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) 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.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) announces the launch of Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.7%) in U.S. stores and online. Approved by the FDA for OTC sales in 2020, this product strengthens Alcon's position in the ocular allergy market, joining the top-selling OTC eye allergy relief brand. Catering to approx. 66 million Americans with ocular allergies, it provides 24-hour relief with just one drop daily. The launch will be supported by extensive advertising campaigns to reach potential users.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) has launched the PRECISION1® for Astigmatism, a daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lens aimed at individuals with astigmatism. This innovative product integrates SMARTSURFACE® technology and features a stable lens-wearing experience with a 99% first fit success rate. The company estimates that toric lenses represent 23% of the $9 billion global contact lens market, presenting significant growth opportunities. Available in the U.S. and set for international rollout in February 2021, the lens aims to capture a market where 41% of patients are astigmatic but only 10% wear toric lenses.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) has launched the AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ IOL, a first-of-its-kind non-diffractive extended depth of focus intraocular lens in the U.S., aimed at presbyopia patients undergoing cataract surgery. This innovative lens promises monofocal-quality distance vision with improved intermediate and near vision. With the U.S. cataract surgery market projected to reach 5.4 million by 2025, Vivity expands Alcon's IOL portfolio, enhancing patient options and experience. The lens is already available in several international markets.
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