Alcon Inc. (ALC) recently introduced the Clareon PanOptix Pro intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract patients in the United States. PanOptix Pro leverages proprietary ENLIGHTEN NXT Optical technology to deliver the highest reported light utilization of any trifocal IOL and the lowest light scatter. The latest development is aimed at bolstering the company’s Surgical business. Likely Trend of ALC Stock Following the NewsFollowing the announcement, shares of Alcon declined 0.1% and closed at $92.59 on Wednesday. ...

This hugely promising market, while witnessing rapid advancements, is still in the early stages of development and the prospects are majorly untapped. Companies with a strong presence in the ophthalmic market, such as Alcon Inc. (ALC) , Glaukos Corporation (GKOS) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN) , are well- positioned to leverage this prospect, making them promising investment opportunities. Cell therapy is emerging as a cutting-edge precision treatment in ophthalmology and is gaining immense popu ...

Alcon (ALC) shares ended the last trading session 6% higher at $96.80. The jump came on an impressive volume with a higher-than-average number of shares changing hands in the session. This compares to the stock's 2.1% loss over the past four weeks.Alcon scored a strong price increase driven by the optimism surrounding the company’s aggressive move on the M&A front. The company recently acquired a majority interest in Aurion Biotech, Inc. - a clinical-stage company developing advanced cell therapies to treat ...

Alcon (ALC) recently announced that its Clareon Vivity intraocular lens (IOL), featuring extended depth of focus (EDOF) technology, has received CE Mark approval. The lens, made from Alcon's advanced Clareon material, is set for commercial rollout across Europe in early second-quarter 2025, expanding visual possibilities for patients.This milestone highlights Alcon's commitment to enhancing vision care, offering patients a premium presbyopia-correcting solution. The introduction of Clareon Vivity IOL marks ...

Alcon (ALC) and LENSAR, Inc. (LNSR) , a global medical technology company focused on advanced laser solutions for the treatment of cataracts, recently entered into a definitive merger agreement. Per the agreement, Alcon will acquire LENSAR’s ALLY Robotic Cataract Laser Treatment System, proprietary Streamline software technology and LENSAR legacy laser system. Alcon anticipates to close the transaction by mid-to-late 2025. The latest acquisition is expected to bolster its Surgical business.Alcon Stock’s Lik ...

Core Insights - Alcon's Surgical business is benefiting from a diverse portfolio and incremental innovation, while Vision Care is experiencing solid growth driven by strong sales of contact lenses and ocular health products [1][3][6] Surgical Business Performance - Alcon's technology leads the market, with every three advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted globally being Alcon products, and one out of two premium IOLs being from Alcon [3] - The surgical segment reported a 5% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2024, driven by strong international demand for IOLs, consumables, and equipment [3] New Product Innovations - Alcon leads the market in Presbyopia-correcting Intraocular Lenses (PCIOLs) with over 60% global share and more than 80% in the U.S., supported by strong demand for products like PanOptix and Vivity [4] - Upcoming product launches include the next-generation PanOptix and the UNITY VCS, along with innovations like the PanOptix Pro PCIOL and the Voyager Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty device [5] Vision Care Growth - Alcon's Vision Care segment closed Q4 with a 7% year-over-year growth, successfully executing strategies in fast-growing market segments [6] - The launch of PRECISION7, a weekly replacement lens, targets the $3.8 billion reusable lens market, while the Systane family of artificial tears continues to perform strongly [7] Industry Challenges - Alcon faces macroeconomic pressures, including inflation in electronic components, freight, labor, and supply chain challenges, which are expected to persist into 2025 [10] - The ophthalmology industry is highly competitive, with Alcon facing intense competition from both large and small manufacturers, as well as potential disruptions from pharmaceutical companies [11][12] Financial Performance - Alcon's market capitalization stands at $43.97 billion, with earnings surpassing estimates in three of the last four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 5.9% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alcon's 2025 earnings per share has decreased by 2.1% to $3.23, while revenues are projected to rise by 4.9% to $10.32 billion [13]

Alcon Inc. (ALC) gains on strong market share gains. The company’s broad pipeline and focus on research and innovation are impressive. Yet, a challenging international market with geopolitical pressure concerns and a tough competitive landscape are threats. The stock presently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Major Factors Driving ALC SharesWithin the Surgical business, of late, the company’s flagship lenses, Vivity and PanOptix, continue to lead the category in the United States and around the world. The Sur ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alcon reported sales of $9.8 billion for 2024, with a market sales growth of 6% [8] - Core diluted EPS increased by 16% to $3.05, and free cash flow reached a record $1.6 billion [8][30] - Fourth quarter sales were $2.5 billion, up 6% year-over-year, driven by innovative contact lens portfolio and consumables [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Surgical franchise revenue increased by 5% year-over-year to $1.4 billion, with implantable sales at $456 million, up 2% [31] - Vision Care sales for the fourth quarter were $1.1 billion, up 7%, with contact lens sales rising 11% to $638 million [33] - Ocular health sales were $416 million, up 2% year-over-year, with strong performance from eyedrops, particularly SYSTANE [34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global cataract procedures grew approximately mid-single-digits, with global ATIOL penetration up 180 basis points year-over-year [27] - The retail contact lens market was estimated to be up mid-single-digits, driven mainly by pricing and lens trade-up [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Alcon is focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and speed to market, with a rich product pipeline set for launch [9][10] - Upcoming product launches include UNITY VCS in surgical equipment and PanOptix Pro in IOLs, aimed at enhancing efficiency and patient outcomes [13][17] - The company is also investing in over-the-counter assets like SYSTANE and expanding its pharmaceutical pipeline [12][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth potential of the global eye care market, expecting a growth rate of 4% to 5% [38] - For 2025, Alcon anticipates revenue between $10.2 billion and $10.4 billion, with a constant currency growth rate of 6% to 8% [38][41] - The company expects operating margin to be between 21% and 22%, reflecting planned investments in new product launches [39][41] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors proposed an increase in the dividend to CHF0.28 per share and authorized a share repurchase program of up to $750 million [43] - Alcon's leadership team and organizational structure have been realigned to enhance focus on innovation and operational efficiency [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: US ATIOL business performance and competitive impact - Management noted small growth in the US ATIOL market, with competitive trialing affecting year-on-year changes [49] Question: Margin expectations for the first half of 2025 - Management expects some margin expansion in the back half of the first half of 2025, but not significant in Q1 due to investments [54] Question: Updates on US ATIOL market share - Management indicated stable global share with significant growth in China, but some share loss in the US due to competition [58] Question: Price dynamics and volume growth in contact lenses - Management stated that about a third of growth came from price, with expectations for steady volume growth in the contact lens segment [68] Question: Guidance for revenue growth in 2025 - Management expects revenue growth to be at the low-end of guidance in the first half, with acceleration in the second half due to new product launches [80] Question: Feedback on UNITY equipment and growth expectations - Management expressed optimism about the equipment business, expecting strong growth driven by new product launches in the back half of the year [84] Question: IOL market momentum in China - Management reported significant share gains in China, with positive momentum for products like Vivity [92] Question: Interest in drug delivery technologies in IOL market - Management acknowledged awareness of drug delivery technologies but indicated a cautious approach, preferring to observe market developments [100]

Alcon, Inc. (ALC) delivered fourth-quarter 2024 core earnings per share (EPS) of 72 cents, up 2.9% from the year-ago quarter’s figure (up 3% at constant exchange rate or CER). The figure topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.9%.Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.Alcon reports “core” results based on non-IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) measures. In the fourth quarter, the company’s EPS was 57 cents, down 33.7% (down 34% at CER) year over year.The fu ...

Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Earnings Presentation February 25, 2025 1 Safe harbor Forward-looking statements This press release contains, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "intend," "commitment," "look forward," "maintain," "plan," "goal," "seek," "targ ...