Welcome to our dedicated page for Alcon Ordinary Shares news (Ticker: ALC), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Alcon Ordinary Shares stock.
Alcon Inc. Ordinary Shares (symbol: ALC) is a premier American-Swiss healthcare company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and incorporated in Fribourg, Switzerland. Renowned globally for its eye care products, Alcon excels in vision care and surgical segments, making it a leader in the eye care industry. Having spun off from Novartis in April 2019, Alcon now independently operates to enhance the quality of life through innovative vision products.
Alcon’s vision care segment includes a wide range of products such as contact lenses, lens care solutions, and ocular health products. With brands like Dailies, Total1, and Air Optix, Alcon boasts significant control over the U.S. contact lens market. Their surgical segment offers advanced solutions like intraocular lenses (IOLs), ophthalmic surgical equipment, and consumables used during surgeries. Notable products include the Centurion phacoemulsification device and the Clareon, PanOptix, and Vivity IOLs.
Recently, Alcon launched the Clareon Vivity, which is the world’s first non-diffractive extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens. This innovative IOL incorporates wavefront-shaping technology, offering superior visual outcomes for cataract patients seeking presbyopia correction. The Clareon platform enhances Alcon's portfolio, which already includes the highly successful PanOptix lenses.
Financially, Alcon has shown robust growth. For Q4 2023, Alcon's sales reached $2.3 billion, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. Diluted EPS was $0.86, reflecting a 78% increase, and core diluted EPS was $0.70, up 67%. Alcon also reported a strong cash flow, with $937 million generated from operating activities in the first nine months of 2023.
Alcon's dedication to innovation and quality in eye care is further evidenced by its extensive research and development initiatives. The company engages in partnerships with eye care professionals and offers educational resources through the Alcon Experience Academy. Through consistent advancements and a customer-centric approach, Alcon continues to lead in enhancing sight and improving lives globally.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) announced key changes to its Executive Committee effective September 1, 2021. Ian Bell is appointed President, Global Business & Innovation, while Michael Onuscheck steps down. Raj Narayanan succeeds Bell as President, International. Sue-Jean Lin becomes Chief Information & Transformation Officer, joining the committee. CEO David Endicott expressed confidence in these leaders to drive innovation and growth post-COVID-19. The Executive Committee will continue with seven members, ensuring effective management and strategic implementation for Alcon’s future.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) will showcase new findings at the BCLA 2021 Conference, highlighting its innovative TOTAL30® monthly replacement water gradient contact lens. Cheryl Donnelly, International Head of Professional Affairs, emphasized the lens's focus on comfort and vision to enhance wearer retention. The TOTAL30 lens boasts exceptional lubricity and high durability, with plans for U.S. and European market introduction in 2021, followed by global availability in 2022. Alcon's participation as a sponsor includes virtual sessions and a booth for eye care professionals to explore these innovations.
Alcon, a global leader in eye care, reported Q1 2021 financial results reflecting a 5% increase in worldwide sales to $1.9 billion. Diluted EPS was $0.17, with core diluted EPS at $0.49. Surgical segment sales rose 9%, driven by demand for cataract equipment. Vision Care sales declined 1%, impacted by prior year stocking activity. Operating income reached $149 million, with core operating margin at 18.0%. The company ended the quarter with $1.6 billion in cash and provided a full-year outlook of $7.8 to $8.0 billion in net sales.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) has signed an agreement to acquire exclusive U.S. commercialization rights to Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic suspension) from Novartis for $355 million, closing in Q2 2021. This acquisition strengthens Alcon's ophthalmic portfolio, allowing it to tap into the glaucoma market and the growing dry eye segment. Simbrinza, approved by the FDA in 2013, is a combination therapy for elevated intraocular pressure, which is crucial for preventing optic nerve damage. Alcon expects to handle its manufacturing and commercialization post-transition with Novartis.
Alcon Inc. (SIX/NYSE: ALC) held its 2021 Annual General Meeting, where 70.87% of shares were represented. Mike Ball was re-elected as Chair, and all Board members up for re-election were maintained. Shareholders approved a dividend of CHF 0.10 per share, marking Alcon's first dividend. The 2020 Compensation Report was not approved in a consultative vote. Pricewaterhouse Coopers SA was re-elected as auditors. Alcon is set to announce its Q1 2021 earnings on May 4. The company emphasizes ongoing product launches and market share growth despite pandemic challenges.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) has launched Systane® Hydration Multi-Dose Preservative-Free (MDPF) Lubricant Eye Drops in the U.S. This new eye drop aims to provide extra moisture for sensitive dry eyes, utilizing HydroBoost® Technology for enhanced hydration. The preservative-free segment of artificial tears is rapidly growing, comprising over 40% of the global market. Systane remains the leading artificial tear brand worldwide. The new drops are intended for patients requiring frequent eye relief and will be available at major pharmacies and online retailers in the U.S.
Alcon (NYSE: ALC) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 28, 2021, without in-person attendance due to COVID-19. Shareholders must submit voting instructions to an independent representative. Key agenda items include approval of the 2020 financial statements, dividend declaration of CHF 0.10 per share, re-election of the Board of Directors, and compensation votes for both the Board and Executive Committee. The dividend is subject to a 35% withholding tax. Further details will be available online from March 25, 2021.
Alcon will host a virtual Capital Markets Day on March 24, 2021, aimed at investors and the financial community. The event will highlight Alcon's strategy and innovation in eye care, featuring presentations from CEO David Endicott and other key leaders. Attendees can explore a virtual booth showcasing the latest innovations starting at 13:30 CET and watch presentations beginning at 14:00 CET. The event includes live Q&A sessions and registration is open until March 23. For more details, visit the Investor Relations section.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) celebrates Sue-Jean Lin, the company's Senior Vice President and CIO, for winning the 2021 Dallas CIO of the Year ORBIE Award in the Super Global category. This prestigious recognition highlights excellence in technology leadership. CEO David Endicott commended Lin’s pivotal role in establishing Alcon's global technology infrastructure and digital governance post-spin-off. Lin, an advocate for women in IT, has significant experience in enhancing customer experience through interconnected IT and innovation strategies, aligning with Alcon's mission to improve eye care.
Alcon reported Q4 and full-year 2020 financial results, revealing a 2% increase in Q4 sales to $1.9 billion compared to Q4 2019. However, full-year sales fell 8% to $6.8 billion. Q4 diluted EPS was $0.19 with core diluted EPS at $0.41. Full-year diluted losses per share were $1.09, while core diluted EPS was $1.04. The company noted strong recovery in the second half of 2020 following COVID-19 impacts. A proposed dividend of CHF 0.10 per share has been announced, pending shareholder approval in April 2021.