Selected accounting policies (Policies) |
6 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Jun. 30, 2026 | |
| Corporate information and statement of IFRS compliance [abstract] | |
| Statement of IFRS compliance | The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements present our historical financial position, results of operations, comprehensive (loss)/income and cash flows in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. |
| Use of estimates and assumptions | Use of estimates and assumptions The preparation of Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions, either at the balance sheet date or during the period, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as revenues and expenses. Because of the inherent uncertainties, actual outcomes and results may differ from management's assumptions and estimates.
|
| Impairment of goodwill, Alcon brand name and definite lived intangible assets | Impairment of goodwill, Alcon brand name and definite lived intangible assets As discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 20-F, Goodwill, the Alcon brand name and acquired in-process research & development ("IPR&D") projects are reviewed for impairment at least annually and these, as well as all other investments in intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the asset's balance sheet or reportable segment carrying amount may not be recoverable. Goodwill and other intangible assets represent a significant amount of total assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Impairment testing may lead to potentially significant impairment charges in the future, which could have a materially adverse impact on Alcon's results of operations and financial condition.
|
| New standards and interpretations not yet adopted | New standards and interpretations not yet adopted In April 2024, the IASB issued IFRS 18, Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements, which will replace IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements and accompanies limited amendments to other standards which will be effective upon the adoption of the new standard. IFRS 18 will be retroactively effective for our annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The standard is expected to improve comparability and transparency of financial statements by requiring five categories (operating, investing, financing, income taxes and discontinued operations) and defined subtotals and totals ("operating profit or loss", "profit or loss before financing and income taxes" and "profit or loss") in the Consolidated Income Statement, requiring disclosures in the notes to the financial statements about management-defined performance measures and adding new principles for aggregation and disaggregation of information in the primary financial statements and notes. IFRS 18 will not impact recognition or measurement of the financial statement items. However, it may impact operating income due to the reclassification of certain income and expense items within the five categories of the income statement. Additionally, it may also change the disclosure of operating activities, investing activities and financing activities within the statement of cash flows due to the change in classification of certain cash flow items. Alcon is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Other than previously described, as of June 30, 2026 there are no IFRS Accounting Standards, interpretations or amendments not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on Alcon upon adoption.
|