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ALC vs IQV
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Alcon (ALC) vs. IQVIA Holdings (IQV) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ALC (Alcon Inc.) is a Swiss-American eye-care and vision-products company, while IQV (IQVIA Holdings Inc.) is a global life-sciences data, analytics, and clinical-research services provider.
- Both companies delivered second-quarter 2026 results that beat consensus and raised portions of their full-year guidance.
- Alcon's share price has lagged in recent months despite solid fundamentals, while IQVIA has shown more consistent upward momentum.
- IQVIA carries a "Strong Buy" analyst consensus and a positive artificial-intelligence-driven narrative, whereas Alcon holds a "Buy" consensus with a wider range of analyst views.
- The two names differ sharply in risk profile: Alcon faces competitive and soft-volume pressures in eye surgery, while IQVIA carries elevated leverage and margin considerations.
Introduction
Investors evaluating healthcare exposure often weigh medical-device franchises against healthcare-services and data businesses, and the comparison between ALC and IQV captures that distinction clearly. Alcon is a leader in surgical ophthalmology and vision care, while IQVIA operates at the intersection of clinical research, healthcare data, and technology. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders and investors seeking to understand how two structurally different healthcare businesses perform on relative performance, market positioning, and sentiment. By examining recent earnings, growth drivers, and risk factors side by side, readers can better assess which profile aligns with their own market view.
ALC Overview and Recent Performance
Alcon Inc. (ALC) develops and sells surgical ophthalmology products—including intraocular lenses (IOLs), which are implanted during cataract surgery—as well as contact lenses and dry-eye treatments under brands such as Systane. In recent weeks, the stock has traded around the mid-to-high $60s range, reflecting a pullback from levels seen earlier in the year.
Fundamentally, the company has performed well. Second-quarter 2026 net sales rose to roughly $2.78 billion, up about 8% year over year, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.84–$0.85 beat analyst estimates. Alcon also raised its full-year core EPS growth outlook to 12%–15% and trimmed its estimated tariff impact after an anticipated U.S. government refund. However, sentiment has been tempered by a one-time non-cash charge tied to discontinuing its PowerVision accommodating-IOL program, flat U.S. cataract procedure volumes, and competitive pressure in implantables. These factors help explain the stock's comparatively softer recent price action despite improving profitability.
IQV Overview and Recent Performance
IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV) provides clinical research services, healthcare data, and analytics to pharmaceutical and biotech clients, operating through its Research & Development Solutions and Commercial Solutions segments. In recent market activity, the stock has traded around the high $200s, supported by accelerating demand indicators.
Second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $3.15 rose 12% year over year and beat consensus, on revenue of $4.36 billion, up 8.7%. The company reported record net new bookings in its R&D Solutions business and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.22X, signaling that new orders exceeded recognized revenue. Management has emphasized growing adoption of its artificial-intelligence offerings, including AI agents deployed across commercial and clinical workflows. Supporting sentiment, analysts have raised price targets in recent weeks, and the consensus rating stands at "Strong Buy." Offsetting factors include elevated leverage—net debt of roughly $14 billion, or about 3.6X adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization)—and higher restructuring costs.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
At the business-model level, ALC is a product-driven medical-device and consumer-vision company, while IQV is a services- and data-driven healthcare enabler. Their growth engines differ accordingly: Alcon depends on surgical procedure volumes and product-innovation cycles such as its PanOptix Pro IOLs and Unity equipment platform, whereas IQVIA benefits from clinical-trial outsourcing, healthcare data demand, and AI adoption across life sciences.
On recent momentum, IQVIA has displayed more consistent strength, supported by record bookings and a strengthening AI narrative, while Alcon's share price has lagged even as earnings have beaten expectations. Risk profiles also contrast: Alcon faces competitive and reimbursement pressures in surgical glaucoma and flat U.S. cataract volumes, whereas IQVIA contends with a leveraged balance sheet and margin pressures from restructuring and business mix. In terms of sector exposure, Alcon sits squarely within eye care and medical devices, while IQVIA spans healthcare services and technology, giving each a distinct sensitivity to economic and regulatory cycles.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor IQV at present. The stock shows more consistent trend consistency, a clearer and strengthening catalyst in its artificial-intelligence and bookings momentum, and firmer analyst sentiment, as reflected in its "Strong Buy" consensus. Alcon's fundamentals remain solid, but its softer recent relative performance and competitive headwinds in implantables suggest less favorable positioning in the current market environment. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: trend strength, catalysts, and stability can shift, and any comparative edge should be monitored as conditions evolve.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ALC is a Buy and IQV is a Buy.
ALC in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026
The 10-day moving average for ALC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ALC as a result. In 56 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ALC just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where ALC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 53 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
ALC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.32% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ALC advanced for three days, in 175 of 312 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 10 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ALC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
ALC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ALC entered a downward trend on October 20, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ALC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 72 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.599) is normal, around the industry mean (4.882). P/E Ratio (54.129) is within average values for comparable stocks, (38.076). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.165) is also within normal values, averaging (4.143). Dividend Yield (0.014) settles around the average of (0.005) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.996) is also within normal values, averaging (56.876).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 88 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ALC’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 95, placing this stock worse than average.
IQV saw its Stochastic Oscillator leaves the overbought zone
The Stochastic Oscillator for IQV moved out of overbought territory on October 27, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock and investors may want to consider selling or taking a defensive position. A.I.dvisor looked at 68 similar instances where the indicator exited the overbought zone. In 47 of the 68 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for IQV turned negative on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 26 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IQV declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
IQV broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on IQV as a result. In 49 of 76 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Following a +0.99% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IQV advanced for three days, in 187 of 302 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 126 of 222 cases where IQV Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 57%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. IQV’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 74 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (7.131) is normal, around the industry mean (65.853). P/E Ratio (32.922) is within average values for comparable stocks, (2.707). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.985) is also within normal values, averaging (3.473). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.002) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.693) is also within normal values, averaging (9.775).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 85 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. IQV’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock worse than average.
ALC | IQV | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 72 Overvalued | 74 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 85 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 88 | 43 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 47 | 39 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 8 | 31 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ALC's Valuation (72) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as IQV (74) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry. This means that ALC’s stock grew similarly to IQV’s over the last 12 months.
IQV's Profit vs Risk Rating (85) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as ALC (100) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry. This means that IQV’s stock grew similarly to ALC’s over the last 12 months.
IQV's SMR Rating (43) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ALC (88) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry. This means that IQV’s stock grew somewhat faster than ALC’s over the last 12 months.
IQV's Price Growth Rating (39) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry is in the same range as ALC (47) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry. This means that IQV’s stock grew similarly to ALC’s over the last 12 months.
ALC's P/E Growth Rating (8) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as IQV (31) in the Servicestothe Health Industry industry. This means that ALC’s stock grew similarly to IQV’s over the last 12 months.
| ALC | IQV | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 67% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 52% | 3 days ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 62% | 3 days ago 64% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 66% | 3 days ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 58% | 3 days ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 57% | 3 days ago 71% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 10 days ago 62% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 55% | 3 days ago 61% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 6 days ago 57% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ALC’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while IQV’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- ALC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- IQV’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ALC’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while IQV’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ALC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- IQV’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ALC (@Pharmaceuticals: Other) experienced а +1.82% price change this week, while IQV (@Medical Specialties) price change was -4.31% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Pharmaceuticals: Other industry was -1.77%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.29%, and the average quarterly price growth was +8.60%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical Specialties industry was +2.12%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.89%, and the average quarterly price growth was +48.45%.
Reported Earning Dates
ALC is expected to report earnings on Nov 10, 2026.
IQV is expected to report earnings on Feb 11, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Pharmaceuticals: Other (-1.77% weekly)Pharmaceuticals (Other) comprise companies that are involved in the discovery, development or manufacturing of therapeutic and preventative medicines. They often collaborate with or acquire other pharmaceutical/healthcare firms. Examples of companies in this segment include Bausch Health Companies Inc., Icon Plc and Perrigo Company Plc.
@Medical Specialties (+2.12% weekly)Medical specialties are companies that make equipment used by the health care industry. Equipment manufactured and distributed by these companies include dialysis machines, blood analysis equipment, surgical equipment, dental instruments, and diagnostic tools, among other items. Large companies typically aim to produce and distribute high-quality products across a broad market spectrum. Smaller firms are more likely to specialize in a particular market segment. Due to the industry’s close association with medical treatments, they typically have low sensitivity to macroeconomic fluctuations. Within this industry, Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic Plc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are some of the companies with multi-billion market capitalizations in the U.S. stock markets.
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ALC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ALC has been loosely correlated with SYK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 54% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if ALC jumps, then SYK could also see price increases.
IQV and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IQV has been closely correlated with CRL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 71% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IQV jumps, then CRL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To IQV | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IQV | 100% | -2.81% | ||
| CRL - IQV | 71% Closely correlated | -4.44% | ||
| TMO - IQV | 67% Closely correlated | -1.72% | ||
| RVTY - IQV | 59% Loosely correlated | -5.30% | ||
| A - IQV | 57% Loosely correlated | -3.47% | ||
| ICLR - IQV | 54% Loosely correlated | -1.91% | ||
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