MetaCap

Alcon (ALC) vs National Vision (EYE)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.

Summary

Alcon (ALC) has outperformed National Vision (EYE) over the past year, losing 16.4% versus a loss of 39.5%. Over five years, ALC leads with a -19.3% price change compared with -73.5% for EYE. Alcon is the larger company by market cap ($30.45 billion vs $1.33 billion), about 22.9 times the size.

On valuation, National Vision trades at a lower forward P/E (13.9x vs 15.9x for Alcon). Alcon pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while National Vision does not currently pay one.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

ALC-16.41%EYE-39.50%
+19%-14%-47%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
ALC-19.75%EYE-70.62%
+32%-28%-89%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

ALC versus EYE key metrics
MetricALCEYE
Share price$63.00$16.82
Market cap$30.45B$1.33B
1-day change-0.30%+0.48%
YTD return-20.06%-34.86%
1-year return-16.41%-39.50%
5-year return-19.25%-73.52%
P/E ratio (TTM)47.7327.13
Forward P/E15.8913.92
EPS (TTM)$1.32$0.62
Dividend yield0.56%0.00%
Annual dividend$0.353$0.00
Revenue (latest FY)$10.40B—
Revenue growth (YoY)+4.94%—
Net income (latest FY)$980.00M—
Gross margin55.24%—
Operating margin13.08%—
Net margin9.42%—
52-week high$87.64$30.02
52-week low$61.84$14.75
Distance from 52-week high-28.12%-43.97%
Analyst consensusbuy—
Avg. price target upside+32.62%—
Average volume1.86M2.14M
Shares outstanding483.40M79.07M
Employees25,000—
SectorHealth CareHealth Care
IndustryOphthalmic GoodsOphthalmic Goods

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • Alcon is about 22.9 times larger than National Vision by market value ($30.45B vs $1.33B).
  • ALC has outperformed EYE by 23.1 percentage points over the past year.
  • Alcon trades at a higher earnings multiple (47.7x vs 27.1x trailing P/E).

About Alcon

ALC stock →

Alcon Inc. researches, develops, manufactures, distributes, and sells eye care products worldwide.

Health Care · Ophthalmic Goods · 25,000 employees

ALC vs EYE FAQ

Which is bigger, Alcon or National Vision?

Alcon (ALC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $30.45B compared with $1.33B for National Vision (EYE).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, ALC or EYE?

ALC returned -16.41% over the past 12 months, compared with -39.50% for EYE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, ALC or EYE?

EYE has the lower trailing P/E at 27.1, versus 47.7 for ALC. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, Alcon or National Vision?

Alcon pays a dividend yielding 0.56%, while National Vision does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Alcon and National Vision in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Ophthalmic Goods industry within the Health Care sector.

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