Alcon, Inc.-income & growth

Alcon, Inc. (ACL) recently reported its ninth consecutive surprise positive earnings driven by strong growth in emerging market. Estimates have been moving following more than the latest earnings beat, sending stocks with a Zacks # 1 rank (buy). Alcon is also fundamentally solid, carrying over 3 billion in cash and equivalents and no long-term debt. The stock currently produces 1.3%. Description of the company Alcon, Inc. is a leading eye care. The company researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens solutions and other vision care products. Alcon shall have its seat in Hunenberg, Switzerland and operates in 75 countries around the world. Has a market capitalization of 50.0 billion. fourth quarter results Alcon recently reported fourth quarter earnings per share of $ 1.74, beating the Zacks consensus estimate of 4 cents. Was an increase of 9% over the same quarter last year. Turnover grew by 3.4% year-over-year driven by an increase of 9.1% pharmaceuticals. International organic sales are on a solid 7.7% from 13.1% in emerging markets. The gross profit margin expanded from 74.0% of sales to 76.0%. Meanwhile, adjusted operating income was 9.3%. Outlook Estimates for the 2011 inched higher following a solid quarter. The Zacks consensus estimate is $ 8.48, corresponding to 10% growth during 2009 EPS. 2012 Zacks consensus estimate was $ 9.41, 11% EPS growth. Is a stock Zacks # 1 rank (buy). basics Alcon has a very strong balance sheet carrying $ 3.4 billion in cash and equivalents and no long-term debt. The company produces strong cash flows and you pay an annual dividend that now produces 1.3%. The return on equity is nearly double that of the media industry to 36.6%. Exchanges of shares in a prize to the Group of 19,5 x forward earnings, but his report PEG is a reasonable 1.4. Shares are up to about 5% from December 1, but I'm still a bit high off their 52- week: Todd Emma Bunton is growth & income Stock Strategist for Zacks.com.
ALCON INC (ACL): Report of Free Stock Analysis
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