Alcon reveals sales growth of 5.9%

Alcon has published its financial results for the third quarter of 2009, demonstrating sales growth over the period of 5.9 per cent.

The group revealed that it has also underwent organic sales growth of nine per cent – a figure that excludes the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.

Its net earnings for the third quarter of 2009 stood at $515 million (314 million British pounds), the equivalent of $1.71 per diluted share.

The company’s gross profit margin corresponded to its predictions at a reported 75.3 per cent, compared to 77.2 per cent in 2008 – a drop attributed to the impact of foreign exchange rates on costs of goods sold.

Kevin Buehler, the organisation’s president and chief executive officer, commented: “We continue to achieve organic sales growth and market share growth with contributions from multiple areas, but especially from advanced technology intraocular lenses, glaucoma treatments and emerging markets.”

This news comes after Alcon revealed plans last month to acquire the Swiss biotechnology company ESBATech AG, as it conveyed its plans to increase its presence in the eye care market.