Core Points - Broadwood Partners and its affiliates announced that Glass Lewis, a prominent proxy advisory firm, recommended STAAR Surgical Company shareholders vote "AGAINST" the proposed acquisition by Alcon Inc. [1] Group 1 - Glass Lewis's recommendation highlights concerns regarding the acquisition terms announced on August 5, 2025 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Defender Capital opposes the proposed acquisition of STAAR Surgical Company by Alcon Inc., arguing that the offer of $28 per share significantly undervalues STAAR, especially in light of a previous offer of $58 per share that was rejected by the STAAR Board of Directors just sixteen months ago [1]. Group 1 - Defender Capital has been a significant shareholder of STAAR for over ten years and believes in the substantial value of the company [1]. - The recent positive projections and outlook from STAAR's management provide no compelling reason to sell the company at the proposed valuation [2]. - Defender Capital expresses disappointment that the STAAR Board is pursuing a transaction that does not reflect the standalone business prospects of STAAR [2].

Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company is recognized by independent industry analysts as having a favorable merger with Alcon, which offers compelling cash value for STAAR stockholders [1] Company Summary - STAAR Surgical Company is a global leader in phakic IOLs, specifically with its EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses (EVO ICL™) for vision correction [1] - The merger with Alcon is viewed as the best path forward for STAAR stockholders, providing a certain and premium cash value [1] Industry Summary - The commentary from independent analysts highlights the positive outlook for STAAR's stockholders following the merger with Alcon [1]

Core Viewpoint - Broadwood Partners, L.P. and its affiliates, holding approximately 27.5% of STAAR Surgical Company's outstanding common stock, are urging stockholders to vote against the proposed acquisition by Alcon Inc. on the terms announced on August 5, 2025 [1]. Group 1 - Broadwood has published a presentation to support its position against the acquisition [1]. - The acquisition is being contested on the basis of the terms outlined in the announcement made on August 5, 2025 [1].

Core Viewpoint - Alcon has successfully completed the waiting period for its acquisition of STAAR Surgical Company under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, indicating progress in the acquisition process [1] Company Summary - Alcon is recognized as a global leader in eye care, focusing on enhancing vision for individuals [1] - STAAR Surgical Company is known for manufacturing the Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL), a significant product in the eye care industry [1] Regulatory Summary - The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act expired at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 29, 2025, allowing Alcon to move forward with the acquisition of STAAR [1]

Core Insights - Albert Anthony is a Croatian-American business author and media contributor with a focus on real estate investment trusts (REITs) [1] - He has a background in IT analysis for Fortune 500 companies and experience in financial services with Charles Schwab [1] - Anthony is launching a book on REITs in 2025 and operates his own equities research firm remotely [1] Background and Experience - The author has over 1,000 followers on Seeking Alpha and writes for various financial platforms [1] - He has participated in numerous business and innovation conferences in the EU and the US [1] - Anthony is pursuing a CMSA certification from the Corporate Finance Institute [1] Media and Digital Presence - He is active in digital media, including a YouTube channel focused on REITs [1] - The author has appeared in regional media channels in Croatia and has experience in casting agencies [1] - He does not engage with non-publicly traded companies or small-cap stocks [1]

Core Insights - Albert Anthony is a Croatian-American business author and media contributor with a focus on real estate investment trusts (REITs) [1] - He has a background in IT analysis for Fortune 500 companies and experience in financial services with Charles Schwab [1] - Anthony is launching a book on REITs in 2025 and manages his own equities research firm remotely [1] Background and Experience - The author has over 1,000 followers on Seeking Alpha and writes for various financial platforms [1] - He has participated in numerous business and innovation conferences in the EU and has a degree from Drew University [1] - Currently enrolled in the CMSA certification program at the Corporate Finance Institute in Vancouver [1] Media and Digital Presence - Albert Anthony is active in digital media, including a YouTube channel focused on REITs [1] - He has appeared in regional media channels in Croatia and has had roles in over five productions [1] - The author does not engage with non-publicly traded companies or small-cap stocks [1]

Core Viewpoint - Algoma Central Corporation has announced the acquisition of three new methanol-ready Kamsarmax-sized ocean belt self-unloading vessels, marking a significant expansion of its fleet and reinforcing its leadership in diversified short sea shipping markets [1]. Company Summary - With the addition of these vessels, Algoma will own a total of 100 vessels in its global fleet, achieving a historic milestone [1]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to long-term growth in the shipping industry, particularly in the short sea shipping markets [1].

Group 1: Fund Performance - Parnassus Mid Cap Growth Fund returned 13.29% (net of fees) in Q2 2025, underperforming the Russell Midcap Growth Index which returned 18.20% [1] - Stock selection in the Industrials and Information Technology sectors negatively impacted the fund's performance, while holdings in the Financials sector contributed positively [1] Group 2: Alcon Inc. Overview - Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) is a market leader in the eye care industry, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of eye care products [2][3] - Alcon Inc. reported a one-month return of -5.59% and a 52-week loss of 24.30%, with a closing stock price of $75.00 and a market capitalization of $37.352 billion as of September 24, 2025 [2] Group 3: Investment Insights on Alcon Inc. - Parnassus Mid Cap Growth Fund initiated a position in Alcon Inc., expecting its culture of innovation to drive market share gains and revenue growth [3] - Alcon Inc. reported sales of $2.6 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the previous year [4] - Despite recognizing Alcon's potential, the fund believes certain AI stocks present greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4]

Core Insights - STAAR Surgical Company, a leader in phakic IOLs, announced the expiration of the 45-day "window shop" period related to its merger agreement with Alcon, with no competing acquisition proposals received [1] Company Summary - STAAR Surgical Company specializes in the EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses (EVO ICL™) for vision correction [1] - The merger agreement with Alcon affiliates remains intact following the expiration of the "window shop" period [1] Industry Context - The expiration of the "window shop" period indicates a stable environment for STAAR Surgical's merger with Alcon, suggesting confidence in the deal's progression [1]