Alcon Shares in Switzerland Climb After Guidance Confirmation

By Adria Calatayud

Alcon shares in Switzerland rose after the eye-care specialist reported an acceleration in third-quarter sales growth and confirmed its annual outlook, reassuring on its prospects after two guidance cuts earlier in the year.

Zurich-listed shares in Alcon traded 6.3% higher in European morning trading, but are still down 15% since the start of the year.

The company said third-quarter net sales were $2.59 billion, up 6% on year and up 5% at constant currency. This compares with constant-currency growth of 3% for the second quarter.

Top-line growth was driven by an acceleration in its equipment segment, but Alcon reported higher sales across its businesses.

Quarterly net profit declined to $237 million from $263 million, which the company attributed to a higher tax bill.

Alcon maintained its full-year guidance for net sales, profitability and core earnings, having lowered expectations alongside its results for the first and second quarters.

"The outlook was confirmed, which is important after two profit warnings earlier this year. Alcon is launching several products to support growth, and the markets are improving," Vontobel analyst Sibylle Bischofberger wrote in a note to clients.

Write to Adria Calatayud at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-12-25 0409ET