Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE:BLCO) is one of the best Canadian stocks to buy under $20. On February 18, Bausch + Lomb reported record financial results for Q4 2025, with revenue rising 7% to $1.405 billion and adjusted EBITDA growing 27% to $330 million. This brought full-year revenue to $5.101 billion, driven by strong gains across its diversified portfolio. The company’s pharmaceutical segment led the way with 14% quarterly growth, while the Vision Care division, led by an 8% increase in contact lens ...

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals achieved over $450 million in full-year net sales, with Q4 net product sales at $151.7 million and a gross-to-net discount of 44% [3][20] - Total operating expenses for 2025 were $522.3 million, primarily due to commercial investments for the XDEMVY launch [20] - The company ended 2025 with approximately $418 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, providing financial flexibility for growth [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - XDEMVY, the FDA-approved therapeutic for Demodex blepharitis, has helped over 500,000 patients since its launch and is expected to reach blockbuster status with sales potential exceeding $2 billion [3][4] - The company plans to expand its pipeline with two clinical-stage programs: TP-04 for ocular rosacea and TP-05 for Lyme disease prevention, targeting one to two new programs per year [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market for Demodex blepharitis is estimated to have 25 million affected individuals, with significant growth potential as awareness and treatment options expand [7][8] - Tarsus has achieved over 90% coverage across commercial Medicare and Medicaid, enhancing patient access [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Tarsus aims to create and lead new categories in eye care by identifying diseases with clear root causes and unmet needs, applying the successful development and commercial playbook established with XDEMVY [4][5] - The company is focused on disciplined growth, leveraging existing infrastructure while responsibly allocating capital to extend its long-term growth trajectory [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the continued growth of XDEMVY, citing strong fundamentals and a growing base of prescribers [7][34] - The company anticipates strong net product sales guidance for 2026 in the range of $670 million to $700 million, representing over 50% growth at the midpoint [21][22] Other Important Information - Tarsus is preparing for the Phase 2 trial of TP-04, expected to cost between $7 million and $10 million, and the Phase 2 trial of TP-05, estimated at $25 million to $30 million [25][72] - The company is also making progress with TP-03 for potential regulatory approval in Europe and Japan, with expectations for approval in China later this year [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more detail on expectations beyond Q1 for the $370 million-$400 million guidance? - Management indicated that Q1 is expected to be flat to slightly down due to typical seasonal dynamics, with a strong growth anticipated in Q2 [31][32] Question: What is driving the increased conviction for the $2 billion peak sales target? - The increase is attributed to the broadening prescriber base and deeper engagement with top-tier prescribers, alongside continued flawless execution in commercial efforts [40][41] Question: Can you elaborate on the DTC campaign and its ROI? - The DTC campaign has performed exceptionally well, achieving positive ROI earlier than expected, and management plans to maintain the $80 million spend while also investing in the sales force [45][46] Question: What are the expected costs for the ocular rosacea and Lyme disease studies? - The ocular rosacea study is expected to cost between $7 million and $10 million, while the Lyme disease study is projected to cost $25 million to $30 million [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved revenue of $1.405 billion, representing a 7% increase year-over-year, and full-year revenue reached $5.101 billion, up 5% [13][22] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $330 million, reflecting a 27% growth year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5%, the highest since the company's IPO [12][20] - The full-year adjusted EBITDA was $891 million, with a margin of 17.5% [9][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vision Care segment revenue for Q4 was $778 million, up 5%, with full-year revenue of $2.923 billion, up 6% [15] - Surgical segment revenue in Q4 was $249 million, a 3% increase, and full-year revenue was $894 million, up 4% [17] - Pharma segment revenue for Q4 was $378 million, a 14% increase, with full-year revenue of $1.284 billion, up 6% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. branded RX business in the pharma segment grew by 21% in Q4 and 13% for the full year [18] - Contact lens revenue growth was 8% in Q4 and 7% for the full year, with daily SiHy lenses up 17% in Q4 and 28% for the full year [16] - In China, contact lenses grew by 7% in Q4 and 8% for the full year [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its three-year plan, emphasizing operational excellence and financial discipline [5][6] - The strategy includes expanding the dry eye portfolio, with MIEBO expected to exceed $600 million in peak sales due to strong market access and execution [26][41] - The company aims to leverage its diversified product portfolio to drive sustained growth in the eye health market [11][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to grow faster than the market in 2026, with revenue guidance of $5.375 billion to $5.475 billion [22][23] - The company anticipates continued margin expansion and operating leverage, with adjusted EBITDA growth expected to outpace revenue growth [23][24] - Management highlighted the importance of execution and structural improvements in the P&L as key drivers of future performance [36][38] Other Important Information - The company reported an adjusted gross margin of 62.1% for Q4 and 61% for the full year [19] - Adjusted cash flow from operations was $152 million in Q4 and $381 million for the full year [20] - The adjusted tax rate for the full year was 10%, lower than previous guidance due to one-time adjustments [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key areas to execute for growth in 2026? - Management emphasized the importance of execution, structural improvements, and aligning the organization around clear priorities to achieve growth [36][38] Question: What lessons can be learned from MIEBO's success? - The success of MIEBO is attributed to a strong product with a favorable benefit-risk profile and effective execution strategies [40][43] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape for 2026? - Management acknowledged competition but expressed confidence in their market position, particularly in the pharma segment with strong access and momentum [53][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved revenue of $1.405 billion, representing a 7% increase year-over-year, and full-year revenue reached $5.101 billion, up 5% [12][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $330 million, reflecting a 27% growth year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.5%, the highest since the company's IPO [11][18] - The adjusted gross margin for Q4 was 62.1%, with a full-year adjusted gross margin of 61% [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Vision Care segment revenue for Q4 was $778 million, up 5%, with full-year revenue of $2.923 billion, up 6% [13] - Surgical segment revenue in Q4 was $249 million, a 3% increase, with full-year revenue of $894 million, up 4% [15] - Pharma segment revenue for Q4 was $378 million, a 14% increase, with full-year revenue of $1.284 billion, up 6% [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. contact lens market grew by 11% in Q4, while international markets saw a 6% increase [14] - In China, contact lens revenue grew by 7% in Q4 and 8% for the full year [14] - The global dry eye market is expected to nearly double in the next four years, with significant growth attributed to MIEBO [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its three-year plan, emphasizing operational excellence and financial discipline [4][20] - The strategy includes expanding the dry eye portfolio and leveraging R&D to drive revenue growth [6][10] - The company aims to achieve revenue growth faster than the market across all segments in 2026 [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to sustain growth, citing strong execution and a solid foundation for future success [39] - The company anticipates continued momentum in 2026, with expectations for revenue growth in the range of $5.375 billion to $5.475 billion [20] - Management highlighted the importance of disciplined execution and the impact of seasonality on revenue, particularly in the dry eye segment [68] Other Important Information - The company plans to maintain investments in R&D at 7.5%-8% of revenue, with adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2026 set between $1 billion and $1.05 billion [21][22] - The adjusted tax rate for 2026 is expected to be approximately 19% [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key areas to execute on for growth in 2026? - Management emphasized the importance of execution, structural improvements in the P&L, and aligning the organization around clear priorities [35][36] Question: What lessons can be learned from MIEBO's success? - Management noted that strong execution and a positive benefit-risk profile contributed to MIEBO's success, and these lessons will inform future pipeline strategies [40][41] Question: How will XIIDRA perform in 2026? - Management expects mid-single-digit sales growth for XIIDRA, balancing net price improvement with volume decline [77][80]

4Q25 & FY25 Financial Results February 18, 2026 Forward-Looking Statements; Non-GAAP Information This presentation contains forward-looking information and statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including, but not limited to, statements regarding future prospects and performance of Bausch + Lomb Corporation ("Bausch + Lomb", the "Company", "we", "us", or "B+L"), including the Company's 2026 full-year guidance, our 3-year strategic plan and ...

Core Insights - The company, Alcon, is focused on eye care, addressing significant concerns such as vision loss among the elderly, which is the second most severe issue after memory loss [1][2] - Alcon's strategy emphasizes specialization in eye care, aiming to develop expertise in eye technologies and market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge [2] Company Overview - Alcon operates in various areas of eye care, including refractive error, presbyopia, and dry eye conditions, indicating a comprehensive approach to eye health [1] - The company aims to deploy capital efficiently to enhance its competitive position in the eye care market [2]

Alcon (NYSE: ALC) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Alcon is an eye care company focused on addressing significant vision-related concerns, particularly among the elderly, such as refractive errors, presbyopia, and dry eye [2][3] - The company invests approximately $1 billion annually in developing eye care programs and products [3] Surgical Business Insights - The surgical market remains solid, with expectations of continued growth driven by an aging population and increasing demand for cataract surgeries [4] - Historically, the market has grown at a rate of 4% to 5% [4] - Alcon has a diverse portfolio of products for cataract surgery, including innovations in intraocular lenses (IOLs) and phacoemulsification machines [5] - The company plans to launch 10 to 15 new products in the coming years, enhancing its market presence [5] Unity Platform and Efficiency - The Unity platform aims to improve efficiency in cataract surgery by integrating diagnostic data into a cloud planner, enhancing procedural planning and outcomes [6][7] - The Unity VCS phacoemulsification machine has shown significant efficiency gains, allowing surgeons to perform more surgeries per day [8][9] - Bench tests indicate that the Unity 4D phaco machine is 48% faster than traditional methods, with reduced energy delivery to the eye [10][11] Product Innovations - The PanOptix IOL has been successful, with an upgraded version launched to improve light utilization and reduce glare and halos [12] - New product launches include the TruePlus monofocal lenses, which enhance intermediate vision without compromising distance vision [13] - The vision care segment is stable, with expected market growth of 4% to 6% [14] Vision Care and Pharmaceuticals - Alcon's TripTier product, a novel dry eye treatment, has received positive feedback and is expected to gain reimbursement support [19][36] - The company is expanding its contact lens offerings and has seen strong growth in the preservative-free eye drop market, which is growing at 20% [17][18] Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape - The IOL market is competitive, with new entrants and pricing pressures expected [33][34] - Alcon aims to maintain its premium pricing by emphasizing the quality and effectiveness of its products [35] Financial Performance and Projections - Alcon generates approximately $2 billion in free cash flow annually, which can be used for various strategic initiatives [23][45] - The company anticipates margin expansion of 150 to 200 basis points, despite some pressure from investments and tariffs [42][43] Strategic Outlook - Alcon remains focused on organic growth and innovation, with a disciplined approach to potential M&A opportunities [46][50] - The company is cautious about market guidance, acknowledging the unusual conditions of the previous year but maintaining a long-term growth outlook [51] Additional Considerations - Alcon is not currently interested in entering the pharmaceutical space for presbyopia treatments due to concerns about side effects [52] - The trend of private equity acquiring ophthalmology practices has slowed, with challenges in achieving desired economic efficiencies [53][54] This summary encapsulates the key points from Alcon's FY Conference, highlighting the company's strategic focus, market dynamics, and product innovations in the eye care industry.

Summary of Bausch + Lomb FY Conference Call (January 12, 2026) Company Overview - **Company**: Bausch + Lomb (NYSE: BLCO) - **Industry**: Eye health solutions, including consumer products, surgical devices, and pharmaceuticals Key Points and Arguments Company Transformation and Strategy - Bausch + Lomb is undergoing a transformation with a focus on innovation, disciplined execution, and a clear strategy aimed at meeting the growing demand for eye health solutions [1][2] - The company has rebuilt its culture to prioritize accountability, urgency, and a mindset geared towards innovation, leading to a more effective development engine [2][4] Innovation and R&D - The company has seen a significant increase in patent filings, indicating a stronger R&D organization and a shift towards a more innovative culture [3][4] - Innovation is now integrated across all business areas, including product design, digital capabilities, and customer engagement [4] Pipeline and Growth Opportunities - Bausch + Lomb's pipeline is designed for long-term revenue potential, with a focus on consumer, surgical, contact lens, and pharmaceutical segments [5][6] - Upcoming product launches include: - **Blink Triple Care** preservative-free drops (2026) - **PreserVision AREDS 3** for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (2026) - **Lumify Luxe** for redness relief (2027) [8] - The contact lens segment is expected to grow with the introduction of new daily eye offerings and the innovative **Project Halo**, a bioactive contact lens [9][10] Financial Performance and Projections - The company anticipates a 7% constant currency revenue growth in the consumer segment over the past year, with significant pipeline impacts expected [7] - Expected peak sales from new contact lenses under development could total $1.25 billion, potentially doubling the size of the contact lens business [10] - The pharmaceutical segment, particularly MIEBO and Xiidra, is projected to drive top-line growth and margin improvement [11][12] Surgical Business and Market Position - The surgical business is expected to see growth driven by premium ocular lenses and new product launches, including ELIOS for glaucoma surgery [12][13] - The company aims to improve surgical margins through a shift to higher-margin products and enhanced manufacturing efficiencies [29][30] Financial Metrics and Goals - Bausch + Lomb targets a 23% EBITDA margin by 2028, representing a 600 basis point increase from current levels [38] - The company expects double-digit EPS growth annually, driven by improved operational efficiencies and cost management [42] Market Conditions and Consumer Trends - The contact lens market is projected to grow at a rate of 4% to 6%, with Bausch + Lomb maintaining a strong position despite market slowdowns experienced by competitors [21][22] - The company is optimistic about consumer confidence and pricing power in the market, particularly in the U.S. [22][23] Capital Allocation and Future Plans - Bausch + Lomb plans to focus on strengthening its balance sheet, reducing leverage, and pursuing opportunistic M&A, with no immediate need for large-scale acquisitions [47][48] Additional Important Insights - The company emphasizes a commitment to operational excellence and financial discipline, aiming for significant improvements in cash flow and working capital management [44][45] - Bausch + Lomb's approach to innovation is grounded in addressing real clinical needs, which is expected to create long-term shareholder value [6] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Bausch + Lomb FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, innovation pipeline, financial goals, and market positioning.

Group 1 - STAAR Surgical Company did not receive the necessary stockholder votes to approve the merger agreement with Alcon Inc. and intends to terminate the agreement, remaining a standalone publicly traded company [1] - Broadwood Partners, which owns a 30.2% stake in STAAR, opposed the proposed sale and emphasized the company's strong financial position and growth potential [2] - Yunqi Capital Limited, holding a 5.1% stake in STAAR, also issued a letter opposing the merger deal [3] Group 2 - Alcon initially agreed to acquire STAAR for a total equity value of approximately $1.5 billion, later amending the terms to $30.75 per share, raising the total equity value to approximately $1.6 billion [3][4] - Following the news, STAAR Surgical shares fell by 12.20% to $21.02, while Alcon shares increased by 1.20% to $81.62 [4]