Alcon Lifts 2026 Profitability Forecast, Cuts Tariff Impact Estimate
Alcon Updates Profit Guidance and Tariff Impact for 2026
By Simon Ferdinand Eibach
Profit Guidance Revision
Aug 11 (Reuters) - Swiss-American eye care company Alcon on Monday hiked its profit guidance and lowered its estimate for the full-year tariff impact to $40 million to $90 million, factoring in an anticipated refund of around $60 million from the U.S. government.
U.S. Market and Production Facilities
The U.S. accounted for 45% of Alcon's net sales in the first half of the year and most of its major production facilities are located there.
Tariff Impact Estimate
Previous vs. Updated Estimates
• Alcon had previously estimated the annual tariff impact at $100 million to $150 million.
Profit Margin and Earnings Guidance
• It expects its core operating profit margin to grow by 90-190 basis points in 2026, instead of the previously guided 70-170 bps rise.
• It also hiked its guidance for core diluted earnings per share for the second time this year, expecting 12-15% growth, versus 10-13% forecast in May.
Quarterly Sales Performance
• Q2 net sales rose to $2.78 billion, from $2.58 billion a year ago, narrowly beating LSEG-compiled analysts' consensus.
(Reporting by Simon Ferdinand Eibach in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)