Alcon reports 3rd quarter sale rise

Alcon has announced that it has recorded strong global sales growth during the third quarter of 2006.

The firm achieved sales of $1,203.8 million (644 million pounds) in the last quarter, an increase of 12.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2005, including a 13.5 per cent increase in pharmaceutical sales and a 9.2 per cent rise in surgical sales.

According to the company, its net earnings for the quarter were $232.1 million (124.17 million pounds), less than the $295.8 million (158.25 million pounds) reached in 2005, although this included an “impairment charge” connected to its refractive laser business.

Commenting on the results, Cary Rayment, chairman, president and chief executive office of Alcon, said that “healthy sales growth” had led to a significant third quarter for the firm.

“Our core operating strategies, focusing on introducing innovative new products in all our product areas and building brands globally, continue to deliver excellent results,” he said.

Alcon reported an 11.8 per cent increase in global sales during the second quarter of 2006 compared to the previous year, achieving sales of $1,310.8 million (701.3 million pounds).