taxes (45.2 ) (111.4 )
Loss (gain) on sale of assets (12.0 ) (0.2 )
Provisions for losses -- (119.0 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trading securities (539.3 ) (41.9 )
Trade receivables (88.9 ) (150.7 )
Inventories (18.5 ) (18.8 )
Other assets (23.3 ) (7.1 )
Accounts payable and other current liabilities 150.2 (33.1 )
Other long term liabilities (64.3 ) 27.8
Net cash from operating activities 814.7 914.9
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (139.7 ) (145.1 )
Purchases of available-for-sale investments (69.6 ) (328.3 )
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments 143.9 377.5
Other 2.1 1.3
Net cash from investing activities (63.3 ) (94.6 )
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities:
Net proceeds from (repayment of) short term debt (165.5 ) (133.1 )
Proceeds from issuance of long term debt 1.1 --
Repayment of long term debt (5.8 ) (5.8 )
Dividends on common shares (612.8 ) (416.8 )
Acquisition of treasury shares (875.9 ) (728.4 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 158.3 95.0
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements 80.5 80.5
Net cash from financing activities (1,420.1 ) (1,108.6 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents 6.4 7.9
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (662.3 ) (280.4 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,489.2 1,457.2
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 826.9 $ 1,176.8
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Disclosures (Unaudited)
(USD in millions, except per share data)
Three months ended September 30, 2007 (1)
Non-GAAP Adjustments
Reported Refractive Workforce Reduction Non-GAAP Adjusted
Sales $ 1,335.7 $ -- $ 1,335.7
Cost of goods sold 324.6 (3.2 ) 321.4
Gross profit 1,011.1 3.2 1,014.3
Selling, general and administrative 403.8 -- 403.8
Research and development 130.9 (2.1 ) 128.8
Amortization of intangibles 10.3 -- 10.3
Operating income 466.1 5.3 471.4
Other income (expense):
Gain (loss) from foreign currency, net 3.6 -- 3.6
Interest income 11.0 -- 11.0
Interest expense (9.5 ) -- (9.5 )
Other, net 1.9 -- 1.9
Earnings before income taxes 473.1 5.3 478.4
Income taxes 57.8 1.9 59.7
Net earnings $ 415.3 $ 3.4 $ 418.7
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.38 $ 0.01 $ 1.39
Selected ratios as percent of sales
Gross profits 75.7 % 75.9 %
Operating income 34.9 % 35.3 %
Other selected financial ratios
% Operating income growth 78.6 % 16.2 %
% Net earnings growth 78.9 % 29.2 %
ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Disclosures (Unaudited)
(USD in millions, except per share data)
Three months ended September 30, 2006 (1)
Non-GAAP Adjustments
Reported Refractive Impairment Non-GAAP Adjusted
Sales $ 1,203.8 $ -- $ 1,203.8
Cost of goods sold 301.4 (19.1 ) 282.3
Gross profit 902.4 19.1 921.5
Selling, general and administrative 361.1 -- 361.1
Research and development 134.0 -- 134.0
Amortization of intangibles 146.3 (125.7 ) 20.6
Operating income 261.0 144.8 405.8
Other income (expense):
Gain (loss) from foreign currency, net (0.7 ) -- (0.7 )
Interest income 16.9 -- 16.9
Interest expense (10.8 ) -- (10.8 )
Other, net 4.4 -- 4.4
Earnings before income taxes 270.8 144.8 415.6
Income taxes 38.7 52.8 91.5
Net earnings $ 232.1 $ 92.0 $ 324.1
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.76 $ 0.30 $ 1.06
Selected ratios as percent of sales
Gross profits 75.0 % 76.5 %
Operating income 21.7 % 33.7 %
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:
Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategic Corporate Communications
Director, Investor Relations
Last updated: Oct 25, 2007