On February 12, Alcon’s Independent Director Committee said that the company’s strong fourth quarter financial results underscore the true value of Alcon and further reinforce the committee’s conclusion that Novartis’ January 4th proposal to acquire Alcon’s remaining publicly traded shares for $153/share was inadequate.

This statement comes on the heels of the company’s most recent earnings report. Alcon reported $1.72 billion in global sales for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008—an increase of 14.5%. Additionally, net earnings for the fourth quarter 2009 totaled $458 million compared to $424 million in the fourth quarter 2008—an 8% increase.

“We commend Alcon’s management and employees for yet again demonstrating the extraordinary value they continue to deliver for the company and its shareholders,” says Thomas G. Plaskett, chairman of Alcon’s Independent Director Committee. “We hope these results inspire Novartis to reconsider their proposal and their attempt to force their offer on Alcon’s minority shareholders, many of whom are Alcon employees.”