A Clear Vision: Alcon Overview
In the realm of the medical sector, Alcon and Prestige Consumer Healthcare have emerged as compelling options for investors seeking growth opportunities as their quarterly results loom on the horizon, set to be unveiled on Tuesday, May 14.
Alcon shines as a provider of a broad spectrum of eye care products, boasting a comprehensive array of ocular health offerings ranging from eye surgeries to contact lenses. The company’s projected first-quarter sales show a 5% increase to reach $2.46 billion, with a corresponding anticipated 3% boost in Q1 earnings to $0.72 per share. Notably, Alcon has outpaced the Zacks EPS Consensus in three of its last four quarterly reports, with the most recent Q4 earnings of $0.70 per share surpassing bottom-line expectations by 3% in February.
Highlighting Alcon’s track record of resilience and steady performance, the company’s total sales are forecasted to escalate by 6% in fiscal 2024, with an additional 6% growth anticipated in FY25, propelling its top line to $10.56 billion. Moreover, annual earnings are predicted to surge by 11% this year to $3.05 per share, with an even more impressive 14% EPS growth foreseen in FY25.
Consumer Wellness: Prestige Consumer Healthcare Outlook
Prestige Consumer Healthcare, through its subsidiaries, offers a wide spectrum of over-the-counter (OTC) products, including renowned brands like BC/Goody’s analgesic powders, Boudreaux’s baby ointments, and Clear Eyes eye care products, among others.
As the company gears up to divulge its fiscal fourth-quarter results, analysts project a slight uptick in Q4 sales to $286.91 million compared to $285.87 million in the corresponding period. Furthermore, Q4 EPS is expected to expand by 6% to $1.14. Prestige has demonstrated a consistent pattern of exceeding bottom-line expectations, having surpassed estimates in three of its last four quarterly reports, with Q3 EPS of $1.06 most recently outperforming estimates by 2% in February.
Prestige’s sales trajectory indicates a steady path, with estimates pointing to virtually flat total sales in FY24 followed by a projected 2% rise in FY25 to hit $1.16 billion. The company’s annual earnings are on an upward trend as well, with a 3% increase expected this year and a further 6% rise anticipated in FY25, pushing earnings per share to $4.61.
Insights and Perspectives
Considering the remarkable growth witnessed in recent years, investors are advised not to overlook the steady climb of Alcon and Prestige Consumer Healthcare. Noteworthy is the Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) status that both stocks hold as they approach their impending quarterly reports on Tuesday.
