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Investing.com - Stifel has reiterated its Buy rating on Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) while maintaining its price target of $85.00. The healthcare equipment giant, currently trading at $72.60 and commanding a market cap of $36.05 billion, is trading near its 52-week low. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears undervalued based on its Fair Value assessment.
The research firm cited Alcon’s market leadership position in the ophthalmology sector as a key factor behind its continued positive outlook on the stock.
Stifel views Alcon as a "core holding" due to its position in what it describes as an "attractive ophthalmology sector."
The firm noted that Alcon currently demonstrates sustainable growth in the mid-single-digit percentage range or higher.
Stifel also highlighted potential growth drivers for Alcon, specifically mentioning "potentially meaningful product cycles over the next several years," with particular emphasis on the UNITY product.
In other recent news, Alcon Inc. has been at the center of notable developments. Barclays has reiterated its Equalweight rating on Alcon stock, maintaining a price target of $86. Meanwhile, Alcon’s proposed acquisition of STAAR Surgical Company has faced opposition from Broadwood Partners, a major STAAR shareholder. Broadwood, which holds 27.5% of STAAR’s shares, has urged shareholders to reject the acquisition, citing concerns about the board’s decision-making process and alleged nondisclosure of acquisition interest by STAAR’s CEO and Chair.
Additionally, STAAR Surgical’s board is advocating for the merger, promoting Alcon’s $28 per share all-cash offer as a 59% premium to STAAR’s prior 90-day average price. However, Glass Lewis, a leading proxy advisory firm, has recommended that STAAR shareholders vote against the deal, expressing concerns about the sale process and transaction terms. Broadwood Partners has echoed these sentiments, questioning the timing of reduced financial projections by STAAR’s management just before the board’s vote on the sale. These developments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the merger and its implications for stakeholders.
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