Allergan’s Earnings Rise 28% for Its First Quarter

Allergan Inc., the manufacturer of eye- and skin-care products, Tuesday reported higher sales and a profit for the first quarter.

Allergan said its earnings rose 28% to $20.1 million, equal to 30 cents per share, up from $15.7 million, or 23 cents per share, a year ago.

It had revenue of $210.1 million for the three months ended March 31, up 7% from $196.2 million in the year-ago period.

“Our cash flow continues to be strong, and we will continue to invest in major projects,” said William C. Shepherd, Allergan’s president and chief executive. This includes a $30-million research and development facility being built in Irvine, which is expected to be completed next spring.

The sales of Allergan’s eye products rose by 14.7%, to $86 million from $75 million last year. Sales of skin products rose 5%, to $5.9 million.

About 52% of Allergan’s revenue for the quarter ended March 31 came from international sales, up from 51% last year.

Allergan stock remained unchanged at $21.25 a share in trading Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange.