Pharmaceutical Business review

Alcon Q2 Sales Increases 12.5%

Alcon’s operating income rose 18.8% to $751m, or 39.8% of sales. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income would have increased 19.5% to $755m, or 40.0% of sales.

Net earnings in the second quarter of 2010 increases 15.1% to $670m, or $2.21 per diluted share.

Kevin Buehler, president and CEO of Alcon, said: “Our strong performance in the first half of this year was driven by the successful global execution of our operational strategies and was further supported by a lower first half comparison period.

“We have risen above the global reimbursement challenges in 2010 to achieve very positive organic sales growth at the Alcon group level and market share expansion of our key promoted brands on a global basis. Key growth drivers like advanced technology intraocular lenses, glaucoma treatments and emerging markets are providing both near-term and durable long-term opportunities.

“These results and our outlook for the balance of the year reflect an improved market environment that we expect to support sustainable organic sales growth and operating leverage in the future.”

Alcon is a company that researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contacts lens solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye.