Nov 12 (Reuters) - Swiss-American eye care group Alcon

reported third-quarter results broadly in line with

market expectations and reiterated its annual outlook late on

Tuesday, alleviating some investor concerns amid acquisition

difficulties and higher U.S. tariffs.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Alcon is a global leader in the eye care market with

significant exposure to the United States, which accounted for

roughly 45% of its quarterly sales.

The earnings report comes amid complications in Alcon's planned

acquisition of U.S.-based contact lens manufacturer Staar

Surgical ( STAA ). The deal, agreed in early August, has faced

strong resistance from Staar shareholders.

On Friday, Staar amended its merger agreement with Alcon to

introduce a new 30-day go-shop period, allowing it to evaluate

alternative takeover proposals.

CONTEXT

Alcon is preparing for a $100 million increase in gross

costs due to U.S. tariffs. The company said it can offset this

impact via currency exchange gains and operational adjustments,

but recent pressure on margins indicates the challenge is

significant.

The company had cut its net sales outlook in August due to

tariff pressures. This time, it maintained the guidance.

BY THE NUMBERS

Alcon reported a 7% rise in its quarterly revenue to $2.6

billion, helped by demand for its new products. That matched

analysts' average forecast, data compiled by LSEG showed.

Growth was driven by recent equipment launches, particularly

cataract surgery platform Unity VCS, which drove revenue in the

surgical business unit 6% higher, the company said.

MARKET REACTION

Shares of Alcon jumped 7% by 0808 GMT, with analysts from J.P.

Morgan saying there was "a little relief" among investors after

the outlook was confirmed.