Alcon Terminates Merger Agreement with Staar Surgical
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 07 2026
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Alcon (ALC) terminated its definitive merger agreement with Staar Surgical Company (STAA) announced on August 5, 2025. "Throughout this process we remained disciplined with our views on price and risk. Moving forward, our refractive strategy is unchanged and our new wavelight plus offering remains our focus for the most popular refractive surgery in the world, LASIK. This will be an exciting year for Alcon as we continue the global launches of more than 10 major products in both our surgical and vision care franchises. These innovations substantively advance outcomes for eye care disorders and help patients around the world see brilliantly," said David J. Endicott, CEO of Alcon.
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Analyst Views on ALC
Wall Street analysts forecast ALC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ALC is 91.11 USD with a low forecast of 75.18 USD and a high forecast of 112.77 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
11 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 80.420
Low
75.18
Averages
91.11
High
112.77
Current: 80.420
Low
75.18
Averages
91.11
High
112.77
About ALC
Alcon AG is a Switzerland-based eye care company. The Company research, develop, manufacture, distribute and sell a full suite of eye care products within two key businesses: Surgical and Vision Care. The Company’s Surgical business is focused on ophthalmic products for cataract surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, refractive laser surgery and glaucoma surgery. The surgical portfolio includes implantables, consumables and surgical equipment required for these procedures and supports the end-to-end needs of the ophthalmic surgeon. The Company’s Vision Care business comprises of daily disposable, reusable and color-enhancing contact lenses and a portfolio of ocular health products, including products for dry eye, ocular allergies, glaucoma, and contact lens care, as well as ocular vitamins and redness relievers. The Company operates in 60 countries and serves consumers and patients in over 140 countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Alcon Inc. Completes $750 Million Share Repurchase Program
- Completion of Buyback: Alcon Inc. has successfully completed its $750 million share repurchase program initiated on April 1, 2025, acquiring a total of 9,301,877 shares, which represents 1.9% of the current share capital, thereby enhancing earnings per share and boosting shareholder confidence.
- Significant Buyback Amount: The total buyback volume reached CHF 602 million (approximately $750 million), reflecting the company's recognition of its intrinsic value and aiming to offset the dilutive effects of its equity incentive plans by reducing the number of outstanding shares.
- Enhancing Shareholder Value: The repurchased registered shares will be held in treasury, intended to counteract the dilution caused by equity incentive plans, thereby further enhancing the value and returns for existing shareholders.
- Global Leadership Position: As a global leader in eye care, Alcon serves over 260 million people annually, and the successful execution of this buyback program will further solidify its competitive advantage in the eye care market and drive future business growth.
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STAAR Surgical Board Restructuring with Broadwood Partners Joining
- Board Changes: Neal Bradsher and Richard LeBuhn from Broadwood Partners, along with Christopher Wang from Yunqi Capital, have joined STAAR Surgical's Board of Directors, aiming to enhance profitability and long-term value creation, indicating a strong focus on the company's future development.
- Executive Departures: The board restructuring sees the departure of Chair Elizabeth Yeu and CEO Stephen Farrell, who will remain until January 31, 2026, signaling a significant shift in the company's strategic direction.
- Stock Performance: STAAR shares are currently priced at $20.82, trading 10% below the 20-day simple moving average and 19% below the 100-day moving average, reflecting a bearish outlook with a 3.50% decline over the past 12 months.
- Analyst Ratings: STAAR Surgical holds a consensus Hold rating among analysts with an average price target of $31.42, suggesting that despite current pressures, developments from the new board members could influence future performance.
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