Analysts on Wall Street project that Alcon (ALC) will announce quarterly earnings of $0.68 per share in its forthcoming report, representing an increase of 61.9% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $2.34 billion, increasing 8.5% from the same quarter last year.The current level reflects a downward revision of 0.5% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days. This demonstrates how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reappraised their initial projections over ...

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced positive topline results from the two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials (COMET-2 and COMET-3) evaluating the efficacy and safety of AR-15512, a candidate treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). In both COMET-2 and COMET-3, which enrolled more than 930 dry eye subjects in total (randomized 1:1 to AR-15512 or vehicle control), the primary endpoint o ...

Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript November 15, 2023 8:00 AM ET Company Participants Dan Cravens - Vice President and Global Head, Investor Relations David Endicott - Chief Executive Officer Tim Stonesifer - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Patrick Wood - Morgan Stanley Veronika Dubajova - Citi Larry Biegelsen - Wells Fargo Daniel Buchta - ZKB Ryan Zimmerman - BTIG Anthony Petrone - Mizuho Group Jeff Johnson - Baird Graham Doyle - UBS Operator Greetings and welcome to ...

Q3 2023 Earnings Presentation November 15, 2023 Safe harbor Forward-looking statements This document 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,” “target,” “assume,” “believe,” “projec ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alcon reported second quarter sales of $2.4 billion, reflecting a 12% year-over-year growth, driven by strong demand and favorable pricing [20][21] - Core operating margin improved to 19.9%, up 270 basis points, while core diluted earnings per share increased by 19% to $0.69 [6][24] - Core gross margin was 63.8%, up 110 basis points, attributed to higher sales and manufacturing efficiencies [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Surgical revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $1.4 billion, with implantable sales at $437 million, up 2% year-over-year, and 5% excluding the South Korean reimbursement impact [20][21] - Consumables sales rose by 13% to $714 million, driven by favorable market conditions and pricing [21] - Vision Care sales reached $1 billion, up 15%, with contact lens sales increasing by 10% to $594 million, and ocular health sales up 22% to $426 million [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global cataract procedures were up mid-high single digits year-over-year, with global ATIOL penetration increasing by 80 basis points compared to the previous year [18][19] - The retail market value for contact lenses grew mid to high single digits, with a steady wearer trade-up and meaningful contributions from price increases [19] - The company noted strong performance in Asian markets, particularly in China, which continues to recover [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Alcon aims to capitalize on its competitive product portfolio and strong commercial execution to drive above-market sales growth [29] - The company is focused on accelerating innovation and enhancing its service offerings, including the rollout of SMARTCataract, a digital health solution for surgical practices [12][29] - Alcon is preparing to launch Vivity in China, which is expected to help accelerate market share in that region [8][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining growth momentum, citing improved surgeon productivity and a backlog of surgical procedures as key drivers [29][61] - The company updated its sales growth guidance for 2023 to 9% to 11%, reflecting strong performance in the first half of the year [26] - Management acknowledged potential challenges from new entrants in the IOL market but remains optimistic about maintaining market share through product performance [31][66] Other Important Information - Alcon is navigating ongoing supply chain challenges effectively, with expectations for recovery in contact lens care throughout the latter half of the year [18][21] - The company continues to invest in R&D, particularly following the acquisition of Aerie, which is expected to enhance its pharmaceutical offerings [24][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on US PCIOL market share and competitive pressure - Management indicated that Alcon holds about two-thirds of the ATIOL business in the US and has maintained that share, despite new entrants [31][32] Question: Sustainability of contact lens growth momentum - Management believes that market share growth in contact lenses will be steady, with ongoing product innovations and strong manufacturing capabilities [34][35] Question: Equipment business growth and future opportunities - Management expressed excitement about the equipment business, highlighting opportunities in new product upgrades and digital integration [37] Question: Timeline for adjustable and accommodative lenses - Management refrained from providing specific timelines but indicated ongoing development efforts in this area [42] Question: Guidance for second half revenue growth - Management expects to trend towards the higher end of the guidance range, with historical growth patterns influencing expectations [44] Question: Update on Aerie's performance - Management confirmed that Aerie's revenues and total prescription growth are up year-over-year, aligning with expectations [58] Question: Factors influencing market outlook for the second half - Management cited improved productivity and staffing in surgical settings as key factors supporting a positive outlook [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter sales reached $2.3 billion, an 11% increase year-over-year, driven by strong demand and positive pricing across the business [17][24] - Core operating margin was 20.6%, flat year-over-year, but up 130 basis points on a constant currency basis [20][24] - Core diluted earnings per share were $0.70, a 14% increase from the previous year on a constant currency basis [21][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Surgical revenue increased 8% year-over-year to $1.3 billion, with implantable sales down 3% to $427 million due to declines in South Korea [17][18] - Consumables sales rose 13% to $656 million, reflecting favorable market conditions and pricing [18] - Vision Care sales grew 16% to $1 billion, with contact lens sales up 14% to $615 million and ocular health sales up 19% to $414 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global cataract procedures were up mid-single digits year-over-year, with global ATIOL penetration down 30 basis points but up 90 basis points when excluding Korea [14] - Retail market growth for contact lenses was up high single digits, with strong contributions from price increases [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive innovation and deliver above-market sales growth, focusing on new product launches and expanding its market share [26] - Management is cautious about the back half of the year, anticipating market growth at or slightly below historical rates due to macroeconomic conditions [15][24] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of cataract volumes and the potential for growth in ATIOL penetration, particularly in the U.S. market [51] - The company is increasing its year-over-year constant currency sales growth guidance to 7% to 9%, reflecting strong business momentum [24][25] Other Important Information - Free cash flow for the quarter was an outflow of $19 million, an improvement from an outflow of $52 million last year [22] - The company expects to generate more free cash flow in 2023 compared to 2022 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on premium IOL share dynamics - Management noted a 90 basis point increase in global premium IOL penetration when excluding Korea, indicating strong performance despite competitive pressures [28] Question: Clarification on margins - Management confirmed that the 20.6% margin was not impacted by selling days and provided insights on expected margin trends for the remainder of the year [30][32] Question: Contact lens purchasing activity - Management highlighted steady trade-up from consumers and strong volume growth, indicating a positive outlook for contact lens sales [36] Question: Cataract demand outlook - Management expects cataract volumes to remain stable, with no significant pullback anticipated in the market [51] Question: SG&A expectations for Q2 and Q3 - Management indicated that SG&A increases will align with historical trends, with no significant deviations expected [70] Question: Impact of foreign exchange - Management acknowledged FX pressures due to currency fluctuations, particularly against the Australian dollar and Japanese yen [71] Question: Contact lens market share - Management confirmed strong performance in gaining market share, driven by a broader product range and successful launches [75]

Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) Q4 2022 Earnings Conference Call February 28, 2023 8:00 AM ET Company Participants Dan Cravens - Vice President & Global Head of Investor Relations David Endicott - Chief Executive Officer Tim Stonesifer - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Graham Doyle - UBS Anthony Petrone - Mizuho Group Larry Biegelsen - Wells Fargo Daniel Buchta - ZKB Matthew Mishan - Keybanc Capital Markets Veronika Dubajova - Citi Cecilia Furlong - Morgan Stanley Ryan Zimmerman - BTIG Chris Gret ...

Debt and Financial Obligations - The company has outstanding debt of $4.6 billion as of December 31, 2022, with an increase of $712 million in Q4 2022 to finance the Aerie transaction[46]. - The company may need to raise additional funds for working capital, infrastructure development, and strategic transactions, which could dilute existing shareholders[46]. - The company may be underestimating future pension and post-employment benefit obligations, with a potential increase in defined benefit obligations by $23 million for a 0.25% decrease in interest rates[52]. - The company recognized $62 million in impairment charges in 2022 due to the fair value of intangible assets being less than their carrying value[56]. - Alcon expects to continue recommending regular cash dividends based on the prior year's core net income, but future dividends are subject to shareholder approval and various factors including financial condition and corporate strategy[65]. - Future equity issuances could dilute existing shareholders' ownership percentage, adversely affecting earnings per share and market price[64]. Regulatory and Compliance Risks - The company is subject to various legal proceedings, including a patent infringement case with Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, resulting in a one-time payment of $199 million to resolve disputes[48]. - The company is subject to increasing government investigations and legal proceedings, which could lead to substantial liabilities and affect its reputation[50]. - The company faces significant regulatory compliance costs and risks, particularly with the EU's new Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR) that requires certification for all new medical devices marketed in the EU[61]. - The company must comply with stringent regulatory requirements for manufacturing, which, if not met, could lead to production shutdowns and significant revenue losses[57]. - The company is exposed to potential penalties and enforcement actions for non-compliance with healthcare fraud and abuse laws, which could adversely affect its business[59]. - The company recognized that changes in healthcare regulations could significantly impact its business operations and sales growth, particularly in the surgical segment[61]. - The company operates under IFRS, which may result in significant differences in financial reporting compared to US GAAP, potentially affecting comparability with US companies[66]. - Alcon's foreign private issuer status allows it to avoid certain US securities laws, but losing this status would increase regulatory compliance costs and complicate financial reporting[67]. - Shareholders must approve certain corporate actions, including dividend payments and capital increases, which may limit the company's flexibility in managing capital needs[67]. Market and Competitive Environment - Inflation rates in the US and EU reached multi-decade highs in 2022, leading to increased manufacturing costs, particularly for labor, electronic components, resins, and freight[46]. - The company may face significant sales losses if patent protection for pharmaceutical products is lost, as lower-priced generic versions would become available[46]. - The company faces challenges from competitors developing similar products, which could adversely affect its competitive position and financial results[43]. - Changes in exchange rates can significantly impact reported sales, costs, and earnings, particularly if the US dollar strengthens against foreign currencies[46]. - The company may incur significant costs if regulations change to no longer require prescriptions for contact lenses, impacting marketing and distribution strategies[61]. Intellectual Property and Goodwill - The company relies on a combination of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets to protect its intellectual property, which may not be as effective in emerging markets[43]. - The company carries a significant amount of goodwill and intangible assets, which may lead to noncash impairment charges if their fair value declines[56]. Environmental and Safety Concerns - The company may face increased costs to comply with evolving environmental, health, and safety laws, which could adversely impact research, development, and production efforts[63]. - The company is subject to stringent environmental regulations, which may increase operational costs over time[63]. - Alcon's operations involve the use of hazardous materials, and any contamination or injury could lead to significant liabilities that may adversely affect the business[63].

ALCON INC. INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT | INDEX | Page | | --- | --- | | Operating Performance | 2 | | Liquidity and Capital Resources | 11 | | Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited) | | | Consolidated Income Statement | 15 | | Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income | 16 | | Consolidated Balance Sheet | 17 | | Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity | 18 | | Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | 19 | | Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements | 20 ...

Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) Q3 2022 Earnings Conference Call November 16, 2022 8:00 AM ET Company Participants Dan Cravens - Vice President and Global Head, Investor Relations David Endicott - Chief Executive Officer Tim Stonesifer - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Ryan Zimmerman - BTIG Julien Dormois - BNP Paribas Daniel Buchta - ZKB Larry Biegelsen - Wells Fargo Matthew Mishan - KeyBanc Capital Markets Jeff Johnson - Baird Cecilia Furlong - Morgan Stanley Joanne Wuensch - Citi Falko Friedri ...