Alcon Inc. (ALC) vs IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (IDXX)

A side-by-side comparison of Alcon Inc. and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnALC vs IDXX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 7y
ALC +26.9% (+3.5%/yr)IDXX +141.1% (+13.4%/yr)IDXX compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $100202120232025$127$241
ALC IDXX

ALC vs IDXX: by the numbers

  • IDXX is the larger company ($41.75B vs $35.16B market cap).
  • IDXX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (38.17 vs 55.57 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • IDXX converts more revenue to profit (25.03% vs 5.95% net margin).
  • IDXX grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.37% vs 6.57% CAGR).
  • ALC pays a dividend (0.50% yield), while IDXX has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricALCIDXX
P/E ratio55.5738.17
Forward P/E20.7336.49
P/S ratio3.299.55
P/B ratio1.6326.96
EV / EBITDA17.4427.52
FCF yield4.77%2.88%

Profitability

MetricALCIDXX
Gross margin56.43%62.45%
Operating margin10.26%32.03%
Net margin5.95%25.03%
ROE2.96%70.67%
ROIC3.35%41.33%

Dividends

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

Growth (annualized)

MetricALCIDXX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.57%8.37%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A14.07%
FCF CAGR (5Y)40.55%12.49%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.73%-4.69%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ALC or IDXX?
IDXX has the lower trailing P/E: ALC trades at 55.57 and IDXX at 38.17. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ALC or IDXX?
Over the past five years, IDXX grew revenue faster — ALC at a 6.57% CAGR versus IDXX at 8.37%.
Does ALC or IDXX pay a bigger dividend?
ALC pays a dividend (0.50% yield), while IDXX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is ALC or IDXX more profitable?
IDXX runs the higher net margin — ALC at 5.95% versus IDXX at 25.03%.
How have ALC and IDXX total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, ALC delivered -2.73% and IDXX delivered 16.80% 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 September 3, 2026.