Innovation and Product Launch Momentum Drive Alcon’s Third-Quarter 2026 Growth
Nine-month core diluted EPS increased 14% even as reported earnings declined following the discontinuation of the PowerVision programs.
Sentiment and the balance of points
Rhea-AI Sentiment reads the wording of the document, how positive or negative its language is on a 1 to 5 scale. The balance of points shown with the takes weighs what the document actually discloses, so the two can disagree, for example when a trial that missed its main goal is described in upbeat language.
-
Third-quarter 2026 sales of
, +$2.7 billion 5% , +5% constant currency1 (cc), vs. third-quarter 2025 -
Year-to-date 2026 sales of
, +$8.2 billion 7% , +6% cc, vs. the same period last year -
Third quarter 2026 diluted EPS of
, +$0.54 13% , +14% cc; core diluted EPS2 of , +$0.91 15% , +15% cc, vs. third-quarter 2025 -
Returned
to shareholders on a year-to-date basis$748 million - Recently announced the acquisition of Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Neurotech"), strengthening our portfolio of products in retinal disease
Ad Hoc Announcement Pursuant to Art. 53 LR
"We remain on track for our 2026 objectives with year-to-date sales growth of six percent and double-digit core EPS growth, despite some specific areas of competitive pressure,” said David J. Endicott, Alcon’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are encouraged by the momentum across our newest products and the strength of our pipeline. The breadth of our portfolio of innovation together with the recent acquisition of Neurotech, positions us well to drive sustainable long-term growth."
Third-quarter and first nine months of 2026 key figures |
|
Three months ended September 30 |
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
||||
|
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
Net sales ($ millions) |
|
2,717 |
|
2,589 |
|
8,184 |
|
7,617 |
Operating margin (%) |
|
14.0 |
|
12.8 |
|
8.4 |
|
13.7 |
Diluted earnings per share ($) |
|
0.54 |
|
0.48 |
|
0.92 |
|
1.53 |
Core results (non-IFRS measure)2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Core operating margin (%) |
|
21.8 |
|
20.2 |
|
21.2 |
|
20.0 |
Core diluted earnings per share ($) |
|
0.91 |
|
0.79 |
|
2.60 |
|
2.29 |
Cash flows ($ millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
1,689 |
|
1,613 |
Free cash flow (non-IFRS measure)3 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,345 |
|
1,244 |
1. |
Constant currency (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section. |
2. |
Core results, such as core gross margin, core operating income, core operating margin and core diluted EPS, are non-IFRS measures. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section. |
3. |
Free cash flow is a non-IFRS measure. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section. |
Third-quarter and first nine months of 2026 results
Reported net sales for the third quarter of 2026 were
The following table highlights net sales by segment for the third quarter and first nine months of 2026:
|
|
Three months ended September 30 |
|
Change % |
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
|
Change % |
||||||||||
($ millions unless indicated otherwise) |
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
cc1 (non-IFRS measure) |
|
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
cc1 (non-IFRS measure) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Surgical |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Implantables |
|
422 |
|
432 |
|
(2 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
|
1,326 |
|
1,308 |
|
1 |
|
— |
Consumables |
|
789 |
|
745 |
|
6 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
2,383 |
|
2,234 |
|
7 |
|
5 |
Equipment/other |
|
269 |
|
243 |
|
11 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
801 |
|
664 |
|
21 |
|
19 |
Total Surgical |
|
1,480 |
|
1,420 |
|
4 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
4,510 |
|
4,206 |
|
7 |
|
6 |
Vision Care |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Contact lenses |
|
737 |
|
707 |
|
4 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
2,201 |
|
2,087 |
|
5 |
|
5 |
Ocular health |
|
500 |
|
462 |
|
8 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
1,473 |
|
1,324 |
|
11 |
|
10 |
Total Vision Care |
|
1,237 |
|
1,169 |
|
6 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
3,674 |
|
3,411 |
|
8 |
|
7 |
Net sales |
|
2,717 |
|
2,589 |
|
5 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
8,184 |
|
7,617 |
|
7 |
|
6 |
Net sales by segment
Third quarter
Surgical
Surgical net sales were
-
Implantables net sales were
, a decrease of$422 million 2% on both a reported and constant currency basis. This reflects a decrease in IOLs of1% constant currency, due to competitive pressures in theU.S . This decline was partially offset by strong PanOptix Pro performance and growth in international markets. -
Consumables net sales were
, an increase of$789 million 6% on both a reported and constant currency basis. Growth was driven by procedural volumes, price increases and Valeda consumables. -
Equipment/other net sales were
, an increase of$269 million 11% on both a reported and constant currency basis. This growth was led by equipment launches, including the Unity platform and Valeda.
Vision Care
Vision Care net sales were
-
Contact lenses net sales were
, an increase of$737 million 4% . Excluding unfavorable currency impacts of1% , Contact lenses net sales increased5% constant currency. This growth reflects favorable mix of premium products as well as price increases, particularly in theU.S ., and was partially offset by declines in legacy products. -
Ocular health net sales were
, an increase of$500 million 8% on both a reported and constant currency basis. This growth was led by our portfolio of dry eye products, including Tryptyr and Systane, partially offset by declines in contact lens care.
Nine months
Surgical
Surgical net sales were
-
Implantables net sales were
, an increase of$1.3 billion 1% . Excluding favorable currency impacts of1% , Implantables net sales were in line with the prior year period in constant currency. IOLs increased1% constant currency, primarily driven by growth in international markets and strong PanOptix Pro performance, partially offset by competitive pressures in theU.S . In addition, there were lower sales in surgical glaucoma. -
Consumables net sales were
, an increase of$2.4 billion 7% . Excluding favorable currency impacts of2% , Consumables net sales increased5% constant currency. Growth was driven by procedural volumes, price increases and Valeda consumables. -
Equipment/other net sales were
, an increase of$801 million 21% . Excluding favorable currency impacts of2% , Equipment/other net sales increased19% constant currency. This growth was led by equipment launches, including the Unity platform and Valeda.
Vision Care
Vision Care net sales were
-
Contact lenses net sales were
, an increase of$2.2 billion 5% on both a reported and constant currency basis. This growth reflects favorable mix of premium products as well as price increases, particularly in theU.S ., and was partially offset by declines in legacy products. -
Ocular health net sales were
, an increase of$1.5 billion 11% . Excluding favorable currency impacts of1% , Ocular health net sales increased10% constant currency. Growth was led by our portfolio of dry eye products, including Tryptyr and Systane.
Operating income
Third quarter
Operating income was
Adjustments to arrive at core operating income in the current year period were
Core operating income was
Nine months
Operating income was
Adjustments to arrive at core operating income in the current year period were
Core operating income was
Taxes
Third quarter
Reported tax expense was
Nine months
Reported tax expense was
Core tax expense was
Diluted earnings per share
Third quarter
Diluted earnings per share of
Nine months
Diluted earnings per share of
Cash flow highlights
Net cash flows from operating activities amounted to
Capital allocation
The Company returned
On a year-to-date basis through the third quarter, the Company has returned
Alcon continues to expect to fund the program through cash generated from operations. The program is subject to customary safe harbor conditions and authorization of the Swiss Takeover Board. The timing and total amount of share repurchases and cancellations will depend upon a variety of factors. The program is expected to be completed over a three-year period, but may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
Further information (including official publications in English, German and French) is available at https://investor.alcon.com/stock-information/share-repurchase-history/default.aspx.
Efficiency Measures
On February 24, 2026, Alcon announced certain efficiency measures supported by operational improvements and infrastructure investments. In November 2026, the Company expanded these measures, with total costs now estimated at approximately
2026 outlook
The Company updated its 2026 outlook as per the table below.
2026 outlook4 |
as of August |
as of November |
Comments |
Net sales growth vs. prior year (cc)1 (non-IFRS measure) |
+ |
+~ |
Tightened |
Core operating margin2 change vs. prior year (cc)1 (non-IFRS measure) |
+90 to +190 bps |
+100 to +150 bps |
Tightened range |
Core diluted EPS2 growth vs. prior year (cc)1 (non-IFRS measure) |
+ |
+ |
Tightened range |
This outlook assumes the following:
-
Aggregated markets grow approximately
3% -
The Company expects a full-year tariff impact, net of mitigating actions and refunds, of approximately
, which is expected to pressure cost of net sales. This estimate assumes that the tariffs currently applicable to Alcon's business remain in effect through year-end, including$40 million U.S . import tariff rates of approximately10% to12.5% . This reflects the approximately refund from the$60 million U.S . government received in the third quarter of 2026. Approximately two-thirds of the refund benefit is being reinvested in the business. - Exchange rates as of the end of October 2026 prevail through year-end
-
As of the end of October the expected currency impact to:
- Net sales growth is +90 basis points
- Core operating margin rate is +10 basis points
- Core diluted EPS growth is +160 basis points
-
Non-operating expense5 for FY 2026 is expected to be between
and$210 $230 million -
The core effective tax rate6 for FY 2026 is expected to be approximately
19% to20% - Capital expenditures are expected to be mid-single digits as a percentage of sales
- Approximately 487 million weighted-average diluted shares7
4. |
The forward-looking guidance included in this press release cannot be reconciled to the comparable IFRS measures without unreasonable effort, because we are not able to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate amount or nature of exceptional items in the fiscal year. Refer to the section 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' for more information. |
5. |
Non-operating income & expense includes interest expense, other financial income & expense and share of loss from associated companies. |
6. |
Core effective tax rate, a non-IFRS measure, is the applicable annual tax rate on core taxable income. For additional information, see the explanation regarding reconciliation of forward-looking guidance in the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section. |
7. |
The estimated share count used in the Company's guidance excludes any potential benefit from future share repurchase activity. |
Other Notable Accomplishments
-
Earned two 2026 Prix Galien
USA nominations, one of the life sciences industry’s most prestigious honors recognizing scientific innovation and impact on human health, with UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) nominated for Best Medical Technology and TRYPTYR for Best Pharmaceutical Product. -
UNITY VCS was featured by
U.S . News & World Report in its coverage of 2026 Edison Award healthcare innovations, highlighting the platform’s integrated design and potential to improve operating-room efficiency. - Presented investigator-initiated data showing that SYSTANE PRO Preservative-Free provided clinically comparable dry eye symptom relief to MIEBO^ (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution), meeting the study’s primary non-inferiority endpoint at two weeks and one month.
-
Launched the Alcon-Aravind Retina Centre of Excellence, a global vitreoretinal surgery training center in
India designed to expand advanced surgical education and help address the shortage of retina specialists in underserved regions. - Launched the UNITY M premium ophthalmic microscope, featuring an industry-leading red reflex for stable, consistent visualization, first-of-its-kind Color Tunable Illumination to enhance contrast and tissue detail, and a modular design that enables surgeon-specific customization and future upgrades, giving surgeons greater precision and control while expanding Alcon’s UNITY surgical equipment platform.
-
Named one of PEOPLE’s 100 Companies That Care by PEOPLE and Great Place to Work, recognizing Alcon among
U.S . employers that demonstrate exceptional care for employees, communities and the environment. -
In October, Alcon announced that the
U.S . Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved BRYTLY Redness Reliever Eye Drops. This new product expands Alcon's portfolio of consumer eye care solutions and will be available in major retailers nationwide and online in the coming months. -
In October, Alcon announced the acquisition of Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company focused on developing innovative cell therapies for chronic and neurodegenerative eye diseases. This acquisition expands Alcon's retina portfolio with ENCELTO (revakinagene taroretcel-lwey), the first and only
U.S . FDA-approved treatment for adults with idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel).
^Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. |
Webcast and Conference Call Instructions
The Company will host a conference call on November 11, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 2:00 p.m. Central European Time to discuss its third-quarter 2026 earnings results. The webcast can be accessed through Alcon’s Investor Relations website at investor.alcon.com. Listeners should log on approximately 10 minutes in advance. A replay will be available online within 24 hours after the event. To listen to the Company’s conference call, click the link below:
The Company's third-quarter 2026 press release, interim financial report and supplemental presentation materials can be found online through Alcon's Investor Relations website, or by clicking on the link:
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release 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,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our outlook for 2026 and future periods, including with respect to liquidity, revenue, revenue growth, gross margin, operating margin, core operating margin, core operating margin growth, effective tax rate, foreign currency exchange movements, tariff impact, nonoperating expenses, earnings per share, earnings per share growth, operating cash flow, and free cash flow; our plans and decisions relating to various capital expenditures, capital allocation priorities and other discretionary items such as our market growth assumptions; our social impact and sustainability plans, targets, goals and expectations; and generally, our expectations concerning our future performance.
Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that are difficult to predict such as: cybersecurity breaches and technology failures that could disrupt operations; our ability to effectively manage the risks associated with transformational information technology changes such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence and disruptive technologies and the migration to cloud-based platforms; compliance with data privacy, identity protection and information security laws, particularly with the increased use of artificial intelligence; the impact of a disruption in our global supply chain, including the effect of tariffs, or important facilities, particularly when we single-source or rely on limited sources of supply; our reliance on outsourcing key business functions; the increasingly challenging economic, political and legal environment in
Additional factors are discussed in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. Should one or more of these uncertainties or risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of its filing, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We also undertake no obligation to update our outlook for 2026 or any future period as circumstances evolve.
Intellectual Property
This report may contain references to our proprietary intellectual property. All product names appearing in italics or ALL CAPS are trademarks owned by or licensed to Alcon Inc. Product names identified by a "®" or a "™" are trademarks that are not owned by or licensed to Alcon or its subsidiaries and are the property of their respective owners.
Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company
Alcon uses certain non-IFRS metrics when measuring performance, including when measuring current period results against prior periods, including core results, percentage changes measured in constant currency, EBITDA, free cash flow and net (debt)/liquidity.
Because of their non-standardized definitions, the non-IFRS measures (unlike IFRS measures) may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures of other companies. These supplemental non-IFRS measures are presented solely to permit investors to more fully understand how Alcon management assesses underlying performance. These supplemental non-IFRS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, a substitute for IFRS measures.
Core results
Alcon core results, including core operating income and core net income, exclude all amortization and impairment charges of intangible assets, excluding software, all fair value adjustments to contingent considerations from acquisitions, other than changes due to the time value of money, product discontinuation charges, net gains and losses on fund investments and equity securities valued at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL"), fair value adjustments of financial assets in the form of options to acquire a company carried at FVPL, fair value remeasurements of investments in associated companies and certain acquisition related items. The following items that exceed a threshold of
Taxes on the adjustments between IFRS and core results take into account, for each individual item included in the adjustment, the tax rate that will finally be applicable to the item based on the jurisdiction where the adjustment will finally have a tax impact. Generally, this results in amortization and impairment of intangible assets and acquisition-related restructuring and integration items having a full tax impact. There is usually a tax impact on other items, although this is not always the case for certain items such as legal settlements in certain jurisdictions.
Alcon believes that investor understanding of its performance is enhanced by disclosing core measures of performance because, since they exclude items that can vary significantly from period to period, the core measures enable a helpful comparison of business performance across periods. For this same reason, Alcon uses these core measures in addition to IFRS and other measures as important factors in assessing its performance.
A limitation of the core measures is that they provide a view of Alcon operations without including all events during a period, such as the effects of an acquisition, divestment, or amortization/impairments of purchased intangible assets and restructurings.
Constant currency
Changes in the relative values of non-US currencies to the US dollar can affect Alcon's financial results and financial position. To provide additional information that may be useful to investors, including changes in sales volume, we present information about changes in our net sales and various values relating to operating and net income that are adjusted for such foreign currency effects.
Constant currency calculations have the goal of eliminating two exchange rate effects so that an estimate can be made of underlying changes in the Consolidated Income Statement excluding:
- the impact of translating the income statements of consolidated entities from their non-US dollar functional currencies to the US dollar; and
- the impact of exchange rate movements on the major transactions of consolidated entities performed in currencies other than their functional currency.
Alcon calculates constant currency measures by translating the current year's foreign currency values for sales and other income statement items into US dollars, using the average exchange rates from the historical comparative period and comparing them to the values from the historical comparative period in US dollars.
EBITDA
Alcon defines earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as net income excluding income taxes, depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including any related impairment charges), depreciation of right-of-use assets, amortization of intangible assets (including any related impairment charges), interest expense and other financial income and expense. Alcon management primarily uses EBITDA together with net (debt)/liquidity to monitor leverage associated with financial debts.
Free cash flow
Alcon defines free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less cash flow associated with the purchase or sale of property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is presented as additional information because Alcon management believes it is a useful supplemental indicator of Alcon's ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or use of existing cash. Free cash flow is not intended to be a substitute measure for net cash flows from operating activities as determined under IFRS.
Net (debt)/liquidity
Alcon defines net (debt)/liquidity as current and non-current financial debt less cash and cash equivalents, current investments, including time deposits, and derivative financial instruments. Net (debt)/liquidity is presented as additional information because management believes it is a useful supplemental indicator of Alcon's ability to pay dividends, to meet financial commitments and to invest in new strategic opportunities, including strengthening its balance sheet.
Growth rate and margin calculations
For ease of understanding, Alcon uses a sign convention for its growth rates such that a reduction in operating expenses or losses compared to the prior year is shown as a positive growth.
Gross margins, core gross margins, operating income margins and core operating income margins are calculated based upon net sales unless otherwise noted.
Reconciliation of guidance for forward-looking non-IFRS measures
The forward-looking guidance included in this press release cannot be reconciled to the comparable IFRS measures without unreasonable efforts, because we are not able to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate amount or nature of exceptional items in the fiscal year. These items are uncertain, depend on many factors and could have a material impact on our IFRS results for the guidance period.
Financial tables
Net sales by region
|
|
Three months ended September 30 |
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
||||||||||||
($ millions unless indicated otherwise) |
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
1,243 |
46 |
% |
|
1,167 |
45 |
% |
|
3,712 |
45 |
% |
|
3,464 |
45 |
% |
International |
|
1,474 |
54 |
% |
|
1,422 |
55 |
% |
|
4,472 |
55 |
% |
|
4,153 |
55 |
% |
Net sales |
|
2,717 |
100 |
% |
|
2,589 |
100 |
% |
|
8,184 |
100 |
% |
|
7,617 |
100 |
% |
Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited)
|
|
Three months ended September 30 |
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
||||||
($ millions except earnings per share) |
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net sales |
|
2,717 |
|
2,589 |
|
|
8,184 |
|
7,617 |
|
Other revenues |
|
20 |
|
25 |
|
|
82 |
|
66 |
|
Net sales and other revenues |
|
2,737 |
|
2,614 |
|
|
8,266 |
|
7,683 |
|
Cost of net sales |
|
(1,098 |
) |
(1,136 |
) |
|
(3,391 |
) |
(3,403 |
) |
Cost of other revenues |
|
(17 |
) |
(20 |
) |
|
(53 |
) |
(51 |
) |
Gross profit |
|
1,622 |
|
1,458 |
|
|
4,822 |
|
4,229 |
|
Selling, general & administration |
|
(929 |
) |
(865 |
) |
|
(2,775 |
) |
(2,548 |
) |
Research & development |
|
(261 |
) |
(250 |
) |
|
(1,169 |
) |
(717 |
) |
Other income |
|
9 |
|
10 |
|
|
26 |
|
164 |
|
Other expense |
|
(60 |
) |
(21 |
) |
|
(220 |
) |
(81 |
) |
Operating income |
|
381 |
|
332 |
|
|
684 |
|
1,047 |
|
Interest expense |
|
(52 |
) |
(51 |
) |
|
(157 |
) |
(151 |
) |
Other financial income & expense |
|
1 |
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
16 |
|
Share of loss from associated companies |
|
(2 |
) |
(1 |
) |
|
(8 |
) |
(16 |
) |
Income before taxes |
|
328 |
|
283 |
|
|
522 |
|
896 |
|
Taxes |
|
(68 |
) |
(46 |
) |
|
(73 |
) |
(133 |
) |
Net income |
|
260 |
|
237 |
|
|
449 |
|
763 |
|
Net income attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Shareholders of Alcon Inc. |
|
260 |
|
237 |
|
|
449 |
|
763 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Earnings per share ($)(1) |
||||||||||
Basic |
|
0.54 |
|
0.48 |
|
|
0.93 |
|
1.54 |
|
Diluted |
|
0.54 |
|
0.48 |
|
|
0.92 |
|
1.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (millions) |
||||||||||
Basic |
|
481.0 |
|
493.2 |
|
|
484.9 |
|
494.5 |
|
Diluted |
|
483.3 |
|
495.9 |
|
|
487.4 |
|
497.3 |
|
(1) |
|
Earnings per share is calculated on the amount of net income attributable to shareholders of Alcon Inc. |
Segment contribution
|
|
Three months ended September 30 |
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Change % |
|
|
|
Change % |
||||||||||
($ millions unless indicated otherwise) |
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) |
|
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Surgical segment contribution |
|
381 |
|
357 |
|
7 |
|
6 |
|
|
1,140 |
|
1,071 |
|
6 |
|
4 |
|
As % of net sales |
|
25.7 |
|
25.1 |
|
|
|
|
25.3 |
|
25.5 |
|
|
|
||||
Vision Care segment contribution |
|
319 |
|
257 |
|
24 |
|
25 |
|
|
896 |
|
746 |
|
20 |
|
20 |
|
As % of net sales |
|
25.8 |
|
22.0 |
|
|
|
|
24.4 |
|
21.9 |
|
|
|
||||
Not allocated to segments |
|
(319 |
) |
(282 |
) |
(13 |
) |
(14 |
) |
|
(1,352 |
) |
(770 |
) |
(76 |
) |
(75 |
) |
Operating income |
|
381 |
|
332 |
|
15 |
|
15 |
|
|
684 |
|
1,047 |
|
(35 |
) |
(37 |
) |
Core adjustments (non-IFRS measure)(1) |
|
210 |
|
191 |
|
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
478 |
|
|
|
||||
Core operating income (non-IFRS measure)(1) |
|
591 |
|
523 |
|
13 |
|
13 |
|
|
1,734 |
|
1,525 |
|
14 |
|
12 |
|
(1) |
Core results and constant currency are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section for additional information and to the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' section for reconciliation tables. |
Operating income
|
|
Three months ended September 30 |
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Change % |
|
|
|
Change % |
||||||||||
($ millions unless indicated otherwise) |
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) |
|
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Cost of net sales |
|
(1,098 |
) |
(1,136 |
) |
3 |
|
3 |
|
|
(3,391 |
) |
(3,403 |
) |
— |
|
1 |
|
Gross profit |
|
1,622 |
|
1,458 |
|
11 |
|
12 |
|
|
4,822 |
|
4,229 |
|
14 |
|
12 |
|
Gross margin (%) |
|
59.7 |
|
56.3 |
|
|
|
|
58.9 |
|
55.5 |
|
|
|
||||
Selling, general & administration |
|
(929 |
) |
(865 |
) |
(7 |
) |
(8 |
) |
|
(2,775 |
) |
(2,548 |
) |
(9 |
) |
(8 |
) |
Research & development |
|
(261 |
) |
(250 |
) |
(4 |
) |
(5 |
) |
|
(1,169 |
) |
(717 |
) |
(63 |
) |
(62 |
) |
Other income |
|
9 |
|
10 |
|
(10 |
) |
(18 |
) |
|
26 |
|
164 |
|
(84 |
) |
(84 |
) |
Other expense |
|
(60 |
) |
(21 |
) |
(186 |
) |
(195 |
) |
|
(220 |
) |
(81 |
) |
(172 |
) |
(169 |
) |
Operating income |
|
381 |
|
332 |
|
15 |
|
15 |
|
|
684 |
|
1,047 |
|
(35 |
) |
(37 |
) |
Operating margin (%) |
|
14.0 |
|
12.8 |
|
|
|
|
8.4 |
|
13.7 |
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Core results (non-IFRS measure)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Core gross profit |
|
1,786 |
|
1,629 |
|
10 |
|
10 |
|
|
5,276 |
|
4,783 |
|
10 |
|
9 |
|
Core gross margin (%) |
|
65.7 |
|
62.9 |
|
|
|
|
64.5 |
|
62.8 |
|
|
|
||||
Core operating income |
|
591 |
|
523 |
|
13 |
|
13 |
|
|
1,734 |
|
1,525 |
|
14 |
|
12 |
|
Core operating margin (%) |
|
21.8 |
|
20.2 |
|
|
|
|
21.2 |
|
20.0 |
|
|
|
||||
(1) |
Core results and constant currency are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section for additional information and to the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' section for reconciliation tables. |
Non-operating income & expense
|
|
Three months ended September 30 |
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Change % |
|
|
|
Change % |
||||||||||
($ millions unless indicated otherwise) |
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) |
|
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
$ |
|
cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Operating income |
|
381 |
|
332 |
|
15 |
|
15 |
|
|
684 |
|
1,047 |
|
(35 |
) |
(37 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
(52 |
) |
(51 |
) |
(2 |
) |
(3 |
) |
|
(157 |
) |
(151 |
) |
(4 |
) |
(4 |
) |
Other financial income & expense |
|
1 |
|
3 |
|
(67 |
) |
(53 |
) |
|
3 |
|
16 |
|
(81 |
) |
(81 |
) |
Share of loss from associated companies |
|
(2 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(100 |
) |
(114 |
) |
|
(8 |
) |
(16 |
) |
50 |
|
52 |
|
Income before taxes |
|
328 |
|
283 |
|
16 |
|
16 |
|
|
522 |
|
896 |
|
(42 |
) |
(45 |
) |
Taxes |
|
(68 |
) |
(46 |
) |
(48 |
) |
(39 |
) |
|
(73 |
) |
(133 |
) |
45 |
|
48 |
|
Net income |
|
260 |
|
237 |
|
10 |
|
11 |
|
|
449 |
|
763 |
|
(41 |
) |
(44 |
) |
Net income attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Shareholders of Alcon Inc. |
|
260 |
|
237 |
|
10 |
|
11 |
|
|
449 |
|
763 |
|
(41 |
) |
(44 |
) |
Non-controlling interests |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Basic earnings per share ($)(2) |
|
0.54 |
|
0.48 |
|
13 |
|
14 |
|
|
0.93 |
|
1.54 |
|
(40 |
) |
(43 |
) |
Diluted earnings per share ($)(2) |
|
0.54 |
|
0.48 |
|
13 |
|
14 |
|
|
0.92 |
|
1.53 |
|
(40 |
) |
(43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Core results (non-IFRS measure)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Core taxes |
|
(96 |
) |
(80 |
) |
(20 |
) |
(20 |
) |
|
(305 |
) |
(240 |
) |
(27 |
) |
(25 |
) |
Core net income |
|
442 |
|
394 |
|
12 |
|
12 |
|
|
1,267 |
|
1,139 |
|
11 |
|
9 |
|
Core net income attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Shareholders of Alcon Inc. |
|
442 |
|
394 |
|
12 |
|
12 |
|
|
1,267 |
|
1,139 |
|
11 |
|
9 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Core basic earnings per share ($)(2) |
|
0.92 |
|
0.80 |
|
15 |
|
15 |
|
|
2.61 |
|
2.30 |
|
13 |
|
11 |
|
Core diluted earnings per share ($)(2) |
|
0.91 |
|
0.79 |
|
15 |
|
15 |
|
|
2.60 |
|
2.29 |
|
14 |
|
11 |
|
(1) |
Core results and constant currency are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section for additional information and to the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' section for reconciliation tables. |
|
(2) |
Earnings per share and core earnings per share are calculated on the amount of net income and core net income, respectively, attributable to shareholders of Alcon Inc. Per share amounts may not add across quarters due to rounding. |
Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)
Three months ended September 30, 2026
($ millions except earnings per share) |
IFRS
|
|
Amortization of certain intangible assets(1) |
|
Acquisition and integration related items(5) |
Efficiency measures(6) |
|
Other
|
Core results (non-IFRS measure) |
|
||
Gross profit |
1,622 |
|
126 |
|
— |
— |
|
38 |
1,786 |
|
||
Operating income |
381 |
|
131 |
|
3 |
36 |
|
40 |
591 |
|
||
Income before taxes |
328 |
|
131 |
|
3 |
36 |
|
40 |
538 |
|
||
Taxes(10) |
(68 |
) |
(23 |
) |
— |
(7 |
) |
2 |
(96 |
) |
||
Net income |
260 |
|
108 |
|
3 |
29 |
|
42 |
442 |
|
||
Net income attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Shareholders of Alcon Inc. |
260 |
|
108 |
|
3 |
29 |
|
42 |
442 |
|
||
Non-controlling interests |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
||
Basic earnings per share ($)(11) |
0.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
0.92 |
|
||||
Diluted earnings per share ($)(11) |
0.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
0.91 |
|
||||
Basic - weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(11) |
481.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
481.0 |
|
||||
Diluted - weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(11) |
483.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
483.3 |
|
||||
Refer to the associated explanatory footnotes at the end of the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' tables. |
||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, 2025
($ millions except earnings per share) |
IFRS results |
|
Amortization of certain intangible assets(1) |
|
Impairments(3) |
Acquisition and integration related items(5) |
|
Other
|
Core results (non-IFRS measure) |
|
||
Gross profit |
1,458 |
|
171 |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
1,629 |
|
||
Operating income |
332 |
|
176 |
|
2 |
13 |
|
— |
523 |
|
||
Income before taxes |
283 |
|
176 |
|
2 |
13 |
|
— |
474 |
|
||
Taxes(10) |
(46 |
) |
(31 |
) |
— |
(3 |
) |
— |
(80 |
) |
||
Net income |
237 |
|
145 |
|
2 |
10 |
|
— |
394 |
|
||
Net income attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Shareholders of Alcon Inc. |
237 |
|
145 |
|
2 |
10 |
|
— |
394 |
|
||
Non-controlling interests |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
|
||
Basic earnings per share ($)(11) |
0.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
||||
Diluted earnings per share ($)(11) |
0.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
0.79 |
|
||||
Basic - weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(11) |
493.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
493.2 |
|
||||
Diluted - weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(11) |
495.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
495.9 |
|
||||
Refer to the associated explanatory footnotes at the end of the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' tables. |
||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2026
($ millions except earnings per share) |
IFRS results |
|
Amortization of certain intangible assets(1) |
|
Discontinuation of the PowerVision programs(2) |
|
Impairments(3) |
|
Acquisition and integration related items(5) |
|
Efficiency measures(6) |
|
Other
|
|
Core results (non-IFRS measure) |
|
Gross profit |
4,822 |
|
377 |
|
— |
|
38 |
|
1 |
|
— |
|
38 |
|
5,276 |
|
Operating income |
684 |
|
388 |
|
402 |
|
38 |
|
24 |
|
157 |
|
41 |
|
1,734 |
|
Income before taxes |
522 |
|
388 |
|
402 |
|
38 |
|
24 |
|
157 |
|
41 |
|
1,572 |
|
Taxes(10) |
(73 |
) |
(67 |
) |
(115 |
) |
(6 |
) |
(4 |
) |
(30 |
) |
(10 |
) |
(305 |
) |
Net income |
449 |
|
321 |
|
287 |
|
32 |
|
20 |
|
127 |
|
31 |
|
1,267 |
|
Net income attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Shareholders of Alcon Inc. |
449 |
|
321 |
|
287 |
|
32 |
|
20 |
|
127 |
|
31 |
|
1,267 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Basic earnings per share ($)(11) |
0.93 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.61 |
|
||||||
Diluted earnings per share ($)(11) |
0.92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.60 |
|
||||||
Basic - weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(11) |
484.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
484.9 |
|
||||||
Diluted - weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(11) |
487.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
487.4 |
|
||||||
Refer to the associated explanatory footnotes at the end of the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' tables. |
||||||||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2025
($ millions except earnings per share) |
IFRS results |
|
Amortization of certain intangible assets(1) |
|
Impairments(3) |
Gains on investments in associated companies(4) |
|
Acquisition and integration related items(5) |
|
Legal items(7) |
|
Product discontinuation(8) |
|
Other
|
Core results (non-IFRS measure) |
|
Gross profit |
4,229 |
|
510 |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
44 |
|
— |
4,783 |
|
Operating income |
1,047 |
|
521 |
|
2 |
(142 |
) |
36 |
|
17 |
|
44 |
|
— |
1,525 |
|
Income before taxes |
896 |
|
521 |
|
2 |
(142 |
) |
36 |
|
17 |
|
44 |
|
5 |
1,379 |
|
Taxes(10) |
(133 |
) |
(93 |
) |
— |
— |
|
(8 |
) |
(4 |
) |
(10 |
) |
8 |
(240 |
) |
Net income |
763 |
|
428 |
|
2 |
(142 |
) |
28 |
|
13 |
|
34 |
|
13 |
1,139 |
|
Net income attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Shareholders of Alcon Inc. |
763 |
|
428 |
|
2 |
(142 |
) |
28 |
|
13 |
|
34 |
|
13 |
1,139 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
— |
|
Basic earnings per share ($)(11) |
1.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.30 |
|
|||||
Diluted earnings per share ($)(11) |
1.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.29 |
|
|||||
Basic - weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(11) |
494.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
494.5 |
|
|||||
Diluted - weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(11) |
497.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
497.3 |
|
|||||
Refer to the associated explanatory footnotes at the end of the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' tables. |
||||||||||||||||
Explanatory footnotes to IFRS to core reconciliation tables
(1) |
Includes amortization for all intangible assets other than software. |
|
(2) |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2026, includes a post-tax, non-cash net charge of approximately |
|
(3) |
Includes impairment charges related to intangible assets. |
|
(4) |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, includes gains on fair value remeasurements of investments in associated companies. |
|
(5) |
For the three months ended September 30, 2026, Operating income includes
|
|
(6) |
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026, includes restructuring costs, third party consulting fees and other direct costs related to efficiency measures. These efficiency measures were announced in February 2026 and implementation is expected to be completed this year. |
|
(7) |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, includes provisions for legal matters. |
|
(8) |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, includes charges related to the discontinued commercialization of a product in the Vision Care reportable segment, including |
|
(9) |
For the three months ended September 30, 2026, Gross profit includes
|
|
(10) |
For the three months ended September 30, 2026, tax associated with operating income core adjustments of
|
|
(11) |
Core basic earnings per share is calculated using core net income attributable to shareholders of Alcon Inc. and the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Core diluted earnings per share also contemplate dilutive shares associated with unvested equity-based awards as described in Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements. |
EBITDA (non-IFRS measure)
|
|
Three months ended September 30 |
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
||||||
($ millions) |
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net income |
|
260 |
|
237 |
|
|
449 |
|
763 |
|
Taxes |
|
68 |
|
46 |
|
|
73 |
|
133 |
|
Depreciation of property, plant & equipment |
|
112 |
|
106 |
|
|
331 |
|
307 |
|
Depreciation of right-of-use assets |
|
28 |
|
24 |
|
|
77 |
|
67 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
156 |
|
199 |
|
|
460 |
|
584 |
|
Impairments of property, plant & equipment and intangible assets |
|
— |
|
2 |
|
|
543 |
|
45 |
|
Interest expense |
|
52 |
|
51 |
|
|
157 |
|
151 |
|
Other financial income & expense |
|
(1 |
) |
(3 |
) |
|
(3 |
) |
(16 |
) |
EBITDA |
|
675 |
|
662 |
|
|
2,087 |
|
2,034 |
|
Cash flow and net (debt)/liquidity (non-IFRS measure)
|
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
|||
($ millions) |
|
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net cash flows from operating activities |
|
1,689 |
|
1,613 |
|
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
|
(633 |
) |
(1,044 |
) |
Net cash flows used in financing activities |
|
(853 |
) |
(789 |
) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
(25 |
) |
42 |
|
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
|
178 |
|
(178 |
) |
Change in derivative financial instrument assets |
|
15 |
|
(6 |
) |
Change in time deposits with original maturity greater than three months |
|
22 |
|
(153 |
) |
Change in current and non-current financial debts |
|
(30 |
) |
(90 |
) |
Change in net (debt) |
|
185 |
|
(427 |
) |
Net (debt) at January 1 |
|
(3,125 |
) |
(2,802 |
) |
Net (debt) at September 30 |
|
(2,940 |
) |
(3,229 |
) |
Net (debt)/liquidity (non-IFRS measure)
($ millions) |
At September 30, 2026 |
|
At December 31, 2025 |
|
Current financial debt |
(78 |
) |
(575 |
) |
Non-current financial debt |
(4,689 |
) |
(4,162 |
) |
Total financial debt |
(4,767 |
) |
(4,737 |
) |
|
|
|
||
Less liquidity: |
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents |
1,705 |
|
1,527 |
|
Time deposits with original maturity greater than three months |
102 |
|
80 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
20 |
|
5 |
|
Total liquidity |
1,827 |
|
1,612 |
|
Net (debt) |
(2,940 |
) |
(3,125 |
) |
Free cash flow (non-IFRS measure)
The following is a summary of free cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, together with a reconciliation to net cash flows from operating activities, the most directly comparable IFRS measure:
|
Nine months ended September 30 |
||||
($ millions) |
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
Net cash flows from operating activities |
1,689 |
|
|
1,613 |
|
Purchase of property, plant & equipment |
(344 |
) |
|
(374 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment |
— |
|
|
5 |
|
Free cash flow |
1,345 |
|
|
1,244 |
|
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of people in over 140 countries and territories each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.
Connect with us on
Facebook
LinkedIn
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261108755647/en/
Investor Relations
Daniel Cravens
Richard Bourne
+ 41 589 112 110 (
+ 1 817 615 2789 (
investor.relations@alcon.com
Media Relations
Steven Smith
+ 41 589 112 111 (
+ 1 817 551 8057 (
globalmedia.relations@alcon.com
Source: Alcon Inc. Investors