• Stifel Nicolaus sets a price target of $80 for Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC), slightly below its current trading price.
• Alcon's planned acquisition of STAAR Surgical is terminated due to failure in securing necessary stockholder votes.
• STAAR Surgical remains optimistic about its future, focusing on profitable sales growth and global expansion of its EVO ICL technology.

Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) is a prominent player in the ophthalmic industry, specializing in eye care products and surgical equipment. The company is known for its innovative solutions in eye care, competing with other industry leaders like Johnson & Johnson Vision and Bausch + Lomb. Recently, Stifel Nicolaus set a price target of $80 for ALC, while the stock was trading at $80.62, indicating a slight decrease of approximately 0.77% from the target price.

Alcon's strategic plans have taken a turn with the termination of its agreement to acquire STAAR Surgical. This acquisition was anticipated to bolster Alcon's portfolio in the ophthalmic sector. However, the failure to secure necessary stockholder votes led to the cancellation of the merger, as highlighted by Business Wire. This decision may influence Alcon's market position and future growth strategies.

STAAR Surgical, on the other hand, will continue as an independent publicly traded company. CEO Stephen Farrell emphasized the company's focus on profitable sales growth and enhancing distribution efficiencies. STAAR aims to expand the use of its EVO ICL technology globally, which could strengthen its market presence.

Broadwood Partners, holding a 30.2% stake in STAAR, expressed optimism about the company's future. They highlighted STAAR's leading technology, strong financial position, and growth prospects in large markets. This confidence reflects a positive outlook for STAAR despite the failed merger with Alcon.

Currently, ALC's stock is priced at $80.62, showing a decrease of 0.49% or $0.40. The stock has fluctuated between $79.68 and $81.11 today, with a 52-week high of $99.20 and a low of $71.55. Alcon's market capitalization stands at approximately $39.87 billion, with a trading volume of 1,128,034 shares.