Alcon grows in third-quarter

Alcon, Inc. reported global sales of $822.7 million for the third quarter of 2003, an increase of 10.6 percent over global sales in the third quarter of 2002, or 7.6 percent excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.

Reported net earnings for the third quarter of 2003 increased 22.4 percent to $153.1 million, compared to $125.1 million, for the third quarter of 2002.

For the first nine months of 2003, Alcon reported global sales of $2,555.2 million, an increase of 13.1 percent over global sales of $2,259.9 million for the first nine months of 2002, or 9.4 percent excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Net earnings for the first nine months of 2003 increased 20.8 percent to $461.5 million, compared to $381.9 million for the first nine months of 2002.

Global consumer eye care sales increased 8.4 percent in the third quarter of 2003 compared to the third quarter of 2002. Strong sales growth in contact lens care products outside the United States was a key factor in the overall growth of consumer eye care sales.