Harry Shrives's questions to Alcon AG (ALC) leadership • Q4 2024
Question
Harry Shrives asked how long competitive sampling in the U.S. AT-IOL market might last and requested a breakdown of the 2025 operating margin guidance.
Answer
CEO David Endicott stated that competitive trialing was expected and will likely continue through 2025 as new products launch, but he believes the market will stabilize as surgeons transition from free samples to purchasing. He expressed confidence in PanOptix Pro's differentiated profile. CFO Tim Stonesifer reiterated that margin expansion will be back-half loaded due to launch investments and did not provide a specific gross margin vs. OpEx breakdown.