Alcon Inc. (ALC) vs Biogen Inc. (BIIB)

A side-by-side comparison of Alcon Inc. and Biogen Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnALC vs BIIB

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 7y
ALC +26.9% (+3.5%/yr)BIIB -8.4% (-1.2%/yr)ALC compounded faster over this window
50100150Start $100202120232025$127$92
ALC BIIB

ALC vs BIIB: by the numbers

  • ALC is the larger company ($34.86B vs $32.13B market cap).
  • BIIB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (39.20 vs 55.56 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • BIIB converts more revenue to profit (8.39% vs 5.95% net margin).
  • ALC grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.57% vs -3.19% CAGR).
  • ALC pays a dividend (0.50% yield), while BIIB has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricALCBIIB
P/E ratio55.5639.20
Forward P/E20.4917.78
P/S ratio3.283.31
P/B ratio1.631.75
EV / EBITDA17.4422.70
FCF yield4.77%9.02%

Profitability

MetricALCBIIB
Gross margin56.43%67.71%
Operating margin10.26%12.79%
Net margin5.95%8.39%
ROE2.96%4.43%
ROIC3.35%4.28%

Dividends

MetricALCBIIB
Dividend yield0.50%N/A
Payout ratio18.06%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricALCBIIB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.57%-3.19%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A-18.67%
FCF CAGR (5Y)40.55%-11.63%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.16%-8.39%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ALC or BIIB?
BIIB has the lower trailing P/E: ALC trades at 55.56 and BIIB at 39.20. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ALC or BIIB?
Over the past five years, ALC grew revenue faster — ALC at a 6.57% CAGR versus BIIB at -3.19%.
Does ALC or BIIB pay a bigger dividend?
ALC pays a dividend (0.50% yield), while BIIB has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is ALC or BIIB more profitable?
BIIB runs the higher net margin — ALC at 5.95% versus BIIB at 8.39%.
How have ALC and BIIB total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, ALC delivered -2.16% and BIIB delivered -3.25% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 28, 2026.