ACL Alcon, Inc.

Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL) reported that global sales rose 5.7 percent to $1.81 billion for the fourth quarter of 2010. Revenue from acquisitions added 100 basis points to sales growth in the quarter, while foreign currency fluctuations reduced reported sales growth by 20 basis points. Excluding these two factors, the organic sales growth rate was 4.9 percent.

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2010 rose 13.8 percent to $521 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, compared to $458 million, or $1.51 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2009. Reported net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2010 included $9 million in after-tax other operating expenses related to the change of majority ownership and merger proposal from Novartis AG. Reported net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2009 included a $30 million tax provision related to a change in tax law regarding the deductibility of foreign currency losses. Excluding these expenses, non-GAAP adjusted net earnings would have grown 8.6 percent to $530 million, or $1.74 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net earnings in the fourth quarter 2009.

For the full year 2010, Alcon, Inc. reported global sales of $7.18 billion, an increase of 10.5 percent over 2009. Revenue from acquisitions and foreign currency fluctuations added 60 and 130 basis points, respectively, to reported sales growth in 2010. Excluding these two factors, the organic sales growth rate was 8.6 percent. Based on these results and an analysis of market factors, Alcon expects to achieve constant currency sales growth in the high single digits in 2011.

Net earnings for 2010 rose 10.1 percent to $2.21 billion, or $7.27 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $2.01 billion, or $6.66 per diluted share, in 2009. Reported net earnings in 2010 included a $24 million pre-tax reduction to cost of goods sold related to changes in estimates for accrued royalties, $130 million in after-tax other operating expenses related to the change of majority ownership and merger proposal from Novartis AG and a $25 million period tax charge related to a change in the tax treatment of retiree medical benefits resulting from U.S. health care reform legislation. Reported net earnings in 2009 included $14 million of after-tax costs related to a reduction in force and $30 million related to the aforementioned tax provision. Excluding these expenses, non-GAAP adjusted net earnings for 2010 would have risen 14.3 percent to $2.34 billion, or $7.71 per diluted share compared to adjusted net earnings in 2009.

Reconciliations of reported and adjusted results for the fourth quarter and full year are included in the financial tables below.

“2010 was an extremely successful year for Alcon,” said Kevin Buehler, Alcon’s president and chief executive officer. “We emerged from the challenging economic environment that began in late 2008 to achieve another year of solid operational performance driven by global market share gains, strong organic growth and margin improvement.”

“We also welcomed a new strategic majority owner in Novartis AG, and reached agreement on the terms of a full merger that, when approved, will result in Alcon becoming the second largest division of Novartis,” Buehler added. “This is an exciting new chapter for Alcon. I believe we can successfully leverage Alcon’s leadership position in the eye care specialty segment with the scale and broad-based expertise of Novartis to create a stronger eye care business to meet the needs of doctors and patients.”

Fourth Quarter Financial Performance

Sales Highlights

Summarized below are sales highlights for the fourth quarter of 2010. All growth comparisons are for the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. Organic sales growth rates exclude currency impacts and acquisitions and are non-GAAP measures that are reconciled in a table at the end of this release.

• U.S. sales increased 3.4 percent to $758 million, driven primarily by solid sales of pharmaceutical products, which grew 9.1 percent.
  • Sales of allergy pharmaceutical products rose 19.0 percent as a result of a strong fall allergy season.
  • The acquisitions of Optonol and DUREZOL® ophthalmic steroid added 230 basis points of growth.
  • Surgical growth was negatively affected by a strong comparable quarter in 2009.
  • Heavy promotional activity in the third quarter had a residual negative impact on sales of contact lens disinfectants in the fourth quarter.
• Sales in international markets rose 7.7 percent on an organic basis (+7.3 percent reported) to $1.05 billion with balanced contributions from most global markets.
  • Sales in emerging markets increased 13.1 percent organically (+13.7 percent reported), led by the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China), which rose 17.2 percent on an organic basis (+18.5 percent reported).
  • International pharmaceutical sales increased 10.9 percent organically (+9.8 percent reported) on broad-based growth across most therapeutic categories.
• Global sales of pharmaceutical products increased 8.1 percent on an organic basis (+9.4 percent reported) to $743 million, primarily due to solid global performance of the infection/inflammation franchise and a more severe fall allergy season in the United States.
  • Global infection/inflammation pharmaceutical product sales rose 13.6 percent organically (+18.6 percent reported), led by strong global growth of Vigamox® ophthalmic solution and NEVANAC® ophthalmic suspension, as well as DUREZOL® the United States.
  • Global glaucoma pharmaceutical product sales were $336 million, an increase of 3.4 percent on an organic basis (+2.4 percent reported). Strong sales performance for glaucoma combinations (DuoTrav® ophthalmic solution and Azarga® ophthalmic suspension) was offset by the conversion of TRAVATAN® to TRAVATAN Z® ophthalmic solutions in the United States and a strong comparable quarter for generic glaucoma products that included the launch of brimonidine tartrate 0.15%.
• Global surgical sales were $858 million, an increase of 3.3 percent on an organic basis (+3.6 percent reported).
  • Global sales of advanced technology intraocular lenses rose 8.4 percent organically (+8.5 percent reported) on continued adoption and utilization by cataract surgeons of the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 and AcrySof® IQ Toric intraocular lenses.
• Global sales of consumer eye care products rose 1.0 percent on an organic basis (+1.4 percent reported) to $211 million. The strong global performance the Systane® family of artificial tears offset declines in contact lens care and other consumer products.

Earnings Highlights

Summarized below are earnings highlights for the fourth quarter of 2010. All growth comparisons are for the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to the fourth quarter of 2009.

• Gross profit margin was 76.0 percent compared to 74.0 percent in 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations in each period and positive price contribution.
• Operating income rose 7.3 percent to $576 million, or 31.8 percent of sales. Non-GAAP adjusted operating income would have increased 9.3 percent to $587 million, or 32.4 percent of sales. This increase was attributable to solid sales growth, positive price contribution and the temporary favorable impact of foreign exchange rates on gross profit. Adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of 2010 excluded $11 million in other operating expenses related to the change of majority ownership and merger proposal from Novartis.
• Net earnings increased 13.8 percent to $521 million, or $1.71 per diluted share. Non-GAAP adjusted net earnings would have risen 8.6 percent to $530 million, or $1.74 per diluted share. Adjusted net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2010 exclude $9 million of after-tax expenses related to the change of majority ownership and merger proposal from Novartis. Adjusted net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2009 exclude the $30 million tax adjustment.

Full Year Financial Performance

Sales Highlights

Summarized below are sales highlights for full year 2010. All growth comparisons are for full year 2010 compared to full year 2009. Organic sales growth rates exclude currency impacts and acquisitions and are non-GAAP measures that are reconciled in a table at the end of this release.

• Sales in the United States rose 9.0 percent to $3.18 billion on strong contributions from advanced technology AcrySof® intraocular lenses, pharmaceutical products and the Systane® family of artificial tears.
  • Advanced technology intraocular lens sales rose 12.5 percent on increased penetration of both the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 and AcrySof® IQ Toric intraocular lenses.
  • Sales of glaucoma pharmaceutical products rose 12.8 percent, primarily attributable to strong contributions from TRAVATAN Z®, Azopt® ophthalmic suspension and brimonidine 0.15%.
  • Infection/inflammation pharmaceutical product sales increased 20.7 percent, primarily attributable to the strong performance of Vigamox® and NEVANAC®, as well as rapid market share growth of DUREZOL®.
  • Supported by the mid-year launch of Systane® BALANCE lubricant eye drops, sales of artificial tears increased 15.4 percent.
  • Sales growth included 130 basis points from the acquisitions of Optonol and DUREZOL®.
• International market sales increased 9.2 percent on an organic basis (+11.6 percent reported) to $4.00 billion, primarily attributable to rapid growth in emerging markets, strong sales of pharmaceutical products and balanced contributions from most global markets.
  • Sales in emerging markets rose 17.1 percent organically (+21.3 percent reported), driven by strong sales in the BRIC nations, which together rose 21.9 percent organically (+30.3 reported).
  • International pharmaceutical product sales increased 12.4 percent on an organic basis (+14.1 percent reported) on broad-based growth in most therapeutic categories.
• Global sales of pharmaceutical products were $3.07 billion, an increase of 12.7 percent on an organic basis (+14.5 percent reported), due to continued solid global performance of the glaucoma franchise and the impact of the severe allergy season in the United States.
  • Global glaucoma pharmaceutical product sales rose 13.1 percent organically (+13.9 percent reported), reflecting strong market share growth outside the United States of AZARGA® ophthalmic suspension and DuoTrav® ophthalmic solution.
  • Severe allergy and swimmer's ear seasons in the United States led to higher global growth of Patanol® and Pataday® ophthalmic solutions, which rose 10.7 percent organically (+11.8 percent reported), and CIPRODEX® otic suspension, which increased 9.9 percent on an organic basis (+10.5 percent reported).
  • Global sales of the TobraDex® family increased 9.9 percent organically (+9.7 percent reported) due to strong international sales growth and the launch of TobraDex ST® ophthalmic suspension in the United States.
• Global surgical sales rose 5.5 percent on an organic basis (+7.4 percent reported) to $3.22 billion on balanced growth across all product categories.
  • Global sales of advanced technology intraocular lenses increased 19.7 percent organically (+21.4 percent reported) as cataract surgeons around the world increased adoption and utilization of AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 and AcrySof® IQ Toric.
  • Global sales of refractive products rose 11.4 percent on continued market share gains of the WaveLight® suite of refractive lasers.
• Global sales of consumer products increased 6.3 percent on an organic basis (+8.2 percent reported) to $893 million on the strong global performance of the Systane® family of artificial tears.
  • The launch of Systane® BALANCE in the United States and further global expansion of Systane® ULTRA lubricant eye drops contributed to strong performance in the artificial tear category, which rose 15.5 percent organically (+17.7 percent reported).

Earnings Highlights

Summarized below are earnings highlights for full year 2010. All growth comparisons are for full year 2010 compared to full year 2009.

• Gross profit was $5.50 billion, representing a gross profit margin of 76.7 percent. Reported gross profit in 2010 included a $24 million reduction to cost of goods sold related to changes in estimates for accrued royalties. Reported gross profit in 2009 included $3 million in expenses related to a reduction in force. Excluding these adjustments, non-GAAP gross profit would have increased 12.1 percent to $5.48 billion, or 76.3 percent of sales compared to 75.2 percent in 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations in each period and positive price contribution.
• Operating income increased 9.5 percent to $2.48 billion, or 34.5 percent of sales. Reported operating income in 2010 included the aforementioned royalty adjustment and $152 million in other operating expenses related to the change of majority ownership and merger proposal from Novartis. Reported operating income in 2009 included $19 million related to a reduction in force. Excluding these expenses, non-GAAP adjusted operating income would have increased 14.2 percent to $2.60 billion, or 36.3 percent of sales. This increase was attributable to solid sales growth, positive price contribution and the temporary favorable impact of foreign exchange rates on gross profit.
• Net earnings increased 10.1 percent to $2.21 billion, or $7.27 per diluted share. Non-GAAP adjusted net earnings would have risen 14.3 percent to $2.34 billion, or $7.71 per diluted share. Adjusted net earnings in 2010 exclude an after-tax impact of $21 million related to the royalty adjustment, $130 million of after-tax expenses related to the change of majority ownership and merger proposal from Novartis and a $25 million period tax charge resulting from U.S. health care reform legislation. Adjusted net earnings in 2009 exclude after-tax expenses of $14 million related to a reduction in force and the $30 million tax adjustment.

Other Highlights

• MOXEZA™ ophthalmic solution was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. MOXEZA™, a twice-daily treatment, is built on the moxifloxacin anti-infective of Vigamox® ophthalmic solution.
• The FDA approved the WaveLight® FS200 femtosecond laser for corneal flap creation during LASIK surgery.
• The LenSx® femtosecond laser gained FDA approval for arc incision creation in the cornea during cataract surgery. The FDA had previously approved the LenSx® laser for anterior capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, partial-thickness incisions for lamellar keratoplasty and full-thickness incisions for penetrating keratoplasty.
• The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved a version of TRAVATAN® ophthalmic solution that does not contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK) for reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
• The company filed drug approval applications in selected European Union markets for a BAK-free formulation of DuoTrav® ophthalmic solution and a new indication for NEVANAC® ophthalmic suspension for the prevention of macular edema associated with cataract surgery.
• The company entered into a licensing agreement with MerLion Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd for the North American development and commercialization rights to finafloxacin for the treatment of ear infections. The agreement also provides options to include additional geographies and to expand the compound’s use for ophthalmic applications.
• The company received clearance from the FDA to complete its voluntary medical device corrective action plan on all CONSTELLATION® vision systems in the United States.
• On December 15, 2010, the company announced its board of directors approved a merger agreement with Novartis AG, whereby Novartis will pay a total merger consideration valued at $168 per share for the Alcon shares it does not currently own. More information on the merger can be found in the registration statement on Form F-4 filed by Novartis with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2010.

Company Description

Alcon, Inc. is the world’s leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $7.2 billion in 2010. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for 65 years, 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. Alcon operates in 75 countries and sells products in 180 markets. For more information on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company’s web site at www.alcon.com.

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; a weakening economy could affect demand for our products; 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; completion of the proposed merger with Novartis; pending or future litigation, including with respect to the proposed merger with Novartis, 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.

  ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) (in millions, except share data)   Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31, December 31,   2010   2009   2010   2009   Sales $ 1,812 $ 1,715 $ 7,179 $ 6,499 Cost of goods sold   435   446   1,675   1,614   Gross profit 1,377 1,269 5,504 4,885   Selling, general and administrative 559 521 2,070 1,935 Research and development 210 204 747 665 Amortization of intangibles 21 7 60 24 Other operating expenses   11   --   152   --   Operating income 576 537 2,475 2,261   Other income (expense): Gain (loss) from foreign currency, net 1 (2 ) (3 ) (3 ) Interest income 7 9 29 46 Interest expense (2 ) (3 ) (9 ) (16 ) Other, net   (1 )   13   35   25   Earnings before income taxes 581 554 2,527 2,313   Income taxes   60   96   317   306   Net earnings $ 521 $ 458 $ 2,210 $ 2,007     Basic earnings per common share $ 1.72 $ 1.53 $ 7.34 $ 6.72   Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.71 $ 1.51 $ 7.27 $ 6.66   Basic weighted average common shares 302,287,443 299,179,863 300,932,749 298,847,072   Diluted weighted average common shares 305,110,836 302,807,462 304,104,272 301,348,181   ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Global Sales

(USD in millions)

    Three Months Ended Foreign Change in December 31, Currency Constant 2010 2009 Change Change Currency Geographic Sales Alcon United States: Pharmaceutical $ 361 $ 331 9.1 % -- % 9.1 % Surgical 311 309 0.6 -- 0.6 Consumer Eye Care   86   93 (7.5 ) -- (7.5 )   Total United States Sales   758   733 3.4 -- 3.4   Alcon International: Pharmaceutical 382 348 9.8 (1.1 ) 10.9 Surgical 547 519 5.4 (0.4 ) 5.8 Consumer Eye Care   125   115 8.7 0.9 7.8   Total International Sales   1,054   982 7.3 (0.5 ) 7.8   Total Global Sales $ 1,812 $ 1,715 5.7 (0.2 ) 5.9   Global Product Sales Infection/inflammation $ 261 $ 220 18.6 % (0.9 ) % 19.5 % Glaucoma 336 328 2.4 (1.0 ) 3.4 Allergy 97 86 12.8 1.2 11.6 Otic/nasal 74 70 5.7 --- 5.7 Other pharmaceuticals/rebates   (25 )   (25 ) N/M N/M N/M   Total Pharmaceutical   743   679 9.4 (0.6 ) 10.0   Intraocular lenses 319 318 0.3 -- 0.3 Cataract/Vitreoretinal/other 506 483 4.8 (0.2 ) 5.0 Refractive   33   27 22.2 (3.7 ) 25.9   Total Surgical   858   828 3.6 (0.3 ) 3.9   Contact lens disinfectants 104 107 (2.8 ) 0.9 (3.7 ) Artificial tears 86 75 14.7 -- 14.7 Other   21   26 (19.2 ) -- (19.2 )   Total Consumer Eye Care   211   208 1.4 0.4 1.0   Total Global Sales $ 1,812 $ 1,715 5.7 (0.2 ) 5.9

N/M - Not Meaningful

Note: Change in constant currency calculates sales growth without the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Management believes constant currency sales change 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.

  ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Global Sales (USD in millions)       Twelve Months Ended Foreign Change in December 31, Currency Constant 2010 2009 Change Change Currency Geographic Sales Alcon United States: Pharmaceutical $ 1,555 $ 1,353 14.9 % -- % 14.9 % Surgical 1,214 1,167 4.0 -- 4.0 Consumer Eye Care   408   394 3.6 -- 3.6   Total United States Sales   3,177   2,914 9.0 -- 9.0   Alcon International: Pharmaceutical 1,511 1,324 14.1 1.7 12.4 Surgical 2,006 1,830 9.6 2.4 7.2 Consumer Eye Care   485   431 12.5 3.7 8.8   Total International Sales   4,002   3,585 11.6 2.3 9.3   Total Global Sales $ 7,179 $ 6,499 10.5 1.3 9.2   Global Product Sales Infection/inflammation $ 980 $ 829 18.2 % 0.6 % 17.6 % Glaucoma 1,277 1,121 13.9 0.8 13.1 Allergy 539 486 10.9 1.0 9.9 Otic/nasal 409 355 15.2 0.3 14.9 Other pharmaceuticals/rebates   (139 )   (114 ) N/M N/M N/M   Total Pharmaceutical   3,066   2,677 14.5 0.8 13.7   Intraocular lenses 1,208 1,133 6.6 1.7 4.9 Cataract/Vitreoretinal/other 1,895 1,759 7.7 1.4 6.3 Refractive   117   105 11.4 -- 11.4   Total Surgical   3,220   2,997 7.4 1.4 6.0   Contact lens disinfectants 471 448 5.1 1.8 3.3 Artificial tears 333 283 17.7 2.2 15.5 Other   89   94 (5.3 ) 2.1 (7.4 )   Total Consumer Eye Care   893   825 8.2 1.9 6.3   Total Global Sales $ 7,179 $ 6,499 10.5 1.3 9.2

N/M - Not Meaningful

Note: Change in constant currency calculates sales growth without the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Management believes constant currency sales change 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.

  ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in millions, except share data)   December 31, December 31,   2010   2009 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,525 $ 3,007 Short term investments 889 479 Trade receivables, net 1,483 1,346 Inventories 693 626 Deferred income tax assets 172 162 Other current assets   307   213   Total current assets 6,069 5,833   Long term investments 398 73 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,388 1,304 Intangible assets, net 953 255 Goodwill 833 688 Long term deferred income tax assets 261 391 Other assets   171   142   Total assets $ 10,073 $ 8,686   Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 370 $ 321 Short term borrowings 337 607 Current maturities of long term debt 62 -- Other current liabilities   1,022   1,047   Total current liabilities   1,791   1,975   Long term debt, net of current maturities -- 56 Long term deferred income tax liabilities 65 59 Other long term liabilities 965 691 Contingencies Shareholders' equity: Common shares 42 42 Additional paid-in capital 1,669 1,535 Accumulated other comprehensive income 98 203 Retained earnings 5,706 4,533 Treasury shares, at cost   (263 )   (408 )   Total shareholders' equity   7,252   5,905   Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 10,073 $ 8,686   ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (in millions)   Twelve months ended December 31, 2010 2009   Cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Net earnings $ 2,210 $ 2,007 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided from operating activities:   Depreciation 212 194 Amortization of intangibles 60 24 Share-based payments 78 74 Tax benefits from share-based compensation 8 5 Deferred income taxes 4 51 Loss (gain) on sale of assets (29 ) 49 Unrealized appreciation on trading securities (6 ) (76 ) Other, net 4 1 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisition: Trade receivables (129 ) (144 ) Inventories (54 ) (6 ) Other assets (116 ) (13 ) Accounts payable 49 118 Other current liabilities (27 ) 100 Other long term liabilities   111   32   Net cash from operating activities   2,375   2,416   Cash provided by (used in) investing activities: Purchases of property, plant and equipment (309 ) (342 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (529 ) (149 ) Purchases of intangible assets (137 ) (8 ) Purchases of investments (2,881 ) (1,261 ) Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments 2,149 1,362 Other, net   2   8   Net cash from investing activities   (1,705 )   (390 )   Cash provided by (used in) financing activities: Net proceeds from (repayment of) short term debt (306 ) (492 ) Repayment of long term debt -- (6 ) Dividends on common shares (1,037 ) (1,048 ) Acquisition of treasury shares (33 ) (7 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 169 55 Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements   57   17   Net cash from financing activities   (1,150 )   (1,481 )   Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents   (2 )   13   Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (482 ) 558   Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   3,007   2,449   Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 2,525 $ 3,007  

ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(in millions)

    Gross Profit Full Year 2010   Full Year 2009   Growth %   2010

% of Sales

As Reported $ 5,504 $ 4,885 12.7 % 76.7 % Change in Royalty Adjustment (24 ) -- Reduction in Force   --     3 As Adjusted $ 5,480   $ 4,888 12.1 76.3  

 

Operating Income Q4 2010 Q4 2009 Growth % Q4 2010

% of Sales

As Reported $ 576 $ 537 7.3 % 31.8 % Change of Majority Ownership   11     -- As Adjusted $ 587   $ 537 9.3 32.4   Operating Income Full Year 2010 Full Year 2009 Growth % 2010

% of Sales

As Reported $ 2,475 $ 2,261 9.5 % 34.5 % Change of Majority Ownership 152 -- Change in Royalty Adjustment (24 ) -- Reduction in Force   --     19 As Adjusted $ 2,603   $ 2,280 14.2 36.3

Note: Adjusted gross profit and operating income measure the results of the company's operations without certain items that did not pertain to the comparable period. Management believes these measures are an important measure of the company’s operations because they provide investors with a clearer picture of the core operations of the company. These measures are considered non-GAAP financial measures as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

  ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (in millions, except share data)   Net Earnings   Q4 2010   Q4 2009   Q4 Growth %   Full Year 2010   Full Year 2009   Full Year Growth % As Reported $ 521 $ 458 13.8 % $ 2,210 $ 2,007 10.1 % Change of Majority Ownership 9 -- -- 130 -- -- Change in Royalty Adjustment -- -- -- (21 ) -- --

U.S. Healthcare Reform*

-- -- -- 25 -- -- Reduction in Force -- -- -- -- 14 -- Tax Adjustment   --   30 --   --     30 -- As Adjusted $ 530 $ 488 8.6 $ 2,344   $ 2,051 14.3   Diluted EPS Q4 2010 Q4 2009 Q4 Growth % Full Year 2010 Full Year 2009 Full Year Growth % As Reported $ 1.71 $ 1.51 13.2 % $ 7.27 $ 6.66 9.2 % Change of Majority Ownership 0.03 -- -- 0.43 -- -- Change in Royalty Adjustment -- -- -- (0.08 ) -- --

U.S. Healthcare Reform*

-- -- -- 0.09 -- -- Reduction in Force -- -- -- -- 0.05 -- Tax Adjustment   --   0.10 --   --     0.10 -- As Adjusted $ 1.74 $ 1.61 8.1 $ 7.71   $ 6.81 13.2

Note: Adjusted net earnings and diluted EPS measure the results of the company's operations without certain items that did not pertain to the comparable period. Management believes these measures are an important measure of the company’s operations because they provide investors with a clearer picture of the core operations of the company. These measures are considered non-GAAP financial measures as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

* Related to a change in the tax treatment of retiree medical benefits in the United States.

  ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (in millions)         Three Months Ended Foreign December 31, Currency Acquisition Organic 2010   2009 Change Change Change Change   Sales by Product Line: Pharmaceutical $ 743 $ 679 9.4 % (0.6 )% 1.9 % 8.1 % Surgical 858 828 3.6 (0.3 ) 0.6 3.3 Consumer Eye Care   211   208 1.4 0.4 -- 1.0   Total Global Sales $ 1,812 $ 1,715 5.7 (0.2 ) 1.0 4.9

 

Q4 2010 Sales   Change

Foreign

Currency

Change

Acquisition

Change

Organic

Change

  International markets 7.3 % (0.5) % 0.1 % 7.7 % Emerging markets 13.7 0.6 -- 13.1 BRIC nations 18.5 1.3 -- 17.2 International pharmaceuticals 9.8 (1.1) -- 10.9 Infection/inflammation pharmaceuticals 18.6 (0.9) 5.9 13.6 Glaucoma pharmaceuticals 2.4 (1.0) -- 3.4 Advanced technology intraocular lenses 8.5 0.1 -- 8.4

Note: Organic change calculates sales growth without the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and acquisitions. Management believes organic sales change 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 to current year presentation.

  ALCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (in millions)     Twelve Months Ended Foreign December 31, Currency Acquisition Organic 2010   2009 Change Change Change Change   Sales by Product Line: Pharmaceutical $ 3,066 $ 2,677 14.5 % 0.8 % 1.0 % 12.7 % Surgical 3,220 2,997 7.4 1.4 0.5 5.5 Consumer Eye Care   893   825 8.2 1.9 -- 6.3   Total Global Sales $ 7,179 $ 6,499 10.5 1.3 0.6 8.6

 

  Foreign Currency Acquisition Organic Full Year 2010 Sales Change Change Change Change   International markets 11.6 % 2.3 % 0.1 % 9.2 % Emerging markets 21.3 4.2 -- 17.1 BRIC nations 30.3 8.4 -- 21.9 International pharmaceuticals 14.1 1.7 -- 12.4 Glaucoma pharmaceuticals 13.9 0.8 -- 13.1 Patanol®/ Pataday® 11.8 1.1 -- 10.7 CIPRODEX® 10.5 0.6 -- 9.9 TobraDex® family 9.7 (0.2) -- 9.9 Advanced technology intraocular lenses 21.4 1.7 -- 19.7 Refractive products 11.4 -- -- 11.4 Artificial tears 17.7 2.2 -- 15.5

Note: Organic change calculates sales growth without the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations and acquisitions. Management believes organic sales change 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 to current year presentation.