6-K
Alcon Inc (ALC)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________
FORM 6-K
_________________
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
March 25, 2021
Commission File Number: 001-31269
_________________
ALCON INC.
(Registrant Name)
Chemin de Blandonnet 8 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
(Address of principal executive office)
_________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20‑F or Form 40-F: Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
EXHIBIT INDEX
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| ALCON INC. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date: | March 25, 2021 | By: | /s/ Timothy C. Stonesifer |
| Name: Timothy C. Stonesifer | |||
| Title: Authorized Representative | |||
| Date: | March 25, 2021 | By: | /s/ Royce Bedward |
| Name: Royce Bedward | |||
| Title: Authorized Representative |
3
Document
Alcon Publishes Agenda for Annual General Meeting
Geneva, March 24, 2021 – Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care, will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 28, 2021.
As a result of the continuing exceptional circumstances due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2021 AGM will be held without the personal attendance of shareholders and shareholders will not be granted access to the meeting room, in accordance with the Ordinance of the Swiss Federal Council regarding measures on combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) as amended on March 1, 2021 (COVID-19 Ordinance 3). Accordingly, and in accordance with the COVID-19 Ordinance 3, shareholders shall exercise their rights at our AGM exclusively by sending in voting instructions to the independent representative identified in the voting materials.
The invitation to the AGM, including explanatory information on individual agenda items, will be available online beginning March 25, 2021 at https://investor.alcon.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations/event-details/2021/2021-Annual-General-Meeting/default.aspx.
Agenda for Alcon’s 2021 AGM
1.Approval of the operating and financial review of Alcon Inc., the annual financial statements of Alcon Inc. and the consolidated financial statements for 2020
2.Discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the members of the Executive Committee
3.Appropriation of earnings and declaration of dividend as per the balance sheet of Alcon Inc. of December 31, 2020
•If approved by the shareholders, a dividend of CHF 0.10 in cash per share will be payable with the first trading day ex-dividend expected to be May 4, 2021 record date expected to be May 5, 2021 and the payout date in Switzerland expected to be on or around May 6, 2021. The Swiss withholding tax of 35% will be deducted from the gross dividend amount.
4.Votes on the compensation of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee
4.1 Consultative vote on the 2020 Compensation Report
4.2 Binding vote on the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the Board of Directors for the next term of office, i.e. from the 2021 Annual General Meeting to the 2022 Annual General Meeting
4.3 Binding vote on the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the Executive Committee for the following financial year, i.e. 2022
5.Re-election of the Chair and the Members of the Board of Directors
5.1 Re-election of F. Michael Ball (as Member and Chair)
5.2 Re-election of Lynn D. Bleil (as Member)
5.3 Re-election of Arthur Cummings (as Member)
5.4 Re-election of David J. Endicott (as Member)
5.5 Re-election of Thomas Glanzmann (as Member)
5.6 Re-election of D. Keith Grossman (as Member)
5.7 Re-election of Scott Maw (as Member)
5.8 Re-election of Karen May (as Member)
5.9 Re-election of Ines Pöschel (as Member)
5.10 Re-election of Dieter Spälti (as Member)
6.Re-election of the members of the Compensation Committee
6.1 Re-election of Thomas Glanzmann
6.2 Re-election of D. Keith Grossman
6.3 Re-election of Karen May
6.4 Re-election of Ines Pöschel
7.Re-election of the independent representative
8.Re-election of the statutory auditors
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “commitment,” “look forward,” “maintain,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “target,” “assume,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. An example of a forward-looking statement includes, among others, statements Alcon makes regarding the payment of a dividend.
Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that are difficult to predict. Some of these factors are discussed in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. Should one or more of these uncertainties or risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 23,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.
Connect with us on
| Investor Relations<br><br>Christina Cheng<br><br>+ 41 589 112 110 (Geneva)<br><br>+ 1 817 615 2789 (Fort Worth)<br><br>investor.relations@alcon.com | Media Relations<br><br>Steven Smith<br><br>+ 41 589 112 111 (Geneva)<br><br>+ 1 817 551 8057 (Fort Worth)<br><br>globalmedia.relations@alcon.com |
|---|
Document
IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Dear Shareholders,
As a result of the continuing exceptional circumstances due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held without the personal attendance of shareholders and you will not be granted access to the meeting room, in accordance with the Ordinance of the Swiss Federal Council regarding measures on combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) as amended on March 1, 2021 (COVID-19 Ordinance 3).
Accordingly, and in accordance with the COVID-19 Ordinance 3, shareholders shall exercise their rights at our Annual General Meeting exclusively by sending in voting instructions to the independent representative identified in the voting materials. For information on how to issue your voting instructions to the independent representative, please refer to the "Organizational topics" at the end of this invitation.
We take the safety of our shareholders, directors, officers, associates and service providers very seriously. We hope you understand the need to take these extraordinary measures and look forward to your participation in person at the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
Agenda and proposals of the Board of Directors
- Approval of the operating and financial review of Alcon Inc., the annual financial statements of Alcon Inc. and the consolidated financial statements for 2020
Proposal
The Board of Directors proposes that the operating and financial review of Alcon Inc., the annual financial statements of Alcon Inc. and the consolidated financial statements for 2020 be approved, acknowledging the reports of the statutory auditors.
- Discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the members of the Executive Committee
Proposal
The Board of Directors proposes that the members of the Board of Directors and the members of the Executive Committee be granted discharge for the 2020 financial year.
- Appropriation of earnings and declaration of dividend as per the balance sheet of Alcon Inc. of December 31, 2020
Proposal
(CHF thousands)
| Balance brought forward from previous year | CHF | 17,270,806 |
|---|---|---|
| Net income for the year | CHF | 175,791 |
| Earnings available to the Annual General Meeting | CHF | 17,446,597 |
The Board of Directors proposes that:
out of the earnings available to the Annual General Meeting, a gross dividend of CHF 0.10 per dividend-bearing share be declared while shares held by the Alcon Group will not be entitled to a dividend payment;
out of the remaining amount of available earnings, after appropriation of the proposed dividend, an amount of CHF 160,000 be allocated to the general reserve, and
the remaining amount of available earnings, after appropriation of the proposed dividend and allocation to the general reserve, be carried forward.
Comment: Calculated on the total number of issued shares of 499,700,000, the proposed dividend corresponds to a maximum total amount of CHF 49,970,000. No dividend is paid on shares held by the Alcon Group. The first trading day ex-dividend is expected to be May 4, 2021, while the record date is expected to be May 5, 2021 and the payout date in Switzerland is expected to be on or around May 6, 2021. The Swiss withholding tax of 35% will be deducted from the gross dividend amount.
3 | Alcon AGM Invitation
- Votes on the compensation of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee
4.1 Consultative vote on the 2020 Compensation Report
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends that the 2020 Compensation Report be accepted (non-binding consultative vote).
Comment: The 2020 Compensation Report can be found in pages 81-112 of the 2020 Annual Report. Please also refer to the enclosed "Say-on-Pay" brochure for further explanation.
4.2 Binding vote on the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the Board of Directors for the next term of office, i.e. from the 2021 Annual General Meeting to the 2022 Annual General Meeting
Proposal
The Board of Directors proposes that shareholders approve the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the Board of Directors covering the period from the 2021 Annual General Meeting to the 2022 Annual General Meeting in the amount of CHF 3,320,000.
Comment: Please refer to the enclosed "Say-on-Pay" brochure for further explanation.
4.3 Binding vote on the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the Executive Committee for the following financial year, i.e. 2022
Proposal
The Board of Directors proposes that shareholders approve the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the Executive Committee for the 2022 financial year in the amount of CHF 38,400,000.
Comment: Please refer to the enclosed "Say-on-Pay" brochure for further explanation.
- Re-election of the Chair and the Members of the Board of Directors
Proposal
The Board of Directors proposes that the individuals presented below be re-elected as members to the Board of Directors for a term of office of one year extending until completion of the 2022 Annual General Meeting:
5.1 Re-election of F. Michael Ball (as Member and Chair)
5.2 Re-election of Lynn D. Bleil (as Member)
5.3 Re-election of Arthur Cummings (as Member)
5.4 Re-election of David J. Endicott (as Member)
5.5 Re-election of Thomas Glanzmann (as Member)
5.6 Re-election of D. Keith Grossman (as Member)
5.7 Re-election of Scott Maw (as Member)
5.8 Re-election of Karen May (as Member)
5.9 Re-election of Ines Pöschel (as Member)
5.10 Re-election of Dieter Spälti (as Member)
4 | Alcon AGM Invitation
Comment: The term of office for all members of the Board of Directors expires at the completion of the Annual General Meeting on April 28, 2021. All current members of the Board of Directors are standing for re-election. The re-election of the members of the Board of Directors shall be effected on an individual basis. Information on the professional background of the current members of the Board of Directors can be found in the 2020 Annual Report, available at https://investor.alcon.com/financials/annual-reports/default.aspx.
- Re-election of the members of the Compensation Committee
Proposal
The Board of Directors proposes that the current members of the Compensation Committee be re-elected for a term of office of one year extending until completion of the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
6.1 Re-election of Thomas Glanzmann
6.2 Re-election of D. Keith Grossman
6.3 Re-election of Karen May
6.4 Re-election of Ines Pöschel
Comment: All current members of the Compensation Committee are standing for re-election. The re-election shall be effected on an individual basis. The Board of Directors intends to designate Karen May as Chair of the Compensation Committee, subject to her re-election as a member of the Board of Directors and member of the Compensation Committee.
- Re-election of the independent representative
Proposal
The Board of Directors proposes the re-election of Hartmann Dreyer Attorneys-at-Law, P.O. Box 343, 1701 Fribourg, Switzerland, as independent representative for a term of office of one year extending until completion of the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
- Re-election of the statutory auditors
Proposal
The Board of Directors proposes the re-election of PricewaterhouseCoopers SA, Geneva, as statutory auditors for the 2021 financial year.
Fribourg, March 25, 2021 Alcon Inc. Board of Directors
Enclosures: - Registration form with reply envelope
- Brochure "Say-on-Pay"
5 | Alcon AGM Invitation
Organizational topics
Admission to the Annual General Meeting
Due to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2021 Annual General Meeting of Alcon Inc. will not be held with shareholders being present. Accordingly, voting rights can only be exercised through the independent representative (as set out below). In-person attendance of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting is not possible.
While the Board of Directors regrets this situation, it considers that this format represents the best option to protect the health of our shareholders, directors, officers, associates and service providers.
Voting
Shareholders entered in the share register with the right to vote on April 20, 2021 are entitled to vote in the Annual General Meeting. These shareholders may authorize Hartmann Dreyer Attorneys-at-Law to act as their independent representative either by using the reply form enclosed or electronically (e-voting). The reply form or a corresponding notification must reach the Company no later than April 23, 2021.
Additionally, holders of shares in the United States should follow the instructions provided by their brokers, trustees, nominees or the Company's transfer agent, as applicable.
Electronic Instructions to the Independent Representative (e-voting)
Shareholders may register by using the e-voting platform via www.gvote.ch to issue voting instructions to the independent representative.
The requisite login details are enclosed in the reply form. Personalized login details will remain valid until the Annual General Meeting. Shareholders may submit voting instructions electronically, or change any instructions they may have communicated electronically, up to but no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 23, 2021.
No Trading Restriction on Shares of Alcon Inc.
The registration of shareholders for voting purposes does not affect the trading of shares held by registered shareholders before, during or after the Annual General Meeting.
Shareholders Questions
Since shareholders will not be permitted to be physically present at the Annual General Meeting, shareholders will be given the opportunity to submit questions to the Company ahead of the Annual General Meeting by sending an email to the following address: investor.relations@alcon.com. Answers may be provided individually or in aggregate form on the Alcon website, possibly mentioning the name of the shareholder who submitted the question.
Annual Report
The Annual Report is available to the shareholders for examination at the Company’s head office at Rue Louis d'Affry 6, 1701 Fribourg, Switzerland. The invitation including the agenda and the proposals of the Board of Directors will be mailed directly to shareholders who are registered in the Company’s share register with the right to vote. The Annual Report will be mailed on request. The Annual Report is also available electronically at https://investor.alcon.com/financials/annual-reports/default.aspx.
6 | Alcon AGM Invitation
Contact us
Alcon Inc. Rue Louis-d'Affry 6
1701 Fribourg
Switzerland
Phone: +41 58 911 21 10
investor.relations@alcon.com
https://investor.alcon.com/home/default.aspx
7 | Alcon AGM Invitation