Merger Endorsement: Independent advisory firm ISS has recommended that STAAR shareholders vote in favor of the merger agreement with Alcon at the Special Meeting on December 19, 2025, indicating that improved terms will mitigate risks and enhance shareholder value.
Commitment to Shareholder Value: The STAAR Board reaffirms its dedication to maximizing shareholder value, as the merger offers stockholders $30.75 per share in cash, representing a 74% premium over the 90-day volume-weighted average price, highlighting the merger's attractiveness.
Market Challenges: STAAR's net sales have been on a downward trend since 2023, primarily due to excessive reliance on the Chinese market and increasing competition, and the merger could alleviate these pressures while providing a more stable financial outlook.
Voting Urgency: STAAR urges shareholders to vote in favor of the merger promptly, emphasizing that shareholders of record as of October 24, 2025, are entitled to vote, ensuring the protection of their investment value.
ALC
$79.19+Infinity%1D
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 93.78 USD with a low forecast of 80.00 USD and a high forecast of 112.74 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.
12 Analyst Rating
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 93.78 USD with a low forecast of 80.00 USD and a high forecast of 112.74 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.
9 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 78.800
Low
80.00
Averages
93.78
High
112.74
Current: 78.800
Low
80.00
Averages
93.78
High
112.74
BofA
Buy -> Underperform
downgrade
$100 -> $75
2025-12-11
New
Reason
BofA
Price Target
$100 -> $75
2025-12-11
New
downgrade
Buy -> Underperform
Reason
BofA double downgraded Alcon to Underperform from Buy with a price target of $75, down from $100. The firm sees limited share upside and market uncertainty for Alcon, saying 2025 was marked by a market slowdown, competition, and guidance cuts. Consensus expectations are too optimistic heading into 2026, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Bofa believes consensus estimates assume a sharp rebound, share gains, and "ambitious" Unity ramp-up despite Alcon's low visibility. This leaves little room for positive surprises, the firm contends.
Oddo BHF
Outperform
initiated
$79
2025-12-10
Reason
Oddo BHF
Price Target
$79
2025-12-10
initiated
Outperform
Reason
Oddo BHF initiated coverage of Alcon with an Outperform rating and CHF 79 price target.
Canaccord
William Plovanic
Hold
maintain
$28
2025-12-10
Reason
Canaccord
William Plovanic
Price Target
$28
2025-12-10
maintain
Hold
Reason
Canaccord analyst William Plovanic raised the firm's price target on Staar Surgical (STAA) to $30.75 from $28 and keeps a Hold rating on the shares. The firm noted Alcon (ALC) announced this morning an amended merger agreement with Staar Surgical, where the they have increased its acquisition price to $30.75 from previous $28, a 10% increase in its bid.
Wells Fargo
Simran Kaur
Equal Weight
maintain
$28
2025-12-10
Reason
Wells Fargo
Simran Kaur
Price Target
$28
2025-12-10
maintain
Equal Weight
Reason
Wells Fargo analyst Simran Kaur raised the firm's price target on Staar Surgical to $30.75 from $28 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm notes Alcon (ALC) announced it is increasing its bid price for Staar (STAA) from $28/share to $30.75/share, or a total equity value of $1.6B. Vote is expected next Friday.
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.
