Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company has announced the adjournment of its Special Meeting of Stockholders regarding the Alcon merger agreement, now rescheduled for January 6, 2026, due to Alcon exercising its right under the merger agreement [1]. Company Overview - STAAR Surgical (NASDAQ: STAA) is a leader in implantable phakic intraocular lenses, providing vision correction solutions that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses [2]. - The company has been focused solely on ophthalmic surgery since 1982 and has sold over 3 million ICLs in more than 75 countries [2]. - STAAR's EVO ICL™ product line offers a minimally invasive procedure for vision correction without removing corneal tissue or the eye's natural crystalline lens [2]. Merger Information - The Special Meeting of Stockholders was originally scheduled for December 19, 2025, and the record date for eligible stockholders remains October 24, 2025 [1]. - Relevant materials regarding the proposed transaction have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including a definitive proxy statement on September 16, 2025 [3].

Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company is urging stockholders to participate in the upcoming Special Meeting to vote on the amended agreement with Alcon Inc., emphasizing that the outcome will significantly impact the value of their shares [1]. Company Summary - STAAR Surgical Company is recognized as the global leader in phakic IOLs, specifically with its EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses (EVO ICL™) designed for vision correction [1]. Industry Context - The impending vote at the Special Meeting is positioned as a critical event that could influence the financial performance and stock value of STAAR Surgical, highlighting the importance of shareholder engagement in corporate governance [1].

Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company has amended its merger agreement with Alcon, offering stockholders $30.75 per share, which represents a 74% premium to the 90-day Volume Weighted Average Price and a 66% premium to the closing price on August 4, 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Merger Agreement Details - The revised merger agreement with Alcon is set to provide STAAR stockholders with $30.75 per share in cash if the transaction is completed [1]. - Independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommends that STAAR stockholders vote "FOR" the Alcon transaction, citing improved terms and reduced downside risks [2]. - The STAAR Board of Directors also urges stockholders to vote "FOR" the merger to protect their investment value [3]. Group 2: Analyst Insights - Analysts from BTIG suggest that STAAR shareholders should accept the offer, warning of potential significant declines in share value if the deal does not go through [5]. - Canaccord Genuity notes that the expiration of the "go-shop" period revealed limited interest from other potential acquirers, indicating that the revised terms are likely to satisfy shareholders [5]. - Mizuho highlights that the $1.6 billion valuation of the transaction is approximately 4.5 times the forward EV/Sales based on projected revenues, which aligns with industry standards for similar companies [5]. Group 3: Company Background - STAAR Surgical is a leader in implantable phakic intraocular lenses, focusing solely on ophthalmic surgery since 1982, and has sold over 3 million ICLs globally [7]. - The company operates research, development, manufacturing, and packaging facilities in California and Switzerland, emphasizing its commitment to advanced vision correction solutions [7].

Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company has received a favorable recommendation from Institutional Shareholder Services regarding its merger with Alcon, urging stockholders to vote in favor of the amended merger agreement [1] Company Summary - STAAR Surgical Company is recognized as the global leader in phakic IOLs, specifically with its EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses designed for vision correction [1] Industry Context - The recommendation from ISS reflects a positive outlook on the merger, which may influence shareholder sentiment and the overall market perception of STAAR's strategic direction [1]

Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company is addressing misinformation regarding its go-shop process related to the pending merger with Alcon, emphasizing that claims made by Broadwood Partners about a credible buyer are false [1][2][5]. Go-Shop Process - The go-shop period lasted 30 days, during which STAAR engaged with 21 third parties, but only two signed a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) [3][4]. - FountainVest, allegedly the credible buyer mentioned by Broadwood, only reached out on day 21 of the go-shop period and did not show prior interest [3]. - STAAR's CEO responded promptly to FountainVest's inquiry, but the buyer delayed returning the NDA draft, which included a standstill provision [3][4]. - The go-shop period ended without any proposals received, and Broadwood's subsequent criticism of the process is viewed as an attempt to undermine STAAR's efforts [4][5]. Merger Details - The revised merger agreement with Alcon offers a cash price of $30.75 per share, representing a 74% premium to STAAR's 90-day volume-weighted average price [6][7]. - The merger is positioned as providing immediate value to stockholders compared to a longer, uncertain journey under Broadwood's influence [6]. Company Performance and Market Conditions - STAAR's CEO acknowledged challenges in growing procedure volumes in China, which have persisted into the fourth quarter [5]. - The company has experienced a significant slowdown in growth rates compared to the period from 2020 to 2023, but remains confident in long-term business growth [5]. Stockholder Engagement - A virtual Special Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled for December 19, 2025, to discuss the merger and allow stockholders to vote [7]. - Stockholders are encouraged to make informed decisions based on the facts presented regarding the merger with Alcon [6][7].

Core Points - STAAR Surgical has amended its merger agreement with Alcon to allow a 30-day go-shop period for soliciting third-party proposals, aiming to maximize stockholder value [1][2][3] - Alcon has waived its matching rights and information rights during this go-shop period, facilitating a more open solicitation process [3][4] - The Special Meeting of Stockholders to vote on the merger proposal has been postponed to December 19, 2025, to allow time for potential third-party proposals [4] Summary by Sections Merger Agreement Amendments - The new go-shop period allows STAAR to actively seek third-party proposals until December 6, 2025 [3] - Alcon has waived matching rights for any superior proposals made during this period [3] - STAAR is not obligated to inform Alcon about any bids received until the go-shop period ends, promoting a fair solicitation process [3] Stockholder Engagement - STAAR's CEO emphasized the commitment to maximizing stockholder value and the potential benefits of the go-shop process [2] - Alcon will engage with STAAR stockholders to garner support for the merger proposal [2][4] Special Meeting of Stockholders - The Special Meeting originally scheduled for December 3, 2025, has been postponed to December 19, 2025, allowing stockholders to consider any new proposals [4]

Company Overview - STAAR Surgical Company (NASDAQ:STAA) specializes in phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) with its EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses (EVO ICL™) for vision correction [1] - The company is based in Lake Forest, California, and is known for its commitment to transparency with investors [1] - STAAR competes in the medical device industry, focusing on innovative vision correction solutions [1] Financial Performance - On October 29, 2025, STAAR reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.17, slightly below the estimated $0.18 [2] - The company generated revenue of $94.7 million, surpassing the estimated $89.4 million, reflecting strong sales performance [2] Valuation Metrics - The price-to-sales ratio of about 6 indicates that investors are willing to pay $6 for every dollar of sales, showing confidence in the company's revenue potential [3] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is approximately 5.43, reflecting STAAR's valuation relative to its revenue [3] - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is around -42.74, indicating difficulties in generating positive cash flow from operations [3] - STAAR maintains a low debt-to-equity ratio of about 0.12, suggesting a relatively low level of debt compared to its equity [3] Liquidity Position - STAAR's current ratio is approximately 4.94, indicating strong liquidity and the company's ability to cover its short-term liabilities [4] - This strong liquidity position provides a buffer for the company as it continues to focus on its core business of vision correction solutions [4]

Core Points - Alcon and STAAR Surgical have agreed to adjourn STAAR's Special Meeting of Stockholders originally scheduled for October 23, 2025, in relation to their merger agreement [1][2] - The new date for the Special Meeting is set for November 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time, with the record date for eligible stockholders remaining September 12, 2025 [2] Company Information - Alcon is a global leader in eye care with over 75 years of experience, offering a wide range of products that enhance sight and improve lives, impacting over 260 million people annually in more than 140 countries [3] - STAAR Surgical specializes in implantable phakic intraocular lenses, providing vision correction solutions that reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, with over 3 million ICLs sold in more than 75 countries [4]

Core Insights - STAAR Surgical Company, a leader in phakic IOLs, announced preliminary net sales results for Q3 2025, ending September 26, 2025 [1] Company Performance - The announcement of preliminary net sales is made ahead of the quarterly earnings report to provide stockholders with additional insights into the company's performance [1]

Core Viewpoint - STAAR Surgical Company strongly disagrees with the recommendation issued by Glass, Lewis & Co. regarding its pending merger with Alcon [1] Company Summary - STAAR Surgical is a global leader in phakic IOLs, specifically with its EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses for vision correction [1] - The company is currently involved in a merger process with Alcon, a significant player in the eye care industry [1]