Alcon (ALC) 20-F15 Feb 222021 FY Annual report (foreign)Financial data

Company Profile

Cover Page

Cover Page	12 Months Ended
Cover Page	Dec. 31, 2021shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Document Registration Statement	false
Document Annual Report	true
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Document Shell Company Report	false
Entity File Number	001-31269
Entity Registrant Name	Alcon Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	V8
Entity Address, Address Line One	Rue Louis-d'Affry 6
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	1701
Entity Address, City or Town	Fribourg
Entity Address, Country	CH
Title of 12(b) Security	Ordinary Shares, nominal value CHF 0.04 per share
Trading Symbol	ALC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	490,086,981
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Document Accounting Standard	International Financial Reporting Standards
Entity Shell Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Entity Central Index Key	0001167379
Business Contact
Document Information [Line Items]
Contact Personnel Name	Royce Bedward
Entity Address, Address Line One	Chemin de Blandonnet 8
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	1214
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Vernier
Entity Address, City or Town	Geneva
Entity Address, Country	CH
City Area Code	817
Local Phone Number	293 0450
Contact Personnel Fax Number	1 817 916 2652

Audit Information

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
Audit Information	Dec. 31, 2021
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Name	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Firm ID	238
Auditor Location	Fort Worth, Texas

Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated Income Statement - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Profit or loss [abstract]
Net sales to third parties	$ 8,222	$ 6,763	$ 7,362
Other revenues	69	70	146
Net sales and other revenues	8,291	6,833	7,508
Cost of net sales	(3,577)	(3,830)	(3,719)
Cost of other revenues	(62)	(63)	(127)
Gross profit	4,652	2,940	3,662
Selling, general & administration	(3,076)	(2,694)	(2,847)
Research & development	(842)	(673)	(656)
Other income	43	235	55
Other expense	(197)	(290)	(401)
Operating income/(loss)	580	(482)	(187)
Interest expense	(120)	(124)	(113)
Other financial income & expense	(42)	(29)	(32)
Income/(loss) before taxes	418	(635)	(332)
Taxes	(42)	104	(324)
Net income/(loss)	$ 376	$ (531)	$ (656)
Earnings/(loss) per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.77	$ (1.09)	$ (1.34)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.76	$ (1.09)	$ (1.34)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	490	489	488.2
Diluted (in shares)	493.4	489	488.2

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of comprehensive income [abstract]
Net income/(loss)		$ 376	$ (531)	$ (656)
Other comprehensive income to be eventually recycled into the Consolidated Income Statement:
Currency translation effects, net of taxes	[1]	(58)	19	(4)
Total of items to eventually recycle		(58)	19	(4)
Other comprehensive income never to be recycled into the Consolidated Income Statement:
Actuarial gains/(losses) from defined benefit plans, net of taxes	[2]	26	(14)	(55)
Fair value adjustments on equity securities, net of taxes	[3]	0	(7)	(2)
Total of items never to be recycled		26	(21)	(57)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		$ 344	$ (533)	$ (717)

[1]	Amount is net of tax benefit of $6 million in 2021.
[2]	Amounts are net of tax expense of $11 million in 2021, and net of tax benefits of $13 million and $11 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
[3]	Amounts are net of tax benefits of $3 million and $5 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Consolidated Statement of Com_2

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of comprehensive income [abstract]
Currency translation effects, tax expense (benefit)	$ (6)
Actuarial gains/(losses) from defined benefit plans, tax expense (benefit)	$ 11	$ (13)	$ (11)
Fair value adjustments on equity securities, tax expense (benefit)		$ (3)	$ (5)

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet SFr in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Non-current assets
Property, plant & equipment	$ 3,711	$ 3,425
Right-of-use assets	372	358
Goodwill	8,905	8,905
Intangible assets other than goodwill	8,765	9,097
Deferred tax assets	409	399
Financial assets	217	218
Other non-current assets	234	211
Total non-current assets	22,613	22,613
Current assets
Inventories	1,899	1,644
Trade receivables	1,496	1,361
Income tax receivables	9	21
Cash and cash equivalents	1,575	1,557
Other current assets	407	404
Total current assets	5,386	4,987
Total assets	27,999	27,600
Equity
Share capital	20	20
Reserves	19,236	18,802
Total equity	19,256	18,822
Non-current liabilities
Financial debts	3,966	3,949
Lease liabilities	339	315
Deferred tax liabilities	1,026	1,196
Provisions & other non-current liabilities	940	1,060
Total non-current liabilities	6,271	6,520
Current liabilities
Trade payables	903	876
Financial debts	114	169
Lease liabilities	67	70
Current income tax liabilities	187	149
Provisions & other current liabilities	1,201	994
Total current liabilities	2,472	2,258
Total liabilities	8,743	8,778
Total equity and liabilities	$ 27,999	$ 27,600

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions		Total	Share capital	Other reserves	Former parent net investment	Fair value adjustments on equity securities	Actuarial gains/(losses) from defined benefit plans	Cumulative currency translation effects	Total value adjustments	[1]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 22,639	$ 0	$ 0	$ 22,650	$ (23)	$ (17)	$ 29	$ (11)
Net income/(loss)		(656)		(547)	(109)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		(61)				(2)	(55)	(4)	(61)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(717)		(547)	(109)	(2)	(55)	(4)	(61)
Movements of financing provided to former parent, net		(2,658)			(2,658)
Other transactions with former parent		(46)			(46)
Reclassification of deferred equity-compensation		(7)			(7)
Distribution by former parent of share capital		0	20	19,812	(19,832)
Equity-based compensation		87		87
Other movements	[2]	5		3	2
Total other movements		(2,619)	20	19,902	(22,541)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019		19,303	20	19,355	0	(25)	(72)	25	(72)
Net income/(loss)		(531)		(531)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		(2)				(7)	(14)	19	(2)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(533)		(531)		(7)	(14)	19	(2)
Equity-based compensation		70		70
Other movements	[2]	(18)		5			(23)		(23)
Total other movements		52		75			(23)		(23)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020		18,822	20	18,899	0	(32)	(109)	44	(97)
Net income/(loss)		376		376
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		(32)				0	26	(58)	(32)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		344		376		0	26	(58)	(32)
Dividends		(53)		(53)
Equity-based compensation		124		124
Other movements	[2]	19		10			9		9
Total other movements		90		81			9		9
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021		$ 19,256	$ 20	$ 19,356	$ 0	$ (32)	$ (74)	$ (14)	$ (120)

[1]	"Total value adjustments" are presented net of the corresponding tax effects.
[2]	Activity includes hyperinflationary accounting (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The current year primarily includes an adjustment to actuarial gains to recognize plan assets related to the separation of a pension plan in the Spin-off from Novartis but which were not previously recorded. The year ended December 31, 2020 includes an adjustment to actuarial (losses) for other post-employment benefit obligation assumption changes directly related to the Spin-off on April 9, 2019 but which was not recorded at that time.

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of cash flows [abstract]
Net income/(loss)	$ 376	$ (531)	$ (656)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments	1,220	1,626	1,456
Equity-based compensation expense	138	105	83
Non-cash change in current and non-current provisions and other non-current liabilities	57	(106)	(4)
Losses on disposal and other adjustments on property, plant & equipment and other non-current assets, net	13	42	5
Interest expense	120	124	113
Other financial income & expense	42	29	32
Taxes	42	(104)	324
Interest received	3	5	7
Interest paid	(108)	(105)	(67)
Other financial payments	(7)	(5)	(18)
Taxes paid	(175)	(97)	(224)
Net cash flows before working capital changes and net payments out of provisions and other non-current liabilities	1,721	983	1,051
Net payments out of provisions and other cash movements in non-current liabilities	(62)	(115)	(83)
Change in net current assets and other operating cash flow items	(314)	(45)	(48)
Net cash flows from operating activities	1,345	823	920
Purchase of property, plant & equipment	(700)	(479)	(553)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	0	6	0
Purchase of intangible assets	(480)	(88)	(123)
Purchase of financial assets	(19)	(11)	(59)
Proceeds from financial assets	1	0	8
Purchase of other non-current assets	0	0	(1)
Acquisition of business, net	0	0	(283)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(1,198)	(572)	(1,011)
Dividends paid to shareholders of Alcon Inc.	(54)	0	0
Movements of financing provided to former parent, net	0	0	(2,658)
Proceeds from non-current financial debts, net of issuance costs	52	744	3,724
Proceeds from Bridge Facility, net of issuance costs	0	0	1,495
Repayment of non-current financial debts	0	0	(509)
Repayment of Bridge Facility	0	0	(1,500)
Change in current financial debts	(43)	(139)	202
Lease payments	(72)	(69)	(52)
Change in other financial receivables from former parent	0	0	39
Change in other financial liabilities to former parent	0	0	(67)
Other financing cash flows	(6)	(70)	(15)
Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities	(123)	466	659
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(6)	18	27
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	18	735	595
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1	1,557	822	227
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31	$ 1,575	$ 1,557	$ 822

Description of business

Description of business	12 Months Ended
Description of business	Dec. 31, 2021
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Description of business	Description of business Alcon Inc. (the "Company") and the subsidiaries it controls (collectively "Alcon") is a leading eye care company. Alcon is a multinational company specializing in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of a broad range of eye care products within two businesses: Surgical and Vision Care. Alcon is a stock corporation organized under the laws of Switzerland, domiciled in Fribourg, Switzerland, with global headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland. On February 28, 2019, Novartis AG (“Novartis” or “Former Parent”) shareholders at their Annual General Meeting approved the proposed 100% spin-off of Alcon through the distribution of a dividend in kind of new Alcon shares to Novartis shareholders and Novartis American Depository Receipt ("ADR") holders (the “Spin-off”), subject to completion of certain conditions precedent to the distribution. Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 22, 2019, ("2018 Form 20-F"), was declared effective by the SEC on that same day. On April 9, 2019, Novartis completed the Spin-off, which resulted in the Company becoming an independent, publicly-traded company. Each Novartis shareholder of record as of April 8, 2019 and each holder of Novartis’ ADR of record as of April 1, 2019 received one share of Alcon common stock for every five shares of Novartis common stock or Novartis ADR held. The shares of the Company are listed on the SIX Swiss Stock Exchange ("SIX") and on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol “ALC”. The Consolidated Financial Statements of Alcon are comprised of the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and the Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Basis of preparation

Basis of preparation	12 Months Ended
Basis of preparation	Dec. 31, 2021
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Basis of preparation	Basis of preparation The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements present our historical financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), and cash flows in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), including the basis of preparation as described in this Note and with the selected accounting policies as described in Note 3 to these Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions, either at the balance sheet date or during the year that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as revenues and expenses. Actual outcomes and results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Relationship with Former Parent and affiliates prior to Spin-off For the period in 2019 prior to the Spin-off, the financial statements were prepared on a combined basis for carve-out financial statements and were derived from Novartis’ Consolidated Financial Statements and accounting records, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS. Through the date of the Spin-off, all revenues and expenses as well as assets and liabilities directly associated with Alcon have been included in the financial statements. For the period in 2019 prior to the Spin-off, the financial statements also included allocations of certain expenses for services provided by Novartis to Alcon and allocations of related assets, liabilities, and the Former Parent’s invested capital, as applicable. The allocations were determined on a reasonable basis; however, the amounts are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the financial statements had Alcon been an entity that operated independently of Novartis during the applicable periods. Refer to Note 25 to these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures. The financial statements for the period in 2019 prior to the Spin-off include all Alcon subsidiaries and all Alcon business operated within Novartis Group subsidiaries over which Alcon has control, by applying the principles of IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements . Alcon controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Both before and after the Spin-off, Alcon's associates participated in defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans sponsored by Novartis; in some countries these were single employer plans dedicated to the Alcon business associates and in other countries these were plans where associates of Alcon and associates of the Novartis Group are participants. As of December 31, 2021, all defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans have been separated from Novartis. Refer to Note 23 to these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure on post-employment benefits for associates. Income taxes attributable to the Alcon business in the financial statements were determined using the separate return approach, under which current and deferred income taxes are calculated as if a separate tax return had been prepared in each tax jurisdiction. In various tax jurisdictions, Alcon and Novartis businesses operated within the same legal entity and certain Alcon subsidiaries were part of a Novartis tax group. This required an assumption that the subsidiaries and operations of Alcon in those tax jurisdictions operated on a standalone basis and constitute separate taxable entities. Actual outcomes and results could differ from these separate tax return estimates, including those estimates and assumptions related to realization of tax benefits within these Novartis tax groups. Refer to Note 7 to these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures on income taxes. Alcon's Equity in the financial statements for the periods prior to Spin-off represents the excess of total assets over total liabilities and was impacted by the following: • Currency translation adjustments of the Novartis Group multi-divisional subsidiaries were allocated between Alcon and the Novartis retained businesses by applying allocation keys based on net assets of each respective business. • Other transactions with Novartis Group as shown on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity represent the movements in Equity resulting from the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the basis of preparation described in this Note. • Movements of financing provided to Novartis Group as shown on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows primarily represent the net contributions from Alcon to Novartis Group. Following the Spin-off, the Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Alcon and no longer include any allocations from Novartis.

Selected accounting policies

Selected accounting policies	12 Months Ended
Selected accounting policies	Dec. 31, 2021
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Selected accounting policies	Selected accounting policies Principles of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In the event that the Company has an interest in another entity that is not wholly owned, the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of such entity are included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, if the Company is exposed or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. They are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention except for items that are required to be accounted for at fair value. All intercompany transactions and accounts within Alcon were eliminated. The Company's financial year-end is December 31, which is also the annual closing date of the individual entities' financial statements incorporated into the Consolidated Financial Statements. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic. The pandemic triggered widespread shelter-in-place orders, business shutdowns and the deferral of non-urgent surgical procedures. Outbreaks of COVID-19 cases continued to occur in 2021 and localized responses remain unpredictable. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to have an impact on our financial results and operations in 2021, and it may continue to have an adverse effect on our net sales, operating results and cash flow. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic impact may continue to affect our financial condition or results of operations is uncertain. We have analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We have assessed various accounting estimates and other matters, including those that require consideration of forecasted financial information, in the context of the unknown future impacts of COVID-19 using information reasonably available to us at this time. The accounting estimates and other matters assessed included, but were not limited to, provisions for expected credit losses, goodwill and other intangible assets, financial instruments, inventory provisions, associate benefits, income taxes and revenue recognition. Based on our assessment performed, the resulting provisions recorded were not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 or 2020, respectively. However, the inherent uncertainties of COVID-19 including the duration, scope, and severity of the pandemic may result in actual outcomes that differ materially from our current assumptions and estimates. Foreign currencies The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in US dollars ("USD"). The functional currency of individual entities incorporated into the Consolidated Financial Statements is generally the local currency of the respective entity. The functional currency used for the reporting of certain Swiss entities is USD instead of their respective local currencies. This reflects the fact that the cash flows and transactions of these entities are primarily denominated in these currencies. For entities not operating in hyperinflationary economies, the entities results, financial position and cash flows that do not have USD as their functional currency are translated into USD using the following exchange rates: • Income, expense and cash flows using for each month the average exchange rate with the USD values for each month being aggregated during the year. • Balance sheet using year-end exchange rates. • Resulting exchange rate differences are recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss). The hyperinflationary economies in which Alcon operates are Argentina and Venezuela, both of which were hyperinflationary for all years presented. The impact of the restatement of the non-monetary assets and liabilities with the general price index at the beginning of the period an economy becomes hyperinflationary is recorded in "Other reserves" in equity. The subsequent gains or losses resulting from the restatement of non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded in "Other financial income & expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Acquisition of assets Assets separately acquired are initially recognized on the balance sheet at cost if they meet the criteria for capitalization. The capitalized cost of the asset includes the purchase price and any directly attributable costs for bringing the asset into the condition to operate as intended. Expected costs for obligations to dismantle and remove property, plant and equipment when it is no longer used are included in their cost. Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Freehold land is not depreciated. The related depreciation expense is included in the costs of the functions using the asset or "Cost of net sales" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Property, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment at the cash generating unit ("CGU") level whenever there is an indication that the balance sheet carrying amount may not be recoverable using cash flow projections for the useful life. The following table shows the respective useful lives for property, plant and equipment: Useful life Buildings and improvements 10 to 40 years Machinery and other equipment Machinery and equipment 5 to 20 years Furniture and vehicles 5 to 10 years Computer hardware 3 to 7 years Business combinations Effective January 1, 2020, Alcon adopted Amendments to IFRS 3, Business Combinations . The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary may include: • Fair values of the assets transferred; • Liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquired business; • Equity interests issued by the Company; • Fair value of an asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement; and • Fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill, or directly in the income statement if it is a bargain purchase. Alcon primarily uses net present value techniques, utilizing post-tax cash flows and discount rates in calculating the fair value of identifiable assets acquired when allocating the purchase consideration paid for the acquisition. The estimates used in calculating fair values involve significant judgment by management and include assumptions with measurement uncertainty such as, the amount and timing of projected cash flows, long-term sales forecasts, the timing and probability of regulatory and commercial success, and the discount rate. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. Alcon may elect on a transaction-by-transaction basis to apply the optional concentration test to assess whether a transaction qualifies as a business. Under the test, when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, Alcon will account for the transaction as an asset purchase and not a business combination. If the concentration test is not met, or Alcon elects not to apply this optional test, Alcon will perform an assessment focusing on the existence of inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs to determine whether the transaction is an asset purchase or a business combination. Goodwill and intangible assets The annual impairment testing date is Alcon's financial year-end, December 31. Goodwill Goodwill arises in a business combination and is the excess of the consideration transferred to acquire a business over the underlying fair value of the net identified assets acquired. It is allocated to groups of CGUs which are usually represented by the reportable segments, which are the same as Alcon's operating segments. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the level of these groups of CGUs, and any impairment charges are recorded under "Other expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Intangible assets available for use Alcon has the following classes of available-for-use intangible assets: Currently marketed products, Marketing know-how, Technologies, Other intangible assets (including computer software) and the Alcon brand name. Currently marketed products represent the composite value of acquired intellectual property, patents, and distribution rights and product trade names. Marketing know-how represents the value attributable to the expertise acquired for marketing and distributing Alcon surgical products. Technologies represent identified and separable acquired know-how used in the research, development and production processes. Significant investments in internally developed and acquired software are capitalized and included in the "Other" category and amortized once available for use. The Alcon brand name is shown separately as it is the only Alcon intangible asset that is available for use with an indefinite useful life. Alcon considers it appropriate that the brand name has an indefinite life since the branded products have a history of strong revenue and cash flow performance, and Alcon has the intent and ability to support the brand with spending to maintain its value for the foreseeable future. Except for the Alcon brand name, intangible assets available for use are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis and evaluated for potential impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. The Alcon brand name is not amortized, but evaluated for potential impairment annually. The following table shows the respective useful lives for available-for-use intangible assets and the location in the Consolidated Income Statement in which the respective amortization and any potential impairment charge is recognized: Useful life Income statement location for Currently marketed products 5 to 20 years "Cost of net sales" Marketing know-how 25 years "Cost of net sales" Technologies 10 to 20 years "Cost of net sales" or "Research and Development" Other (including software) 3 to 10 years In the respective functional expense Alcon brand name Not amortized, indefinite useful life "Other expense" Acquired In-Process Research & Development ("IPR&D") Acquired research and development intangible assets, which are still under development and have accordingly not yet obtained marketing approval, are recognized as IPR&D. IPR&D is not amortized, but evaluated for potential impairment on an annual basis or when facts and circumstances warrant. IPR&D is considered impaired when its balance sheet carrying amount exceeds its estimated recoverable amount, which is defined as the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal ("FVLCOD") and its value in use ("VIU"). Usually, Alcon applies the FVLCOD method for its impairment assessments. Under this approach when evaluating IPR&D for potential impairment, FVLCOD is estimated using net present value techniques utilizing post-tax cash flows and discount rates as there are no direct or indirect observable prices in active markets for identical or similar assets. The estimates used in calculating the net present values involve significant judgment by management and include assumptions with measurement uncertainty such as, the amount and timing of projected cash flows, long-term sales forecasts, discount rate, and the timing and probability of regulatory and commercial success. In the limited cases where the VIU method would be applied, net present value techniques would be applied using pre-tax cash flows and discount rates. Any impairment charge is recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement under "Research & development". Once a project included in IPR&D has been successfully developed it is transferred to the "Currently marketed products" category. Impairment of goodwill, Alcon brand name and definite lived intangible assets A CGU to which goodwill has been allocated (reportable segments) is considered impaired when its carrying amount, including the goodwill, exceeds its recoverable amount, which is defined as the higher of its FVLCOD and its VIU. If the recoverable amount of the reportable segment is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss shall be recognized. The impairment loss shall be allocated to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the reportable segment first, with any remaining impairment loss allocated to other assets of the reportable segment on a pro-rata basis of their carrying amount. An intangible asset other than goodwill is considered impaired when its balance sheet carrying amount exceeds its estimated recoverable amount, which is defined as the higher of its FVLCOD and its VIU. If the recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset shall be reduced to its recoverable amount. That reduction is an impairment loss. Usually, Alcon applies the FVLCOD method for its impairment assessment. In most cases, no direct or indirect observable market prices for identical or similar assets are available to measure the FVLCOD. Therefore, an estimate of FVLCOD is based on net present value techniques utilizing post-tax cash flows and discount rates. In the limited cases where the VIU method would be applied, net present value techniques would be applied using pre-tax cash flows and discount rates. FVLCOD reflects estimates of assumptions that market participants would be expected to use when pricing the asset or CGUs, and for this purpose management considers the range of economic conditions that are expected to exist over the remaining useful life of the asset. The estimates used in calculating the net present values involve significant judgment by management and include assumptions with measurement uncertainty, such as the following: • Amount and timing of projected cash flows; • Long-term sales forecasts for periods of up to 25 years including sales growth rates; • Royalty rate for the Alcon brand name; • Terminal growth rate; and • Discount rate. Other assumptions used in the net present values calculation include: • Future tax rate; • Actions of competitors (launch of competing products, marketing initiatives, etc.); and • Outcome of R&D activities and forecast of related costs (future product developments). Generally, for intangible assets with a definite useful life Alcon uses cash flow projections for the whole useful life of these assets. For goodwill and the Alcon brand name, Alcon generally utilizes cash flow projections for a five-year period based on management forecasts, with a terminal value based on cash flow projections considering the long-term expected growth rates and impact of demographic trends of the population to which Alcon products are prescribed, for later periods. Probability-weighted scenarios are typically used. Discount rates used consider Alcon estimated weighted average cost of capital adjusted for specific country and currency risks associated with cash flow projections to approximate the weighted average cost of capital of a comparable market participant. Actual cash flows and values could vary significantly from forecasted future cash flows and related values derived using net present value techniques. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, and other short-term and highly liquid investments with original or weighted-average maturities of three months or less which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are usually presented within current financial debts on the Consolidated Balance Sheet except in cases where a right of offset has been agreed with a bank which then allows for presentation on a net basis. Financial assets Non-current financial assets such as loans and long-term receivables from customers, primarily related to surgical equipment sales arrangements, advances and other deposits, are carried at amortized cost, which reflects the time value of money, less any allowances for uncollectable amounts. Alcon assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its non-current financial assets valued at amortized cost. For loans, advances and other deposits valued at amortized cost, impairments, which are based on their expected credit losses, and exchange rate losses are included in "Other expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement and exchange rate gains and interest income, using the effective interest rate method, are included in "Other income" in the Consolidated Income Statement. For long-term receivables from customers, provisions for uncollectable amounts, which are based on their expected credit losses, are recorded as marketing and selling costs recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement within "Selling, general & administration" expenses. Fund investments are valued at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL"). Unrealized gains and losses, including exchange gains and losses, are recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement in "Other income" for gains and "Other expense" for losses. Equity securities and convertible notes receivable held as strategic investments are generally designated at the date of acquisition as financial assets valued at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") with no subsequent recycling through profit and loss. Unrealized gains and losses, including exchange gains and losses, are recorded as a fair value adjustment in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss). They are reclassified to "Other reserves" when the equity security is sold. If these equity securities and convertible notes receivable are not designated at the date of acquisition as financial assets valued at FVOCI, they are valued at FVPL, as described above for fund investments. Changes in fair value of options to acquire development stage companies are charged to research and development expense. Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and are remeasured to their current fair value at the end of each subsequent reporting period. The valuation of forward exchange rate contracts and foreign exchange swaps are based on the discounted cash flow model, using interest curves and spot rates at the reporting date as observable inputs. Unsettled forward contracts and swaps are measured at fair value at quarter-end with changes in fair value recorded to the Consolidated Income Statement as unrealized gains or losses in "Other financial income & expense". Settled forward contracts and swaps are measured at maturity date at fair value with corresponding realized gains or losses recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement in "Other financial income & expense". No hedge accounting is applied for these arrangements. Inventories Inventory is valued at the lower of acquisition or production cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis and net realizable value. This value is used for the "Cost of net sales" and "Cost of other revenues" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Unsalable inventory is fully written off in the Consolidated Income Statement under "Cost of net sales" and "Cost of other revenues". Trade receivables Trade receivables are initially recognized at their invoiced amounts, including any related sales taxes less adjustments for estimated revenue deductions such as chargebacks and cash discounts. Provisions for expected credit losses are established using an expected credit loss model ("ECL"). The provisions are based on a forward-looking ECL, which includes possible default events on the trade receivables over the entire holding period of the trade receivable. These provisions represent the difference between the trade receivable's carrying amount and the estimated net collectible amount. Charges for doubtful trade receivables are recorded as marketing and selling costs recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement within "Selling, general & administration" expenses. Leases Effective January 1, 2019, Alcon adopted IFRS 16, Leases . As lessee, Alcon assesses whether a contract contains a lease at inception of a contract based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Alcon recognizes a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for all arrangements in which it is a lessee, except for leases with a term of twelve months or less (short-term leases) and low value leases for which Alcon has elected the recognition exemptions allowed under IFRS 16. Right-of-use assets Right-of-use assets are initially recognized at cost, which is comprised of the amount of the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liabilities, adjusted for any lease payments made at or prior to the commencement date of the lease, lease incentives received and initial direct costs incurred, as well as any expected costs for obligations to dismantle and remove right-of-use assets when they are no longer used. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. Right-of-use assets are assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the balance sheet carrying amount may not be recoverable using cash flow projections for the useful life. Lease liabilities Lease liabilities are accounted for at amortized cost and are initially measured at the present value of future lease payments and are classified as current or non-current based on the due dates of the underlying principal payments. In determining the lease term, Alcon evaluates the renewal options and termination options reasonably certain to be exercised. Lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if not readily determinable, the incremental borrowing rate Alcon would be expected to pay within the respective markets, on a borrowing with a similar term and security. Interest in the period is recorded within "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Lease liabilities are remeasured for changes in estimated lease term, future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or in assessment of whether Alcon will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. Changes to initial lease contract terms are assessed to determine their impact on the scope of lease, and any modifications increasing the scope of the lease are treated as new contracts under the initial measurement principles, while modifications that do not increase or that decrease the scope of the lease result in an adjustment to the right-of-use asset which is remeasured as of the date of the modification. Principal payments made on lease liabilities and any initial direct costs paid are classified as financing cash outflows, while interest payments are classified as operating cash outflows. Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in the Consolidated Income Statement and are classified as cash flows from operating activities. Legal liabilities Alcon is subject to contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business such as patent litigation and other product-related litigation, commercial litigation, and governmental investigations and proceedings. Provisions are recorded where a reliable estimate can be made of the probable outcome of legal or other disputes. Contingent consideration In a business combination, it is necessary to recognize contingent future payments to previous owners representing contractually defined potential amounts as a liability. Usually for Alcon, these are linked to development or commercial milestones related to certain assets and are recognized as a financial liability at their fair value, which is then re-measured at each subsequent reporting date. For the determination of the fair value of a contingent consideration, various unobservable inputs are used. A change in these inputs might result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The inputs used are, among others, the timing and probability of regulatory and commercial success, sales forecast and assumptions regarding the discount rate, timing and different scenarios of triggering events. The significance and usage of these inputs to each contingent consideration may vary due to differences in the timing and triggering events for payments or in the nature of the asset related to the contingent consideration. These estimations typically depend on factors such as technical milestones or market performance and are adjusted for the probability of their likelihood of payment, and if material, appropriately discounted to reflect the impact of time. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities in subsequent periods are recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement in "Cost of net sales" for currently marketed products and in "Research & development" for IPR&D. The effect of unwinding the discount over time is recognized in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits The liability or asset recognized in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms approximating the terms of the related obligation. In countries where there is no sufficient market for such bonds, the market rates on government bonds are used. The current service cost for such post-employment benefit plans is included in the personnel expenses of the various functions where the associates are employed. The net interest on the net defined benefit liability is recognized as "Other expense" or "Other income". The net interest cost is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net balance of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. Past service cost is recognized as "Other expense" or "Other income" in the Consolidated Income Statement for the change in the present value of a defined benefit obligation for employee service in prior periods resulting from a plan amendment or a curtailment. Remeasurement gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in the period in which they occur, directly in other comprehensive income/(loss). Defined contribution plans For defined contribution plans, Alcon contributes to publicly or privately administered plans. Alcon has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are included in the personnel expenses of the various functions where the associates are employed. Financial debts Financial debts are initially recognized at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Financial debts are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs and discounts) and the redemption amount is recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement over the period of the financial debts using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of credit facilities are recognized as transaction costs of the financial debt to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent that there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalized as a prepayment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the facility to which it relates, and is recognized in "Other financial income & expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Financial debts are derecognized from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial debt that has been extinguished and the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognized in "Other financial income & expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Interest paid on financial debts is classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Financial debts are classified as current liabilities unless Alcon has an unconditional right and intent to defer the settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period. Revenue Net sales to third parties Revenue on the sale of Alcon products and services, which is recorded as "Net sales to third parties" in the Consolidated Income Statement, is recognized when a contractual promise to a customer (i.e., a performance obligation) has been fulfilled by transferring control over the promised goods and services to the customer, substantially all of which is at the point in time of shipment to or receipt of the products by the customer or when the services are performed. If contracts contain customer acceptance provisions, revenue would be recognized upon the satisfaction of acceptance criteria. The amount of revenue to be recognized is based on the consideration Alcon expects to receive in exchange for its goods and services. If a contract contains more than one performance obligation, the consideration is allocated based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. Surgical equipment may be sold together with other products and services under a single contract and may be structured as an outright cash sale, an installment sale, or lease. Surgical equipment installment sales and leases have a fixed payment amount which the customer may pay either in fixed intervals or as the customer purchases consumables and/or implantables. Revenues are recognized upon satisfaction of each of the performance obligations in the contract and the consideration is allocated based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. • Surgical equipment revenue from outright cash sales and installment sales arrangements is recognized at the point in time when control is transferred to the customer. The current portion of long-term receivables from customers and long-term receivables from customers for installment sales arrangements are recorded in "Other current assets" (see "Current portion of long-term receivables from customers" in Note 15 of these Consolidated Financial Statements) and "Financial assets" (see "Long-term receivables from customers" in Note 12 of these Consolidated Financial Statements), respectively. Financing income for installment sales arrangements longer than twelve months is recognized over the term of the arrangement in "Other income". Alcon applies the practical expedient under IFRS 15 to installment sales arrangements that are twelve months or less in duration. • In addition to cash and installment sales, revenue is recognized under finance and operating lease arrangements. Leases in which Alcon transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership to the customer are treated as finance lease arrangements. Revenue from finance lease arrangements is recognized at amounts equal to the fair value of the equipment, which approximates the present value of the minimum lease payments under the arrangements. As interest rates embe

Significant transactions

Significant transactions	12 Months Ended
Significant transactions	Dec. 31, 2021
Significant Transactions [Abstract]
Significant transactions	Significant transactions Significant transactions in 2021 Acquisition of Simbrinza US commercialization rights On April 28, 2021, Alcon executed an Asset Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) to acquire exclusive US commercialization rights to a pharmaceutical ophthalmic eye drop, Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic suspension) 1%/0.2% from Novartis. Under the terms of the Agreement, Alcon paid $355 million at closing on June 8, 2021 and recognized the intangible asset acquisition as currently marketed products within the Vision Care reportable segment. After closing, Alcon and Novartis immediately began a transition period during which Novartis sold Simbrinza on Alcon's behalf. The transition period concluded during the third quarter of 2021 and Alcon has started to fully commercialize Simbrinza for the US market. Novartis retains all rights to Simbrinza® outside of the US. Significant transactions in 2020 Series 2030 notes issuance On May 27, 2020, Alcon, through its wholly owned subsidiary Alcon Finance Corporation (“AFC”), completed an offering of $750 million of non-current financial debt consisting of 2.600% senior notes due 2030. The senior notes are described in Note 17 of these Consolidated Financial Statements. Significant transactions in 2019 Refinancing of Bridge Facility and Facility A financial debts On September 23, 2019, Alcon, through its wholly owned subsidiary AFC, refinanced $2 billion of the bridge and term loans, which had been issued in April 2019, with $500 million of 2.750% senior notes due 2026, $1 billion of 3.000% senior notes due 2029, and $500 million of 3.800% senior notes due 2049. The bridge and term loans, notes, and refinancing are described in Note 17 of these Consolidated Financial Statements. Completion of Spin-off from Novartis through a dividend in kind distribution to Novartis shareholders The Spin-off was executed on April 9, 2019 as described in Note 1 of these Consolidated Financial Statements . The below transactions occurred in April 2019, immediately preceding the Spin-off. On April 2, 2019, Alcon borrowed $3.2 billion against the bridge and other term loans which were executed on March 6, 2019 and are described in Note 17 of these Consolidated Financial Statements. These borrowings increased Alcon's third party financial debts to $3.5 billion at the date of Spin-off. Through a series of intercompany transactions, Alcon then paid approximately $3.1 billion in cash to Novartis and its affiliates prior to the Spin-off, decreasing Alcon's net assets to approximately $20.0 billion at the date of Spin-off. Surgical - Acquisition of PowerVision, Inc. On March 13, 2019, Alcon acquired 100% of the outstanding shares and equity of PowerVision, Inc. ("PowerVision"), a privately-held, US-based company focused on developing accommodative, implantable intraocular lenses. This technology allows the intraocular lens to respond to natural muscular movements in the eye to alter shape and focus. The PowerVision acquisition was executed as part of Alcon's commitment to innovation in advanced technology intraocular lenses ("AT-IOLs"). The fair value of the total purchase consideration was $424 million. This amount consisted of an initial cash payment of $289 million and the fair value of the probability weighted contingent consideration of $135 million due to PowerVision shareholders, which they are eligible to receive upon the achievement of specified regulatory and commercialization milestones. The purchase price allocation resulted in net identifiable assets of $418 million, which consisted of in-process research & development intangible assets of $505 million, a net deferred tax liability of $93 million, and other net assets of $6 million. Goodwill of $6 million was also recognized which is attributable to the assembled workforce. Cash paid for the acquisition, net of cash acquired, was $283 million. The 2019 results of operations following the date of acquisition and transaction costs for the acquisition were not material.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Segment Information	Dec. 31, 2021
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Segment information	Segment information The segment information disclosed in these Consolidated Financial Statements reflects historical results consistent with the identifiable reportable segments of Alcon and financial information that the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") reviews to evaluate segmental performance and allocate resources among the segments. The CODM is the Executive Committee of Alcon. The businesses of Alcon are divided operationally on a worldwide basis into two identified reportable segments, Surgical and Vision Care. Alcon's reportable segments are the same as its operating segments as Alcon does not aggregate any operating segments in arriving at its reportable segments. As indicated below, certain income and expenses are not allocated to segments. Reportable segments are presented in a manner consistent with the internal reporting to the CODM. The reportable segments are managed separately due to their distinct needs and activities for research, development, manufacturing, distribution, and commercial execution. The Executive Committee of Alcon is responsible for allocating resources and assessing the performance of the reportable segments. In Surgical, Alcon researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells ophthalmic products for cataract surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, refractive laser surgery and glaucoma surgery. The surgical portfolio also includes implantables, consumables and surgical equipment required for these procedures and supports the end-to-end procedure needs of the ophthalmic surgeon. In Vision Care, Alcon researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells daily disposable, reusable, and color-enhancing contact lenses and a comprehensive portfolio of ocular health products, including products for dry eye, glaucoma, contact lens care and ocular allergies, as well as ocular vitamins and redness relievers. Alcon also provides services, training, education and technical support for both the Surgical and Vision Care businesses. The basis of preparation described in Note 2, and the selected accounting policies mentioned in Note 3 of these Consolidated Financial Statements, are used in the reporting of segment results. The Executive Committee of Alcon evaluates segmental performance and allocates resources among the segments primarily based on net sales and segment contribution. Net identifiable assets are not assigned to the segments in the internal reporting to the CODM, and are not considered in evaluating the performance of the business segments by the Executive Committee of Alcon. Segment contribution excludes amortization and impairment charges for acquired product rights or other intangibles, general and administrative expenses for corporate activities, spin readiness and separation costs, transformation costs, fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities, past service costs primarily for post-employment benefit plan amendments, and certain other income and expense items. General & administration (corporate) includes the costs of the Alcon corporate headquarters, including all related corporate function costs. For a portion of the historical comparative periods only, the related corporate function costs were allocated to Alcon from its Former Parent. Other income and expense items excluded from segment contribution include fair value adjustments of financial assets in the form of options to acquire a company carried at FVPL, net gains and losses on fund investments and equity securities valued at FVPL, restructuring costs, legal provisions and settlements, integration related expenses and other income and expense items not attributed to a specific segment. Net sales and other revenues by segment ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Surgical Implantables 1,522 1,126 1,210 Consumables 2,388 1,952 2,304 Equipment/other 793 632 660 Total Surgical net sales to third parties 4,703 3,710 4,174 Vision Care Contact lenses 2,139 1,838 1,969 Ocular health 1,380 1,215 1,219 Total Vision Care net sales to third parties 3,519 3,053 3,188 Total net sales to third parties 8,222 6,763 7,362 Vision Care other revenues 69 70 146 Total net sales and other revenues 8,291 6,833 7,508 Segment contribution and reconciliation to income/(loss) before taxes ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Segment contribution: Surgical 1,184 672 957 Vision Care 604 419 580 Total segment contribution 1,788 1,091 1,537 Not allocated to segments: Amortization of intangible assets (590) (1,078) (1,084) Impairment charges on intangible assets (225) (167) — General & administration (corporate) (251) (232) (216) Separation costs (36) (217) (237) Spin readiness costs — — (72) Transformation costs (68) (49) (52) Fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities 42 63 75 Past service costs for post-employment benefit plan amendments 18 154 (2) Other (98) (47) (136) Operating income/(loss) 580 (482) (187) Interest expense (120) (124) (113) Other financial income & expense (42) (29) (32) Income/(loss) before taxes 418 (635) (332) Included in segment contribution are: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Depreciation of property, plant & equipment: Surgical (129) (122) (112) Vision Care (194) (171) (155) Total depreciation of property, plant & equipment (323) (293) (267) Depreciation of right-of-use assets: Surgical (50) (47) (42) Vision Care (31) (32) (24) Total depreciation of right-of-use assets (81) (79) (66) Impairment charges on property, plant & equipment, net: Surgical — (6) (3) Vision Care — — (5) Total impairment charges on property, plant & equipment, net — (6) (8) Equity-based compensation: Surgical (74) (55) (55) Vision Care (60) (45) (44) Not allocated to segments (17) (13) (15) Total equity-based compensation (151) (113) (114) Geographical information The following table shows the United States, International and countries that accounted for more than 5% of at least one of the respective Alcon totals, for net sales for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, and for selected non-current assets at December 31, 2021 and 2020: Net sales (2) Total of selected non-current assets (3) ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) (1) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 Country United States 3,651 44 % 2,975 44 % 3,055 41 % 10,200 47 % 10,309 47 % International 4,571 56 % 3,788 56 % 4,307 59 % 11,553 53 % 11,476 53 % thereof: Switzerland (country of domicile) 60 1 % 55 1 % 56 1 % 9,762 45 % 9,737 45 % Japan 621 8 % 650 10 % 656 9 % 46 — % 63 — % China 486 6 % 383 6 % 377 5 % 16 — % 16 — % Other 3,404 41 % 2,700 40 % 3,218 44 % 1,729 8 % 1,660 8 % Company total 8,222 100 % 6,763 100 % 7,362 100 % 21,753 100 % 21,785 100 % (1) International percentages may not sum due to rounding. (2) Net sales from operations by location of third-party customer. (3) Includes property, plant & equipment, right-of-use assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. No customer accounted for 10% or more of Alcon's net sales.

Interest expense and other fina

Interest expense and other financial income & expense	12 Months Ended
Interest expense and other financial income & expense	Dec. 31, 2021
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Interest expense and other financial income & expense	Interest expense and other financial income & expense Interest expense ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Interest expense on financial debts (95) (94) (81) Interest expense from discounting long-term liabilities (12) (17) (21) Interest expense on lease liabilities (13) (13) (11) Total interest expense (120) (124) (113) Other financial income & expense ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Interest income 3 6 8 Loss on extinguishment of financial debt — — (4) Other financial expense (10) (9) (18) Monetary loss from hyperinflation accounting (6) (4) (2) Currency result, net (29) (22) (16) Total other financial income & expense (42) (29) (32)

Taxes

Taxes	12 Months Ended
Taxes	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Taxes	Taxes Income/(loss) before taxes ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Switzerland 680 (585) (274) Foreign (262) (50) (58) Total income/(loss) before taxes 418 (635) (332) Current and deferred income tax (expense)/income ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Switzerland (118) (14) (34) Foreign (116) (105) (168) Current income tax expense (234) (119) (202) Switzerland 45 96 (246) Foreign 147 127 124 Deferred tax income/(expense) 192 223 (122) Total income tax (expense)/income (42) 104 (324) Analysis of tax rate Alcon's overall applicable tax rate can change each year since it is calculated as the weighted average tax rate based on pre-tax income/(loss) of each subsidiary. The main elements contributing to the difference between Alcon's overall applicable tax rate and the effective tax rate are summarized in the below table. 2021 2020 2019 ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) % % % Applicable tax rate (39) 9.3 % 98 15.4 % 39 11.7 % Effect of disallowed expenditures (10) 2.4 % (20) (3.1) % (23) (6.9) % Effect of equity-based compensation (7) 1.7 % (5) (0.8) % (1) (0.3) % Effect of income taxed at reduced rates 1 (0.2) % 4 0.6 % 2 0.6 % Effect of tax credits and allowances 9 (2.2) % 9 1.4 % 7 2.1 % Effect of deductibility of a statutory expense in Switzerland (1) 38 (9.1) % — — % — — % Effect of adjustments to contingent consideration and other liabilities 7 (1.7) % 17 2.7 % 11 3.3 % Effect of option payments (2) 0.5 % (6) (0.9) % (12) (3.6) % Effect of tax rate changes (2) (3) 0.7 % 10 1.6 % (342) (103.0) % Effect of changes in uncertain tax positions (3) (39) 9.3 % (8) (1.3) % 10 3.0 % Effect of other items (3) 0.7 % (10) (1.6) % (2) (0.6) % Effect of prior year items 6 (1.4) % 15 2.4 % (13) (3.9) % Effective tax rate (42) 10.0 % 104 16.4 % (324) (97.6) % (1) Effect of deductibility of a statutory expense in Switzerland relates to an agreement for fiscal year 2021. It is uncertain whether Alcon will obtain a similar benefit in future years. (2) Effect of tax rate changes in 2019 relates primarily to the adoption of the Swiss Tax Reform which resulted in a non-cash tax increase in tax expense of $304 million for the re-measurement of the Swiss deferred tax balances and a $31 million re-measurement of US deferred tax balances as a result of rate changes in the US following legal entity reorganizations executed related to the Spin-off. (3) Effect of changes in uncertain tax positions in 2021 primarily relate to international transfer pricing and a partial reserve for the deductibility of a statutory expense in Switzerland. Alcon has a substantial business presence in many countries and is therefore subject to different income and expense items that are non-taxable (permanent differences) or are taxed at different rates in those tax jurisdictions. This results in a difference between Alcon's applicable tax rate and effective tax rate as shown in the table above. The applicable tax rate in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was impacted by pre-tax losses in certain tax jurisdictions. The fluctuation in taxes and effective tax rates, excluding Swiss tax reform, is primarily due to the geographical pre-tax income and loss mix across certain tax jurisdictions relative to Alcon's consolidated income/(loss) before taxes, changes in uncertain tax positions and certain non-recurring items.

Share capital, dividend and ear

Share capital, dividend and earnings/(loss) per share	12 Months Ended
Share capital, dividend and earnings/(loss) per share	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings per share [abstract]
Share capital, dividend and earnings/(loss) per share	Share capital, dividend and earnings/(loss) per share 8.1 Share capital The share capital of the Company as of December 31, 2021 is CHF 20 million, which is comprised of 499.7 million registered shares, nominal value of CHF 0.04 per share. The following table shows the movement in the shares: (shares in millions) Common stock shares outstanding Treasury stock shares Total shares January 1, 2019 — — — Distribution by former parent of share capital at Spin-off 488.2 0.5 488.7 Issuance of additional registered shares — 3.0 3.0 Settlement of equity-based awards 0.1 (0.1) — December 31, 2019 488.3 3.4 491.7 Issuance of additional registered shares — 8.0 8.0 Settlement of equity-based awards 0.9 (0.9) — December 31, 2020 489.2 10.5 499.7 Settlement of equity-based awards 0.9 (0.9) — December 31, 2021 490.1 9.6 499.7 On November 10, 2020 and November 19, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved increases of CHF 320,000 and CHF 120,000, respectively, out of the Company’s authorized share capital through the issuance of 8.0 million and 3.0 million additional registered shares, respectively, nominal value CHF 0.04 per share, to fulfill the future vesting of existing and future equity-based awards. These additional shares were issued as treasury shares as part of the Company's authorized share capital according to the authority granted by the shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting held on January 29, 2019 and reflected in the Company’s Articles of Incorporation as amended. While the transactions increased the number of shares available for issuance under the Company’s equity-based compensation plans, there was no immediate impact on the number of shares outstanding or earnings per share calculations at the time of the transactions. The number of shares outstanding and earnings per share calculations will be impacted as shares are delivered to plan participants over the course of the next several years. All of the Company's 9.6 million shares held in treasury may only be used to fulfill the future vesting of existing and future equity-based awards. The authority to issue additional registered shares under the authorized share capital expired on January 29, 2021. 8.2 Dividend On February 23, 2021, the Alcon Board of Directors proposed a dividend of CHF 0.10 per share which was subsequently approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on April 28, 2021 and paid in May 2021 for an amount of $54 million. 8.3 Earnings/(loss) per share Basic earnings/(loss) per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 the weighted average number of shares outstanding was 490.0 million, 489.0 million and 488.2 million shares, respectively. The only potentially dilutive securities are the outstanding unvested equity-based awards under the Company's equity-based incentive plans, as described in Note 24 to these Consolidated Financial Statements. Except when the effect would be anti-dilutive, the calculation of diluted earnings per common share includes the weighted average net impact of unvested equity-based awards. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the weighted average diluted number of shares outstanding was 493.4 million, which includes the potential conversion of 3.4 million unvested equity-based awards. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 2.8 million and 1.9 million unvested equity-based awards, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment	12 Months Ended
Property, plant and equipment	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant & equipment The following table summarizes the movements of property, plant & equipment in 2021: ($ millions) Land Buildings & improvements Construction Machinery & Total Cost January 1, 2021 35 1,884 573 3,425 5,917 Additions (1) 2 8 654 57 721 Disposals and derecognitions (2) — (7) (8) (93) (108) Reclassifications for assets placed in service — 146 (410) 264 — Currency translation effects (1) (44) (19) (106) (170) December 31, 2021 36 1,987 790 3,547 6,360 Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2021 — (716) (8) (1,768) (2,492) Depreciation charge — (107) — (216) (323) Disposals and derecognitions (2) — 5 7 83 95 Currency translation effects — 16 — 55 71 December 31, 2021 — (802) (1) (1,846) (2,649) Net book value at December 31, 2021 36 1,185 789 1,701 3,711 (1) Includes $52 million in non-cash additions. (2) Derecognition of assets that are no longer used and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use. As of December 31, 2021, commitments for purchases of property, plant & equipment were $186 million. The following table summarizes the movements of property, plant & equipment in 2020: ($ millions) Land Buildings & improvements Construction Machinery & Total Cost January 1, 2020 33 1,628 755 2,906 5,322 Additions (1) 2 7 479 74 562 Disposals and derecognitions (2) — (7) (10) (105) (122) Reclassifications for assets placed in service — 215 (705) 490 — Other reclassifications — 11 — (11) — Currency translation effects — 30 54 71 155 December 31, 2020 35 1,884 573 3,425 5,917 Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2020 — (618) (8) (1,583) (2,209) Depreciation charge — (80) — (213) (293) Impairment charge — — — (6) (6) Disposals and derecognitions (2) — 4 — 70 74 Other reclassifications — (7) — 7 — Currency translation effects — (15) — (43) (58) December 31, 2020 — (716) (8) (1,768) (2,492) Net book value at December 31, 2020 35 1,168 565 1,657 3,425 (1) Includes $83 million in non-cash additions. (2) Derecognition of assets that are no longer used and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use.

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and intangible assets	Dec. 31, 2021
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets The following table summarizes the movements of goodwill and other intangible assets in 2021: Intangible assets other than goodwill ($ millions) Goodwill Alcon Acquired Technologies Currently Marketing Other Total Cost January 1, 2021 8,905 2,980 727 5,369 4,440 5,960 556 20,032 Additions — — 20 — 359 — 104 483 Reclassifications — — (10) — 10 — — — Disposals and derecognitions (1) — — — — (6) — (2) (8) December 31, 2021 8,905 2,980 737 5,369 4,803 5,960 658 20,507 Accumulated amortization January 1, 2021 — — — (5,199) (3,197) (2,384) (155) (10,935) Amortization charge — — — (39) (235) (238) (78) (590) Disposals and derecognitions (1) — — — — 6 — 2 8 Impairment charges — — (180) — (45) — — (225) December 31, 2021 — — (180) (5,238) (3,471) (2,622) (231) (11,742) Net book value at December 31, 2021 8,905 2,980 557 131 1,332 3,338 427 8,765 (1) Derecognitions of assets that are no longer used or being developed and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use. The following table summarizes the allocation of the net book values of goodwill and other intangible assets by reportable segment at December 31, 2021: Intangible assets other than goodwill ($ millions) Goodwill Alcon Acquired Technologies Currently Marketing Other Total Surgical 4,544 — 555 131 229 3,338 251 4,504 Vision Care 4,361 — 2 — 1,103 — 176 1,281 Not allocated to segments — 2,980 — — — — — 2,980 Net book value at December 31, 2021 8,905 2,980 557 131 1,332 3,338 427 8,765 The Surgical and Vision Care reportable segments' CGUs, to which goodwill is allocated are comprised of a group of smaller CGUs. The valuation method of the recoverable amount of the CGUs, to which goodwill is allocated, is based on the FVLCOD. The Alcon brand name is an intangible asset with an indefinite life. The intangible asset is not allocated to the reportable segments as it is used to market the Alcon-branded products of both the Surgical and Vision Care businesses. Net sales of these products together are the grouping of CGUs, which is used to determine the recoverable amount. The valuation method is based on the FVLCOD. The following assumptions were used in the calculations for the recoverable amounts of goodwill and the Alcon brand name at December 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 (As a percentage) Surgical Vision Care Surgical Vision Care Terminal growth rate 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Discount rate (post-tax) 7.0 6.5 7.5 7.0 The Surgical and Vision Care reportable segments' terminal growth rate assumption of 3.0% takes into consideration how the industry is expected to grow, analysis of industry expert reports, and expected relevant changes in demographics for various markets. The discount rates for both Surgical and Vision Care reportable segments consider Alcon's weighted average cost of capital, adjusted to approximate the weighted average cost of capital of comparable market participants. Both the terminal growth rates and the discount rates are consistent with external sources of information. The FVLCOD, for all groupings of CGUs containing goodwill or indefinite life intangible assets, is reviewed for the impact of reasonably possible changes in key assumptions. In particular Alcon considered an increase in the discount rate, a decrease in the terminal growth rate and certain negative impacts on the forecasted cash flows. These reasonably possible changes in key assumptions did not indicate an impairment. Refer to "Impairment of goodwill, Alcon brand name and definite lived intangible assets" and "Acquired In-Process Research & Development ("IPR&D")" in Note 3 in these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures on how Alcon performs goodwill and intangible asset impairment testing. The following table summarizes the movements of goodwill and other intangible assets in 2020: Intangible assets other than goodwill ($ millions) Goodwill Alcon Acquired Technologies Currently Marketing Other Total Cost January 1, 2020 8,905 2,980 728 5,369 4,440 5,960 611 20,088 Additions — — 2 — — — 118 120 Disposals and derecognitions (1) — — (3) — — — (173) (176) December 31, 2020 8,905 2,980 727 5,369 4,440 5,960 556 20,032 Accumulated amortization January 1, 2020 — — (3) (4,692) (2,842) (2,146) (174) (9,857) Amortization charge — — — (507) (249) (238) (84) (1,078) Disposals and derecognitions (1) — — 3 — — — 164 167 Impairment charges — — — — (106) — (61) (167) December 31, 2020 — — — (5,199) (3,197) (2,384) (155) (10,935) Net book value at December 31, 2020 8,905 2,980 727 170 1,243 3,576 401 9,097 (1) Derecognitions of assets that are no longer used or being developed and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use. The following table summarizes the allocation of the net book values of goodwill and other intangible assets by reportable segment at December 31, 2020: Intangible assets other than goodwill ($ millions) Goodwill Alcon Acquired Technologies Currently Marketing Other Total Surgical 4,544 — 723 170 247 3,576 237 4,953 Vision Care 4,361 — 4 — 996 — 164 1,164 Not allocated to segments — 2,980 — — — — — 2,980 Net book value at December 31, 2020 8,905 2,980 727 170 1,243 3,576 401 9,097 Intangible asset impairment charges The following table shows the intangible asset impairment charges in 2021, 2020 and 2019: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Surgical (178) (66) — Vision Care (47) (101) — Total (225) (167) — For the year ended December 31, 2021, impairment charges recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement amounted to $225 million. Impairments of $180 million were recognized in Research & development in 2021. Of that amount, an impairment charge of $178 million was recognized in the third quarter of 2021 in Research & development to fully impair a CGU in the Surgical reportable segment upon a decision to suspend research and development efforts and commercialization of the product as Alcon prioritizes other products in the portfolio. An additional impairment charge of $2 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2021 in Research & development to fully impair a licensed technology in the Vision Care reportable segment, which will no longer be used in any future research and development activities. The remaining amount of $45 million relates to an impairment charge recognized in the first quarter of 2021 in Cost of net sales for a currently marketed product CGU in the Vision Care reportable segment due to lower expected sales. The CGU was reduced to its recoverable amount of $48 million at the time of impairment. For the year ended December 31, 2020, impairments amounted to $167 million. An impairment of $61 million was recognized in the third quarter of 2020, primarily to fully impair a CGU within the Vision Care reportable segment upon termination of the associated licensing agreement. The impairment was recognized in Research & development in the Consolidated Income Statement. The remaining amount relates to additional impairments of $106 million, which were recognized in Cost of net sales in the Consolidated Income Statement in 2020. Of that amount, an impairment of $41 million was recorded for a currently marketed product CGU within the Vision Care reportable segment due to lower expected sales. The CGU was reduced to its recoverable amount of $88 million at the time of impairment in the second quarter of 2020. An additional $65 million relates to impairments of a currently marketed product CGU in the Surgical reportable segment recognized in the first and fourth quarters of 2020 due to lower expected sales. This CGU was also reduced to its recoverable amount of $65 million at the time of impairment at December 31, 2020. The recoverable amount of each CGU was determined based on the FVLCOD method. FVLCOD was estimated using net present value techniques utilizing post-tax cash flows and discount rates as there are no direct or indirect observable prices in active markets for identical or similar assets. The estimates used in calculating the net present value involve significant judgment by management and include assumptions with measurement uncertainty. The estimates used are considered to be consistent with market participant assumptions and include cash flow projections for a five-year period based on management forecasts, sales forecasts beyond the five-year period extrapolated using long-term expected growth rates, discount rates, and future tax rates. Since the cash flow projections are a significant unobservable input, the fair value of the CGUs were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Actual cash flows and values could vary significantly from forecasted future cash flows and related values derived using net present value techniques.

Deferred tax assets and liabili

Deferred tax assets and liabilities	12 Months Ended
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	Deferred tax assets and liabilities ($ millions) Property, plant & equipment Intangible assets Pensions and other benefit obligations of associates Inventories Tax loss carry-forwards Other assets, provisions and accruals Total Gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2020 24 5 128 381 174 314 1,026 Gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2020 (215) (1,519) — (23) — (66) (1,823) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2020 (191) (1,514) 128 358 174 248 (797) At December 31, 2020 (191) (1,514) 128 358 174 248 (797) (Charged)/credited to income (27) 137 1 (9) 4 86 192 (Charged)/credited to equity — — (2) — 7 3 8 (Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income — — (11) — 3 (12) (20) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2021 (218) (1,377) 116 349 188 325 (617) Gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2021 28 5 116 372 188 452 1,161 Gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2021 (246) (1,382) — (23) — (127) (1,778) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2021 (218) (1,377) 116 349 188 325 (617) The below table presents the Net deferred tax balance as of December 31, 2021 after offsetting $752 million of deferred tax assets and liabilities within the same tax jurisdiction. ($ millions) At December 31, 2021 Deferred tax assets 409 Deferred tax liabilities (1,026) Net deferred tax liabilities (617) ($ millions) Property, plant & equipment Intangible assets Pensions and other benefit obligations of associates Inventories Tax loss carry-forwards Other assets, provisions and accruals Total Gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2019 13 6 151 371 110 281 932 Gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2019 (172) (1,713) (10) (23) — (46) (1,964) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2019 (159) (1,707) 141 348 110 235 (1,032) At December 31, 2019 (159) (1,707) 141 348 110 235 (1,032) (Charged)/credited to income (32) 193 (33) 10 59 26 223 Credited/(charged) to equity — — 7 — 5 (16) (4) Credited to other comprehensive income — — 13 — — 3 16 Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2020 (191) (1,514) 128 358 174 248 (797) Gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2020 24 5 128 381 174 314 1,026 Gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2020 (215) (1,519) — (23) — (66) (1,823) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2020 (191) (1,514) 128 358 174 248 (797) The below table presents the Net deferred tax balance as of December 31, 2020 after offsetting $627 million of deferred tax assets and liabilities within the same tax jurisdiction. ($ millions) At December 31, 2020 Deferred tax assets 399 Deferred tax liabilities (1,196) Net deferred tax liabilities (797) The below table presents deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities expected to have an impact on current taxes payable after more than twelve months. ($ billions) At December 31, 2021 At December 31, 2020 Deferred tax assets 0.8 0.6 Deferred tax liabilities 1.7 1.8 For foreign unremitted earnings retained by consolidated entities for reinvestment, which amounted to $9 billion as of December 31, 2021, no provision is made for income taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of these earnings. If these earnings were remitted, an income tax charge could result based on the tax statutes currently in effect. IFRS exceptions to recognizing taxable temporary differences include an exception to recognizing a deferred tax liability arising on the initial recognition of goodwill from acquisitions. As such, we have not provided a deferred tax for goodwill from acquisitions which amounted to $9 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The gross value of capital loss carryforwards for which no deferred tax assets were recognized amounted to $103 million at December 31, 2021 and will expire in five years. There were no capital loss carryforwards at December 31, 2020. The gross value of tax loss carryforwards capitalized as deferred tax assets amounted to $1,047 million at December 31, 2021 ($921 million at December 31, 2020), of which $2 million will expire in five years. Of the remaining $1,045 million, approximately $677 million have an indefinite carryforward period, and approximately $368 million have a carryforward period that ranges from six to twenty years. All tax loss carryforwards have been capitalized as deferred tax assets in 2021 as it is probable that sufficient taxable income will be available for the foreseeable future. No tax losses carried forward have expired in 2021, 2020 or 2019. Swiss tax reform On June 30, 2019, Swiss voters approved the Swiss Tax Reform and Old Age Insurance financing bill ("Swiss tax reform"). As a result, the corporate income tax rate applicable to Alcon’s Swiss profits as of January 1, 2020 increased from approximately 9.4% in 2019 to approximately 14.2% beginning in 2020. This change resulted in a non-cash increase in tax expense of $304 million related to the re-measurement of Swiss deferred tax assets and liabilities in 2019.

Financial and other non-current

Financial and other non-current assets	12 Months Ended
Financial and other non-current assets	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Financial and other non-current assets	Financial and other non-current assets The below tables provide details related to Financial assets and Other non-current assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Financial assets ($ millions) 2021 2020 Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI 46 28 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL 6 12 Long-term receivables from customers 110 117 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 35 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits 20 22 Total financial assets 217 218 Minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements The following table shows the receivables of the gross investments in finance leases and the net present value of the minimum lease payments, as well as unearned finance income, related to surgical equipment lease arrangements. The finance income is recorded in "Other income". 2021 2020 ($ millions) Total future payments Unearned interest income Present Provision Net Total future payments Unearned interest income Present Provision Net Not later than one year (1) 32 (2) 30 (2) 28 33 (3) 30 (1) 29 Between one and five years 47 (2) 45 (12) 33 55 (3) 52 (18) 34 Later than five years 2 — 2 — 2 32 — 32 (27) 5 Total 81 (4) 77 (14) 63 120 (6) 114 (46) 68 (1) The current portion of the minimum lease payments is recorded in trade receivables or other current assets (to the extent not yet invoiced). Other non-current assets ($ millions) 2021 2020 Deferred compensation plans 155 137 Prepaid post-employment benefit plans 25 24 Other non-current assets 54 50 Total other non-current assets 234 211

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
Inventories	Dec. 31, 2021
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories The amount of inventory recognized as an expense in "Cost of net sales" in the Consolidated Income Statement during 2021 amounted to $2.5 billion (2020: $2.1 billion, 2019: $2.2 billion). The amount of inventory recognized as an expense in "Cost of other revenues" in the Consolidated Income Statement during 2021 amounted to $62 million (2020: $63 million, 2019: $127 million). ($ millions) 2021 2020 Raw material, consumables 336 278 Work in progress 169 136 Finished products 1,394 1,230 Total inventories 1,899 1,644 Alcon recognized inventory provisions and write-downs amounting to $220 million in 2021 (2020: $304 million, 2019: $181 million) and reversed inventory provisions amounting to $83 million in 2021 (2020: $91 million, 2019: $65 million). Inventory provisions mainly relate to the adjustment of inventory balances to their net realizable value based on the forecasted sales. Reversals are made when the products become salable.

Trade receivables

Trade receivables	12 Months Ended
Trade receivables	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Trade receivables	Trade receivables Trade receivable balances include sales to wholesalers, retailers, doctor groups, private health systems, government agencies, pharmacy benefit managers, managed health-care organizations and government-supported healthcare systems. The following tables provide details related to Trade receivables as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, including trade receivables that are not overdue as specified in the payment terms and conditions established with Alcon's customers, as well as an analysis of overdue amounts, expected credit loss rates and related provisions for doubtful trade receivables: 2021 ($ millions) Gross trade receivables Provision Trade receivables, net Expected credit loss rates Not overdue 1,273 (2) 1,271 0.2 % Past due for not more than one month 96 (1) 95 1.0 % Past due for more than one month but less than three months 74 (1) 73 1.4 % Past due for more than three months but less than six months 43 (2) 41 4.7 % Past due for more than six months but less than one year 23 (13) 10 56.5 % Past due for more than one year 42 (36) 6 85.7 % Total 1,551 (55) 1,496 2020 ($ millions) Gross trade receivables Provision Trade receivables, net Expected credit loss rates Not overdue 1,137 (2) 1,135 0.2 % Past due for not more than one month 109 (1) 108 0.9 % Past due for more than one month but less than three months 67 (2) 65 3.0 % Past due for more than three months but less than six months 36 (2) 34 5.6 % Past due for more than six months but less than one year 31 (18) 13 58.1 % Past due for more than one year 49 (43) 6 87.8 % Total 1,429 (68) 1,361 The following table summarizes the movement in the provision for doubtful trade receivables: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 (68) (48) (54) Provisions for doubtful trade receivables charged to the Consolidated Income Statement (20) (48) (17) Utilization of provisions for doubtful trade receivables 8 15 7 Reversal of provisions for doubtful trade receivables 23 14 15 Currency translation effects 2 (1) 1 December 31 (55) (68) (48) Closely monitored countries include Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. The majority of the outstanding trade receivables from Greece, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Argentina are due directly from local governments or from government-funded entities. We evaluate trade receivables in these countries for potential collection risk. Should there be a substantial deterioration in our economic exposure with respect to those countries, we may increase our level of provisions by updating our expected loss provision or may change the terms of trade on which we operate. The following table shows the gross trade receivables balance from these closely monitored countries as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the amounts that are past due for more than one year and the related amount of the provisions for doubtful trade receivables that have been recorded: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Total balance of gross trade receivables from closely monitored countries 252 211 Past due for more than one year 10 14 Provisions for doubtful trade receivables (11) (15) Trade receivables include amounts denominated in the following major currencies: ($ millions) 2021 2020 US dollar (USD) 526 477 Euro (EUR) 243 214 Japanese yen (JPY) 160 168 Chinese yuan (CNY) 122 121 Indian rupee (INR) 36 30 Canadian dollar (CAD) 39 32 Australian dollar (AUD) 24 29 British pound (GBP) 29 21 Russian ruble (RUB) 35 28 South Korean won (KRW) 38 31 Other currencies 244 210 Total trade receivables, net 1,496 1,361

Other current assets

Other current assets	12 Months Ended
Other current assets	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Other current assets	Other current assets The following table provides details related to Other current assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Current portion of long-term financial investments measured at FVPL — 12 Current portion of long-term receivables from customers 97 107 Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 28 29 Prepaid expenses 92 93 Other receivables, security deposits and current assets 79 88 Derivative financial instruments 3 3 VAT receivables 105 72 Equity securities in public companies 3 — Total other current assets 407 404

Right-of-use assets and Lease l

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities	12 Months Ended
Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities	Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities Right-of-use assets Right-of-use assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were comprised of the following: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Land 17 20 Buildings 326 310 Machinery & equipment and other assets 29 28 Total right-of-use assets 372 358 Depreciation charges of $81 million and $79 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are shown in the table below by underlying class of asset: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Land 1 1 Buildings 60 59 Machinery & equipment and other assets 20 19 Total depreciation of right-of-use assets 81 79 Additions to right-of-use assets amounted to $115 million and $107 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Lease liabilities Lease liabilities totaled $406 million as of December 31, 2021, including $67 million in current lease liabilities and $339 million in non-current lease liabilities. The contractual maturities of the undiscounted lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows: Lease liabilities undiscounted ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 80 82 Between one and five years 197 203 Later than five years 237 203 Total lease liabilities undiscounted 514 488 Lease liabilities ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 67 70 Between one and five years 157 168 Later than five years 182 147 Total lease liabilities 406 385 Additional disclosures The following table provides additional disclosures related to right-of-use assets and lease liabilities: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Interest expense on lease liabilities 13 13 Expense on short-term, low value and variable leases 7 4 Total cash outflows for leases 92 85 Thereof: Lease liability payments (1) 72 69 Interest payments (2) 13 12 Short-term, low value and variable lease payments (2) 7 4 (1) Reported as cash outflows from financing activities net of lease incentives received (2) Included within total net cash flows from operating activities

Non-current and current financi

Non-current and current financial debts	12 Months Ended
Non-current and current financial debts	Dec. 31, 2021
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Non-current and current financial debts	Non-current and current financial debts The below table summarizes non-current and current Financial debts outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. ($ millions) 2021 2020 Non-current financial debts Facility B 796 794 Facility C 395 429 Local facilities (Japan) 47 — Series 2026 notes 496 496 Series 2029 notes 993 992 Series 2030 notes 745 744 Series 2049 notes 494 494 Revolving facility — — Total non-current financial debts 3,966 3,949 Current financial debts Local facilities: Japan 84 101 All others 17 49 Other short-term financial debts 6 12 Derivatives 7 7 Total current financial debts 114 169 Total financial debts 4,080 4,118 Interest expense recognized for Financial debts, excluding lease liabilities, was $95 million, $94 million and $81 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on Financial debts was 2.3% in 2021 and 2020. Bridge Loan, Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facilities On March 6, 2019, Alcon entered into a $1.5 billion unsecured 364-day bridge loan facility with two extension options, each for a period of 180 days (the "Bridge Facility"), a $0.5 billion unsecured three-year term loan facility ("Facility A"), a $0.8 billion unsecured five-year term loan facility ("Facility B"), a $0.4 billion (or the equivalent in EUR) unsecured five-year term loan facility ("Facility C") and a $1.0 billion unsecured five-year committed multicurrency revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility" and, together with the Bridge Facility, Facility A, Facility B and Facility C, the "Facilities"). On April 2, 2019, Alcon borrowed $3.2 billion against the bridge and other term loans. In February 2021, the $1.0 billion Revolving Facility was extended to March 2026. The Revolving Facility remained undrawn as of December 31, 2021. Alcon and certain of its subsidiaries are the borrowers under the Facilities and Alcon guarantees the borrowings of such subsidiaries under the Facilities. In addition, the Revolving Facility includes a mechanism through which certain subsidiaries, as approved by the lenders, can accede as a borrower. Alcon is permitted to voluntarily prepay loans under the Facilities, in whole or in part, without penalty or premium subject to certain minimum prepayment amounts and the payment of accrued interest on the amount prepaid and customary breakage costs. The Bridge Facility had a mandatory prepayment provision, pursuant to which Alcon would have to apply proceeds from relevant debt capital markets transactions in prepayment under the Bridge Facility. The terms of the Facilities include certain events of default and covenants customary for investment grade credit facilities, including restrictive covenants that will limit, among other things, the grant or incurrence of security interests over any of Alcon's assets, the incurrence of certain indebtedness and entry into certain fundamental change transactions. The Facilities do not contain any financial covenants. Refinancing of Bridge Facility and Facility A On September 23, 2019, AFC issued Senior Notes ("Notes") with maturity dates in 2026, 2029, and 2049, which are guaranteed by the Company. The Notes are unsecured senior obligations of AFC issued in a private placement. The total principal amount of the Notes is $2.0 billion. The Notes were issued at a discount totaling $7 million, which was recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the Notes and will be amortized to Interest expense over the term of the Notes. AFC incurred $15 million of debt issuance costs, which were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the Notes and will be amortized to Other financial income & expense over the term of the Notes. The Notes consist of the following: • Series 2026 Notes - $0.5 billion due in 2026 issued at 99.5%, 2.750% interest is payable twice per year in March and September, beginning in March 2020. • Series 2029 Notes - $1.0 billion due in 2029 issued at 99.6%, 3.000% interest is payable twice per year in March and September, beginning March 2020. • Series 2049 Notes - $0.5 billion due in 2049 issued at 99.8%, 3.800% interest is payable twice per year in March and September, beginning March 2020. The funds borrowed through the issuance of the Notes were used to repay the $1.5 billion Bridge Facility and $0.5 billion Facility A. The transaction was accounted for as an extinguishment of a liability. Alcon recognized a loss of $4 million associated with the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs due to extinguishment of the original financing. This loss on extinguishment was recognized in Other financial income & expense. Interest rate benchmark reform Facility B and Facility C ("Term Loan Facilities") and the Revolving Facility (collectively, the "Remaining Facilities") originally bore interest rates equal to the interest rate benchmark (prevailing Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) in the case of loans denominated in EUR, USD prevailing London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) in the case of loans denominated in USD and CHF LIBOR in the case of loans denominated in CHF), plus an applicable margin. On December 14, 2021, Alcon amended the terms of the Remaining Facilities in response to interest rate benchmark reform which includes the replacement of certain interbank offered rates (“IBOR”) with alternative benchmark rates. The amended terms incorporate a mechanism to switch from the Remaining Facilities' original interest rates to compounded risk-free rates ("RFR"), including any relevant credit adjustment spread. The practical expedient in Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2: Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 will be applied which allows the effective interest rate to be updated to reflect the change in interest rate benchmark from IBOR to RFR without adjusting the carrying amount. Consequently, there was no change in the carrying value of the Remaining Facilities as a result of the amendment. Series 2030 notes issuance On May 27, 2020, AFC issued senior notes due in 2030 (“Series 2030 Notes”), which are guaranteed by the Company. The Series 2030 Notes are unsecured senior obligations of AFC issued in a private placement and rank equally in right of payment with the Series 2026, Series 2029, and Series 2049 notes. The total principal amount of the Senior 2030 Notes is $750 million. The Senior 2030 Notes were issued at 99.843% with 2.600% interest payable twice per year in May and November, beginning in November 2020. The Series 2030 Notes were issued at a discount totaling $1 million, which was recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the Series 2030 notes and will be amortized to Interest expense over the term of the Series 2030 Notes. AFC incurred $5 million of debt issuance costs, which were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the Series 2030 Notes and will be amortized to Other financial income & expense over the term of the Series 2030 Notes. Local bilateral facilities In February 2019, Alcon entered into a number of local bilateral facilities in different countries, with the largest share of borrowings in Japan. Two local bilateral facilities in Japan matured in February 2021 and were refinanced by three facilities with one Maturity of contractual undiscounted cash flows and interest payment commitments The following table provides details on the maturity of the contractual undiscounted cash flows for Alcon's borrowings as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 ($ millions) Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt Derivatives Total Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt Derivatives Total Not later than one year 107 7 114 162 7 169 Between one and five years 1,743 — 1,743 1,231 — 1,231 Later than five years 2,250 — 2,250 2,750 — 2,750 Total contractual undiscounted cash flows 4,100 7 4,107 4,143 7 4,150 Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs (27) — (27) (32) — (32) Total carrying value 4,073 7 4,080 4,111 7 4,118 The following table provides details on the maturity of the future contractual interest payments commitments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 94 96 Between one and five years 340 357 Later than five years 583 687 Total cash flows 1,017 1,140

Financial instruments - additio

Financial instruments - additional disclosures	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments - additional disclosures	Dec. 31, 2021
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial instruments - additional disclosures	Financial instruments - additional disclosures The below table provides detail related to financial instruments as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Cash and cash equivalents Cash in current accounts 246 262 Cash held in time deposits and money market funds 1,329 1,295 Total cash and cash equivalents 1,575 1,557 Financial assets - measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") Long-term financial investments 12 46 28 Total financial assets - measured at FVOCI 46 28 Financial assets - measured at amortized costs (1) Trade receivables 14 1,496 1,361 Income tax receivables 9 21 Other current assets (excluding prepaid expenses and other current assets measured at FVPL) 15 309 296 Long-term receivables from customers 12 110 117 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 12 35 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits 12 20 22 Total financial assets - measured at amortized costs 1,979 1,856 Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") Equity securities of public companies 15 3 — Deferred compensation assets 12 155 137 Current portion of long-term financial investments 15 — 12 Derivative financial instruments 15 3 3 Long-term financial investments 12 6 12 Total financial assets - measured at FVPL 167 164 Total financial assets 3,767 3,605 Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost (1) Current financial liabilities Financial debts 17 107 162 Lease liabilities 16 67 70 Trade payables 903 876 Total current financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 1,077 1,108 Non-current financial liabilities Financial debts 17 3,966 3,949 Lease liabilities 16 339 315 Total non-current financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 4,305 4,264 Total financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 5,382 5,372 Financial liabilities - measured at FVPL Contingent consideration liabilities 19/20 112 157 Derivative financial instruments 17 7 7 Total financial liabilities - measured at FVPL 119 164 Total financial liabilities 5,501 5,536 Net financial assets and financial liabilities (1,734) (1,931) (1) The carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value, with the exception of the Series 2026, 2029, 2030 and 2049 notes recorded in Non-current financial debts with a fair value of $2,891 million and carrying value of $2,728 million as of December 31, 2021 and a fair value of $3,036 million and carrying value of $2,726 million as of December 31, 2020. The fair value of notes was determined using Level 2 inputs. The notes were valued using a quoted market price for such notes, which have low trading volumes. Fair value by hierarchy As required by IFRS, financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. There are three hierarchical levels, based on an increasing amount of judgment associated with the inputs to derive fair value for these financial assets and liabilities, which are as follows: Financial assets and liabilities carried at Level 1 fair value hierarchy are listed in active markets. Financial assets and liabilities carried at Level 2 fair value hierarchy are valued using corroborated market data. Level 1 financial assets include money market funds, equity securities of public companies and deferred compensation assets. There were no financial liabilities carried at Level 1 fair value, and Level 2 financial assets and liabilities include derivative financial instruments. Investments in money market funds are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. The investments are classified as Cash & cash equivalents within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Investments in equity securities of public companies are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. Deferred compensation investments for certain employee benefit plans are held in a rabbi trust and dedicated to pay the benefits under the associated plans but are not considered plan assets as the assets remain available to creditors of Alcon in certain events, including bankruptcy. Rabbi trust assets primarily consist of investments in mutual funds. These assets are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. Level 3 inputs are unobservable for the financial asset or liability. The financial assets and liabilities generally included in the Level 3 fair value hierarchy are equity securities and convertible notes receivable of private companies measured at FVOCI, fund investments, options to acquire private companies, and contingent consideration liabilities measured at FVPL. The following tables summarize financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis or at amortized cost or cost as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. December 31, 2021 ($ millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Valued at amortized cost or cost Total Non-current financial assets Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI — — 46 — 46 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL — — 6 — 6 Long-term receivables from customers — — — 110 110 Deferred compensation assets (1) 155 — — — 155 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements — — — 35 35 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits — — — 20 20 Non-current financial assets 155 — 52 165 372 Current financial assets Money market funds 624 — — — 624 Equity securities of public companies (2) 3 — — — 3 Current portion of long-term receivables from customers (2) — — — 97 97 Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements (2) — — — 28 28 Other receivables, security deposits and current assets (2) — — — 79 79 VAT receivables (2) — — — 105 105 Derivative financial instruments (2) — 3 — — 3 Current financial assets 627 3 — 309 939 Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost 782 3 52 474 1,311 Financial liabilities Contingent consideration liabilities — — (112) — (112) Non-current financial debt — — — (3,966) (3,966) Current financial debt — — — (107) (107) Derivative financial instruments — (7) — — (7) Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost — (7) (112) (4,073) (4,192) (1) Recorded in Other non-current assets. (2) Recorded in Other current assets. December 31, 2020 ($ millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Valued at amortized cost or cost Total Non-current financial assets Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI — — 28 — 28 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL — — 12 — 12 Long-term receivables from customers — — — 117 117 Deferred compensation assets (1) 137 — — — 137 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements — — — 39 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits — — — 22 22 Non-current financial assets 137 — 40 178 355 Current financial assets Money market funds 625 — — — 625 Current portion of long-term financial investments measured at FVPL (2) — — 12 — 12 Current portion of long-term receivables from customers (2) — — — 107 107 Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements (2) — — — 29 29 Other receivables, security deposits and current assets (2) — — — 88 88 VAT receivables (2) — — — 72 72 Derivative financial instruments (2) — 3 — — 3 Current financial assets 625 3 12 296 936 Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost 762 3 52 474 1,291 Financial liabilities Contingent consideration liabilities — — (157) — (157) Non-current financial debt — — — (3,949) (3,949) Current financial debt — — — (162) (162) Derivative financial instruments — (7) — — (7) Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost — (7) (157) (4,111) (4,275) (1) Recorded in Other non-current assets. (2) Recorded in Other current assets There were no transfers of financial instruments between levels in the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Level 3 financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis Financial assets Long-term financial investments measured Financial investments ($ millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Balance as of January 1 28 31 24 61 Additions 18 7 — 2 (Losses) recognized in Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) — (10) — — Unrealized (losses) in Consolidated Income Statement — — (3) (5) Amortization — — (12) (34) Settlement — — (3) — Balance as of December 31 46 28 6 24 If the pricing parameters for the Level 3 inputs were to change for Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI by 10% positively or negatively, this would change the amount recorded in the 2021 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by $5 million. Financial liabilities Contingent consideration liabilities ($ millions) 2021 2020 Balance as of January 1 (157) (243) Accretion for passage of time (12) (17) Adjustments for changes in assumptions 42 63 Payments 15 40 Balance as of December 31 (112) (157) Changes in contingent consideration liabilities in the current year include adjustments for changes in assumptions of $42 million, primarily due to revised expectations for achievement of commercial milestones related to the impaired CGU in the Surgical reportable segment discussed in Note 10 and timing of settlement for development and commercial milestones. The current year also included a payment of $15 million related to achievement of a development milestone. As of December 31, 2021, the probability of success for various development and commercial milestones ranges from 55% to 80% and the maximum remaining potential payments related to contingent consideration from business combinations is $395 million, plus other amounts calculated as a percentage of commercial sales in cases where there is not a specified maximum contractual payment amount. The estimation of probability typically depends on factors such as technical milestones or market performance and is adjusted for the probability of payment. If material, probable payments are appropriately discounted to reflect the impact of time. Changes in contingent consideration liabilities in the prior year included adjustments for changes in assumptions of $63 million primarily related to revised expectations for achievement of development and commercial milestones and timing of settlement for milestones, and payments of $40 million related to achievement of development milestones. As of December 31, 2020, the probability of success for various development and commercial milestones ranged from 55% to 100% and the maximum remaining potential payments related to contingent consideration from business combinations was $470 million, plus other amounts calculated as a percentage of commercial sales in cases where there is not a specified maximum contractual payment amount. Contingent consideration liabilities are reported in “Provisions & other non-current liabilities" based on the projected timing of settlement which is estimated to range from 2025 through 2033 for contingent consideration obligations as of December 31, 2021. For the determination of the fair value of a contingent consideration various unobservable inputs are used. A change in these inputs might result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The inputs used are, among others, the probability of success, sales forecast and assumptions regarding the discount rate, timing and different scenarios of triggering events. The significance and usage of these inputs to each contingent consideration may vary due to differences in the timing and triggering events for payments or in the nature of the asset related to the contingent consideration. As the most significant Level 3 input, if the probability of success were to change by 10% positively or negatively, this would change the amount recorded for contingent consideration payables in the 2021 Consolidated Income Statement by $19 million. Derivatives As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the net value of unsettled positions for derivative forward contracts and swaps was $4 million, including $3 million of unrealized gains in Other current assets and $7 million of unrealized losses in Current financial debts. There are master agreements with several banking counterparties for derivatives financial instruments, however, there were no derivative financial instruments meeting the offsetting criteria under IFRS as of December 31, 2021 or December 31, 2020. Nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments Market risk Alcon is exposed to market risk, primarily related to foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and the market value of investments of liquid funds. Alcon actively monitors and seeks to reduce, where it deems it appropriate to do so, fluctuations in these exposures. It is Alcon policy and practice to enter into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage the volatility of these exposures and to enhance the yield on the investment of liquid funds. Alcon does not enter into any financial transactions containing a risk that cannot be quantified at the time the transaction is concluded. In addition, Alcon does not sell short assets it does not have, or does not know it will have, in the future. Alcon only sells existing assets or enters into transactions and future transactions (in the case of anticipatory hedges) that it confidently expects it will have in the future, based on past experience. In the case of liquid funds, Alcon writes call options on assets it has, or writes put options on positions it wants to acquire and has the liquidity to acquire. Alcon expects that any loss in value for these instruments generally would be offset by increases in the value of the underlying transactions. Foreign currency exchange rate risk Alcon uses the US Dollar as its reporting currency and is therefore exposed to foreign currency exchange movements, primarily in Euros, Japanese Yen, Chinese Renminbi, Swiss Francs, and emerging market currencies. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the US Dollar and other currencies can have a significant effect on both Alcon’s results of operations, including reported sales and earnings, as well as on the reported value of Alcon's assets, liabilities and cash flows. This, in turn, may significantly affect the comparability of period-to-period results of operations. Alcon manages its global currency exposure by engaging in hedging transactions where management deems appropriate (forward contracts and swaps). Specifically, Alcon enters into various contracts that reflect the changes in the value of foreign currency exchange rates to preserve the value of assets. Interest rate risk Alcon's exposure to cash flow interest rate risks arises mainly from non-current financial debts at variable rates. Alcon may enter into interest rate swap agreements, in which it exchanges periodic payments based on a notional amount and agreed-upon fixed and variable rate interests. If the interest rates had been higher / lower by 1%, the income before taxes would have been lower / higher by $14 million from the impacts of interest expense based on the change in the interest rate. Commodity price risk Alcon is currently experiencing inflation and supply chain challenges due to COVID-19 in certain components and has exposure to price risk related to anticipated purchases of certain commodities used as raw materials by Alcon's businesses. A change in those prices may alter the gross margin of a specific business, but generally by not more than 10% of the margin and thus below Alcon's risk management tolerance levels. Accordingly, Alcon does not enter into significant forward and option contracts to manage fluctuations in prices of anticipated purchases. Credit risk Credit risks arise from the possibility that customers may not be able to settle their obligations as agreed. To manage this risk, Alcon periodically assesses credit risk, assigns individual credit limits, and takes actions to mitigate credit risk where appropriate. With the continued adverse economic conditions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic which vary by region, there is an ongoing credit risk due to expected credit losses. Provisions for expected credit losses have been reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2021. Alcon will continue to assess forward-looking estimates of potential increased default rates and potential increase in lifetime expected credit losses. For further information, refer to Note 14 of these Consolidated Financial Statements. No customer accounted for 10% or more of Alcon's net sales in 2021, 2020 or 2019. Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is defined as the risk that Alcon may not be able to settle or meet its obligations on time or at a reasonable price. Alcon Treasury is responsible for liquidity, funding and settlement management. In addition, liquidity and funding risks, and related processes and policies, are overseen by management. Alcon manages its liquidity risk on a consolidated basis according to business needs, tax, capital or regulatory considerations, if applicable, through numerous sources of financing in order to maintain flexibility. Management monitors Alcon's net debt or liquidity position through rolling forecasts on the basis of expected cash flows. While collections stabilized in 2021, with the continued adverse economic conditions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic which vary by region, there is an ongoing liquidity risk due to potential delays or reductions in collections from our customers or increased difficulties in accessing the capital or debt markets. In response to the increased liquidity risk, on May 27, 2020, AFC completed an offering of $750 million of 2.600% senior notes due in 2030, increasing Alcon's overall liquidity. In addition, Alcon’s revolving credit facility with total availability of $1 billion remained undrawn as of December 31, 2021 with no current limitations on borrowing, and management has not identified any changes in Alcon's ability to access the capital or debt markets.

Provisions and other non-curren

Provisions and other non-current liabilities	12 Months Ended
Provisions and other non-current liabilities	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Provisions and other non-current liabilities	Provisions and other non-current liabilities The below table provides details related to Provisions and other non-current liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Accrued liability for employee benefits: Defined benefit pension plans 23 295 339 Other long-term employee benefits and deferred compensation 177 152 Other post-employment benefits 23 300 332 Provisions for litigation and other legal matters — — Contingent consideration 18 112 142 Other non-current liabilities 56 95 Total provisions and other non-current liabilities 940 1,060 Alcon believes that its total provisions are adequate based upon currently available information; however, given the inherent difficulties in estimating liabilities in this area, Alcon may incur additional costs beyond the amounts provided. Management believes that such additional amounts, if any, would not be material to Alcon's financial condition but could be material to the results of operations or cash flows in a given period. Provisions for litigation and other legal matters Alcon has established provisions for certain litigation and other legal matters, where a potential cash outflow is probable and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the outflow. These provisions represent the current best estimate of the total financial effect for these matters. Potential cash outflows reflected in a provision may be fully or partially off-set by insurance in certain circumstances. Alcon has not established provisions for potential damage awards for certain additional legal claims if Alcon currently believes that a payment is either not probable or cannot be reliably estimated. A number of other legal matters are in such early stages or the issues presented are such that Alcon has not made any provisions since it cannot currently estimate either a potential outcome or the amount of any potential losses. For these reasons, among others, Alcon generally is unable to make a reliable estimate of possible loss with respect to such cases. It is therefore not practicable to provide information about the potential financial impact of those cases. There might also be cases for which Alcon was able to make a reliable estimate of the possible loss or the range of possible loss, but Alcon believes that publication of such information on a case-by-case basis would prejudice Alcon's position in ongoing legal proceedings or in any related settlement discussions. Accordingly, in such cases, information would be disclosed with respect to the nature of the contingency, but no disclosure is provided as to an estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss. Note 26 contains additional information on contingencies. Summary of significant legal proceedings A number of Alcon companies are, and will likely continue to be, subject to various legal proceedings and investigations that arise from time to time, including proceedings regarding product liability, sales and marketing practices, commercial disputes, employment, and wrongful discharge, antitrust, securities, health and safety, environmental, tax, international trade, privacy, and intellectual property matters. As a result, Alcon may become subject to substantial liabilities that may not be covered by insurance and could affect Alcon's business, financial position and reputation. While Alcon does not believe that any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, litigation is inherently unpredictable and large judgments sometimes occur. As a consequence, Alcon may in the future incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or cash flow. The following is a summary as of February 15, 2022 of significant legal proceedings of the Alcon business to which Alcon or any of its subsidiaries are a party. Contact lenses class actions Since the first quarter of 2015, more than 50 class action complaints have been filed in several courts across the US naming as defendants contact lens manufacturers, including Alcon, and alleging violations of federal antitrust law, as well as the antitrust, consumer protection and unfair competition laws of various states, in connection with the implementation of unilateral price policies by the defendants in the sale of contact lenses. The cases have been consolidated in the Middle District of Florida by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation and the claims are being vigorously contested. Trial is set for March 28, 2022. JJSVI patent dispute On June 23, 2020, Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. ("JJSVI"), acting through its subsidiaries, filed a patent infringement action in the US District Court in Delaware alleging that the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, and/or importation of Alcon’s LenSx Laser System willfully infringes, directly and/or indirectly, one or more claims of 12 US patents. JJSVI subsequently amended its complaint to include copyright infringement claims relating to source code used in the LenSx Laser System as well as additional claims of patent infringement. Also beginning on June 23, 2020, JJSVI filed claims in Mannheim, Germany, alleging that Alcon directly infringes certain European patents through its manufacture and sale of LenSx . In these cases, JJSVI seeks monetary and injunctive relief. Alcon intends to defend all of these cases vigorously and has asserted various patent infringement and invalidity claims against JJSVI in Europe and the United States. The Delaware court has stayed the parties' US patent claims pending final written decisions by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the US Patent and Trademark Office in various ongoing inter partes review proceedings pertaining to the patents in the suit. Trial on the copyright claims in the Delaware action is set for February 2023. Hoya patent dispute On December 11, 2020, Hoya Corporation and one of its affiliates filed suit against Alcon in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas alleging that Alcon's UltraSert Pre-Loaded Delivery System infringes six of Hoya's US patents. The court denied in part Alcon’s motion to dismiss Hoya’s complaint on September 20, 2021. Trial is set for April 2023. Alcon intends to defend the case vigorously. Asia / Russia investigation In 2017 and 2018, Alcon and Novartis Group companies, as well as certain present and former executives and associates of Alcon and Novartis, received document requests and subpoenas from the US Department of Justice (“DoJ”) and the SEC requesting information concerning Alcon accounting, internal controls and business practices in Asia and Russia, including revenue recognition for surgical equipment and related products and services and relationships with third party distributors, both before and after Alcon became part of the Novartis Group. The Investigations by the DoJ and the SEC have concluded. On June 25, 2020, Alcon entered into a three-year Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the DoJ regarding a charge that Alcon Pte Ltd. conspired to falsify financial books and records in violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The charge relates to payments made by a former distributor to health care providers in Vietnam between 2007 and 2014. Alcon agreed to pay the DoJ a penalty of $8.925 million, for which Novartis has indemnified Alcon. Litigation and other legal matters provision movements ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 — — 42 Additions to provisions 54 9 — Cash payments (1) (9) (40) Releases of provisions — — (2) December 31 53 — — Less current portion (53) — — Non-current provisions for litigation and other legal matters at December 31 — — — Alcon believes that its total provisions for litigation and other legal matters are adequate based upon currently available information. However, given the inherent difficulties in estimating liabilities, additional liabilities and costs may be incurred beyond the amounts provided. The following table provides details related to Provisions and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Taxes other than income taxes 93 110 Restructuring provisions 17 10 Accrued expenses for goods and services received but not invoiced 76 61 Accruals for royalties 10 11 Accruals for deductions from revenue 264 217 Accruals for compensation and benefits including social security 489 352 Deferred income 108 110 Provisions for litigation and other legal matters 19 53 — Accrued equity-based payments 14 9 Accrued interest on financial debts 19 19 Contingent consideration 18 — 15 Other payables 58 80 Total provisions and other current liabilities 1,201 994 Provisions and accruals are based upon management's best estimate and adjusted for actual experience. Such adjustments to the historical estimates have not been material. Accruals for deductions from revenue The following table shows the movement of accruals for deductions from revenue: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 217 212 194 Additions 677 540 662 Payments/utilizations (619) (537) (646) Changes in offset against gross trade receivables (5) (2) 1 Currency translation effects (6) 4 1 December 31 264 217 212 Restructuring provisions The following table shows the movement of restructuring provisions: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 10 28 8 Additions 21 22 32 Cash payments (14) (40) (10) Releases — — (2) December 31 17 10 28 In 2021, 2020 and 2019, additions to restructuring provisions of $21 million, $22 million and $32 million, respectively, were primarily related to the multi-year transformation program announced by Alcon on November 19, 2019 and

Provisions and other current li

Provisions and other current liabilities	12 Months Ended
Provisions and other current liabilities	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Provisions and other current liabilities	Provisions and other non-current liabilities The below table provides details related to Provisions and other non-current liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Accrued liability for employee benefits: Defined benefit pension plans 23 295 339 Other long-term employee benefits and deferred compensation 177 152 Other post-employment benefits 23 300 332 Provisions for litigation and other legal matters — — Contingent consideration 18 112 142 Other non-current liabilities 56 95 Total provisions and other non-current liabilities 940 1,060 Alcon believes that its total provisions are adequate based upon currently available information; however, given the inherent difficulties in estimating liabilities in this area, Alcon may incur additional costs beyond the amounts provided. Management believes that such additional amounts, if any, would not be material to Alcon's financial condition but could be material to the results of operations or cash flows in a given period. Provisions for litigation and other legal matters Alcon has established provisions for certain litigation and other legal matters, where a potential cash outflow is probable and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the outflow. These provisions represent the current best estimate of the total financial effect for these matters. Potential cash outflows reflected in a provision may be fully or partially off-set by insurance in certain circumstances. Alcon has not established provisions for potential damage awards for certain additional legal claims if Alcon currently believes that a payment is either not probable or cannot be reliably estimated. A number of other legal matters are in such early stages or the issues presented are such that Alcon has not made any provisions since it cannot currently estimate either a potential outcome or the amount of any potential losses. For these reasons, among others, Alcon generally is unable to make a reliable estimate of possible loss with respect to such cases. It is therefore not practicable to provide information about the potential financial impact of those cases. There might also be cases for which Alcon was able to make a reliable estimate of the possible loss or the range of possible loss, but Alcon believes that publication of such information on a case-by-case basis would prejudice Alcon's position in ongoing legal proceedings or in any related settlement discussions. Accordingly, in such cases, information would be disclosed with respect to the nature of the contingency, but no disclosure is provided as to an estimate of the possible loss or range of possible loss. Note 26 contains additional information on contingencies. Summary of significant legal proceedings A number of Alcon companies are, and will likely continue to be, subject to various legal proceedings and investigations that arise from time to time, including proceedings regarding product liability, sales and marketing practices, commercial disputes, employment, and wrongful discharge, antitrust, securities, health and safety, environmental, tax, international trade, privacy, and intellectual property matters. As a result, Alcon may become subject to substantial liabilities that may not be covered by insurance and could affect Alcon's business, financial position and reputation. While Alcon does not believe that any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, litigation is inherently unpredictable and large judgments sometimes occur. As a consequence, Alcon may in the future incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or cash flow. The following is a summary as of February 15, 2022 of significant legal proceedings of the Alcon business to which Alcon or any of its subsidiaries are a party. Contact lenses class actions Since the first quarter of 2015, more than 50 class action complaints have been filed in several courts across the US naming as defendants contact lens manufacturers, including Alcon, and alleging violations of federal antitrust law, as well as the antitrust, consumer protection and unfair competition laws of various states, in connection with the implementation of unilateral price policies by the defendants in the sale of contact lenses. The cases have been consolidated in the Middle District of Florida by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation and the claims are being vigorously contested. Trial is set for March 28, 2022. JJSVI patent dispute On June 23, 2020, Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. ("JJSVI"), acting through its subsidiaries, filed a patent infringement action in the US District Court in Delaware alleging that the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, and/or importation of Alcon’s LenSx Laser System willfully infringes, directly and/or indirectly, one or more claims of 12 US patents. JJSVI subsequently amended its complaint to include copyright infringement claims relating to source code used in the LenSx Laser System as well as additional claims of patent infringement. Also beginning on June 23, 2020, JJSVI filed claims in Mannheim, Germany, alleging that Alcon directly infringes certain European patents through its manufacture and sale of LenSx . In these cases, JJSVI seeks monetary and injunctive relief. Alcon intends to defend all of these cases vigorously and has asserted various patent infringement and invalidity claims against JJSVI in Europe and the United States. The Delaware court has stayed the parties' US patent claims pending final written decisions by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the US Patent and Trademark Office in various ongoing inter partes review proceedings pertaining to the patents in the suit. Trial on the copyright claims in the Delaware action is set for February 2023. Hoya patent dispute On December 11, 2020, Hoya Corporation and one of its affiliates filed suit against Alcon in the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas alleging that Alcon's UltraSert Pre-Loaded Delivery System infringes six of Hoya's US patents. The court denied in part Alcon’s motion to dismiss Hoya’s complaint on September 20, 2021. Trial is set for April 2023. Alcon intends to defend the case vigorously. Asia / Russia investigation In 2017 and 2018, Alcon and Novartis Group companies, as well as certain present and former executives and associates of Alcon and Novartis, received document requests and subpoenas from the US Department of Justice (“DoJ”) and the SEC requesting information concerning Alcon accounting, internal controls and business practices in Asia and Russia, including revenue recognition for surgical equipment and related products and services and relationships with third party distributors, both before and after Alcon became part of the Novartis Group. The Investigations by the DoJ and the SEC have concluded. On June 25, 2020, Alcon entered into a three-year Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the DoJ regarding a charge that Alcon Pte Ltd. conspired to falsify financial books and records in violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The charge relates to payments made by a former distributor to health care providers in Vietnam between 2007 and 2014. Alcon agreed to pay the DoJ a penalty of $8.925 million, for which Novartis has indemnified Alcon. Litigation and other legal matters provision movements ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 — — 42 Additions to provisions 54 9 — Cash payments (1) (9) (40) Releases of provisions — — (2) December 31 53 — — Less current portion (53) — — Non-current provisions for litigation and other legal matters at December 31 — — — Alcon believes that its total provisions for litigation and other legal matters are adequate based upon currently available information. However, given the inherent difficulties in estimating liabilities, additional liabilities and costs may be incurred beyond the amounts provided. The following table provides details related to Provisions and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Taxes other than income taxes 93 110 Restructuring provisions 17 10 Accrued expenses for goods and services received but not invoiced 76 61 Accruals for royalties 10 11 Accruals for deductions from revenue 264 217 Accruals for compensation and benefits including social security 489 352 Deferred income 108 110 Provisions for litigation and other legal matters 19 53 — Accrued equity-based payments 14 9 Accrued interest on financial debts 19 19 Contingent consideration 18 — 15 Other payables 58 80 Total provisions and other current liabilities 1,201 994 Provisions and accruals are based upon management's best estimate and adjusted for actual experience. Such adjustments to the historical estimates have not been material. Accruals for deductions from revenue The following table shows the movement of accruals for deductions from revenue: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 217 212 194 Additions 677 540 662 Payments/utilizations (619) (537) (646) Changes in offset against gross trade receivables (5) (2) 1 Currency translation effects (6) 4 1 December 31 264 217 212 Restructuring provisions The following table shows the movement of restructuring provisions: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 10 28 8 Additions 21 22 32 Cash payments (14) (40) (10) Releases — — (2) December 31 17 10 28 In 2021, 2020 and 2019, additions to restructuring provisions of $21 million, $22 million and $32 million, respectively, were primarily related to the multi-year transformation program announced by Alcon on November 19, 2019 and

Consolidated statement of cas_2

Consolidated statement of cash flows - additional details	12 Months Ended
Consolidated statement of cash flows - additional details	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash Flow Statement [Abstract]
Consolidated statements of cash flows - additional details	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - additional details The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows was prepared in accordance with IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows. The below tables provide additional detail supporting select line items in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. 21.1 Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Property, plant & equipment 323 299 275 Right-of-use assets 81 79 66 Intangible assets 815 1,245 1,084 Financial assets 3 5 31 Other non-current assets (2) (2) — Total 1,220 1,626 1,456 21.2 Change in net current assets and other operating cash flow items ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 (Increase) in inventories (326) (159) (108) (Increase)/decrease in trade receivables (198) 43 (115) Increase/(decrease) in trade payables 60 (21) 84 Net change in other operating assets (24) 127 (26) Net change in other operating liabilities 174 (35) 117 Total (314) (45) (48) 21.3 Acquisitions of businesses, net ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Net assets recognized as a result of business combinations — — (418) Payables contingent consideration — — 135 Cash flows — — (283) Notes 4 and 22 to these Consolidated Financial Statements provide further information regarding an acquisition of a business in 2019 for cash. 21.4 Reconciliation of assets and liabilities arising from financing activities Financial Liabilities ($ millions) Non-current financial debts Current financial debts Non-current lease liabilities Current lease liabilities January 1, 2021 3,949 169 315 70 Proceeds from non-current financial debts, net of issuance costs 52 — Additions to leases 106 9 Change in current financial debts — (43) Amortization of discounts on financial debts 1 — Payments of lease liabilities, net — (72) Interest payments for amounts included in lease liabilities classified as cash flows from operating activities — (13) Changes in fair values and other non-cash changes, net 4 — (2) 8 Currency translation effects (40) (12) (10) (5) Reclassification from non-current to current — — (70) 70 December 31, 2021 3,966 114 339 67

Acquisitions of businesses

Acquisitions of businesses	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions of businesses	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combinations1 [Abstract]
Acquisitions of businesses	Acquisitions of businesses Fair value of assets and liabilities arising from acquisitions ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Property, plant and equipment — — 1 Acquired research and development — — 505 Deferred tax assets — — 28 Cash and cash equivalents — — 6 Deferred tax liabilities — — (121) Trade payables and other liabilities — — (1) Net identifiable assets acquired — — 418 Acquired liquidity — — (6) Goodwill — — 6 Net assets recognized as a result of business combinations — — 418 Note 4 of these Consolidated Financial Statements details a significant acquisition of a business, PowerVision, in 2019. No goodwill from the 2019 acquisition is tax-deductible.

Post-employment benefits for as

Post-employment benefits for associates	12 Months Ended
Post-employment benefits for associates	Dec. 31, 2021
Employee Benefits [Abstract]
Post-employment benefits for associates	Post-employment benefits for associates Defined benefit plans In addition to the legally required social security schemes, Alcon has sponsored numerous independent pension and other post-employment benefit plans. In most cases, these plans are externally funded in entities that are legally separate from Alcon. For certain subsidiaries, however, no independent plan assets exist for the pension and other post-employment benefit obligations of associates. In these cases the related unfunded liability is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The value of the post-employment benefits promised under the pension and other post-employment benefit plans is represented by the defined benefit obligation ("DBO"), which is measured based on the projected unit credit method ("PUC"). Independent actuaries reappraise the DBOs of all major pension and other post-employment benefit plans annually. Plan assets are recognized at fair value. The major pension and other post-employment benefit plans are based in Switzerland, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2021, these plans represent 88% of Alcon's total DBO and are independently sponsored by Alcon. Details of the plans in those significant countries are provided below. The pension plans in Switzerland represent the most significant portion of Alcon's total pension DBO and the largest component of Alcon's total plan assets. The principal plan in Switzerland is funded and open for new joiners. For the Swiss pension plan, active insured members' benefits are partially linked to the contributions paid into the plan. Certain features of the Swiss pension plan required by law preclude the plan from being categorized as a defined contribution plan. These factors include a minimum interest guarantee on retirement savings accounts, a pre-determined factor for converting the accumulated savings account balance into a pension and embedded death and disability benefits. All benefits granted under a Swiss-based principal pension plan are vested, and Swiss legislation prescribes that the employer has to contribute a fixed percentage of an associate's pay to an external pension foundation. Additional employer contributions may be required whenever the foundation's statutory funding ratio falls below a certain level. The associate also contributes to the plan. As of December 31, 2021, following the transfer out of the Novartis pension fund effective February 1, 2021, Alcon's Swiss pension obligation is set-up under an Alcon-sponsored arrangement affiliated with Copré La Collective de Prévoyance ("Copré") – a Swiss collective foundation. As a collective foundation, Copré is governed by its own board of trustees which is responsible for the foundation regulations and asset investment strategy for multiple entities participating in the collective foundation. Also effective February 1, 2021, Alcon established its own pension committee, consisting of representatives nominated by Alcon and the active insured associates. During the fourth quarter of 2021, Copré announced the rates to be used to convert participant balances to pension annuities for 2024 to 2026. This announcement resulted in a plan amendment with a benefit of $15 million recognized in Other income and a corresponding decrease in the DBO. During the third quarter of 2020, the selection of Copré resulted in a plan amendment with past service costs of $12 million recognized in Other expense and a corresponding increase in the DBO. The United States pension plans represent the second largest component of Alcon's total pension DBO and the third largest component of Alcon's total plan assets. The principal plan (Qualified Plan) is funded, whereas the plans providing additional benefits for executives (Defined Benefit Restoration Plan and Grandfathered Supplemental Executive Plan) are unfunded. Benefits in the Qualified Plan and Restoration Plan are frozen for all participants. Employer contributions are required for the Qualified Plan whenever the statutory funding ratio falls below a certain level. Furthermore, most associates in the United States are covered under other post-employment benefit plans (US OPEB plans) which represent 99% of the total DBO for other post-employment benefit plans. These benefits in the US primarily consist of post-employment healthcare which has been closed to new members since 2015. Effective January 1, 2021, the Alcon sponsored group health plan for current and future eligible retired participants age 65 and over was changed to a private Medicare marketplace while providing an annual notional contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account for each covered member and spouse. The impact of the plan amendment in the fourth quarter of 2020 was a benefit of $164 million recognized in Other income and a corresponding decrease in the DBO in Provisions and other non-current liabilities. There is no statutory funding requirement for the US OPEB plans. The major pension arrangements in Germany are governed by the Occupational Pensions Act ("BetrAVG") and represent the third largest component of Alcon's total pension DBO and the fifth largest component of Alcon's total plan assets. The plans are partly funded by a Contractual Trust arrangement or direct insurances. The employer is responsible for contributing the premiums to the insurances and paying certain benefits when they fall due. All plans are closed for new entrants and the benefits are fully vested for all participants. For some participants the benefits are based on final salary and length of employment, and for others the benefit is earned each year based on the current salary in the year of service. Associates do not contribute towards the cost of the benefits. The pension plans in the United Kingdom represent the fourth largest component of Alcon's total pension DBO and the second largest component of Alcon's total plan assets. The plan is closed with only former Alcon associates entitled to current or future benefits. The Alcon United Kingdom Pension Scheme is governed and administered by a board of trustees in accordance with its Trust Deed. United Kingdom legislation requires that pension schemes are funded prudently (i.e., to a level in excess of the "best estimate" expected cost of providing benefits). Funding is assessed on a triennial basis using (prudent) assumptions agreed by the board of trustees and Alcon. The board of trustees is responsible for jointly agreeing with Alcon the level of contributions needed to eliminate any shortfall over a reasonable period of time, typically not exceeding 10 years. Under the governing documentation, if a surplus remains once liabilities have been settled it would be refunded to Alcon. One of Alcon's pension plans has a surplus that is not recognized on the basis that future economic benefits are not available to the entity in the form of a reduction in future contributions or a cash refund. The following tables summarize the funded and unfunded DBO for pension and other post-employment benefit plans of Alcon associates at December 31, 2021 and 2020: Pension plans Other post-employment ($ millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Benefit obligation at January 1 817 723 332 423 Current service cost 24 31 10 14 Interest cost 9 12 7 15 Past service costs and settlements (38) 9 — (165) Administrative expenses 1 1 — — Remeasurement (gains)/losses arising from changes in financial assumptions (22) 38 (12) 92 Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from changes in demographic assumptions — 2 1 (4) Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from experience-related changes 67 (13) (25) (27) Currency translation effects (35) 44 — — Benefit payments (37) (36) (17) (25) Contributions of associates 5 6 4 9 Benefit obligation at December 31 791 817 300 332 Fair value of plan assets at January 1 519 451 — — Interest income 6 7 — — Return on plan assets excluding interest income 49 32 — — Currency translation effects (18) 24 — — Employer contributions 23 25 13 16 Contributions of associates 5 6 4 9 Settlements (20) (2) — — Benefit payments (37) (36) (17) (25) Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers 14 12 — — Fair value of plan assets at December 31 541 519 — — Funded status (250) (298) (300) (332) Limitation on recognition of fund surplus at January 1 (17) (6) Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus (including exchange rate differences) (3) (11) Limitation on recognition of fund surplus at December 31 (20) (17) Net liability in the balance sheet at December 31 (270) (315) (300) (332) The reconciliation of the net liability from January 1 to December 31 is as follows: Pension plans Other post-employment benefit plans ($ millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net liability at January 1 (315) (278) (332) (423) Current service cost (24) (31) (10) (14) Net interest expense (3) (5) (7) (15) Administrative expenses (1) (1) — — Past service costs and settlements 18 (11) — 165 Remeasurements 4 5 36 (61) Currency translation effects 17 (20) — — Employer contributions 23 25 13 16 Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers 14 12 — — Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus (3) (11) — — Net liability at December 31 (270) (315) (300) (332) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Prepaid benefit cost 25 24 — — Accrued benefit liability (295) (339) (300) (332) The following tables provide detail of the DBO for pension plans by geography and type of member and of plan assets based on the geographical locations in which they are held: 2021 ($ millions) Switzerland United Germany United Rest of Total By type of member Active (295) (43) (64) — (99) (501) Deferred pensioners (11) (41) (28) (57) (14) (151) Pensioners (23) (42) (23) (40) (11) (139) Benefit obligation at December 31 (329) (126) (115) (97) (124) (791) Thereof: unfunded plans 47 29 — — 23 99 Thereof: unfunded portion of funded plans 87 6 94 — 9 196 Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus — — — (24) (21) (45) Fair value of plan assets at December 31 195 91 21 121 113 541 Funded status (134) (35) (94) 24 (11) (250) 2020 ($ millions) Switzerland United Germany United Rest of Total By type of member Active (251) (53) (76) — (125) (505) Deferred pensioners (12) (50) (32) (62) (17) (173) Pensioners (26) (35) (26) (42) (10) (139) Benefit obligation at December 31 (289) (138) (134) (104) (152) (817) Thereof: unfunded plans 51 30 — — 31 112 Thereof: unfunded portion of funded plans 84 14 115 — 14 227 Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus — — — (23) (18) (41) Fair value of plan assets at December 31 154 94 19 127 125 519 Funded status (135) (44) (115) 23 (27) (298) The following table shows the principal weighted average actuarial assumptions used for calculating defined benefit plans and other post-employment benefits of Alcon associates: Pension plans Other post-employment 2021 2020 2021 2020 Discount rate 1.4 % 1.2 % 2.7 % 2.3 % Expected rate of pension increase 1.1 % 1.1 % Expected rate of salary increase 2.2 % 2.4 % Interest on savings account 1.3 % 1.0 % Current average life expectancy for a 65-year-old male (in years) 20 20 21 20 Current average life expectancy for a 65-year-old female (in years) 22 23 23 22 The following table shows additional details related to the weighted average discount rates for the principal plan for each significant country: Pension plans Other post-employment 2021 2020 2021 2020 Switzerland 0.2 % 0.1 % United States 2.8 % 2.4 % 2.7 % 2.3 % Germany 1.2 % 0.8 % United Kingdom 1.9 % 1.3 % Changes in the aforementioned actuarial assumptions can result in significant volatility in the accounting for pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans in the Consolidated Financial Statements. This can result in substantial changes in Alcon's other comprehensive income, non-current liabilities and prepaid pension assets. The DBO is significantly impacted by assumptions related to the rate used to discount the actuarially determined post-employment benefit liability. This rate is based on yields of high-quality corporate bonds in the country of the plan. Increasing corporate bond yields increase the discount rate. An increase in the discount rate results in a decrease in the DBO and an increase in the funded status. The impact of increasing interest rates on a plan's assets is more difficult to predict. A significant part of plan assets is invested in bonds. Bond values typically are inversely correlated to interest rates. Bond values usually decrease when interest rates rise and may therefore partially offset the increase in the funded status. Furthermore, pension assets also include significant holdings of equity instruments. Share prices tend to fall when interest rates increase and therefore often offset the positive impact of the decreasing DBO on the funded status (although the correlation of interest rates with returns on equities is not as strong as with bonds, especially in the short term). The assumption for the expected rate for pension increases significantly affects the DBO of most plans in Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom. Such pension increases also decrease the funded status, although there is no strong correlation between the value of the plan assets and pension/inflation increases. Assumptions regarding life expectancy significantly impact the DBO. An increase in longevity increases the DBO. There is no offsetting impact from the plan assets, as no longevity bonds or swaps are held by the pension funds. Generational mortality tables are used where this data is available. The following table shows the sensitivity of the defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit obligations to the principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2021: ($ millions) Change in 2021 year-end 25 basis point increase in discount rate (45) 25 basis point decrease in discount rate 38 1 year increase in life expectancy 23 25 basis point increase in rate of pension increase 9 25 basis point decrease in rate of pension increase (1) (11) 25 basis point increase of interest on savings account 5 25 basis point decrease of interest on savings account (5) 25 basis point increase in rate of salary increase 5 25 basis point decrease in rate of salary increase (5) (1) Decrease in rate of pension increase is limited to zero. The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes of the assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the DBO to significant actuarial assumptions the same method (present value of the defined benefit obligation calculated with the PUC method at the end of the reporting period) has been applied as when calculating the net liability recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The healthcare cost trend rate assumptions used for other post-employment benefits are as follows: 2021 2020 2019 Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.2 % 6.2 % 6.5 % Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2029 2028 2028 The following table shows the weighted average plan asset allocation of funded defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2021, and 2020: Pension plans (as a percentage) Long-term Long-term 2021 2020 Equity securities 15 40 35 31 Debt securities 20 60 40 46 Real estate 5 20 11 7 Alternative investments 0 20 11 10 Cash and other investments 0 15 3 6 Total 100 100 Cash and most of the equity and debt securities have a quoted market price in an active market. Real estate and alternative investments, which include hedge fund and private equity investments, usually do not have a quoted market price. The strategic allocation of assets of the different pension plans is determined with the objective of achieving an investment return that, together with employer contributions and contributions of associates (where applicable), is sufficient to manage the various funding risks of the plans. Based upon the market and economic environments, actual asset allocations may temporarily be permitted to deviate from policy targets. The weighted average duration of the DBO is 15.5 years as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Alcon's ordinary contribution to the various pension plans is based on the rules of each plan and its respective country. Additional contributions are made whenever required by local statute or law (i.e., usually when statutory funding levels fall below predetermined thresholds). The following table summarizes expected future cash flows for pension and other post-employment benefit plans as of December 31, 2021: ($ millions) Pension plans Other Employer contributions 2022 (estimated) 12 — Expected future benefit payments 2022 31 18 2023 29 19 2024 31 21 2025 32 21 2026 33 21 2027-2031 196 103 Defined contribution plans In many subsidiaries, associates are covered by defined contribution plans. Contributions charged to the 2021 Consolidated Income Statement for the defined contribution plans were $133 million (2020: $136 million; 2019: $128 million).

Equity-based compensation

Equity-based compensation	12 Months Ended
Equity-based compensation	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Equity-based compensation	Equity-based compensation For the year ended December 31, 2021, Alcon recorded equity-based compensation expense of $151 million (2020: $113 million, 2019: $114 million). Liabilities from cash-settled equity-based compensation plans were $14 million as of December 31, 2021 ($9 million as of December 31, 2020). On April 9, 2019, Alcon adopted various equity-based incentive plans, under which Alcon may grant awards in the form of restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance-based restricted stock units ("PSUs"), restricted stock awards ("RSAs"), or any other form of award at the discretion of the Board. Certain associates in select countries may also participate in share ownership savings plans. Prior to the Spin-off, Alcon associates participated in Novartis equity-based participation plans, which included stock options, RSUs, PSUs, RSAs and certain share ownership savings plans. Such awards were settled in shares or options of the Former Parent. Prior to the Spin-off, the Consolidated Income Statement reflects the compensation expense for Novartis’ equity-based incentive plans in which Alcon associates participated. Replacement awards Concurrent with the Spin-off, certain outstanding Novartis awards granted to Alcon associates under Novartis’ equity-based incentive plans vested in Novartis equity on a pro rata basis, in proportion to the amount of the vesting period completed. The remaining unvested Novartis awards were replaced and restored with Alcon awards as governed by the Alcon equity restoration plan with terms and vesting schedules substantially similar to the replaced Novartis awards. The pro rata vesting of Novartis awards and replacement of unvested Novartis awards with Alcon awards represents a modification under IFRS 2, Share-based Payment . Alcon measured the fair value of the awards immediately prior to and subsequent to the modification and concluded that no incremental fair value was provided to associates. Accordingly, Alcon continues to recognize as an expense the amount of unrecognized compensation cost of the original awards over the remaining vesting periods. Alcon issued 4.2 million unvested equity-based awards in connection with the modification at the time of the Spin-off. The replacement awards consist primarily of RSUs and PSUs, and vest over a period consistent with the original vesting schedule of the awards which they replaced. In addition to the replacement awards, Alcon has granted additional equity-based awards under the newly-established Alcon incentive plans which were also granted in the form of RSUs and PSUs that will settle in Alcon Inc. shares upon vesting. Summary of unvested share movements The below table summarizes unvested share movements for all Alcon equity-based incentive plans through December 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 Number of Weighted average Fair value at grant date in $ millions Number of Weighted average Fair value at grant date in $ millions Unvested shares at January 1 5,417 54.90 297 4,742 51.20 243 Granted Restricted awards 1,456 72.05 105 1,668 60.19 100 Performance awards 429 72.71 31 457 62.03 28 Vested (1,258) 50.94 (64) (1,149) 50.55 (58) Forfeited (417) 62.50 (26) (301) 54.14 (16) Unvested shares at December 31 5,627 60.96 343 5,417 54.90 297 The remaining weighted-average vesting period of unvested equity-based awards as of December 31, 2021 was 1.1 years. Alcon equity-based incentive plans The below table summarizes the number of shares authorized under the plans as of December 31, 2021: (thousands) Authorized shares Long-term Incentive Plan 20,000 Deferred Bonus Stock Plan (1) 1,500 Swiss Employee Share Ownership Plan 475 Other share savings plans 275 Total 22,250 (1) Beginning in 2020, the annual incentives for the Alcon CEO and ATLs no longer include deferrals of compensation in the form of equity-based awards subject to the provisions of this plan. No grants were issued under this plan in 2021 and 2020. Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") - Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards Under Alcon's LTIP, certain associates may receive grants of RSUs and RSAs (together "Restricted awards"). The awards generally vest on the third anniversary of the award and are generally forfeited if the employment relationship with Alcon terminates prior to vesting. Recipients of RSU awards do not have any shareholder rights, such as voting or dividend rights, until the shares are delivered. Alcon associates receiving grants of RSAs are entitled to the dividends that may be declared and paid over the vesting period only if the associates vest in such award. Prior to the Spin-off, Alcon associates participated in the Former Parent's "Select" plan. The Company's LTIP plan is substantially similar to and replaced the Former Parent plan. LTIP - Performance Stock Units The Alcon CEO and Alcon Top Leaders ("ATLs") participate in Alcon's long-term performance program. PSUs granted under the LTIP each convert to one unrestricted Alcon Inc. share at vesting, subject to the achievement of performance measures. PSUs awarded to plan participants are granted at target incentive ranges from 35% to 430% of base compensation and vest over a three-year period. The payout between 0% and 200% of target is dependent upon four equally weighted performance metrics which are determined at the onset of the performance period by the Alcon Inc. Board of Directors. The metrics include compound annual growth rate of Net sales, compound annual growth rate of core EPS, market share of peers, and innovation. The Alcon Inc. Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee assess the performance against the defined measures, including input from the Innovation Committee for the innovation metric, and approve the final payout. PSUs granted under the performance plan do not carry voting rights, but do carry dividend equivalents that are paid in cash or Alcon Inc. shares at vesting, provided participants remain associates of Alcon. Prior to the Spin-off, Alcon associates participated in the Former Parent's Long-Term Performance Plan ("LTPP") and Long-Term Relative Performance Plan ("LTRPP"), which were substantially similar to Alcon's LTIP performance program. Swiss Employee Share Ownership Plan and other share savings plans Alcon associates in certain countries are encouraged to invest in share savings plans. Under the share savings plans, participants may elect to receive some of their wages or annual incentives in Alcon Inc. shares in lieu of cash. Subject to plan rules and limitations, as a reward for their participation in the share savings plans, at no additional cost to the participant, Alcon may partially match their investments in shares after a holding period of 3 years.

Related parties transactions

Related parties transactions	12 Months Ended
Related parties transactions	Dec. 31, 2021
Related Party [Abstract]
Related parties transactions	Related parties transactions Executive officers The following table summarizes compensation information for key management personnel: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Cash and other compensation 19.3 12.8 12.5 Post-employment benefits 0.9 1.1 0.9 Equity-based compensation 20.9 9.2 10.7 Total 41.1 23.1 24.1 Transactions with Novartis (up to April 9, 2019) Prior to the Spin-off, the Alcon business was a segment of Novartis such that transactions with Novartis were considered related party transactions. In connection with the Spin-off, Alcon entered into a separation and distribution agreement as well as various other agreements governing relationships with Novartis going forward, including manufacturing and supply, transitional services, tax matters, employee matters, and patent and know-how license and brand license agreements. Information included in this Note with respect to Novartis is strictly limited to related party transactions with Novartis prior to the Spin-off on April 9, 2019. Transactions from trading activities related to products and services invoiced between other Novartis Group companies and Alcon's business, have been retained in the historical Consolidated Financial Statements. The ultimate controlling parent of both, the other Novartis Group companies and Alcon's business, was Novartis AG until the Spin-off. The following table summarizes amounts for the year ended December 31, 2019: ($ millions) 2019 (1) Contract manufacturing revenues from former parent 47 Purchases from former parent 19 (1) Activity presented strictly relates to the period during which Novartis was a related party (up to April 9, 2019). Sales to and purchases from Former Parent Beginning in 2019, product sales to Novartis are recorded in Other revenues in line with Alcon's contract manufacturing arrangement executed with Novartis. Other revenues in 2019 prior to the Spin-off were $47 million. Purchases of products from Novartis under the contract manufacturing arrangement totaled $19 million in 2019 prior to the Spin-off. Services provided by Former Parent Services provided by Novartis Group to Alcon in 2019 prior to the Spin-off totaled $40 million and primarily related to human resources operations, real estate and facility services, and information technology. Management believes that the net charges and methods used for allocations to Alcon were performed on a reasonable basis and reflect the services received by Alcon and the cost incurred on behalf of Alcon. Although the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect management's best estimate of all historical costs related to Alcon, this may however not necessarily reflect what the results of operations, financial position, or cash flows would have been had Alcon been a separate entity, nor the future results of Alcon as it exists following completion of the separation on April 9, 2019.

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and contingencies	Dec. 31, 2021
Other Provisions, Contingent Liabilities And Contingent Assets [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies Commitments Research & development Alcon has entered into long-term research agreements with various institutions which provide for potential milestone payments and other payments by Alcon that may be capitalized. As of December 31, 2021, the commitments to make payments under those agreements, and their estimated timing, were as follows: ($ millions) 2021 2022 4 2023 4 2024 — 2025 3 2026 — Thereafter 44 Total 55 Other Alcon entered into various purchase commitments for services and materials as well as for equipment in the ordinary course of business. These commitments are generally entered into at current market prices and reflect normal business operations. For disclosure of Property, plant and equipment purchase commitments, see Note 9. Contingencies The Alcon companies have to observe the laws, government orders and regulations of the country in which they operate. A number of Alcon companies are, and will likely continue to be, subject to various legal proceedings and investigations that arise from time to time, including proceedings regarding product liability, sales and marketing practices, commercial disputes, employment, and wrongful discharge, antitrust, securities, health and safety, environmental, tax, international trade, privacy, and intellectual property matters. As a result, Alcon may become subject to substantial liabilities that may not be covered by insurance and could affect Alcon's business, financial position and reputation. While Alcon does not believe that any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, litigation is inherently unpredictable and large judgments sometimes occur. As a consequence, Alcon may in the future incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or cash flow. Governments and regulatory authorities around the world have been stepping up their compliance and law enforcement activities in recent years in key areas, including marketing practices, pricing, corruption, trade restrictions, embargo legislation, insider trading, antitrust, cyber security and data privacy. Further, when one government or regulatory authority undertakes an investigation, it is not uncommon for other governments or regulators to undertake investigations regarding the same or similar matters. Responding to such investigations is costly and requires an increasing amount of management's time and attention. In addition, such investigations may affect Alcon's reputation, create a risk of potential exclusion from government reimbursement programs in the United States and other countries, and may lead to (or arise from) litigation. These factors have contributed to decisions by Alcon and other companies in the healthcare industry, when deemed in their interest, to enter into settlement agreements with governmental authorities around the world prior to any formal decision by the authorities or a court. Those government settlements have involved and may continue to involve, in current government investigations and proceedings, large cash payments, sometimes in the hundreds of millions of dollars or more, including the potential repayment of amounts allegedly obtained improperly and other penalties, including treble damages. In addition, settlements of government healthcare fraud cases often require companies to enter into corporate integrity agreements, which are intended to regulate company behavior for a period of years. Also, matters underlying governmental investigations and settlements may be the subject of separate private litigation. While provisions have been made for probable losses, which management deems to be reasonable or appropriate, there are uncertainties connected with these estimates. Note 19 contains additional information on these matters. Alcon is involved in legal proceedings concerning intellectual property rights. The inherent unpredictability of such proceedings means that there can be no assurances as to their ultimate outcome. A negative result in any such proceeding could potentially adversely affect the ability of certain Alcon companies to sell their products, or require the payment of substantial damages or royalties. Alcon's potential for environmental remediation liability is assessed based on a risk assessment and investigation of the various sites identified by Alcon as at risk for environmental remediation exposure. Alcon's future remediation expenses are affected by a number of uncertainties. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the method and extent of remediation, the percentage of material attributable to Alcon at the remediation sites relative to that attributable to other parties, and the financial capabilities of the other potentially responsible parties. Alcon has no significant environmental liabilities as at December 31, 2021 and 2020 and has incurred no significant remediation costs for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Subsequent events

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent events	Dec. 31, 2021
Events After Reporting Period [Abstract]
Subsequent events	Subsequent events Surgical - Acquisition of Ivantis, Inc. On January 7, 2022, Alcon acquired 100% of the outstanding shares and equity of Ivantis, Inc., a privately-held, US-based company and manufacturer of the Hydrus Microstent, a minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (“MIGS”) device designed to lower intraocular pressure for open-angle glaucoma patients. The acquisition expands Alcon’s surgical portfolio and is expected to help provide a platform for more growth in the glaucoma space. Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Option Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended, Alcon agreed to pay total upfront consideration of $478 million and additional amounts to be potentially paid upon achievement of a development milestone and commercial milestones calculated as a percentage of sales in excess of defined targets that expire in calendar year 2024. The acquisition will be accounted for as an asset acquisition rather than a business combination as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired on the closing of the acquisition is concentrated in the value of Hydrus Microstent commercially marketed product intangible assets, being a group of identifiable assets. Consequently, a relative fair value approach was taken for allocating the consideration to the acquired assets and liabilities with no goodwill recognized. The preliminary purchase price allocation includes approximately $449 million of intangible assets, primarily related to currently marketed products, $39 million of tangible assets and approximately $10 million of assumed liabilities. Cash paid for the acquisition, net of cash acquired, was $475 million. Board of Directors approval of AGM agenda On February 15, 2022, the Alcon Board of Directors approved the proposal to submit the 2021 financial statements of Alcon Inc. and these Consolidated Financial Statements for approval at the Annual General Meeting on April 27, 2022. Additionally on February 15, 2022, the Board proposed a dividend of CHF 0.20 per share to be approved at the same Annual General Meeting. If approved by the shareholders, the total dividend payments would amount to a maximum of approximately $108 million using the CHF/USD exchange rate as of February 10, 2022. The Board of Directors has evaluated subsequent events as they relate to Alcon for potential recognition or disclosures from January 1, 2022 to the date of the approval of these Consolidated Financial Statements and has determined there are no additional subsequent events to be reported in these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Alcon subsidiaries

Alcon subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
Alcon subsidiaries	Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Separate Financial Statements [Abstract]
Alcon subsidiaries	Alcon subsidiaries The following table lists the subsidiaries of Alcon Inc. with Total assets or Net sales to third parties in excess of $5 million included in the Consolidated Financial Statements at and for the year ended December 31, 2021, respectively. The equity interest percentage shown in the table represents Alcon's share in voting rights in those entities. Unless otherwise stated, each entity has share capital consisting of equity held directly by the Company or another of its consolidated subsidiaries. Country of organization/Entity name Place of business Equity Argentina Alcon Laboratorios Argentina S.A. Buenos Aires 100 % Australia Alcon Laboratories (Australia) Pty Ltd Macquarie Park 100 % Austria Alcon Ophthalmika GmbH Wein 100 % Belgium Alcon Laboratories Belgium BVBA Puurs 100 % Alcon N.V. Vilvoorde 100 % Brazil Alcon Brasil Cuidados com a Saúde Ltda. São Paulo 100 % Canada Alcon Canada Inc. Mississauga, Ontario 100 % Chile Alcon Laboratorios Chile Ltd. Santiago de Chile 100 % China Alcon (China) Ophthalmic Product Co., Ltd. Beijing 100 % Alcon Hong Kong Limited Hong Kong 100 % Colombia Laboratorios Alcon de Colombia S.A. Santafé de Bogotá 100 % Czech Republic Alcon Pharmaceuticals (Czech Republic) s.r.o. Prague 100 % Denmark Alcon Nordic A/S Copenhagen 100 % Ecuador AlconLab Ecuador S.A. Quito 100 % France Laboratoires Alcon S.A.S. Rueil-Malmaison 100 % Germany Alcon Deutschland GmbH Freiburg im Breisgau 100 % CIBA Vision GmbH Grosswallstadt 100 % WaveLight GmbH Erlangen 100 % Greece Alcon Laboratories Hellas- Single Member Commercial and Industrial S.A.C.I. Maroussi, Athens 100 % Hungary Alcon Hungary Pharmaceuticals Trading Limited Liability Company Budapest 100 % India Alcon Laboratories (India) Private Limited Bangalore 100 % Indonesia PT. CIBA Vision Batam Batam 100 % Ireland Alcon Laboratories Ireland Limited Cork City 100 % Israel Optonol Ltd. Neve-Ilan 100 % Italy Alcon Italia S.p.A. Milano 100 % Japan Alcon Japan Ltd. Tokyo 100 % Malaysia Alcon Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya 100 % Country of organization/Entity name Place of business Equity CIBA Vision Johor Sdn. Bhd. Johor 100 % Mexico Alcon Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V. Ciudad de Mexico 100 % Netherlands Alcon Nederland B.V. Gorinchem 100 % New Zealand Alcon Laboratories (New Zealand) Ltd. Remuera 100 % Panama Alcon Centroamerica S.A. Panama City 100 % Peru Alcon Pharmaceutical del Peru S.A. Lima 100 % Philippines Alcon Laboratories (Philippines), Inc. Pasig City 100 % Poland Alcon Polska Sp. z o.o. Warszawa 100 % Portugal Alcon Portugal-Produtos e Equipamentos Oftalmológicos Lda. Porto Salvo 100 % Puerto Rico Alcon (Puerto Rico), Inc. Cataño, PR 100 % Romania Alcon Romania S.R.L. Bucharest 100 % Russian Federation Alcon Farmacevtika LLC Moscow 100 % Singapore Alcon Pte Ltd Singapore 100 % Alcon Singapore Manufacturing Pte Ltd Singapore 100 % CIBA Vision Asian Manufacturing and Logistics Pte Ltd. Singapore 100 % South Africa Alcon Laboratories (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. Midrand 100 % South Korea Alcon Korea Ltd. Seoul 100 % Spain Alcon Healthcare S.A. Barcelona 100 % Switzerland Alcon Grieshaber AG Schaffhausen 100 % Alcon Management SA Vernier 100 % Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Fribourg 100 % Alcon Services AG Fribourg 100 % Alcon Switzerland SA Zug 100 % Thailand Alcon Laboratories (Thailand) Limited Bangkok 100 % Turkey Alcon Laboratuvarlari Ticaret A.S. Istanbul 100 % Ukraine Alcon Ukraine LLC Kiev 100 % United Kingdom Alcon Eye Care UK Limited Frimley/Camberley 100 % Country of organization/Entity name Place of business Equity United States of America Alcon Finance Corporation Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon LenSx, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon RefractiveHorizons, LLC Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon Research, LLC Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon Vision, LLC Fort Worth, TX 100 % CIBA Vision, LLC Fort Worth, TX 100 % WaveLight, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % PowerVision, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % Tear Film Innovations, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % TrueVision Systems, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % Uruguay Alcon Laboratorios Uruguay S.A. Montevideo 100 %

Selected accounting policies (P

Selected accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Selected accounting policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2021
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In the event that the Company has an interest in another entity that is not wholly owned, the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of such entity are included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, if the Company is exposed or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. They are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention except for items that are required to be accounted for at fair value. All intercompany transactions and accounts within Alcon were eliminated. The Company's financial year-end is December 31, which is also the annual closing date of the individual entities' financial statements incorporated into the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic	Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic. The pandemic triggered widespread shelter-in-place orders, business shutdowns and the deferral of non-urgent surgical procedures. Outbreaks of COVID-19 cases continued to occur in 2021 and localized responses remain unpredictable. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to have an impact on our financial results and operations in 2021, and it may continue to have an adverse effect on our net sales, operating results and cash flow. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic impact may continue to affect our financial condition or results of operations is uncertain. We have analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We have assessed various accounting estimates and other matters, including those that require consideration of forecasted financial information, in the context of the unknown future impacts of COVID-19 using information reasonably available to us at this time. The accounting estimates and other matters assessed included, but were not limited to, provisions for expected credit losses, goodwill and other intangible assets, financial instruments, inventory provisions, associate benefits, income taxes and revenue recognition. Based on our assessment performed, the resulting provisions recorded were not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 or 2020, respectively. However, the inherent uncertainties of COVID-19 including the
Foreign currencies	Foreign currencies The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in US dollars ("USD"). The functional currency of individual entities incorporated into the Consolidated Financial Statements is generally the local currency of the respective entity. The functional currency used for the reporting of certain Swiss entities is USD instead of their respective local currencies. This reflects the fact that the cash flows and transactions of these entities are primarily denominated in these currencies. For entities not operating in hyperinflationary economies, the entities results, financial position and cash flows that do not have USD as their functional currency are translated into USD using the following exchange rates: • Income, expense and cash flows using for each month the average exchange rate with the USD values for each month being aggregated during the year. • Balance sheet using year-end exchange rates. • Resulting exchange rate differences are recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss). The hyperinflationary economies in which Alcon operates are Argentina and Venezuela, both of which were hyperinflationary for all years presented. The impact of the restatement of the non-monetary assets and liabilities with the general price index at the beginning of the period an economy becomes hyperinflationary is recorded in "Other reserves" in equity. The subsequent gains or losses resulting from the restatement of non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded in "Other financial income & expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Acquisition of assets	Acquisition of assets Assets separately acquired are initially recognized on the balance sheet at cost if they meet the criteria for capitalization. The capitalized cost of the asset includes the purchase price and any directly attributable costs for bringing the asset into the condition to operate as intended. Expected costs for obligations to dismantle and remove property, plant and equipment when it is no longer used are included in their cost.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Freehold land is not depreciated. The related depreciation expense is included in the costs of the functions using the asset or "Cost of net sales" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Property, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment at the cash generating unit ("CGU") level whenever there is an indication that the balance sheet carrying amount may not be recoverable using cash flow projections for the useful life. The following table shows the respective useful lives for property, plant and equipment: Useful life Buildings and improvements 10 to 40 years Machinery and other equipment Machinery and equipment 5 to 20 years Furniture and vehicles 5 to 10 years Computer hardware 3 to 7 years
Business combinations	Business combinations Effective January 1, 2020, Alcon adopted Amendments to IFRS 3, Business Combinations . The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary may include: • Fair values of the assets transferred; • Liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquired business; • Equity interests issued by the Company; • Fair value of an asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement; and • Fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill, or directly in the income statement if it is a bargain purchase. Alcon primarily uses net present value techniques, utilizing post-tax cash flows and discount rates in calculating the fair value of identifiable assets acquired when allocating the purchase consideration paid for the acquisition. The estimates used in calculating fair values involve significant judgment by management and include assumptions with measurement uncertainty such as, the amount and timing of projected cash flows, long-term sales forecasts, the timing and probability of regulatory and commercial success, and the discount rate. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. Alcon may elect on a transaction-by-transaction basis to apply the optional concentration test to assess whether a transaction qualifies as a business. Under the test, when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, Alcon will account for the transaction as an asset purchase and not a business combination. If the concentration test is not met, or Alcon elects not to apply this optional test, Alcon will perform an assessment focusing on the existence of inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs to determine whether the transaction is an asset purchase or a business combination.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill arises in a business combination and is the excess of the consideration transferred to acquire a business over the underlying fair value of the net identified assets acquired. It is allocated to groups of CGUs which are usually represented by the reportable segments, which are the same as Alcon's operating segments. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the level of these groups of CGUs, and any impairment charges are recorded under "Other expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Intangible assets available for use and Acquired In-Process Research & Development	Intangible assets available for use Alcon has the following classes of available-for-use intangible assets: Currently marketed products, Marketing know-how, Technologies, Other intangible assets (including computer software) and the Alcon brand name. Currently marketed products represent the composite value of acquired intellectual property, patents, and distribution rights and product trade names. Marketing know-how represents the value attributable to the expertise acquired for marketing and distributing Alcon surgical products. Technologies represent identified and separable acquired know-how used in the research, development and production processes. Significant investments in internally developed and acquired software are capitalized and included in the "Other" category and amortized once available for use. The Alcon brand name is shown separately as it is the only Alcon intangible asset that is available for use with an indefinite useful life. Alcon considers it appropriate that the brand name has an indefinite life since the branded products have a history of strong revenue and cash flow performance, and Alcon has the intent and ability to support the brand with spending to maintain its value for the foreseeable future. Except for the Alcon brand name, intangible assets available for use are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis and evaluated for potential impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. The Alcon brand name is not amortized, but evaluated for potential impairment annually. The following table shows the respective useful lives for available-for-use intangible assets and the location in the Consolidated Income Statement in which the respective amortization and any potential impairment charge is recognized: Useful life Income statement location for Currently marketed products 5 to 20 years "Cost of net sales" Marketing know-how 25 years "Cost of net sales" Technologies 10 to 20 years "Cost of net sales" or "Research and Development" Other (including software) 3 to 10 years In the respective functional expense Alcon brand name Not amortized, indefinite useful life "Other expense" Acquired In-Process Research & Development ("IPR&D") Acquired research and development intangible assets, which are still under development and have accordingly not yet obtained marketing approval, are recognized as IPR&D. IPR&D is not amortized, but evaluated for potential impairment on an annual basis or when facts and circumstances warrant. IPR&D is considered impaired when its balance sheet carrying amount exceeds its estimated recoverable amount, which is defined as the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal ("FVLCOD") and its value in use ("VIU"). Usually, Alcon applies the FVLCOD method for its impairment assessments. Under this approach when evaluating IPR&D for potential impairment, FVLCOD is estimated using net present value techniques utilizing post-tax cash flows and discount rates as there are no direct or indirect observable prices in active markets for identical or similar assets. The estimates used in calculating the net present values involve significant judgment by management and include assumptions with measurement uncertainty such as, the amount and timing of projected cash flows, long-term sales forecasts, discount rate, and the timing and probability of regulatory and commercial success. In the limited cases where the VIU method would be applied, net present value techniques would be applied using pre-tax cash flows and discount rates. Any impairment charge is recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement under "Research & development". Once a project included in IPR&D has been successfully developed it is transferred to the "Currently marketed products" category.
Impairment of goodwill, Alcon brand name and definite lived intangible assets	Impairment of goodwill, Alcon brand name and definite lived intangible assets A CGU to which goodwill has been allocated (reportable segments) is considered impaired when its carrying amount, including the goodwill, exceeds its recoverable amount, which is defined as the higher of its FVLCOD and its VIU. If the recoverable amount of the reportable segment is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss shall be recognized. The impairment loss shall be allocated to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the reportable segment first, with any remaining impairment loss allocated to other assets of the reportable segment on a pro-rata basis of their carrying amount. An intangible asset other than goodwill is considered impaired when its balance sheet carrying amount exceeds its estimated recoverable amount, which is defined as the higher of its FVLCOD and its VIU. If the recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset shall be reduced to its recoverable amount. That reduction is an impairment loss. Usually, Alcon applies the FVLCOD method for its impairment assessment. In most cases, no direct or indirect observable market prices for identical or similar assets are available to measure the FVLCOD. Therefore, an estimate of FVLCOD is based on net present value techniques utilizing post-tax cash flows and discount rates. In the limited cases where the VIU method would be applied, net present value techniques would be applied using pre-tax cash flows and discount rates. FVLCOD reflects estimates of assumptions that market participants would be expected to use when pricing the asset or CGUs, and for this purpose management considers the range of economic conditions that are expected to exist over the remaining useful life of the asset. The estimates used in calculating the net present values involve significant judgment by management and include assumptions with measurement uncertainty, such as the following: • Amount and timing of projected cash flows; • Long-term sales forecasts for periods of up to 25 years including sales growth rates; • Royalty rate for the Alcon brand name; • Terminal growth rate; and • Discount rate. Other assumptions used in the net present values calculation include: • Future tax rate; • Actions of competitors (launch of competing products, marketing initiatives, etc.); and • Outcome of R&D activities and forecast of related costs (future product developments). Generally, for intangible assets with a definite useful life Alcon uses cash flow projections for the whole useful life of these assets. For goodwill and the Alcon brand name, Alcon generally utilizes cash flow projections for a five-year period based on management forecasts, with a terminal value based on cash flow projections considering the long-term expected growth rates and impact of demographic trends of the population to which Alcon products are prescribed, for later periods. Probability-weighted scenarios are typically used. Discount rates used consider Alcon estimated weighted average cost of capital adjusted for specific country and currency risks associated with cash flow projections to approximate the weighted average cost of capital of a comparable market participant. Actual cash flows and values could vary significantly from forecasted future cash flows and related values derived using net present value techniques.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, and other short-term and highly liquid investments with original or weighted-average maturities of three months or less which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts are usually presented within current financial debts on the Consolidated Balance Sheet except in cases where a right of offset has been agreed with a bank which then allows for presentation on a net basis.
Financial assets	Financial assets Non-current financial assets such as loans and long-term receivables from customers, primarily related to surgical equipment sales arrangements, advances and other deposits, are carried at amortized cost, which reflects the time value of money, less any allowances for uncollectable amounts. Alcon assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its non-current financial assets valued at amortized cost. For loans, advances and other deposits valued at amortized cost, impairments, which are based on their expected credit losses, and exchange rate losses are included in "Other expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement and exchange rate gains and interest income, using the effective interest rate method, are included in "Other income" in the Consolidated Income Statement. For long-term receivables from customers, provisions for uncollectable amounts, which are based on their expected credit losses, are recorded as marketing and selling costs recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement within "Selling, general & administration" expenses. Fund investments are valued at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL"). Unrealized gains and losses, including exchange gains and losses, are recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement in "Other income" for gains and "Other expense" for losses. Equity securities and convertible notes receivable held as strategic investments are generally designated at the date of acquisition as financial assets valued at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") with no subsequent recycling through profit and loss. Unrealized gains and losses, including exchange gains and losses, are recorded as a fair value adjustment in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss). They are reclassified to "Other reserves" when the equity security is sold. If these equity securities and convertible notes receivable are not designated at the date of acquisition as financial assets valued at FVOCI, they are valued at FVPL, as described above for fund investments. Changes in fair value of options to acquire development stage companies are charged to research and development expense. Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value and are remeasured to their current fair value at the end of each subsequent reporting period. The valuation of forward exchange rate contracts and foreign exchange swaps are based on the discounted cash flow model, using interest curves and spot rates at the reporting date as observable inputs. Unsettled forward contracts and swaps are measured at fair value at quarter-end with changes in fair value recorded to the Consolidated Income Statement as unrealized gains or losses in "Other financial income & expense". Settled forward contracts and swaps are measured at maturity date at fair value with corresponding realized gains or losses recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement in "Other financial income & expense". No hedge accounting is applied for these arrangements.
Inventories	Inventories Inventory is valued at the lower of acquisition or production cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis and net realizable value. This value is used for the "Cost of net sales" and "Cost of other revenues" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Unsalable inventory is fully written off in the Consolidated Income Statement under "Cost of net sales" and "Cost of other revenues".
Trade receivables	Trade receivables Trade receivables are initially recognized at their invoiced amounts, including any related sales taxes less adjustments for estimated revenue deductions such as chargebacks and cash discounts. Provisions for expected credit losses are established using an expected credit loss model ("ECL"). The provisions are based on a forward-looking ECL, which includes possible default events on the trade receivables over the entire holding period of the trade receivable. These provisions represent the difference between the trade receivable's carrying amount and the estimated net collectible amount. Charges for doubtful trade receivables are recorded as marketing and selling costs recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement within "Selling, general & administration" expenses.
Leases	Leases Effective January 1, 2019, Alcon adopted IFRS 16, Leases . As lessee, Alcon assesses whether a contract contains a lease at inception of a contract based on whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Alcon recognizes a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for all arrangements in which it is a lessee, except for leases with a term of twelve months or less (short-term leases) and low value leases for which Alcon has elected the recognition exemptions allowed under IFRS 16. Right-of-use assets Right-of-use assets are initially recognized at cost, which is comprised of the amount of the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liabilities, adjusted for any lease payments made at or prior to the commencement date of the lease, lease incentives received and initial direct costs incurred, as well as any expected costs for obligations to dismantle and remove right-of-use assets when they are no longer used. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. Right-of-use assets are assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the balance sheet carrying amount may not be recoverable using cash flow projections for the useful life. Lease liabilities Lease liabilities are accounted for at amortized cost and are initially measured at the present value of future lease payments and are classified as current or non-current based on the due dates of the underlying principal payments. In determining the lease term, Alcon evaluates the renewal options and termination options reasonably certain to be exercised. Lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if not readily determinable, the incremental borrowing rate Alcon would be expected to pay within the respective markets, on a borrowing with a similar term and security. Interest in the period is recorded within "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Lease liabilities are remeasured for changes in estimated lease term, future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or in assessment of whether Alcon will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option. Changes to initial lease contract terms are assessed to determine their impact on the scope of lease, and any modifications increasing the scope of the lease are treated as new contracts under the initial measurement principles, while modifications that do not increase or that decrease the scope of the lease result in an adjustment to the right-of-use asset which is remeasured as of the date of the modification. Principal payments made on lease liabilities and any initial direct costs paid are classified as financing cash outflows, while interest payments are classified as operating cash outflows. Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in the Consolidated Income Statement and are classified as cash flows from operating activities.
Legal liabilities	Legal liabilities Alcon is subject to contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business such as patent litigation and other product-related litigation, commercial litigation, and governmental investigations and proceedings. Provisions are recorded where a reliable estimate can be made of the probable outcome of legal or other disputes.
Contingent consideration	Contingent consideration In a business combination, it is necessary to recognize contingent future payments to previous owners representing contractually defined potential amounts as a liability. Usually for Alcon, these are linked to development or commercial milestones related to certain assets and are recognized as a financial liability at their fair value, which is then re-measured at each subsequent reporting date. For the determination of the fair value of a contingent consideration, various unobservable inputs are used. A change in these inputs might result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. The inputs used are, among others, the timing and probability of regulatory and commercial success, sales forecast and assumptions regarding the discount rate, timing and different scenarios of triggering events. The significance and usage of these inputs to each contingent consideration may vary due to differences in the timing and triggering events for payments or in the nature of the asset related to the contingent consideration. These estimations typically depend on factors such as technical milestones or market performance and are adjusted for the probability of their likelihood of payment, and if material, appropriately discounted to reflect the impact of time. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities in subsequent periods are recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement in "Cost of net sales" for currently marketed products and in "Research & development" for IPR&D. The effect of unwinding the discount over time is recognized in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits and defined contribution plans	Defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits The liability or asset recognized in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms approximating the terms of the related obligation. In countries where there is no sufficient market for such bonds, the market rates on government bonds are used. The current service cost for such post-employment benefit plans is included in the personnel expenses of the various functions where the associates are employed. The net interest on the net defined benefit liability is recognized as "Other expense" or "Other income". The net interest cost is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net balance of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. Past service cost is recognized as "Other expense" or "Other income" in the Consolidated Income Statement for the change in the present value of a defined benefit obligation for employee service in prior periods resulting from a plan amendment or a curtailment. Remeasurement gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in the period in which they occur, directly in other comprehensive income/(loss). Defined contribution plans
Financial debts	Financial debts Financial debts are initially recognized at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Financial debts are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs and discounts) and the redemption amount is recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement over the period of the financial debts using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of credit facilities are recognized as transaction costs of the financial debt to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the extent that there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalized as a prepayment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the facility to which it relates, and is recognized in "Other financial income & expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Financial debts are derecognized from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial debt that has been extinguished and the consideration paid, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognized in "Other financial income & expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Interest paid on financial debts is classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Financial debts are classified as current liabilities unless Alcon has an unconditional right and intent to defer the settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.
Revenue	Revenue Net sales to third parties Revenue on the sale of Alcon products and services, which is recorded as "Net sales to third parties" in the Consolidated Income Statement, is recognized when a contractual promise to a customer (i.e., a performance obligation) has been fulfilled by transferring control over the promised goods and services to the customer, substantially all of which is at the point in time of shipment to or receipt of the products by the customer or when the services are performed. If contracts contain customer acceptance provisions, revenue would be recognized upon the satisfaction of acceptance criteria. The amount of revenue to be recognized is based on the consideration Alcon expects to receive in exchange for its goods and services. If a contract contains more than one performance obligation, the consideration is allocated based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. Surgical equipment may be sold together with other products and services under a single contract and may be structured as an outright cash sale, an installment sale, or lease. Surgical equipment installment sales and leases have a fixed payment amount which the customer may pay either in fixed intervals or as the customer purchases consumables and/or implantables. Revenues are recognized upon satisfaction of each of the performance obligations in the contract and the consideration is allocated based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. • Surgical equipment revenue from outright cash sales and installment sales arrangements is recognized at the point in time when control is transferred to the customer. The current portion of long-term receivables from customers and long-term receivables from customers for installment sales arrangements are recorded in "Other current assets" (see "Current portion of long-term receivables from customers" in Note 15 of these Consolidated Financial Statements) and "Financial assets" (see "Long-term receivables from customers" in Note 12 of these Consolidated Financial Statements), respectively. Financing income for installment sales arrangements longer than twelve months is recognized over the term of the arrangement in "Other income". Alcon applies the practical expedient under IFRS 15 to installment sales arrangements that are twelve months or less in duration. • In addition to cash and installment sales, revenue is recognized under finance and operating lease arrangements. Leases in which Alcon transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership to the customer are treated as finance lease arrangements. Revenue from finance lease arrangements is recognized at amounts equal to the fair value of the equipment, which approximates the present value of the minimum lease payments under the arrangements. As interest rates embedded in lease arrangements are approximately market rates, revenue under finance lease arrangements is comparable to revenue for outright sales. Finance income for arrangements longer than twelve months is deferred and subsequently recognized based on a pattern that approximates the use of the effective interest method and recorded in "Other income". Operating lease revenue for equipment rentals is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term in "Net sales to third parties". The consideration Alcon receives in exchange for its goods or services may be fixed or variable. Variable consideration is only recognized when it is highly probable that a significant reversal of cumulative sales will not occur. The most common elements of variable consideration are listed below: • Rebates and discounts granted to government agencies, wholesalers, retail pharmacies, managed health-care organizations and other customers, as well as chargebacks are provisioned and recorded as a deduction from revenue at the time the related revenues are recorded or when the incentives are offered. They are calculated on the basis of historical experience, regulations, the specific terms in the individual agreements, product pricing, channels and payors. • Cash discounts are offered to customers to encourage prompt payment and are provisioned and recorded as revenue deductions at the time the related sales are recorded. • Sales returns provisions are recognized and recorded as revenue deductions when there is historical experience of Alcon agreeing to customer returns and Alcon can reasonably estimate expected future returns. In doing so, the estimated rate of return is applied, determined based on historical experience of customer returns and considering any other relevant factors. This is applied to the amounts invoiced, also considering the amount of returned products to be destroyed versus products that can be placed back in inventory for resale. Where shipments are made on a re-sale or return basis, without sufficient historical experience for estimating sales returns, revenue is only recorded when there is evidence of consumption or when the right of return has expired. Provisions for revenue deductions are adjusted to actual amounts as rebates, discounts, chargebacks and returns are processed. The provision represents estimates of the related obligations, requiring the use of judgment when estimating the effect of these sales deductions. Other revenues "Other revenues" include revenue from contract manufacturing services provided to the Former Parent which are recognized over time as the service obligations are completed and third party royalty income. Associated costs for contract manufacturing services are recognized in "Cost of other revenues".
Research & development	Research & development Internal research & development ("R&D") costs are fully charged to "Research & development" in the Consolidated Income Statement in the period in which they are incurred. Alcon considers that regulatory and other uncertainties inherent in the development of new products preclude the capitalization of internal development expenses as an intangible asset until marketing approval from a regulatory authority is obtained in a major market such as the United States, the European Union, Switzerland, China or Japan. Payments made to third parties to in-license or acquire intellectual property rights and products, including initial upfront and subsequent milestone payments, are capitalized as intangible assets. If additional payments are made to the originator company to continue to perform R&D activities, an evaluation is made as to the nature of the payments. Such additional payments will be expensed if they are deemed to be compensation for subcontracted R&D services not resulting in an additional transfer of intellectual property rights to Alcon. Such additional payments will be capitalized if they are deemed to be compensation for the transfer to Alcon of additional intellectual property developed at the risk of the originator company. Subsequent internal R&D costs in relation to IPR&D and other assets are expensed until such time that technical feasibility can be proven, as demonstrated by the receipt of marketing approval for the related product from a regulatory authority in a major market.
Equity-based compensation	Equity-based compensation Each of the periods presented include expense related to incentive compensation provided to eligible Alcon associates in the form of equity-settled or equity-based awards including restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance stock units ("PSUs"). Alcon expenses the fair values of RSUs and PSUs granted to associates as compensation over the related vesting periods within the various functions where the associates are employed. The fair values of the awards are determined on their grant dates and are adjusted to account for the specific provisions of each of the corresponding grant agreements. Alcon RSUs do not entitle the recipients to dividends. As such, the fair value upon grant is based on the Alcon share price at the grant date adjusted for potential future dividends to be paid within the holding period. The fair value of these grants, after making adjustments for assumptions related to their forfeiture during the vesting period, is expensed on a straight-line basis over the respective vesting period. PSUs are subject to certain performance criteria being achieved during the vesting period and require plan participants to provide services during the vesting period. PSUs granted under Alcon's plans are subject to performance criteria based on internal performance metrics. The expense is determined taking into account assumptions concerning performance during the period relative to targets and expected forfeitures due to plan participants not meeting their service conditions. These assumptions are periodically adjusted. Any change in estimates for past services is recorded immediately as an expense or income in the Consolidated Income Statement and amounts for future periods are expensed over the remaining vesting period. As a result, at the end of the vesting period, the total charge during the whole vesting period represents the amount that will finally vest. The number of equity instruments that finally vest is determined at the vesting date. If a plan participant leaves Alcon for reasons other than retirement, disability or death, then unvested restricted shares, RSUs and PSUs are forfeited, unless determined otherwise by the provision of the plan rules or by the Compensation Committee of the Alcon Board of Directors, for example, in connection with a reorganization.
Restructuring charges	Restructuring charges Restructuring provisions are recognized for the direct expenditures arising from the restructuring, where the plans are sufficiently detailed and where appropriate communication to those affected has been made. Charges to increase restructuring provisions are included in "Other expense" in the Consolidated Income Statement. Corresponding releases are recorded in "Other income" in the Consolidated Income Statement.
Taxes	Taxes Taxes on income are expensed in the same periods as the revenues and expenses to which they relate and include any interest and penalties incurred during the period. Deferred taxes are determined using the comprehensive liability method and are calculated on the temporary differences that arise between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying value in the balance sheet prepared for purposes of these Consolidated Financial Statements, except for those temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries where the timing of their reversal can be controlled and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Since the retained earnings are reinvested, withholding or other taxes on eventual distribution of a subsidiary's retained earnings are only taken into account when a dividend has been planned. The estimated amounts for current and deferred tax assets or liabilities, including any amounts related to any uncertain tax positions, are based on currently known facts and circumstances. Tax returns are based on an interpretation of tax laws and regulations and reflect estimates based on these judgments and interpretations. The tax returns are subject to examination by the competent taxing authorities which may result in an assessment being made requiring payments of additional tax, interest or penalties. Inherent uncertainties exist in the estimates of the tax positions.
Earnings/(loss) per share	Earnings/(loss) per share Basic earnings/(loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all dilutive potential common shares outstanding.
Impact of adopting amended standards and new standards and interpretations not yet adopted	New standards and interpretations not yet adopted There are no IFRS standards, interpretations or amendments not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on Alcon.

Selected accounting policies (T

Selected accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Selected accounting policies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of notes and other explanatory information [Abstract]
Disclosure of useful lives for property, plant and equipment	Useful life Buildings and improvements 10 to 40 years Machinery and other equipment Machinery and equipment 5 to 20 years Furniture and vehicles 5 to 10 years Computer hardware 3 to 7 years The following table summarizes the movements of property, plant & equipment in 2021: ($ millions) Land Buildings & improvements Construction Machinery & Total Cost January 1, 2021 35 1,884 573 3,425 5,917 Additions (1) 2 8 654 57 721 Disposals and derecognitions (2) — (7) (8) (93) (108) Reclassifications for assets placed in service — 146 (410) 264 — Currency translation effects (1) (44) (19) (106) (170) December 31, 2021 36 1,987 790 3,547 6,360 Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2021 — (716) (8) (1,768) (2,492) Depreciation charge — (107) — (216) (323) Disposals and derecognitions (2) — 5 7 83 95 Currency translation effects — 16 — 55 71 December 31, 2021 — (802) (1) (1,846) (2,649) Net book value at December 31, 2021 36 1,185 789 1,701 3,711 (1) Includes $52 million in non-cash additions. (2) Derecognition of assets that are no longer used and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use. As of December 31, 2021, commitments for purchases of property, plant & equipment were $186 million. The following table summarizes the movements of property, plant & equipment in 2020: ($ millions) Land Buildings & improvements Construction Machinery & Total Cost January 1, 2020 33 1,628 755 2,906 5,322 Additions (1) 2 7 479 74 562 Disposals and derecognitions (2) — (7) (10) (105) (122) Reclassifications for assets placed in service — 215 (705) 490 — Other reclassifications — 11 — (11) — Currency translation effects — 30 54 71 155 December 31, 2020 35 1,884 573 3,425 5,917 Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2020 — (618) (8) (1,583) (2,209) Depreciation charge — (80) — (213) (293) Impairment charge — — — (6) (6) Disposals and derecognitions (2) — 4 — 70 74 Other reclassifications — (7) — 7 — Currency translation effects — (15) — (43) (58) December 31, 2020 — (716) (8) (1,768) (2,492) Net book value at December 31, 2020 35 1,168 565 1,657 3,425 (1) Includes $83 million in non-cash additions. (2) Derecognition of assets that are no longer used and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use.
Disclosure of useful lives for intangible assets and location in combined income statement	The following table shows the respective useful lives for available-for-use intangible assets and the location in the Consolidated Income Statement in which the respective amortization and any potential impairment charge is recognized: Useful life Income statement location for Currently marketed products 5 to 20 years "Cost of net sales" Marketing know-how 25 years "Cost of net sales" Technologies 10 to 20 years "Cost of net sales" or "Research and Development" Other (including software) 3 to 10 years In the respective functional expense Alcon brand name Not amortized, indefinite useful life "Other expense"

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Disclosure of operating segments	Net sales and other revenues by segment ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Surgical Implantables 1,522 1,126 1,210 Consumables 2,388 1,952 2,304 Equipment/other 793 632 660 Total Surgical net sales to third parties 4,703 3,710 4,174 Vision Care Contact lenses 2,139 1,838 1,969 Ocular health 1,380 1,215 1,219 Total Vision Care net sales to third parties 3,519 3,053 3,188 Total net sales to third parties 8,222 6,763 7,362 Vision Care other revenues 69 70 146 Total net sales and other revenues 8,291 6,833 7,508 Segment contribution and reconciliation to income/(loss) before taxes ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Segment contribution: Surgical 1,184 672 957 Vision Care 604 419 580 Total segment contribution 1,788 1,091 1,537 Not allocated to segments: Amortization of intangible assets (590) (1,078) (1,084) Impairment charges on intangible assets (225) (167) — General & administration (corporate) (251) (232) (216) Separation costs (36) (217) (237) Spin readiness costs — — (72) Transformation costs (68) (49) (52) Fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities 42 63 75 Past service costs for post-employment benefit plan amendments 18 154 (2) Other (98) (47) (136) Operating income/(loss) 580 (482) (187) Interest expense (120) (124) (113) Other financial income & expense (42) (29) (32) Income/(loss) before taxes 418 (635) (332) Included in segment contribution are: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Depreciation of property, plant & equipment: Surgical (129) (122) (112) Vision Care (194) (171) (155) Total depreciation of property, plant & equipment (323) (293) (267) Depreciation of right-of-use assets: Surgical (50) (47) (42) Vision Care (31) (32) (24) Total depreciation of right-of-use assets (81) (79) (66) Impairment charges on property, plant & equipment, net: Surgical — (6) (3) Vision Care — — (5) Total impairment charges on property, plant & equipment, net — (6) (8) Equity-based compensation: Surgical (74) (55) (55) Vision Care (60) (45) (44) Not allocated to segments (17) (13) (15) Total equity-based compensation (151) (113) (114)
Disclosure of geographical areas	The following table shows the United States, International and countries that accounted for more than 5% of at least one of the respective Alcon totals, for net sales for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, and for selected non-current assets at December 31, 2021 and 2020: Net sales (2) Total of selected non-current assets (3) ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) (1) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 Country United States 3,651 44 % 2,975 44 % 3,055 41 % 10,200 47 % 10,309 47 % International 4,571 56 % 3,788 56 % 4,307 59 % 11,553 53 % 11,476 53 % thereof: Switzerland (country of domicile) 60 1 % 55 1 % 56 1 % 9,762 45 % 9,737 45 % Japan 621 8 % 650 10 % 656 9 % 46 — % 63 — % China 486 6 % 383 6 % 377 5 % 16 — % 16 — % Other 3,404 41 % 2,700 40 % 3,218 44 % 1,729 8 % 1,660 8 % Company total 8,222 100 % 6,763 100 % 7,362 100 % 21,753 100 % 21,785 100 % (1) International percentages may not sum due to rounding. (2) Net sales from operations by location of third-party customer. (3) Includes property, plant & equipment, right-of-use assets, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Interest expense and other fi_2

Interest expense and other financial income & expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Disclosure of components of interest expense	Interest expense ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Interest expense on financial debts (95) (94) (81) Interest expense from discounting long-term liabilities (12) (17) (21) Interest expense on lease liabilities (13) (13) (11) Total interest expense (120) (124) (113)
Disclosure of components of other financial income & expense	Other financial income & expense ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Interest income 3 6 8 Loss on extinguishment of financial debt — — (4) Other financial expense (10) (9) (18) Monetary loss from hyperinflation accounting (6) (4) (2) Currency result, net (29) (22) (16) Total other financial income & expense (42) (29) (32)

Taxes (Tables)

Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Disclosure of components of income (loss) before taxes	Income/(loss) before taxes ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Switzerland 680 (585) (274) Foreign (262) (50) (58) Total income/(loss) before taxes 418 (635) (332)
Disclosure of components of current and deferred income tax expense	Current and deferred income tax (expense)/income ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Switzerland (118) (14) (34) Foreign (116) (105) (168) Current income tax expense (234) (119) (202) Switzerland 45 96 (246) Foreign 147 127 124 Deferred tax income/(expense) 192 223 (122) Total income tax (expense)/income (42) 104 (324)
Disclosure of reconciliation of tax rate	The main elements contributing to the difference between Alcon's overall applicable tax rate and the effective tax rate are summarized in the below table. 2021 2020 2019 ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) % % % Applicable tax rate (39) 9.3 % 98 15.4 % 39 11.7 % Effect of disallowed expenditures (10) 2.4 % (20) (3.1) % (23) (6.9) % Effect of equity-based compensation (7) 1.7 % (5) (0.8) % (1) (0.3) % Effect of income taxed at reduced rates 1 (0.2) % 4 0.6 % 2 0.6 % Effect of tax credits and allowances 9 (2.2) % 9 1.4 % 7 2.1 % Effect of deductibility of a statutory expense in Switzerland (1) 38 (9.1) % — — % — — % Effect of adjustments to contingent consideration and other liabilities 7 (1.7) % 17 2.7 % 11 3.3 % Effect of option payments (2) 0.5 % (6) (0.9) % (12) (3.6) % Effect of tax rate changes (2) (3) 0.7 % 10 1.6 % (342) (103.0) % Effect of changes in uncertain tax positions (3) (39) 9.3 % (8) (1.3) % 10 3.0 % Effect of other items (3) 0.7 % (10) (1.6) % (2) (0.6) % Effect of prior year items 6 (1.4) % 15 2.4 % (13) (3.9) % Effective tax rate (42) 10.0 % 104 16.4 % (324) (97.6) % (1) Effect of deductibility of a statutory expense in Switzerland relates to an agreement for fiscal year 2021. It is uncertain whether Alcon will obtain a similar benefit in future years. (2) Effect of tax rate changes in 2019 relates primarily to the adoption of the Swiss Tax Reform which resulted in a non-cash tax increase in tax expense of $304 million for the re-measurement of the Swiss deferred tax balances and a $31 million re-measurement of US deferred tax balances as a result of rate changes in the US following legal entity reorganizations executed related to the Spin-off. (3) Effect of changes in uncertain tax positions in 2021 primarily relate to international transfer pricing and a partial reserve for the deductibility of a statutory expense in Switzerland.

Property, plant and equipment (

Property, plant and equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property, plant and equipment (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment	Useful life Buildings and improvements 10 to 40 years Machinery and other equipment Machinery and equipment 5 to 20 years Furniture and vehicles 5 to 10 years Computer hardware 3 to 7 years The following table summarizes the movements of property, plant & equipment in 2021: ($ millions) Land Buildings & improvements Construction Machinery & Total Cost January 1, 2021 35 1,884 573 3,425 5,917 Additions (1) 2 8 654 57 721 Disposals and derecognitions (2) — (7) (8) (93) (108) Reclassifications for assets placed in service — 146 (410) 264 — Currency translation effects (1) (44) (19) (106) (170) December 31, 2021 36 1,987 790 3,547 6,360 Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2021 — (716) (8) (1,768) (2,492) Depreciation charge — (107) — (216) (323) Disposals and derecognitions (2) — 5 7 83 95 Currency translation effects — 16 — 55 71 December 31, 2021 — (802) (1) (1,846) (2,649) Net book value at December 31, 2021 36 1,185 789 1,701 3,711 (1) Includes $52 million in non-cash additions. (2) Derecognition of assets that are no longer used and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use. As of December 31, 2021, commitments for purchases of property, plant & equipment were $186 million. The following table summarizes the movements of property, plant & equipment in 2020: ($ millions) Land Buildings & improvements Construction Machinery & Total Cost January 1, 2020 33 1,628 755 2,906 5,322 Additions (1) 2 7 479 74 562 Disposals and derecognitions (2) — (7) (10) (105) (122) Reclassifications for assets placed in service — 215 (705) 490 — Other reclassifications — 11 — (11) — Currency translation effects — 30 54 71 155 December 31, 2020 35 1,884 573 3,425 5,917 Accumulated depreciation January 1, 2020 — (618) (8) (1,583) (2,209) Depreciation charge — (80) — (213) (293) Impairment charge — — — (6) (6) Disposals and derecognitions (2) — 4 — 70 74 Other reclassifications — (7) — 7 — Currency translation effects — (15) — (43) (58) December 31, 2020 — (716) (8) (1,768) (2,492) Net book value at December 31, 2020 35 1,168 565 1,657 3,425 (1) Includes $83 million in non-cash additions. (2) Derecognition of assets that are no longer used and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use.

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Summary of movements of goodwill and intangible assets	The following table summarizes the movements of goodwill and other intangible assets in 2021: Intangible assets other than goodwill ($ millions) Goodwill Alcon Acquired Technologies Currently Marketing Other Total Cost January 1, 2021 8,905 2,980 727 5,369 4,440 5,960 556 20,032 Additions — — 20 — 359 — 104 483 Reclassifications — — (10) — 10 — — — Disposals and derecognitions (1) — — — — (6) — (2) (8) December 31, 2021 8,905 2,980 737 5,369 4,803 5,960 658 20,507 Accumulated amortization January 1, 2021 — — — (5,199) (3,197) (2,384) (155) (10,935) Amortization charge — — — (39) (235) (238) (78) (590) Disposals and derecognitions (1) — — — — 6 — 2 8 Impairment charges — — (180) — (45) — — (225) December 31, 2021 — — (180) (5,238) (3,471) (2,622) (231) (11,742) Net book value at December 31, 2021 8,905 2,980 557 131 1,332 3,338 427 8,765 (1) Derecognitions of assets that are no longer used or being developed and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use. The following table summarizes the allocation of the net book values of goodwill and other intangible assets by reportable segment at December 31, 2021: Intangible assets other than goodwill ($ millions) Goodwill Alcon Acquired Technologies Currently Marketing Other Total Surgical 4,544 — 555 131 229 3,338 251 4,504 Vision Care 4,361 — 2 — 1,103 — 176 1,281 Not allocated to segments — 2,980 — — — — — 2,980 Net book value at December 31, 2021 8,905 2,980 557 131 1,332 3,338 427 8,765 The following table summarizes the movements of goodwill and other intangible assets in 2020: Intangible assets other than goodwill ($ millions) Goodwill Alcon Acquired Technologies Currently Marketing Other Total Cost January 1, 2020 8,905 2,980 728 5,369 4,440 5,960 611 20,088 Additions — — 2 — — — 118 120 Disposals and derecognitions (1) — — (3) — — — (173) (176) December 31, 2020 8,905 2,980 727 5,369 4,440 5,960 556 20,032 Accumulated amortization January 1, 2020 — — (3) (4,692) (2,842) (2,146) (174) (9,857) Amortization charge — — — (507) (249) (238) (84) (1,078) Disposals and derecognitions (1) — — 3 — — — 164 167 Impairment charges — — — — (106) — (61) (167) December 31, 2020 — — — (5,199) (3,197) (2,384) (155) (10,935) Net book value at December 31, 2020 8,905 2,980 727 170 1,243 3,576 401 9,097 (1) Derecognitions of assets that are no longer used or being developed and are not considered to have a significant disposal value or other alternative use. The following table summarizes the allocation of the net book values of goodwill and other intangible assets by reportable segment at December 31, 2020: Intangible assets other than goodwill ($ millions) Goodwill Alcon Acquired Technologies Currently Marketing Other Total Surgical 4,544 — 723 170 247 3,576 237 4,953 Vision Care 4,361 — 4 — 996 — 164 1,164 Not allocated to segments — 2,980 — — — — — 2,980 Net book value at December 31, 2020 8,905 2,980 727 170 1,243 3,576 401 9,097
Assumptions used in calculations for the recoverable amounts of goodwill and intangible assets	The following assumptions were used in the calculations for the recoverable amounts of goodwill and the Alcon brand name at December 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 (As a percentage) Surgical Vision Care Surgical Vision Care Terminal growth rate 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Discount rate (post-tax) 7.0 6.5 7.5 7.0
Intangible asset impairment charges	The following table shows the intangible asset impairment charges in 2021, 2020 and 2019: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Surgical (178) (66) — Vision Care (47) (101) — Total (225) (167) —

Deferred tax assets and liabi_2

Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits	($ millions) Property, plant & equipment Intangible assets Pensions and other benefit obligations of associates Inventories Tax loss carry-forwards Other assets, provisions and accruals Total Gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2020 24 5 128 381 174 314 1,026 Gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2020 (215) (1,519) — (23) — (66) (1,823) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2020 (191) (1,514) 128 358 174 248 (797) At December 31, 2020 (191) (1,514) 128 358 174 248 (797) (Charged)/credited to income (27) 137 1 (9) 4 86 192 (Charged)/credited to equity — — (2) — 7 3 8 (Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income — — (11) — 3 (12) (20) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2021 (218) (1,377) 116 349 188 325 (617) Gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2021 28 5 116 372 188 452 1,161 Gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2021 (246) (1,382) — (23) — (127) (1,778) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2021 (218) (1,377) 116 349 188 325 (617) ($ millions) Property, plant & equipment Intangible assets Pensions and other benefit obligations of associates Inventories Tax loss carry-forwards Other assets, provisions and accruals Total Gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2019 13 6 151 371 110 281 932 Gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2019 (172) (1,713) (10) (23) — (46) (1,964) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2019 (159) (1,707) 141 348 110 235 (1,032) At December 31, 2019 (159) (1,707) 141 348 110 235 (1,032) (Charged)/credited to income (32) 193 (33) 10 59 26 223 Credited/(charged) to equity — — 7 — 5 (16) (4) Credited to other comprehensive income — — 13 — — 3 16 Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2020 (191) (1,514) 128 358 174 248 (797) Gross deferred tax assets at December 31, 2020 24 5 128 381 174 314 1,026 Gross deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2020 (215) (1,519) — (23) — (66) (1,823) Net deferred tax balance at December 31, 2020 (191) (1,514) 128 358 174 248 (797)
Disclosure of components in deferred taxes	The below table presents the Net deferred tax balance as of December 31, 2021 after offsetting $752 million of deferred tax assets and liabilities within the same tax jurisdiction. ($ millions) At December 31, 2021 Deferred tax assets 409 Deferred tax liabilities (1,026) Net deferred tax liabilities (617) The below table presents the Net deferred tax balance as of December 31, 2020 after offsetting $627 million of deferred tax assets and liabilities within the same tax jurisdiction. ($ millions) At December 31, 2020 Deferred tax assets 399 Deferred tax liabilities (1,196) Net deferred tax liabilities (797)
Disclosure of impact of deferred taxes on current taxes payable	The below table presents deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities expected to have an impact on current taxes payable after more than twelve months. ($ billions) At December 31, 2021 At December 31, 2020 Deferred tax assets 0.8 0.6 Deferred tax liabilities 1.7 1.8

Financial and other non-curre_2

Financial and other non-current assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Financial and other non-current assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Disclosure of financial assets	Financial assets ($ millions) 2021 2020 Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI 46 28 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL 6 12 Long-term receivables from customers 110 117 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 35 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits 20 22 Total financial assets 217 218 The below table provides detail related to financial instruments as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Cash and cash equivalents Cash in current accounts 246 262 Cash held in time deposits and money market funds 1,329 1,295 Total cash and cash equivalents 1,575 1,557 Financial assets - measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") Long-term financial investments 12 46 28 Total financial assets - measured at FVOCI 46 28 Financial assets - measured at amortized costs (1) Trade receivables 14 1,496 1,361 Income tax receivables 9 21 Other current assets (excluding prepaid expenses and other current assets measured at FVPL) 15 309 296 Long-term receivables from customers 12 110 117 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 12 35 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits 12 20 22 Total financial assets - measured at amortized costs 1,979 1,856 Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") Equity securities of public companies 15 3 — Deferred compensation assets 12 155 137 Current portion of long-term financial investments 15 — 12 Derivative financial instruments 15 3 3 Long-term financial investments 12 6 12 Total financial assets - measured at FVPL 167 164 Total financial assets 3,767 3,605 Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost (1) Current financial liabilities Financial debts 17 107 162 Lease liabilities 16 67 70 Trade payables 903 876 Total current financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 1,077 1,108 Non-current financial liabilities Financial debts 17 3,966 3,949 Lease liabilities 16 339 315 Total non-current financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 4,305 4,264 Total financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 5,382 5,372 Financial liabilities - measured at FVPL Contingent consideration liabilities 19/20 112 157 Derivative financial instruments 17 7 7 Total financial liabilities - measured at FVPL 119 164 Total financial liabilities 5,501 5,536 Net financial assets and financial liabilities (1,734) (1,931) (1) The carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value, with the exception of the Series 2026, 2029, 2030 and 2049 notes recorded in Non-current financial debts with a fair value of $2,891 million and carrying value of $2,728 million as of December 31, 2021 and a fair value of $3,036 million and carrying value of $2,726 million as of December 31, 2020. The fair value of notes was determined using Level 2 inputs. The notes were valued using a quoted market price for such notes, which have low trading volumes.
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable	The following table shows the receivables of the gross investments in finance leases and the net present value of the minimum lease payments, as well as unearned finance income, related to surgical equipment lease arrangements. The finance income is recorded in "Other income". 2021 2020 ($ millions) Total future payments Unearned interest income Present Provision Net Total future payments Unearned interest income Present Provision Net Not later than one year (1) 32 (2) 30 (2) 28 33 (3) 30 (1) 29 Between one and five years 47 (2) 45 (12) 33 55 (3) 52 (18) 34 Later than five years 2 — 2 — 2 32 — 32 (27) 5 Total 81 (4) 77 (14) 63 120 (6) 114 (46) 68 (1) The current portion of the minimum lease payments is recorded in trade receivables or other current assets (to the extent not yet invoiced).
Disclosure of details of non-current assets	Other non-current assets ($ millions) 2021 2020 Deferred compensation plans 155 137 Prepaid post-employment benefit plans 25 24 Other non-current assets 54 50 Total other non-current assets 234 211

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Inventories (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Inventories [Abstract]
Disclosure of details of inventories	($ millions) 2021 2020 Raw material, consumables 336 278 Work in progress 169 136 Finished products 1,394 1,230 Total inventories 1,899 1,644

Trade receivables (Tables)

Trade receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Trade receivables (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Summary of trade receivables	The following tables provide details related to Trade receivables as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, including trade receivables that are not overdue as specified in the payment terms and conditions established with Alcon's customers, as well as an analysis of overdue amounts, expected credit loss rates and related provisions for doubtful trade receivables: 2021 ($ millions) Gross trade receivables Provision Trade receivables, net Expected credit loss rates Not overdue 1,273 (2) 1,271 0.2 % Past due for not more than one month 96 (1) 95 1.0 % Past due for more than one month but less than three months 74 (1) 73 1.4 % Past due for more than three months but less than six months 43 (2) 41 4.7 % Past due for more than six months but less than one year 23 (13) 10 56.5 % Past due for more than one year 42 (36) 6 85.7 % Total 1,551 (55) 1,496 2020 ($ millions) Gross trade receivables Provision Trade receivables, net Expected credit loss rates Not overdue 1,137 (2) 1,135 0.2 % Past due for not more than one month 109 (1) 108 0.9 % Past due for more than one month but less than three months 67 (2) 65 3.0 % Past due for more than three months but less than six months 36 (2) 34 5.6 % Past due for more than six months but less than one year 31 (18) 13 58.1 % Past due for more than one year 49 (43) 6 87.8 % Total 1,429 (68) 1,361
Movement in the provision for doubtful trade receivables	The following table summarizes the movement in the provision for doubtful trade receivables: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 (68) (48) (54) Provisions for doubtful trade receivables charged to the Consolidated Income Statement (20) (48) (17) Utilization of provisions for doubtful trade receivables 8 15 7 Reversal of provisions for doubtful trade receivables 23 14 15 Currency translation effects 2 (1) 1 December 31 (55) (68) (48)
Summary of trade receivables from closely monitored countries	The following table shows the gross trade receivables balance from these closely monitored countries as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the amounts that are past due for more than one year and the related amount of the provisions for doubtful trade receivables that have been recorded: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Total balance of gross trade receivables from closely monitored countries 252 211 Past due for more than one year 10 14 Provisions for doubtful trade receivables (11) (15)
Summary of trade receivables by major currencies	Trade receivables include amounts denominated in the following major currencies: ($ millions) 2021 2020 US dollar (USD) 526 477 Euro (EUR) 243 214 Japanese yen (JPY) 160 168 Chinese yuan (CNY) 122 121 Indian rupee (INR) 36 30 Canadian dollar (CAD) 39 32 Australian dollar (AUD) 24 29 British pound (GBP) 29 21 Russian ruble (RUB) 35 28 South Korean won (KRW) 38 31 Other currencies 244 210 Total trade receivables, net 1,496 1,361

Other current assets (Tables)

Other current assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Other current assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Schedule of other current assets	The following table provides details related to Other current assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Current portion of long-term financial investments measured at FVPL — 12 Current portion of long-term receivables from customers 97 107 Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 28 29 Prepaid expenses 92 93 Other receivables, security deposits and current assets 79 88 Derivative financial instruments 3 3 VAT receivables 105 72 Equity securities in public companies 3 — Total other current assets 407 404

Right-of-use assets and Lease_2

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of right-of-use assets	Right-of-use assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were comprised of the following: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Land 17 20 Buildings 326 310 Machinery & equipment and other assets 29 28 Total right-of-use assets 372 358 Depreciation charges of $81 million and $79 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are shown in the table below by underlying class of asset: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Land 1 1 Buildings 60 59 Machinery & equipment and other assets 20 19 Total depreciation of right-of-use assets 81 79
Contractual maturities of undiscounted lease liabilities	The contractual maturities of the undiscounted lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows: Lease liabilities undiscounted ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 80 82 Between one and five years 197 203 Later than five years 237 203 Total lease liabilities undiscounted 514 488 Lease liabilities ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 67 70 Between one and five years 157 168 Later than five years 182 147 Total lease liabilities 406 385 The following table provides details on the maturity of the contractual undiscounted cash flows for Alcon's borrowings as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 ($ millions) Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt Derivatives Total Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt Derivatives Total Not later than one year 107 7 114 162 7 169 Between one and five years 1,743 — 1,743 1,231 — 1,231 Later than five years 2,250 — 2,250 2,750 — 2,750 Total contractual undiscounted cash flows 4,100 7 4,107 4,143 7 4,150 Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs (27) — (27) (32) — (32) Total carrying value 4,073 7 4,080 4,111 7 4,118 The following table provides details on the maturity of the future contractual interest payments commitments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 94 96 Between one and five years 340 357 Later than five years 583 687 Total cash flows 1,017 1,140
Schedule of additional disclosures related to leases	The following table provides additional disclosures related to right-of-use assets and lease liabilities: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Interest expense on lease liabilities 13 13 Expense on short-term, low value and variable leases 7 4 Total cash outflows for leases 92 85 Thereof: Lease liability payments (1) 72 69 Interest payments (2) 13 12 Short-term, low value and variable lease payments (2) 7 4 (1) Reported as cash outflows from financing activities net of lease incentives received (2) Included within total net cash flows from operating activities

Non-current and current finan_2

Non-current and current financial debts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Non-current and current financial debts (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of financial debts	The below table summarizes non-current and current Financial debts outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. ($ millions) 2021 2020 Non-current financial debts Facility B 796 794 Facility C 395 429 Local facilities (Japan) 47 — Series 2026 notes 496 496 Series 2029 notes 993 992 Series 2030 notes 745 744 Series 2049 notes 494 494 Revolving facility — — Total non-current financial debts 3,966 3,949 Current financial debts Local facilities: Japan 84 101 All others 17 49 Other short-term financial debts 6 12 Derivatives 7 7 Total current financial debts 114 169 Total financial debts 4,080 4,118
Maturity of contractual undiscounted cash flows for borrowings	The contractual maturities of the undiscounted lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows: Lease liabilities undiscounted ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 80 82 Between one and five years 197 203 Later than five years 237 203 Total lease liabilities undiscounted 514 488 Lease liabilities ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 67 70 Between one and five years 157 168 Later than five years 182 147 Total lease liabilities 406 385 The following table provides details on the maturity of the contractual undiscounted cash flows for Alcon's borrowings as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 ($ millions) Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt Derivatives Total Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt Derivatives Total Not later than one year 107 7 114 162 7 169 Between one and five years 1,743 — 1,743 1,231 — 1,231 Later than five years 2,250 — 2,250 2,750 — 2,750 Total contractual undiscounted cash flows 4,100 7 4,107 4,143 7 4,150 Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs (27) — (27) (32) — (32) Total carrying value 4,073 7 4,080 4,111 7 4,118 The following table provides details on the maturity of the future contractual interest payments commitments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: ($ millions) 2021 2020 Not later than one year 94 96 Between one and five years 340 357 Later than five years 583 687 Total cash flows 1,017 1,140

Financial instruments - addit_2

Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Disclosure of financial assets	Financial assets ($ millions) 2021 2020 Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI 46 28 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL 6 12 Long-term receivables from customers 110 117 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 35 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits 20 22 Total financial assets 217 218 The below table provides detail related to financial instruments as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Cash and cash equivalents Cash in current accounts 246 262 Cash held in time deposits and money market funds 1,329 1,295 Total cash and cash equivalents 1,575 1,557 Financial assets - measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") Long-term financial investments 12 46 28 Total financial assets - measured at FVOCI 46 28 Financial assets - measured at amortized costs (1) Trade receivables 14 1,496 1,361 Income tax receivables 9 21 Other current assets (excluding prepaid expenses and other current assets measured at FVPL) 15 309 296 Long-term receivables from customers 12 110 117 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 12 35 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits 12 20 22 Total financial assets - measured at amortized costs 1,979 1,856 Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") Equity securities of public companies 15 3 — Deferred compensation assets 12 155 137 Current portion of long-term financial investments 15 — 12 Derivative financial instruments 15 3 3 Long-term financial investments 12 6 12 Total financial assets - measured at FVPL 167 164 Total financial assets 3,767 3,605 Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost (1) Current financial liabilities Financial debts 17 107 162 Lease liabilities 16 67 70 Trade payables 903 876 Total current financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 1,077 1,108 Non-current financial liabilities Financial debts 17 3,966 3,949 Lease liabilities 16 339 315 Total non-current financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 4,305 4,264 Total financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 5,382 5,372 Financial liabilities - measured at FVPL Contingent consideration liabilities 19/20 112 157 Derivative financial instruments 17 7 7 Total financial liabilities - measured at FVPL 119 164 Total financial liabilities 5,501 5,536 Net financial assets and financial liabilities (1,734) (1,931) (1) The carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value, with the exception of the Series 2026, 2029, 2030 and 2049 notes recorded in Non-current financial debts with a fair value of $2,891 million and carrying value of $2,728 million as of December 31, 2021 and a fair value of $3,036 million and carrying value of $2,726 million as of December 31, 2020. The fair value of notes was determined using Level 2 inputs. The notes were valued using a quoted market price for such notes, which have low trading volumes.
Disclosure of financial liabilities	The below table provides detail related to financial instruments as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Cash and cash equivalents Cash in current accounts 246 262 Cash held in time deposits and money market funds 1,329 1,295 Total cash and cash equivalents 1,575 1,557 Financial assets - measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") Long-term financial investments 12 46 28 Total financial assets - measured at FVOCI 46 28 Financial assets - measured at amortized costs (1) Trade receivables 14 1,496 1,361 Income tax receivables 9 21 Other current assets (excluding prepaid expenses and other current assets measured at FVPL) 15 309 296 Long-term receivables from customers 12 110 117 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements 12 35 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits 12 20 22 Total financial assets - measured at amortized costs 1,979 1,856 Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") Equity securities of public companies 15 3 — Deferred compensation assets 12 155 137 Current portion of long-term financial investments 15 — 12 Derivative financial instruments 15 3 3 Long-term financial investments 12 6 12 Total financial assets - measured at FVPL 167 164 Total financial assets 3,767 3,605 Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost (1) Current financial liabilities Financial debts 17 107 162 Lease liabilities 16 67 70 Trade payables 903 876 Total current financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 1,077 1,108 Non-current financial liabilities Financial debts 17 3,966 3,949 Lease liabilities 16 339 315 Total non-current financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 4,305 4,264 Total financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost 5,382 5,372 Financial liabilities - measured at FVPL Contingent consideration liabilities 19/20 112 157 Derivative financial instruments 17 7 7 Total financial liabilities - measured at FVPL 119 164 Total financial liabilities 5,501 5,536 Net financial assets and financial liabilities (1,734) (1,931) (1) The carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value, with the exception of the Series 2026, 2029, 2030 and 2049 notes recorded in Non-current financial debts with a fair value of $2,891 million and carrying value of $2,728 million as of December 31, 2021 and a fair value of $3,036 million and carrying value of $2,726 million as of December 31, 2020. The fair value of notes was determined using Level 2 inputs. The notes were valued using a quoted market price for such notes, which have low trading volumes.
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets	The following tables summarize financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis or at amortized cost or cost as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. December 31, 2021 ($ millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Valued at amortized cost or cost Total Non-current financial assets Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI — — 46 — 46 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL — — 6 — 6 Long-term receivables from customers — — — 110 110 Deferred compensation assets (1) 155 — — — 155 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements — — — 35 35 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits — — — 20 20 Non-current financial assets 155 — 52 165 372 Current financial assets Money market funds 624 — — — 624 Equity securities of public companies (2) 3 — — — 3 Current portion of long-term receivables from customers (2) — — — 97 97 Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements (2) — — — 28 28 Other receivables, security deposits and current assets (2) — — — 79 79 VAT receivables (2) — — — 105 105 Derivative financial instruments (2) — 3 — — 3 Current financial assets 627 3 — 309 939 Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost 782 3 52 474 1,311 Financial liabilities Contingent consideration liabilities — — (112) — (112) Non-current financial debt — — — (3,966) (3,966) Current financial debt — — — (107) (107) Derivative financial instruments — (7) — — (7) Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost — (7) (112) (4,073) (4,192) (1) Recorded in Other non-current assets. (2) Recorded in Other current assets. December 31, 2020 ($ millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Valued at amortized cost or cost Total Non-current financial assets Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI — — 28 — 28 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL — — 12 — 12 Long-term receivables from customers — — — 117 117 Deferred compensation assets (1) 137 — — — 137 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements — — — 39 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits — — — 22 22 Non-current financial assets 137 — 40 178 355 Current financial assets Money market funds 625 — — — 625 Current portion of long-term financial investments measured at FVPL (2) — — 12 — 12 Current portion of long-term receivables from customers (2) — — — 107 107 Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements (2) — — — 29 29 Other receivables, security deposits and current assets (2) — — — 88 88 VAT receivables (2) — — — 72 72 Derivative financial instruments (2) — 3 — — 3 Current financial assets 625 3 12 296 936 Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost 762 3 52 474 1,291 Financial liabilities Contingent consideration liabilities — — (157) — (157) Non-current financial debt — — — (3,949) (3,949) Current financial debt — — — (162) (162) Derivative financial instruments — (7) — — (7) Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost — (7) (157) (4,111) (4,275) (1) Recorded in Other non-current assets. (2) Recorded in Other current assets Long-term financial investments measured Financial investments ($ millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Balance as of January 1 28 31 24 61 Additions 18 7 — 2 (Losses) recognized in Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) — (10) — — Unrealized (losses) in Consolidated Income Statement — — (3) (5) Amortization — — (12) (34) Settlement — — (3) — Balance as of December 31 46 28 6 24
Disclosure of fair value measurement of liabilities	The following tables summarize financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis or at amortized cost or cost as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. December 31, 2021 ($ millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Valued at amortized cost or cost Total Non-current financial assets Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI — — 46 — 46 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL — — 6 — 6 Long-term receivables from customers — — — 110 110 Deferred compensation assets (1) 155 — — — 155 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements — — — 35 35 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits — — — 20 20 Non-current financial assets 155 — 52 165 372 Current financial assets Money market funds 624 — — — 624 Equity securities of public companies (2) 3 — — — 3 Current portion of long-term receivables from customers (2) — — — 97 97 Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements (2) — — — 28 28 Other receivables, security deposits and current assets (2) — — — 79 79 VAT receivables (2) — — — 105 105 Derivative financial instruments (2) — 3 — — 3 Current financial assets 627 3 — 309 939 Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost 782 3 52 474 1,311 Financial liabilities Contingent consideration liabilities — — (112) — (112) Non-current financial debt — — — (3,966) (3,966) Current financial debt — — — (107) (107) Derivative financial instruments — (7) — — (7) Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost — (7) (112) (4,073) (4,192) (1) Recorded in Other non-current assets. (2) Recorded in Other current assets. December 31, 2020 ($ millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Valued at amortized cost or cost Total Non-current financial assets Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI — — 28 — 28 Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL — — 12 — 12 Long-term receivables from customers — — — 117 117 Deferred compensation assets (1) 137 — — — 137 Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements — — — 39 39 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits — — — 22 22 Non-current financial assets 137 — 40 178 355 Current financial assets Money market funds 625 — — — 625 Current portion of long-term financial investments measured at FVPL (2) — — 12 — 12 Current portion of long-term receivables from customers (2) — — — 107 107 Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements (2) — — — 29 29 Other receivables, security deposits and current assets (2) — — — 88 88 VAT receivables (2) — — — 72 72 Derivative financial instruments (2) — 3 — — 3 Current financial assets 625 3 12 296 936 Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost 762 3 52 474 1,291 Financial liabilities Contingent consideration liabilities — — (157) — (157) Non-current financial debt — — — (3,949) (3,949) Current financial debt — — — (162) (162) Derivative financial instruments — (7) — — (7) Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost — (7) (157) (4,111) (4,275) (1) Recorded in Other non-current assets. (2) Recorded in Other current assets Contingent consideration liabilities ($ millions) 2021 2020 Balance as of January 1 (157) (243) Accretion for passage of time (12) (17) Adjustments for changes in assumptions 42 63 Payments 15 40 Balance as of December 31 (112) (157)

Provisions and other non-curr_2

Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Disclosure of provisions and other non-current liabilities	The below table provides details related to Provisions and other non-current liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Accrued liability for employee benefits: Defined benefit pension plans 23 295 339 Other long-term employee benefits and deferred compensation 177 152 Other post-employment benefits 23 300 332 Provisions for litigation and other legal matters — — Contingent consideration 18 112 142 Other non-current liabilities 56 95 Total provisions and other non-current liabilities 940 1,060
Disclosure of details of non-current product liabilities and other legal matter provisions	Litigation and other legal matters provision movements ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 — — 42 Additions to provisions 54 9 — Cash payments (1) (9) (40) Releases of provisions — — (2) December 31 53 — — Less current portion (53) — — Non-current provisions for litigation and other legal matters at December 31 — — —

Provisions and other current _2

Provisions and other current liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Provisions and other current liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Disclosure of provisions and other current liabilities	The following table provides details related to Provisions and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: ($ millions) Note 2021 2020 Taxes other than income taxes 93 110 Restructuring provisions 17 10 Accrued expenses for goods and services received but not invoiced 76 61 Accruals for royalties 10 11 Accruals for deductions from revenue 264 217 Accruals for compensation and benefits including social security 489 352 Deferred income 108 110 Provisions for litigation and other legal matters 19 53 — Accrued equity-based payments 14 9 Accrued interest on financial debts 19 19 Contingent consideration 18 — 15 Other payables 58 80 Total provisions and other current liabilities 1,201 994
Disclosure of movement of accruals for deductions from revenue	The following table shows the movement of accruals for deductions from revenue: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 217 212 194 Additions 677 540 662 Payments/utilizations (619) (537) (646) Changes in offset against gross trade receivables (5) (2) 1 Currency translation effects (6) 4 1 December 31 264 217 212
Disclosure of movement of restructuring provisions	The following table shows the movement of restructuring provisions: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 January 1 10 28 8 Additions 21 22 32 Cash payments (14) (40) (10) Releases — — (2) December 31 17 10 28

Consolidated statement of cas_3

Consolidated statement of cash flows - additional details (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash Flow Statement [Abstract]
Disclosure of detailed information about cash flow statement line items	($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Property, plant & equipment 323 299 275 Right-of-use assets 81 79 66 Intangible assets 815 1,245 1,084 Financial assets 3 5 31 Other non-current assets (2) (2) — Total 1,220 1,626 1,456
Disclosure of detailed information of change in net current assets and other operating cash flow items	($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 (Increase) in inventories (326) (159) (108) (Increase)/decrease in trade receivables (198) 43 (115) Increase/(decrease) in trade payables 60 (21) 84 Net change in other operating assets (24) 127 (26) Net change in other operating liabilities 174 (35) 117 Total (314) (45) (48)
Disclosure of detailed information of cash flows arising from acquisitions	($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Net assets recognized as a result of business combinations — — (418) Payables contingent consideration — — 135 Cash flows — — (283)
Disclosure of reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities	Financial Liabilities ($ millions) Non-current financial debts Current financial debts Non-current lease liabilities Current lease liabilities January 1, 2021 3,949 169 315 70 Proceeds from non-current financial debts, net of issuance costs 52 — Additions to leases 106 9 Change in current financial debts — (43) Amortization of discounts on financial debts 1 — Payments of lease liabilities, net — (72) Interest payments for amounts included in lease liabilities classified as cash flows from operating activities — (13) Changes in fair values and other non-cash changes, net 4 — (2) 8 Currency translation effects (40) (12) (10) (5) Reclassification from non-current to current — — (70) 70 December 31, 2021 3,966 114 339 67 Financial Liabilities ($ millions) Non-current financial debts Current financial debts Non-current lease liabilities Current lease liabilities January 1, 2020 3,218 261 280 61 Proceeds from non-current financial debts, net of issuance costs 744 — Additions to leases 96 11 Change in current financial debts — (139) Amortization of discounts on financial debts 1 — Payments of lease liabilities, net — (69) Interest payments for amounts included in lease liabilities classified as cash flows from operating activities — (12) Changes in fair values and other non-cash changes, net 4 (9) (2) 8 Currency translation effects 37 1 10 2 Reclassification from non-current to current (55) 55 (69) 69 December 31, 2020 3,949 169 315 70

Acquisitions of businesses (Tab

Acquisitions of businesses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions of businesses (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combinations1 [Abstract]
Disclosure of fair value of assets and liabilities arising from acquisitions	($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Property, plant and equipment — — 1 Acquired research and development — — 505 Deferred tax assets — — 28 Cash and cash equivalents — — 6 Deferred tax liabilities — — (121) Trade payables and other liabilities — — (1) Net identifiable assets acquired — — 418 Acquired liquidity — — (6) Goodwill — — 6 Net assets recognized as a result of business combinations — — 418

Post-employment benefits for _2

Post-employment benefits for associates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Post-employment benefits for associates (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Employee Benefits [Abstract]
Summary of funded and unfunded Defined Benefit Obligations and Reconciliation of net liability	The following tables summarize the funded and unfunded DBO for pension and other post-employment benefit plans of Alcon associates at December 31, 2021 and 2020: Pension plans Other post-employment ($ millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Benefit obligation at January 1 817 723 332 423 Current service cost 24 31 10 14 Interest cost 9 12 7 15 Past service costs and settlements (38) 9 — (165) Administrative expenses 1 1 — — Remeasurement (gains)/losses arising from changes in financial assumptions (22) 38 (12) 92 Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from changes in demographic assumptions — 2 1 (4) Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from experience-related changes 67 (13) (25) (27) Currency translation effects (35) 44 — — Benefit payments (37) (36) (17) (25) Contributions of associates 5 6 4 9 Benefit obligation at December 31 791 817 300 332 Fair value of plan assets at January 1 519 451 — — Interest income 6 7 — — Return on plan assets excluding interest income 49 32 — — Currency translation effects (18) 24 — — Employer contributions 23 25 13 16 Contributions of associates 5 6 4 9 Settlements (20) (2) — — Benefit payments (37) (36) (17) (25) Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers 14 12 — — Fair value of plan assets at December 31 541 519 — — Funded status (250) (298) (300) (332) Limitation on recognition of fund surplus at January 1 (17) (6) Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus (including exchange rate differences) (3) (11) Limitation on recognition of fund surplus at December 31 (20) (17) Net liability in the balance sheet at December 31 (270) (315) (300) (332) The reconciliation of the net liability from January 1 to December 31 is as follows: Pension plans Other post-employment benefit plans ($ millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net liability at January 1 (315) (278) (332) (423) Current service cost (24) (31) (10) (14) Net interest expense (3) (5) (7) (15) Administrative expenses (1) (1) — — Past service costs and settlements 18 (11) — 165 Remeasurements 4 5 36 (61) Currency translation effects 17 (20) — — Employer contributions 23 25 13 16 Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers 14 12 — — Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus (3) (11) — — Net liability at December 31 (270) (315) (300) (332) Amounts recognized in the balance sheet Prepaid benefit cost 25 24 — — Accrued benefit liability (295) (339) (300) (332)
Breakdown of DBO for pension plans by geography and type of member	The following tables provide detail of the DBO for pension plans by geography and type of member and of plan assets based on the geographical locations in which they are held: 2021 ($ millions) Switzerland United Germany United Rest of Total By type of member Active (295) (43) (64) — (99) (501) Deferred pensioners (11) (41) (28) (57) (14) (151) Pensioners (23) (42) (23) (40) (11) (139) Benefit obligation at December 31 (329) (126) (115) (97) (124) (791) Thereof: unfunded plans 47 29 — — 23 99 Thereof: unfunded portion of funded plans 87 6 94 — 9 196 Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus — — — (24) (21) (45) Fair value of plan assets at December 31 195 91 21 121 113 541 Funded status (134) (35) (94) 24 (11) (250) 2020 ($ millions) Switzerland United Germany United Rest of Total By type of member Active (251) (53) (76) — (125) (505) Deferred pensioners (12) (50) (32) (62) (17) (173) Pensioners (26) (35) (26) (42) (10) (139) Benefit obligation at December 31 (289) (138) (134) (104) (152) (817) Thereof: unfunded plans 51 30 — — 31 112 Thereof: unfunded portion of funded plans 84 14 115 — 14 227 Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus — — — (23) (18) (41) Fair value of plan assets at December 31 154 94 19 127 125 519 Funded status (135) (44) (115) 23 (27) (298)
Defined benefit plans assumptions	The following table shows the principal weighted average actuarial assumptions used for calculating defined benefit plans and other post-employment benefits of Alcon associates: Pension plans Other post-employment 2021 2020 2021 2020 Discount rate 1.4 % 1.2 % 2.7 % 2.3 % Expected rate of pension increase 1.1 % 1.1 % Expected rate of salary increase 2.2 % 2.4 % Interest on savings account 1.3 % 1.0 % Current average life expectancy for a 65-year-old male (in years) 20 20 21 20 Current average life expectancy for a 65-year-old female (in years) 22 23 23 22 The following table shows additional details related to the weighted average discount rates for the principal plan for each significant country: Pension plans Other post-employment 2021 2020 2021 2020 Switzerland 0.2 % 0.1 % United States 2.8 % 2.4 % 2.7 % 2.3 % Germany 1.2 % 0.8 % United Kingdom 1.9 % 1.3 % The healthcare cost trend rate assumptions used for other post-employment benefits are as follows: 2021 2020 2019 Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.2 % 6.2 % 6.5 % Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2029 2028 2028
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions	The following table shows the sensitivity of the defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit obligations to the principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2021: ($ millions) Change in 2021 year-end 25 basis point increase in discount rate (45) 25 basis point decrease in discount rate 38 1 year increase in life expectancy 23 25 basis point increase in rate of pension increase 9 25 basis point decrease in rate of pension increase (1) (11) 25 basis point increase of interest on savings account 5 25 basis point decrease of interest on savings account (5) 25 basis point increase in rate of salary increase 5 25 basis point decrease in rate of salary increase (5) (1) Decrease in rate of pension increase is limited to zero.
Fair value of plan assets and asset allocation	The following table shows the weighted average plan asset allocation of funded defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2021, and 2020: Pension plans (as a percentage) Long-term Long-term 2021 2020 Equity securities 15 40 35 31 Debt securities 20 60 40 46 Real estate 5 20 11 7 Alternative investments 0 20 11 10 Cash and other investments 0 15 3 6 Total 100 100
Schedule of expected future cash flows for benefit plans	The following table summarizes expected future cash flows for pension and other post-employment benefit plans as of December 31, 2021: ($ millions) Pension plans Other Employer contributions 2022 (estimated) 12 — Expected future benefit payments 2022 31 18 2023 29 19 2024 31 21 2025 32 21 2026 33 21 2027-2031 196 103

Equity-based compensation (Tabl

Equity-based compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Equity-based compensation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Disclosure of number and weighted average exercise prices of other equity instruments	The below table summarizes unvested share movements for all Alcon equity-based incentive plans through December 31, 2021 and 2020: 2021 2020 Number of Weighted average Fair value at grant date in $ millions Number of Weighted average Fair value at grant date in $ millions Unvested shares at January 1 5,417 54.90 297 4,742 51.20 243 Granted Restricted awards 1,456 72.05 105 1,668 60.19 100 Performance awards 429 72.71 31 457 62.03 28 Vested (1,258) 50.94 (64) (1,149) 50.55 (58) Forfeited (417) 62.50 (26) (301) 54.14 (16) Unvested shares at December 31 5,627 60.96 343 5,417 54.90 297
Summary of shares authorized	The below table summarizes the number of shares authorized under the plans as of December 31, 2021: (thousands) Authorized shares Long-term Incentive Plan 20,000 Deferred Bonus Stock Plan (1) 1,500 Swiss Employee Share Ownership Plan 475 Other share savings plans 275 Total 22,250 (1) Beginning in 2020, the annual incentives for the Alcon CEO and ATLs no longer include deferrals of compensation in the form of equity-based awards subject to the provisions of this plan. No grants were issued under this plan in 2021 and 2020.

Related parties transactions (T

Related parties transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Related parties transactions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Related Party [Abstract]
Disclosure of transactions between related parties	The following table summarizes compensation information for key management personnel: ($ millions) 2021 2020 2019 Cash and other compensation 19.3 12.8 12.5 Post-employment benefits 0.9 1.1 0.9 Equity-based compensation 20.9 9.2 10.7 Total 41.1 23.1 24.1 The following table summarizes amounts for the year ended December 31, 2019: ($ millions) 2019 (1) Contract manufacturing revenues from former parent 47 Purchases from former parent 19 (1) Activity presented strictly relates to the period during which Novartis was a related party (up to April 9, 2019).

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Other Provisions, Contingent Liabilities And Contingent Assets [Abstract]
Summary of commitments to make payments under long-term research agreements	As of December 31, 2021, the commitments to make payments under those agreements, and their estimated timing, were as follows: ($ millions) 2021 2022 4 2023 4 2024 — 2025 3 2026 — Thereafter 44 Total 55

Alcon subsidiaries (Tables)

Alcon subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Alcon subsidiaries (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Separate Financial Statements [Abstract]
Disclosure of details of subsidiaries	The following table lists the subsidiaries of Alcon Inc. with Total assets or Net sales to third parties in excess of $5 million included in the Consolidated Financial Statements at and for the year ended December 31, 2021, respectively. The equity interest percentage shown in the table represents Alcon's share in voting rights in those entities. Unless otherwise stated, each entity has share capital consisting of equity held directly by the Company or another of its consolidated subsidiaries. Country of organization/Entity name Place of business Equity Argentina Alcon Laboratorios Argentina S.A. Buenos Aires 100 % Australia Alcon Laboratories (Australia) Pty Ltd Macquarie Park 100 % Austria Alcon Ophthalmika GmbH Wein 100 % Belgium Alcon Laboratories Belgium BVBA Puurs 100 % Alcon N.V. Vilvoorde 100 % Brazil Alcon Brasil Cuidados com a Saúde Ltda. São Paulo 100 % Canada Alcon Canada Inc. Mississauga, Ontario 100 % Chile Alcon Laboratorios Chile Ltd. Santiago de Chile 100 % China Alcon (China) Ophthalmic Product Co., Ltd. Beijing 100 % Alcon Hong Kong Limited Hong Kong 100 % Colombia Laboratorios Alcon de Colombia S.A. Santafé de Bogotá 100 % Czech Republic Alcon Pharmaceuticals (Czech Republic) s.r.o. Prague 100 % Denmark Alcon Nordic A/S Copenhagen 100 % Ecuador AlconLab Ecuador S.A. Quito 100 % France Laboratoires Alcon S.A.S. Rueil-Malmaison 100 % Germany Alcon Deutschland GmbH Freiburg im Breisgau 100 % CIBA Vision GmbH Grosswallstadt 100 % WaveLight GmbH Erlangen 100 % Greece Alcon Laboratories Hellas- Single Member Commercial and Industrial S.A.C.I. Maroussi, Athens 100 % Hungary Alcon Hungary Pharmaceuticals Trading Limited Liability Company Budapest 100 % India Alcon Laboratories (India) Private Limited Bangalore 100 % Indonesia PT. CIBA Vision Batam Batam 100 % Ireland Alcon Laboratories Ireland Limited Cork City 100 % Israel Optonol Ltd. Neve-Ilan 100 % Italy Alcon Italia S.p.A. Milano 100 % Japan Alcon Japan Ltd. Tokyo 100 % Malaysia Alcon Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya 100 % Country of organization/Entity name Place of business Equity CIBA Vision Johor Sdn. Bhd. Johor 100 % Mexico Alcon Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V. Ciudad de Mexico 100 % Netherlands Alcon Nederland B.V. Gorinchem 100 % New Zealand Alcon Laboratories (New Zealand) Ltd. Remuera 100 % Panama Alcon Centroamerica S.A. Panama City 100 % Peru Alcon Pharmaceutical del Peru S.A. Lima 100 % Philippines Alcon Laboratories (Philippines), Inc. Pasig City 100 % Poland Alcon Polska Sp. z o.o. Warszawa 100 % Portugal Alcon Portugal-Produtos e Equipamentos Oftalmológicos Lda. Porto Salvo 100 % Puerto Rico Alcon (Puerto Rico), Inc. Cataño, PR 100 % Romania Alcon Romania S.R.L. Bucharest 100 % Russian Federation Alcon Farmacevtika LLC Moscow 100 % Singapore Alcon Pte Ltd Singapore 100 % Alcon Singapore Manufacturing Pte Ltd Singapore 100 % CIBA Vision Asian Manufacturing and Logistics Pte Ltd. Singapore 100 % South Africa Alcon Laboratories (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. Midrand 100 % South Korea Alcon Korea Ltd. Seoul 100 % Spain Alcon Healthcare S.A. Barcelona 100 % Switzerland Alcon Grieshaber AG Schaffhausen 100 % Alcon Management SA Vernier 100 % Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Fribourg 100 % Alcon Services AG Fribourg 100 % Alcon Switzerland SA Zug 100 % Thailand Alcon Laboratories (Thailand) Limited Bangkok 100 % Turkey Alcon Laboratuvarlari Ticaret A.S. Istanbul 100 % Ukraine Alcon Ukraine LLC Kiev 100 % United Kingdom Alcon Eye Care UK Limited Frimley/Camberley 100 % Country of organization/Entity name Place of business Equity United States of America Alcon Finance Corporation Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon LenSx, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon RefractiveHorizons, LLC Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon Research, LLC Fort Worth, TX 100 % Alcon Vision, LLC Fort Worth, TX 100 % CIBA Vision, LLC Fort Worth, TX 100 % WaveLight, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % PowerVision, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % Tear Film Innovations, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % TrueVision Systems, Inc. Fort Worth, TX 100 % Uruguay Alcon Laboratorios Uruguay S.A. Montevideo 100 %

Description of business (Detail

Description of business (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)segment	Apr. 09, 2019
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments \| segment	2
Shares received in spin-off		0.2
Total asset and net sales threshold \| $	$ 5

Selected accounting policies -

Selected accounting policies - Schedule of useful lives for property, plant, and equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Bottom of range \| Buildings and improvements
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful life	10 years
Bottom of range \| Machinery and equipment
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful life	5 years
Bottom of range \| Furniture and vehicles
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful life	5 years
Bottom of range \| Computer hardware
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful life	3 years
Top of range \| Buildings and improvements
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful life	40 years
Top of range \| Machinery and equipment
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful life	20 years
Top of range \| Furniture and vehicles
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful life	10 years
Top of range \| Computer hardware
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Useful life	7 years

Selected accounting policies _2

Selected accounting policies - Schedule of useful lives of intangible assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Currently marketed products \| Bottom of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	5 years
Currently marketed products \| Top of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	20 years
Marketing know-how
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	25 years
Technologies \| Bottom of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	10 years
Technologies \| Top of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	20 years
Other (including software) \| Bottom of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	3 years
Other (including software) \| Top of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	10 years

Selected accounting policies _3

Selected accounting policies - Additional information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Cash flow projection period	5 years

Significant transactions (Detai

Significant transactions (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 08, 2021	May 27, 2020	Apr. 02, 2019	Mar. 13, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 23, 2019	Apr. 09, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Purchase of intangible assets					$ 480,000,000	$ 88,000,000	$ 123,000,000
Financial debts					4,080,000,000	4,118,000,000			$ 3,500,000,000
Cash paid for intercompany transactions related to spin-off			$ 3,100,000,000
Net assets									$ 20,000,000,000
Net identifiable assets acquired					0	0	418,000,000
Acquired research and development					0	0	505,000,000
Goodwill					0	0	6,000,000
Consideration paid (received)					$ 0	$ 0	$ 283,000,000
Simbrinza
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Purchase of intangible assets	$ 355,000,000
PowerVision, Inc.
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Percentage of voting equity interests acquired				100.00%
Consideration transferred, acquisition-date fair value				$ 424,000,000
Cash transferred				289,000,000
Contingent liabilities recognised as of acquisition date				135,000,000
Net identifiable assets acquired				418,000,000
Acquired research and development				505,000,000
Net deferred tax liabilities recognised				93,000,000
Other net assets recognised as of acquisition date				6,000,000
Goodwill				6,000,000
Consideration paid (received)				$ 283,000,000
Bridge and Term Loans
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Notional amount								$ 2,000,000,000
Series 2026 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Borrowings, interest rate								2.75%
Notional amount								$ 500,000,000
Series 2029 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Borrowings, interest rate								3.00%
Notional amount								$ 1,000,000,000
Series 2049 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Borrowings, interest rate								3.80%
Notional amount								$ 500,000,000
Bridge and other term loans
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Proceeds from borrowings			$ 3,200,000,000
Series 2030 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Proceeds from borrowings		$ 750,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate		2.60%
Notional amount		$ 750,000,000

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021segment
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	2

Segment Information - Net sales

Segment Information - Net sales and other revenues by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 8,222	$ 6,763	$ 7,362
Other revenues	69	70	146
Net sales and other revenues	8,291	6,833	7,508
Surgical
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Net sales to third parties	4,703	3,710	4,174
Surgical \| Implantables
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Net sales to third parties	1,522	1,126	1,210
Surgical \| Consumables
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Net sales to third parties	2,388	1,952	2,304
Surgical \| Equipment/other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Net sales to third parties	793	632	660
Vision Care
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Net sales to third parties	3,519	3,053	3,188
Vision Care \| Contact lenses
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Net sales to third parties	2,139	1,838	1,969
Vision Care \| Ocular health
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 1,380	$ 1,215	$ 1,219

Segment Information - Segment c

Segment Information - Segment contribution and reconciliation to income/(loss) before taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Segment contribution	$ 1,788,000,000	$ 1,091,000,000	$ 1,537,000,000
Amortization of intangible assets	(590,000,000)	(1,078,000,000)	(1,084,000,000)
Impairment charges	(225,000,000)	(167,000,000)	0
General & administration (corporate)	(251,000,000)	(232,000,000)	(216,000,000)
Separation costs	(36,000,000)	(217,000,000)	(237,000,000)
Spin readiness costs	0	0	(72,000,000)
Transformation costs	(68,000,000)	(49,000,000)	(52,000,000)
Fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities	42,000,000	63,000,000	75,000,000
Past service costs and settlements	18,000,000	154,000,000	(2,000,000)
Other	(98,000,000)	(47,000,000)	(136,000,000)
Operating income/(loss)	580,000,000	(482,000,000)	(187,000,000)
Interest expense	(120,000,000)	(124,000,000)	(113,000,000)
Other financial income & expense	(42,000,000)	(29,000,000)	(32,000,000)
Income/(loss) before taxes	418,000,000	(635,000,000)	(332,000,000)
Total depreciation of property, plant & equipment	(323,000,000)	(293,000,000)	(267,000,000)
Total depreciation of right-of-use assets	(81,000,000)	(79,000,000)	(66,000,000)
Total impairment charges on property, plant & equipment, net	0	(6,000,000)	(8,000,000)
Total equity-based compensation	(151,000,000)	(113,000,000)	(114,000,000)
Not allocated to segments
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Total equity-based compensation	(17,000,000)	(13,000,000)	(15,000,000)
Surgical
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Segment contribution	1,184,000,000	672,000,000	957,000,000
Impairment charges	(178,000,000)	(66,000,000)	0
Surgical \| Operating segments
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Total depreciation of property, plant & equipment	(129,000,000)	(122,000,000)	(112,000,000)
Total depreciation of right-of-use assets	(50,000,000)	(47,000,000)	(42,000,000)
Total impairment charges on property, plant & equipment, net	0	(6,000,000)	(3,000,000)
Total equity-based compensation	(74,000,000)	(55,000,000)	(55,000,000)
Vision Care
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Segment contribution	604,000,000	419,000,000	580,000,000
Impairment charges	(47,000,000)	(101,000,000)	0
Vision Care \| Operating segments
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Total depreciation of property, plant & equipment	(194,000,000)	(171,000,000)	(155,000,000)
Total depreciation of right-of-use assets	(31,000,000)	(32,000,000)	(24,000,000)
Total impairment charges on property, plant & equipment, net	0	0	(5,000,000)
Total equity-based compensation	$ (60,000,000)	$ (45,000,000)	$ (44,000,000)

Segment Information - Net sal_2

Segment Information - Net sales by region (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 8,222	$ 6,763	$ 7,362
Percentage of entity's revenue	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total of selected non-current asset	$ 21,753	$ 21,785
Percentage of entity's non-current asset	100.00%	100.00%
Foreign countries \| United States
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 3,651	$ 2,975	$ 3,055
Percentage of entity's revenue	44.00%	44.00%	41.00%
Total of selected non-current asset	$ 10,200	$ 10,309
Percentage of entity's non-current asset	47.00%	47.00%
Foreign countries \| Japan
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 621	$ 650	$ 656
Percentage of entity's revenue	8.00%	10.00%	9.00%
Total of selected non-current asset	$ 46	$ 63
Percentage of entity's non-current asset	0.00%	0.00%
Foreign countries \| China
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 486	$ 383	$ 377
Percentage of entity's revenue	6.00%	6.00%	5.00%
Total of selected non-current asset	$ 16	$ 16
Percentage of entity's non-current asset	0.00%	0.00%
Foreign countries \| Other
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 3,404	$ 2,700	$ 3,218
Percentage of entity's revenue	41.00%	40.00%	44.00%
Total of selected non-current asset	$ 1,729	$ 1,660
Percentage of entity's non-current asset	8.00%	8.00%
International
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 4,571	$ 3,788	$ 4,307
Percentage of entity's revenue	56.00%	56.00%	59.00%
Total of selected non-current asset	$ 11,553	$ 11,476
Percentage of entity's non-current asset	53.00%	53.00%
Country of domicile \| Switzerland
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net sales to third parties	$ 60	$ 55	$ 56
Percentage of entity's revenue	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Total of selected non-current asset	$ 9,762	$ 9,737
Percentage of entity's non-current asset	45.00%	45.00%

Interest expense and other fi_3

Interest expense and other financial income & expense - Interest expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Interest expense on financial debts	$ (95)	$ (94)	$ (81)
Interest expense from discounting long-term liabilities	(12)	(17)	(21)
Interest expense on lease liabilities	(13)	(13)	(11)
Total interest expense	$ (120)	$ (124)	$ (113)

Interest expense and other fi_4

Interest expense and other financial income & expense - Other financial income & expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 23, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Interest income		$ 3	$ 6	$ 8
Loss on extinguishment of financial debt	$ (4)	0	0	(4)
Other financial expense		(10)	(9)	(18)
Monetary loss from hyperinflation accounting		(6)	(4)	(2)
Currency result, net		(29)	(22)	(16)
Total other financial income & expense		$ (42)	$ (29)	$ (32)

Taxes - (Loss) before taxes (De

Taxes - (Loss) before taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Total income/(loss) before taxes	$ 418	$ (635)	$ (332)
Country of domicile
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Total income/(loss) before taxes	680	(585)	(274)
Foreign countries
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Total income/(loss) before taxes	$ (262)	$ (50)	$ (58)

Taxes - Current and deferred in

Taxes - Current and deferred income tax expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Current income tax expense	$ (234)	$ (119)	$ (202)
Deferred tax income/(expense)	192	223	(122)
Total income tax (expense)/income	(42)	104	(324)
Country of domicile
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Current income tax expense	(118)	(14)	(34)
Deferred tax income/(expense)	45	96	(246)
Foreign countries
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Current income tax expense	(116)	(105)	(168)
Deferred tax income/(expense)	$ 147	$ 127	$ 124

Taxes - Analysis of tax rate (D

Taxes - Analysis of tax rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of accounting profit multiplied by applicable tax rates [abstract]
Applicable tax rate	$ (39)	$ 98	$ 39
Effect of disallowed expenditures	(10)	(20)	(23)
Effect of equity-based compensation	(7)	(5)	(1)
Effect of income taxed at reduced rates	1	4	2
Effect of tax credits and allowances	9	9	7
Effect of deductibility of a statutory expense in Switzerland	38	0	0
Effect of adjustments to contingent consideration and other liabilities	7	17	11
Effect of option payments	(2)	(6)	(12)
Tax effect from change in tax rate	(3)	10	(342)
Effect of changes in uncertain tax positions	(39)	(8)	10
Effect of other items	(3)	(10)	(2)
Effect of prior year items	6	15	(13)
Total income tax (expense)/income	$ (42)	$ 104	$ (324)
Reconciliation of average effective tax rate and applicable tax rate [abstract]
Applicable tax rate	9.30%	15.40%	11.70%
Effect of disallowed expenditures	2.40%	(3.10%)	(6.90%)
Effect of equity-based compensation	1.70%	(0.80%)	(0.30%)
Effect of income taxed at reduced rates	(0.20%)	0.60%	0.60%
Effect of tax credits and allowances	(2.20%)	1.40%	2.10%
Effect of deductibility of a statutory expense in Switzerland(1)	(9.10%)	0.00%	0.00%
Effect of adjustments to contingent consideration and other liabilities	(1.70%)	2.70%	3.30%
Effect of option payments	0.50%	(0.90%)	(3.60%)
Effect of tax rate changes	0.70%	1.60%	(103.00%)
Effect of changes in uncertain tax positions	9.30%	(1.30%)	3.00%
Effect of other items	0.70%	(1.60%)	(0.60%)
Effect of prior year items	(1.40%)	2.40%	(3.90%)
Effective tax rate	10.00%	16.40%	(97.60%)
Switzerland
Reconciliation of accounting profit multiplied by applicable tax rates [abstract]
Effect of tax rate change on current and deferred tax assets and liabilities from US tax reform			$ 304
United States
Reconciliation of accounting profit multiplied by applicable tax rates [abstract]
Effect of tax rate change on current and deferred tax assets and liabilities from US tax reform			$ 31

Share capital, dividend and e_2

Share capital, dividend and earnings/(loss) per share - Narrative (Details) SFr / shares in Units, SFr in Thousands, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Feb. 23, 2021USD ($)	Feb. 23, 2021SFr / shares	Nov. 10, 2020CHF (SFr)shares	Nov. 19, 2019CHF (SFr)shares	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019shares	Dec. 31, 2021CHF (SFr)SFr / sharesshares
Earnings per share [abstract]
Share capital					$ 20	$ 20		SFr 20,000
Number of shares issued (in shares)					499.7			499.7
Nominal value (in CHF per share) \| SFr / shares								SFr 0.04
Share capital, increase (decrease) in authorized amount \| SFr			SFr 320	SFr 120
Number of additional shares authorized (in shares)			8	3
Treasury stock (in shares)					9.6			9.6
Dividends (per share) \| SFr / shares		SFr 0.10
Dividends \| $	$ 54
Basic (in shares)					490	489	488.2
Diluted (in shares)					493.4	489	488.2
Diluted weighted average shares adjustment (in shares)					3.4
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation (in shares)						2.8	1.9

Share capital, dividend and e_3

Share capital, dividend and earnings/(loss) per share - Share activity (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of number of shares outstanding [abstract]
Distribution by former parent of shares capital at Spin-off (in shares)			488.7
Reconciliation of Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Distribution by former parent of shares capital at Spin-off (in shares)			488.7
Issuance of additional registered shares (in shares)		8	3
Treasury stock, balance (in shares)	9.6
Balance (in shares)	499.7	491.7	0
Balance (in shares)	499.7	499.7	491.7
Common stock shares outstanding
Reconciliation of number of shares outstanding [abstract]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	489.2	488.3	0
Distribution by former parent of shares capital at Spin-off (in shares)			488.2
Settlement of equity-based awards (in shares)	0.9	0.9	0.1
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	490.1	489.2	488.3
Reconciliation of Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Distribution by former parent of shares capital at Spin-off (in shares)			488.2
Treasury stock shares
Reconciliation of number of shares outstanding [abstract]
Distribution by former parent of shares capital at Spin-off (in shares)			0.5
Reconciliation of Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]
Treasury stock, balance (in shares)	10.5	3.4	0
Distribution by former parent of shares capital at Spin-off (in shares)			0.5
Issuance of additional registered shares (in shares)		8	3
Settlement of equity-based awards (in shares)	(0.9)	(0.9)	(0.1)
Treasury stock, balance (in shares)		10.5	3.4

Property, plant and equipment_2

Property, plant and equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	$ 3,425
Depreciation charge	(323)	$ (293)	$ (267)
Impairment charge	0	(6)	(8)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	3,711	3,425
Non-cash additions	52	83
Commitments for purchases of property, plant and equipment	186	136
Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	5,917	5,322
Additions	721	562
Disposals and derecognitions	(108)	(122)
Reclassifications for assets placed in service	0	0
Other reclassifications		0
Currency translation effects	(170)	155
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	6,360	5,917	5,322
Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(2,492)	(2,209)
Depreciation charge	(323)	(293)
Impairment charge		(6)
Disposals and derecognitions	95	74
Other reclassifications		0
Currency translation effects	71	(58)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	(2,649)	(2,492)	(2,209)
Land
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	35
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	36	35
Land \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	35	33
Additions	2	2
Disposals and derecognitions	0	0
Reclassifications for assets placed in service	0	0
Other reclassifications		0
Currency translation effects	(1)	0
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	36	35	33
Land \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	0	0
Depreciation charge	0	0
Impairment charge		0
Disposals and derecognitions	0	0
Other reclassifications		0
Currency translation effects	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	0	0	0
Buildings and improvements
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	1,168
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	1,185	1,168
Buildings and improvements \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	1,884	1,628
Additions	8	7
Disposals and derecognitions	(7)	(7)
Reclassifications for assets placed in service	146	215
Other reclassifications		11
Currency translation effects	(44)	30
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	1,987	1,884	1,628
Buildings and improvements \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(716)	(618)
Depreciation charge	(107)	(80)
Impairment charge		0
Disposals and derecognitions	5	4
Other reclassifications		(7)
Currency translation effects	16	(15)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	(802)	(716)	(618)
Construction in progress
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	565
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	789	565
Construction in progress \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	573	755
Additions	654	479
Disposals and derecognitions	(8)	(10)
Reclassifications for assets placed in service	(410)	(705)
Other reclassifications		0
Currency translation effects	(19)	54
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	790	573	755
Construction in progress \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(8)	(8)
Depreciation charge	0	0
Impairment charge		0
Disposals and derecognitions	7	0
Other reclassifications		0
Currency translation effects	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	(1)	(8)	(8)
Machinery & other equipment
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	1,657
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	1,701	1,657
Machinery & other equipment \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	3,425	2,906
Additions	57	74
Disposals and derecognitions	(93)	(105)
Reclassifications for assets placed in service	264	490
Other reclassifications		(11)
Currency translation effects	(106)	71
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	3,547	3,425	2,906
Machinery & other equipment \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in property, plant and equipment [abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, beginning balance	(1,768)	(1,583)
Depreciation charge	(216)	(213)
Impairment charge		(6)
Disposals and derecognitions	83	70
Other reclassifications		7
Currency translation effects	55	(43)
Property, plant and equipment, ending balance	$ (1,846)	$ (1,768)	$ (1,583)

Goodwill and intangible asset_2

Goodwill and intangible assets - Summary of movements of goodwill and intangible assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	$ 9,097,000,000
Amortization charge	590,000,000	$ 1,078,000,000	$ 1,084,000,000
Impairment charges	(225,000,000)	(167,000,000)	0
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	8,765,000,000	9,097,000,000
Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	20,032,000,000	20,088,000,000
Additions	483,000,000	120,000,000
Disposals and derecognitions	(8,000,000)	(176,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	20,507,000,000	20,032,000,000	20,088,000,000
Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	(10,935,000,000)	(9,857,000,000)
Amortization charge	(590,000,000)	(1,078,000,000)
Disposals and derecognitions	8,000,000	167,000,000
Impairment charges	(225,000,000)	(167,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	(11,742,000,000)	(10,935,000,000)	(9,857,000,000)
Goodwill
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	8,905,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	8,905,000,000	8,905,000,000
Goodwill \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	8,905,000,000	8,905,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	8,905,000,000	8,905,000,000	8,905,000,000
Goodwill \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	0	0
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	0	0	0
Alcon brand name
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	2,980,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	2,980,000,000	2,980,000,000
Alcon brand name \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	2,980,000,000	2,980,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	2,980,000,000	2,980,000,000	2,980,000,000
Alcon brand name \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	0	0
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	0	0	0
Acquired research & development
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	727,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	557,000,000	727,000,000
Acquired research & development \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	727,000,000	728,000,000
Additions	20,000,000	2,000,000
Reclassifications	(10,000,000)
Disposals and derecognitions		(3,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	737,000,000	727,000,000	728,000,000
Acquired research & development \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	0	(3,000,000)
Disposals and derecognitions		3,000,000
Impairment charges	(180,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	(180,000,000)	0	(3,000,000)
Technologies
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	170,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	131,000,000	170,000,000
Technologies \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	5,369,000,000	5,369,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	5,369,000,000	5,369,000,000	5,369,000,000
Technologies \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	(5,199,000,000)	(4,692,000,000)
Amortization charge	(39,000,000)	(507,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	(5,238,000,000)	(5,199,000,000)	(4,692,000,000)
Currently marketed products
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	1,243,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	1,332,000,000	1,243,000,000
Currently marketed products \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	4,440,000,000	4,440,000,000
Additions	359,000,000
Reclassifications	10,000,000
Disposals and derecognitions	(6,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	4,803,000,000	4,440,000,000	4,440,000,000
Currently marketed products \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	(3,197,000,000)	(2,842,000,000)
Amortization charge	(235,000,000)	(249,000,000)
Disposals and derecognitions	6,000,000
Impairment charges	(45,000,000)	(106,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	(3,471,000,000)	(3,197,000,000)	(2,842,000,000)
Marketing know-how
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	3,576,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	3,338,000,000	3,576,000,000
Marketing know-how \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	5,960,000,000	5,960,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	5,960,000,000	5,960,000,000	5,960,000,000
Marketing know-how \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	(2,384,000,000)	(2,146,000,000)
Amortization charge	(238,000,000)	(238,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	(2,622,000,000)	(2,384,000,000)	(2,146,000,000)
Other (including software)
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	401,000,000
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	427,000,000	401,000,000
Other (including software) \| Cost
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	556,000,000	611,000,000
Additions	104,000,000	118,000,000
Disposals and derecognitions	(2,000,000)	(173,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	658,000,000	556,000,000	611,000,000
Other (including software) \| Accumulated depreciation
Reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period	(155,000,000)	(174,000,000)
Amortization charge	(78,000,000)	(84,000,000)
Disposals and derecognitions	2,000,000	164,000,000
Impairment charges		(61,000,000)
Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period	$ (231,000,000)	$ (155,000,000)	$ (174,000,000)

Goodwill and intangible asset_3

Goodwill and intangible assets - Goodwill and intangible asset by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	$ 8,765	$ 9,097
Goodwill
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	8,905	8,905
Alcon brand name
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	2,980	2,980
Acquired research & development
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	557	727
Technologies
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	131	170
Currently marketed products
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	1,332	1,243
Marketing know-how
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	3,338	3,576
Other (including software)
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	427	401
Operating segments \| Technologies
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	131
Operating segments \| Surgical
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	4,504	4,953
Operating segments \| Surgical \| Goodwill
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	4,544	4,544
Operating segments \| Surgical \| Acquired research & development
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	555	723
Operating segments \| Surgical \| Technologies
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	131	170
Operating segments \| Surgical \| Currently marketed products
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	229	247
Operating segments \| Surgical \| Marketing know-how
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	3,338	3,576
Operating segments \| Surgical \| Other (including software)
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	251	237
Operating segments \| Vision Care
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	1,281	1,164
Operating segments \| Vision Care \| Goodwill
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	4,361	4,361
Operating segments \| Vision Care \| Acquired research & development
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	2	4
Operating segments \| Vision Care \| Currently marketed products
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	1,103	996
Operating segments \| Vision Care \| Other (including software)
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	176	164
Not allocated to segments
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	2,980	2,980
Not allocated to segments \| Alcon brand name
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible assets and goodwill	$ 2,980	$ 2,980

Goodwill and intangible asset_4

Goodwill and intangible assets - Intangible asset assumptions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Surgical
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Terminal growth rate	3.00%	3.00%
Discount rate (post-tax)	7.00%	7.50%
Vision Care
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Terminal growth rate	3.00%	3.00%
Discount rate (post-tax)	6.50%	7.00%

Goodwill and intangible asset_5

Goodwill and intangible assets - Intangible asset impairment charges (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges					$ 225,000,000	$ 167,000,000	$ 0
Cash flow projection forecast duration					5 years
Cost of net sales
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges						106,000,000
Surgical
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges					$ 178,000,000	66,000,000	0
Recoverable amount			$ 48,000,000			65,000,000
Surgical \| Acquired research & development \| Research and development
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges		$ 178,000,000
Surgical \| Currently marketed products \| Cost of net sales
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges						65,000,000
Vision Care
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges					47,000,000	101,000,000	$ 0
Recoverable amount								$ 88,000,000
Vision Care \| Research and development
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges				$ 61,000,000
Vision Care \| Cost of net sales
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges			$ 45,000,000			$ 41,000,000
Vision Care \| Acquired research & development \| Research and development
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges	$ 2,000,000
Vision Care and Surgical \| Acquired research & development \| Research and development
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Impairment charges					$ 180,000,000

Deferred tax assets and liabi_3

Deferred tax assets and liabilities - Activity in deferred tax asset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Gross deferred tax assets, beginning balance	$ 1,026	$ 932
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, beginning balance	(1,823)	(1,964)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), beginning balance	(797)	(1,032)
(Charged)/credited to income	192	223
(Charged)/credited to equity	8	(4)
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income	(20)	16
Gross deferred tax assets, ending balance	1,161	1,026
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, ending balance	(1,778)	(1,823)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), ending balance	(617)	(797)
Property, plant & equipment
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Gross deferred tax assets, beginning balance	24	13
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, beginning balance	(215)	(172)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), beginning balance	(191)	(159)
(Charged)/credited to income	(27)	(32)
(Charged)/credited to equity	0	0
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income	0	0
Gross deferred tax assets, ending balance	28	24
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, ending balance	(246)	(215)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), ending balance	(218)	(191)
Intangible assets
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Gross deferred tax assets, beginning balance	5	6
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, beginning balance	(1,519)	(1,713)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), beginning balance	(1,514)	(1,707)
(Charged)/credited to income	137	193
(Charged)/credited to equity	0	0
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income	0	0
Gross deferred tax assets, ending balance	5	5
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, ending balance	(1,382)	(1,519)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), ending balance	(1,377)	(1,514)
Pensions and other benefit obligations of associates
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Gross deferred tax assets, beginning balance	128	151
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, beginning balance	0	(10)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), beginning balance	128	141
(Charged)/credited to income	1	(33)
(Charged)/credited to equity	(2)	7
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income	(11)	13
Gross deferred tax assets, ending balance	116	128
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, ending balance	0	0
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), ending balance	116	128
Inventories
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Gross deferred tax assets, beginning balance	381	371
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, beginning balance	(23)	(23)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), beginning balance	358	348
(Charged)/credited to income	(9)	10
(Charged)/credited to equity	0	0
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income	0	0
Gross deferred tax assets, ending balance	372	381
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, ending balance	(23)	(23)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), ending balance	349	358
Tax loss carry-forwards
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Gross deferred tax assets, beginning balance	174	110
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, beginning balance	0	0
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), beginning balance	174	110
(Charged)/credited to income	4	59
(Charged)/credited to equity	7	5
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income	3	0
Gross deferred tax assets, ending balance	188	174
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, ending balance	0	0
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), ending balance	188	174
Other assets, provisions and accruals
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Gross deferred tax assets, beginning balance	314	281
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, beginning balance	(66)	(46)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), beginning balance	248	235
(Charged)/credited to income	86	26
(Charged)/credited to equity	3	(16)
(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income	(12)	3
Gross deferred tax assets, ending balance	452	314
Gross, deferred tax liabilities, ending balance	(127)	(66)
Net, deferred tax liability (asset), ending balance	$ 325	$ 248

Deferred tax assets and liabi_4

Deferred tax assets and liabilities - Net deferred tax balance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Offsetting amounts	$ 752	$ 627
Deferred tax assets	409	399
Deferred tax liabilities	(1,026)	(1,196)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (617)	$ (797)	$ (1,032)

Deferred tax assets and liabi_5

Deferred tax assets and liabilities - Impact on current taxes payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets	$ 0.8	$ 0.6
Deferred tax liabilities	$ 1.7	$ 1.8

Deferred tax assets and liabi_6

Deferred tax assets and liabilities - Additional information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unremitted earnings retained for reinvestment	$ 9,000,000,000
Temporary differences and unused tax losses for which no deferred tax assets were recognized	9,000,000,000		$ 9,000,000,000
Capital loss carryforwards for which no deferred tax assets were recognized	103,000,000		0
Tax loss carryforwards capitalized	1,047,000,000		921,000,000
Tax loss carryforwards expiring in five years	2,000,000
Expiring in greater than five years or with indefinite carryforward period	1,045,000,000
Amount with indefinite carryforward period	677,000,000
Expiring in 6 to 20 years	368,000,000
Tax loss carryforwards expired in period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Switzerland
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax expense (income) relating to tax rate changes or imposition of new taxes		$ 304,000,000

Financial and other non-curre_3

Financial and other non-current assets - Financial Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Long-term financial investments measured at FVOCI	$ 46	$ 28
Long-term financial investments measured at FVPL	6	12
Long-term receivables from customers	110	117
Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements	35	39
Long-term loans, advances and security deposits	20	22
Total financial assets	$ 217	$ 218

Financial and other non-curre_4

Financial and other non-current assets - Minimum finance lease payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Total future payments	$ 81	$ 120
Unearned interest income	(4)	(6)
Present value	77	114
Provision	(14)	(46)
Net book value	63	68
Not later than one year
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Total future payments	32	33
Unearned interest income	(2)	(3)
Present value	30	30
Provision	(2)	(1)
Net book value	28	29
Between one and five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Total future payments	47	55
Unearned interest income	(2)	(3)
Present value	45	52
Provision	(12)	(18)
Net book value	33	34
Later than five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Total future payments	2	32
Unearned interest income	0	0
Present value	2	32
Provision	0	(27)
Net book value	$ 2	$ 5

Financial and other non-curre_5

Financial and other non-current assets - Other Non-current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Deferred compensation plans	$ 155	$ 137
Prepaid post-employment benefit plans	25	24
Other non-current assets	54	50
Total other non-current assets	$ 234	$ 211

Inventories - Additional inform

Inventories - Additional information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Inventories [Line Items]
Inventory write-down	$ 220	$ 304	$ 181
Reversal of inventory write-down	83	91	65
Cost of net sales
Disclosure Of Inventories [Line Items]
Inventory recognized as expense	2,500	2,100	2,200
Cost of other revenues
Disclosure Of Inventories [Line Items]
Inventory recognized as expense	$ 62	$ 63	$ 127

Inventories - Schedule of inven

Inventories - Schedule of inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw material, consumables	$ 336	$ 278
Work in progress	169	136
Finished products	1,394	1,230
Total inventories	$ 1,899	$ 1,644

Trade receivables - Components

Trade receivables - Components of trade receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of provision matrix [line items]
Gross trade receivables	$ 1,551	$ 1,429
Provision	(55)	(68)	$ (48)	$ (54)
Trade receivables, net	1,496	1,361
Not overdue
Disclosure of provision matrix [line items]
Gross trade receivables	1,273	1,137
Provision	(2)	(2)
Trade receivables, net	$ 1,271	$ 1,135
Expected credit loss rates	0.20%	0.20%
Past due for not more than one month
Disclosure of provision matrix [line items]
Gross trade receivables	$ 96	$ 109
Provision	(1)	(1)
Trade receivables, net	$ 95	$ 108
Expected credit loss rates	1.00%	0.90%
Past due for more than one month but less than three months
Disclosure of provision matrix [line items]
Gross trade receivables	$ 74	$ 67
Provision	(1)	(2)
Trade receivables, net	$ 73	$ 65
Expected credit loss rates	1.40%	3.00%
Past due for more than three months but less than six months
Disclosure of provision matrix [line items]
Gross trade receivables	$ 43	$ 36
Provision	(2)	(2)
Trade receivables, net	$ 41	$ 34
Expected credit loss rates	4.70%	5.60%
Past due for more than six months but less than one year
Disclosure of provision matrix [line items]
Gross trade receivables	$ 23	$ 31
Provision	(13)	(18)
Trade receivables, net	$ 10	$ 13
Expected credit loss rates	56.50%	58.10%
Past due for more than one year
Disclosure of provision matrix [line items]
Gross trade receivables	$ 42	$ 49
Provision	(36)	(43)
Trade receivables, net	$ 6	$ 6
Expected credit loss rates	85.70%	87.80%

Trade receivables - Movement in

Trade receivables - Movement in provision for trade receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in allowance account for credit losses of financial assets [abstract]
Beginning balance	$ (68)	$ (48)	$ (54)
Provisions for doubtful trade receivables charged to the Consolidated Income Statement	(20)	(48)	(17)
Utilization of provisions for doubtful trade receivables	8	15	7
Reversal of provisions for doubtful trade receivables	23	14	15
Currency translation effects	2	(1)	1
Ending balance	$ (55)	$ (68)	$ (48)

Trade receivables - Trade recei

Trade receivables - Trade receivables from closely monitored countries (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Trade Receivables [Line Items]
Gross trade receivables	$ 1,551	$ 1,429
Provisions for doubtful trade receivables	(55)	(68)	$ (48)	$ (54)
Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina
Trade Receivables [Line Items]
Gross trade receivables	252	211
Provisions for doubtful trade receivables	(11)	(15)
Past due for more than one year
Trade Receivables [Line Items]
Gross trade receivables	42	49
Provisions for doubtful trade receivables	(36)	(43)
Past due for more than one year \| Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina
Trade Receivables [Line Items]
Gross trade receivables	$ 10	$ 14

Trade receivables - Trade rec_2

Trade receivables - Trade receivables by currency (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	$ 1,496	$ 1,361
US dollar (USD)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	526	477
Euro (EUR)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	243	214
Japanese yen (JPY)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	160	168
Chinese yuan (CNY)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	122	121
Indian rupee (INR)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	36	30
Canadian dollar (CAD)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	39	32
Australian dollar (AUD)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	24	29
British pound (GBP)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	29	21
Russian ruble (RUB)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	35	28
South Korean won (KRW)
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	38	31
Other currencies
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Total trade receivables, net	$ 244	$ 210

Other current assets (Details)

Other current assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Current portion of long-term financial investments measured at FVPL	$ 0	$ 12
Current portion of long-term receivables from customers	97	107
Current portion of minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements	28	29
Prepaid expenses	92	93
Other receivables, security deposits and current assets	79	88
Derivative financial instruments	3	3
VAT receivables	105	72
Equity securities in public companies	3	0
Total other current assets	$ 407	$ 404

Right-of-use assets and Lease_3

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities - Components of Right-of-Use Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	$ 372	$ 358
Land
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	17	20
Buildings and improvements
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	326	310
Machinery & equipment and other assets
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Right-of-use assets	$ 29	$ 28

Right-of-use assets and Lease_4

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Depreciation of right-of-use assets	$ 81	$ 79	$ 66
Additions to right-of-use assets	115	107
Total lease liabilities	406	385
Current lease liabilities	67	70
Non-current lease liabilities	$ 339	$ 315

Right-of-use assets and Lease_5

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities - Components of Right-of-Use Assets Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Depreciation of right-of-use assets	$ 81	$ 79	$ 66
Land
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Depreciation of right-of-use assets	1	1
Buildings and improvements
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Depreciation of right-of-use assets	60	59
Machinery & equipment and other assets
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]
Depreciation of right-of-use assets	$ 20	$ 19

Right-of-use assets and Lease_6

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities - Maturity of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of maturity analysis of lease payments [Line Items]
Total lease liabilities undiscounted	$ 514	$ 488
Total lease liabilities	406	385
Not later than one year
Disclosure of maturity analysis of lease payments [Line Items]
Total lease liabilities undiscounted	80	82
Total lease liabilities	67	70
Between one and five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of lease payments [Line Items]
Total lease liabilities undiscounted	197	203
Total lease liabilities	157	168
Later than five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of lease payments [Line Items]
Total lease liabilities undiscounted	237	203
Total lease liabilities	$ 182	$ 147

Right-of-use assets and Lease_7

Right-of-use assets and Lease liabilities - Additional Disclosures Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Interest expense on lease liabilities	$ 13	$ 13	$ 11
Expense on short-term, low value and variable leases	7	4
Total cash outflows for leases	92	85
Lease liability payments	72	69	$ 52
Interest payments	13	12
Short-term and low value lease payments	$ 7	$ 4

Non-current and current finan_3

Non-current and current financial debts - Schedule of financial debts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Apr. 09, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	$ 3,966	$ 3,949
Total current financial debts	114	169
Total financial debts	4,080	4,118	$ 3,500
Facility B
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	796	794
Facility C
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	395	429
Local facilities (Japan)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	47	0
Total current financial debts	84	101
Series 2026 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	496	496
Series 2029 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	993	992
Series 2030 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	745	744
Series 2049 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	494	494
Revolving facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total non-current financial debts	0	0
Local facilities, all other
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total current financial debts	17	49
Other short-term financial debts
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total current financial debts	6	12
Derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total current financial debts	7	7
Total financial debts	$ 7	$ 7

Non-current and current finan_4

Non-current and current financial debts - Additional information (Details)	May 27, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 23, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 06, 2019USD ($)extension	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 09, 2019USD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Interest expense					$ 95,000,000	$ 94,000,000	$ 81,000,000
Total financial debts					4,080,000,000	4,118,000,000		$ 3,500,000,000
Financial debts, current					114,000,000	169,000,000
Financial debts, non-current					3,966,000,000	3,949,000,000
Write-off of deferred debt issuance cost		$ 4,000,000			0	0	$ 4,000,000
Bridge facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount				$ 1,500,000,000
Borrowings, term				364 days
Borrowings, number of extension options \| extension				2
Borrowings, extension term				180 days
Repayment of borrowings		1,500,000,000
Facility A
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount				$ 500,000,000
Borrowings, term				3 years
Repayment of borrowings		500,000,000
Facility B
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount				$ 800,000,000
Borrowings, term				5 years
Financial debts, non-current					796,000,000	794,000,000
Facility C
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount				$ 400,000,000
Borrowings, term				5 years
Financial debts, non-current					395,000,000	429,000,000
Revolving facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount				$ 1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Borrowings, term				5 years
Financial debts, non-current					0	0
Bridge and other term loans
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Proceeds from borrowings			$ 3,200,000,000
Bridge and Term Loans
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount		2,000,000,000
Senior notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount		2,000,000,000
Borrowing costs incurred		15,000,000
Senior notes \| Borrowings discount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total financial debts		$ 7,000,000
Series 2026 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings, interest rate		2.75%
Notional amount		$ 500,000,000
Financial debts, non-current					496,000,000	496,000,000
Borrowings, issuance percentage		99.50%
Series 2029 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings, interest rate		3.00%
Notional amount		$ 1,000,000,000
Financial debts, non-current					993,000,000	992,000,000
Borrowings, issuance percentage		99.60%
Series 2049 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings, interest rate		3.80%
Notional amount		$ 500,000,000
Financial debts, non-current					494,000,000	494,000,000
Borrowings, issuance percentage		99.80%
Series 2030 notes
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings, interest rate	2.60%
Notional amount	$ 750,000,000
Proceeds from borrowings	$ 750,000,000
Financial debts, non-current					745,000,000	$ 744,000,000
Borrowings, issuance percentage	99.843%
Borrowing costs incurred	$ 5,000,000
Series 2030 notes \| Borrowings discount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total financial debts	$ 1,000,000
Local bilateral facilities, Japan
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Total financial debts					131,000,000
Financial debts, current					84,000,000
Financial debts, non-current					47,000,000
Undrawn borrowing facilities					$ 90,000,000
Weighted average [member]
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings, interest rate					2.30%	2.30%
Bottom of range \| Local bilateral facilities, Japan
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings, term					1 year
Top of range \| Local bilateral facilities, Japan
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings, term					2 years

Non-current and current finan_5

Non-current and current financial debts - Maturity of borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Apr. 09, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	$ 4,080	$ 4,118	$ 3,500
Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	4,073	4,111
Derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	7	7
Cost
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	4,107	4,150
Cost \| Not later than one year
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	114	169
Cost \| Between one and five years
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	1,743	1,231
Cost \| Later than five years
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	2,250	2,750
Cost \| Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	4,100	4,143
Cost \| Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt \| Not later than one year
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	107	162
Cost \| Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt \| Between one and five years
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	1,743	1,231
Cost \| Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt \| Later than five years
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	2,250	2,750
Cost \| Derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	7	7
Cost \| Derivatives \| Not later than one year
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	7	7
Cost \| Derivatives \| Between one and five years
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	0	0
Cost \| Derivatives \| Later than five years
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	0	0
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	27	32
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs \| Nominal amount - Current and non-current financial debt
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	27	32
Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs \| Derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Financial debts	$ 0	$ 0

Non-current and current finan_6

Non-current and current financial debts - Maturity of interest expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Interest payable	$ 1,017	$ 1,140
Not later than one year
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Interest payable	94	96
Between one and five years
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Interest payable	340	357
Later than five years
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Interest payable	$ 583	$ 687

Financial instruments - addit_3

Financial instruments - additional disclosures - Details of net financial assets and financial liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	$ 3,767	$ 3,605
Total financial liabilities	5,501	5,536
Net financial assets and financial liabilities	(1,734)	(1,931)
Financial debts \| Senior notes due 2026, 2029, 2030, and 2049
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	2,728	2,726
Financial liabilities, at fair value	2,891	3,036
Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	5,382	5,372
Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost \| Financial debts
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	107	162
Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost \| Lease liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	67	70
Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost \| Trade payables
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	903	876
Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost \| Current financial liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	1,077	1,108
Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost \| Financial debts
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	3,966	3,949
Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost \| Lease liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	339	315
Financial liabilities - measured at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current financial liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	4,305	4,264
Financial liabilities - measured at FVPL
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	119	164
Financial liabilities - measured at FVPL \| Contingent consideration liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	112	157
Financial liabilities - measured at FVPL \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	7	7
Cash in current accounts
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	246	262
Cash held in time deposits and money market funds
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	1,329	1,295
Cash and cash equivalents
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	1,575	1,557
Financial assets - measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI")
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	46	28
Financial assets - measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	46	28
Financial assets - measured at amortized costs
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	1,979	1,856
Financial assets - measured at amortized costs \| Trade receivables
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	1,496	1,361
Financial assets - measured at amortized costs \| Income tax receivables
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	9	21
Financial assets - measured at amortized costs \| Other current assets (excluding prepaid expenses and other current assets measured at FVPL)
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	309	296
Financial assets - measured at amortized costs \| Long-term receivables from customers
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	110	117
Financial assets - measured at amortized costs \| Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	35	39
Financial assets - measured at amortized costs \| Long-term loans, advances and security deposits
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	20	22
Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL")
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	167	164
Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	6	12
Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") \| Equity securities of public companies
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	3	0
Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") \| Deferred compensation assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	155	137
Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") \| Current portion of long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	0	12
Financial assets - measured at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL") \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Total financial assets	$ 3	$ 3

Financial instruments - addit_4

Financial instruments - additional disclosures - Schedule of fair value of assets and liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Valued at amortized cost or cost
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	$ (4,073)	$ (4,111)
Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(3,966)	(3,949)
Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(107)	(162)
Valued at amortized cost or cost
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	165	178
Current financial assets	309	296
Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost	474	474
Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term receivables from customers
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	110	117
Current financial assets	97	107
Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	35	39
Current financial assets	28	29
Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term loans, advances and security deposits
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	20	22
Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Other receivables, security deposits and current assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	79	88
Valued at amortized cost or cost \| VAT receivables
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	105	72
Recurring fair value measurement
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	372	355
Current financial assets	939	936
Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost	1,311	1,291
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(4,192)	(4,275)
Recurring fair value measurement \| Contingent consideration liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(112)	(157)
Recurring fair value measurement \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(7)	(7)
Recurring fair value measurement \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(3,966)	(3,949)
Recurring fair value measurement \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(107)	(162)
Recurring fair value measurement \| Deferred compensation assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	155	137
Recurring fair value measurement \| Money market funds
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	624	625
Recurring fair value measurement \| Equity securities of public companies
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	3
Recurring fair value measurement \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	3	3
Recurring fair value measurement \| Measured at FVOCI \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	46	28
Recurring fair value measurement \| Measured at FVPL \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	6	12
Recurring fair value measurement \| Measured at FVPL \| Current portion of long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets		12
Recurring fair value measurement \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term receivables from customers
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	110	117
Current financial assets	97	107
Recurring fair value measurement \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	35	39
Current financial assets	28	29
Recurring fair value measurement \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term loans, advances and security deposits
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	20	22
Recurring fair value measurement \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Other receivables, security deposits and current assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	79	88
Recurring fair value measurement \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| VAT receivables
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	105	72
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	155	137
Current financial assets	627	625
Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost	782	762
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Contingent consideration liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Deferred compensation assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	155	137
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Money market funds
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	624	625
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Equity securities of public companies
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	3
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Measured at FVOCI \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Measured at FVPL \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Measured at FVPL \| Current portion of long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets		0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term receivables from customers
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term loans, advances and security deposits
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Other receivables, security deposits and current assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 1 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| VAT receivables
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Current financial assets	3	3
Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost	3	3
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(7)	(7)
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Contingent consideration liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(7)	(7)
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Deferred compensation assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Money market funds
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Equity securities of public companies
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	3	3
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Measured at FVOCI \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Measured at FVPL \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Measured at FVPL \| Current portion of long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets		0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term receivables from customers
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term loans, advances and security deposits
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Other receivables, security deposits and current assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 2 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| VAT receivables
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	52	40
Current financial assets	0	12
Financial assets at fair value and amortized cost or cost	52	52
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	(112)	157
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Contingent consideration liabilities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	112	157
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Current financial debt
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Financial liabilities at fair value and amortized cost	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Deferred compensation assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Money market funds
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Equity securities of public companies
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Derivative financial instruments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Measured at FVOCI \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	46	28
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Measured at FVPL \| Long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	6	12
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Measured at FVPL \| Current portion of long-term financial investments
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets		12
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term receivables from customers
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Non-current minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Long-term loans, advances and security deposits
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| Other receivables, security deposits and current assets
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	0	0
Recurring fair value measurement \| Level 3 \| Valued at amortized cost or cost \| VAT receivables
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets and liabilities [Line Items]
Current financial assets	$ 0	$ 0

Financial instruments - addit_5

Financial instruments - additional disclosures - Activity in level 3 financial assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	$ 3,605
Balance as of December 31	3,767	$ 3,605
Measured at FVOCI
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	28
Balance as of December 31	46	28
Measured at FVPL
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	164
Balance as of December 31	167	164
Long-term financial investments \| Measured at FVOCI
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	28
Balance as of December 31	46	28
Long-term financial investments \| Measured at FVPL
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	12
Balance as of December 31	6	12
Long-term financial investments \| Level 3 \| Measured at FVOCI
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	28	31
Additions	18	7
(Losses) recognized in Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	0	(10)
Unrealized (losses) in Consolidated Income Statement	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Settlement	0	0
Balance as of December 31	46	28
Long-term financial investments \| Level 3 \| Measured at FVPL
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	24	61
Additions	0	2
(Losses) recognized in Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	0	0
Unrealized (losses) in Consolidated Income Statement	(3)	(5)
Amortization	(12)	(34)
Settlement	(3)	0
Balance as of December 31	$ 6	$ 24

Financial instruments - addit_6

Financial instruments - additional disclosures - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	May 27, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 06, 2019
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Contingent amounts		$ 395,000,000	$ 470,000,000
Derivative liabilities		4,000,000
Derivative financial instruments		3,000,000	3,000,000
Current derivative financial liabilities		(7,000,000)
Series 2030 notes
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Proceeds from borrowings	$ 750,000,000
Borrowings, interest rate	2.60%
Notional amount	$ 750,000,000
Revolving facility
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount		$ 1,000,000,000		$ 1,000,000,000
Interest rate risk [member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Reasonably possible change in risk variable, percent		1.00%
Reasonably possible change in risk variable, impact on loss before taxes		$ 14,000,000
Commodity price risk [member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Reasonably possible change in risk variable, percent		10.00%
Contingent consideration liabilities \| Level 3
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Payments		$ 15,000,000	40,000,000
Adjustments for changes in assumptions		$ 42,000,000	$ 63,000,000
Long-term target minimum
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Success probability		55000000.00%	55.00%
Long-term target maximum
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Success probability		80000000.00%	100.00%
Significant parameters, measurement input [Member] \| Contingent consideration liabilities
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Percentage of possible increase in unobservable input, liabilities		10.00%
Percentage of reasonably possible decrease in unobservable input, liabilities		10.00%
Increase (decrease) in fair value measurement due to reasonably possible decrease in unobservable input, recognised in profit or loss, before tax, liabilities		$ 19,000,000
Long-term financial investments \| Pricing, measurement input [Member]
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Percentage of possible increase in unobservable input, assets		10.00%
Percentage of reasonably possible decrease in unobservable input, assets		10.00%
Increase (decrease) in fair value due to increase in unobservable input, assets		$ 5,000,000
Increase (decrease) in fair value measurement due to reasonably possible decrease in unobservable input, recognised in other comprehensive income, before tax, assets		$ 5,000,000

Financial instruments - addit_7

Financial instruments - additional disclosures - Activity in level 3 financial liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, liabilities [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	$ (5,536)
Balance as of December 31	(5,501)	$ (5,536)
Level 3 \| Contingent consideration liabilities
Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement, liabilities [abstract]
Balance as of January 1	(157)	(243)
Accretion for passage of time	(12)	(17)
Adjustments for changes in assumptions	42	63
Payments	15	40
Balance as of December 31	$ (112)	$ (157)

Provisions and other non-curr_3

Provisions and other non-current liabilities - Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accrued liability for employee benefits:
Defined benefit pension plans	$ 295	$ 339
Other long-term employee benefits and deferred compensation	177	152
Other post-employment benefits	300	332
Provisions for litigation and other legal matters	0	0
Contingent consideration	112	142
Other non-current liabilities	56	95
Total provisions and other non-current liabilities	$ 940	$ 1,060

Provisions and other non-curr_4

Provisions and other non-current liabilities - Additional information (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 25, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 23, 2020case	Dec. 31, 2019complaint
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Number of legal cases filed against company \| complaint			50
Deferred Prosecution Agreement, term	3 years
Penalty \| $	$ 8,925
Claims of US Patents
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]
Number of patents allegedly infringed \| case		12

Provisions and other non-curr_5

Provisions and other non-current liabilities - Product liability, governmental investigations and other legal matters provision movements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in other provisions [abstract]
Less current portion	$ (53)	$ 0
Litigation and other legal matters
Reconciliation of changes in other provisions [abstract]
January 1	0	0	$ 42
Additions to provisions	54	9	0
Cash payments	(1)	(9)	(40)
Releases	0	0	(2)
December 31	53	0	0
Less current portion	(53)	0	0
Non-current provisions for litigation and other legal matters at December 31	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Provisions and other current _3

Provisions and other current liabilities - Provisions and other current liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Taxes other than income taxes	$ 93	$ 110
Restructuring provisions	17	10
Accrued expenses for goods and services received but not invoiced	76	61
Accruals for royalties	10	11
Accruals for deductions from revenue	264	217	$ 212	$ 194
Accruals for compensation and benefits including social security	489	352
Deferred income	108	110
Provisions for litigation and other legal matters	53	0
Accrued equity-based payments	14	9
Accrued interest on financial debts	19	19
Contingent considerations	0	15
Other payables	58	80
Total provisions and other current liabilities	$ 1,201	$ 994

Provisions and other current _4

Provisions and other current liabilities - Accruals for deductions from revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
January 1	$ 217	$ 212	$ 194
Additions	677	540	662
Payments/utilizations	(619)	(537)	(646)
Changes in offset against gross trade receivables	(5)	(2)	1
Currency translation effects	(6)	4	1
December 31	$ 264	$ 217	$ 212

Provisions and other current _5

Provisions and other current liabilities - Restructuring provisions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in other provisions [abstract]
January 1	$ 0
December 31	53	$ 0
Restructuring provisions
Reconciliation of changes in other provisions [abstract]
January 1	10	28	$ 8
Additions	21	22	32
Cash payments	(14)	(40)	(10)
Releases	0	0	(2)
December 31	$ 17	$ 10	$ 28

Consolidated statement of cas_4

Consolidated statement of cash flows - additional details - Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments	$ 1,220	$ 1,626	$ 1,456
Property, plant & equipment
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments	323	299	275
Right-of-use assets
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments	81	79	66
Intangible assets
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments	815	1,245	1,084
Financial assets
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments	3	5	31
Other non-current assets
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]
Depreciation, amortization, impairments and fair value adjustments	$ (2)	$ (2)	$ 0

Consolidated statement of cas_5

Consolidated statement of cash flows - additional details - Change in net current assets and other operating cash flow items (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Flow Statement [Abstract]
(Increase) in inventories	$ (326)	$ (159)	$ (108)
(Increase)/decrease in trade receivables	(198)	43	(115)
Increase/(decrease) in trade payables	60	(21)	84
Net change in other operating assets	(24)	127	(26)
Net payments out of provisions and other cash movements in non-current liabilities	174	(35)	117
Total	$ (314)	$ (45)	$ (48)

Consolidated statement of cas_6

Consolidated statement of cash flows - additional details - Cash flows arising from acquisitions of businesses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Flow Statement [Abstract]
Net assets recognized as a result of business combinations	$ 0	$ 0	$ (418)
Payables contingent consideration	0	0	135
Cash flows	$ 0	$ 0	$ (283)

Consolidated statement of cas_7

Consolidated statement of cash flows - additional details - Reconciliation of assets and liabilities arising from financing activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financial Liabilities
Proceeds from non-current financial debts, net of issuance costs	$ 52	$ 744	$ 3,724
Lease liabilities
January 1, 2021	385
Payments of lease liabilities, net	(72)	(69)	(52)
December 31, 2021	406	385
Non-current financial debt
Financial Liabilities
January 1, 2021	3,949	3,218
Proceeds from non-current financial debts, net of issuance costs	52	744
Change in current financial debts	0	0
Amortization of discounts on financial debts	1	1
Changes in fair values and other non-cash changes, net	4	4
Currency translation effects	(40)	37
Reclassification from non-current to current	0	(55)
December 31, 2021	3,966	3,949	3,218
Current financial debt
Financial Liabilities
January 1, 2021	169	261
Proceeds from non-current financial debts, net of issuance costs	0	0
Change in current financial debts	(43)	(139)
Amortization of discounts on financial debts	0	0
Changes in fair values and other non-cash changes, net	0	(9)
Currency translation effects	(12)	1
Reclassification from non-current to current	0	55
December 31, 2021	114	169	261
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities
January 1, 2021	315	280
Additions to leases	106	96
Payments of lease liabilities, net	0	0
Interest payments for amounts included in lease liabilities classified as cash flows from operating activities	0	0
Changes in fair values and other non-cash changes, net	(2)	(2)
Currency translation effects	(10)	10
Reclassification from non-current to current	(70)	(69)
December 31, 2021	339	315	280
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities
January 1, 2021	70	61
Additions to leases	9	11
Payments of lease liabilities, net	(72)	(69)
Interest payments for amounts included in lease liabilities classified as cash flows from operating activities	(13)	(12)
Changes in fair values and other non-cash changes, net	8	8
Currency translation effects	(5)	2
Reclassification from non-current to current	70	69
December 31, 2021	$ 67	$ 70	$ 61

Acquisitions of businesses (Det

Acquisitions of businesses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations1 [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1
Acquired research and development	0	0	505
Deferred tax assets	0	0	28
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	6
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0	(121)
Trade payables and other liabilities	0	0	(1)
Net identifiable assets acquired	0	0	418
Acquired liquidity	0	0	(6)
Goodwill	0	0	6
Net assets recognized as a result of business combinations	$ 0	$ 0	418
Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes			$ 0

Post-employment benefits for _3

Post-employment benefits for associates - Additional information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Actuarial gains/(losses) from defined benefit plans, net of taxes	[1]				$ 26	$ (14)	$ (55)
Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation					15 years 6 months	15 years 6 months
Defined contribution plans charges					$ 133	$ 136	$ 128
Provisions and Other Non-current Liabilities
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Gain (loss) on plan amendment		$ 15	$ 164	$ (12)
Other Income
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Increase (decrease) in DBO		$ (15)	$ (164)
Other Expense
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Increase (decrease) in DBO				$ 12
Benefit obligation
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Top four countries, percentage					88.00%
Pension plans \| United Kingdom \| Foreign countries
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Maximum number of years to eliminate shortfall					10 years
Other post-employment benefit plans \| Benefit obligation \| United States
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Associates covered, percentage					99.00%

[1]	Amounts are net of tax expense of $11 million in 2021, and net of tax benefits of $13 million and $11 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Post-employment benefits for _4

Post-employment benefits for associates - Summary of funded and unfunded DBO and net liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Past service costs and settlements	$ 18	$ 154	$ (2)
Pension plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at beginning of period	315	278
Current service cost	24	31
Interest cost (income)	3	5
Past service costs and settlements	(18)	11
Administrative expenses	1	1
Currency translation effects	(17)	20
Employer contributions	23	25
Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers	(14)	(12)
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at end of period	270	315	278
Funded status	(250)	(298)
Limitation on recognition of fund surplus at January 1	(17)	(6)
Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus (including exchange rate differences)	(3)	(11)
Limitation on recognition of fund surplus at December 31	(20)	(17)	(6)
Pension plans \| Benefit obligation
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at beginning of period	817	723
Current service cost	24	31
Interest cost (income)	9	12
Past service costs and settlements	(38)	9
Administrative expenses	1	1
Remeasurement (gains)/losses arising from changes in financial assumptions	(22)	38
Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from changes in demographic assumptions	0	2
Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from experience-related changes	67	(13)
Currency translation effects	(35)	44
Benefit payments	37	36
Contributions of associates	(5)	(6)
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at end of period	791	817	723
Pension plans \| Plan assets
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at beginning of period	(519)	(451)
Interest cost (income)	(6)	(7)
Return on plan assets excluding interest income	49	32
Currency translation effects	18	(24)
Benefit payments	(37)	(36)
Employer contributions	23	25
Contributions of associates	5	6
Settlements	(20)	(2)
Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers	(14)	(12)
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at end of period	(541)	(519)	(451)
Other post-employment benefit plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at beginning of period	332	423
Current service cost	10	14
Interest cost (income)	7	15
Past service costs and settlements	0	(165)
Administrative expenses	0	0
Currency translation effects	0	0
Employer contributions	13	16
Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers	0	0
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at end of period	300	332	423
Funded status	(300)	(332)
Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus (including exchange rate differences)	0	0
Other post-employment benefit plans \| Benefit obligation
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at beginning of period	332	423
Current service cost	10	14
Interest cost (income)	7	15
Past service costs and settlements	0	(165)
Administrative expenses	0	0
Remeasurement (gains)/losses arising from changes in financial assumptions	(12)	92
Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from changes in demographic assumptions	1	(4)
Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from experience-related changes	(25)	(27)
Currency translation effects	0	0
Benefit payments	17	25
Contributions of associates	(4)	(9)
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at end of period	300	332	423
Other post-employment benefit plans \| Plan assets
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at beginning of period	0	0
Interest cost (income)	0	0
Return on plan assets excluding interest income	0	0
Currency translation effects	0	0
Benefit payments	(17)	(25)
Employer contributions	13	16
Contributions of associates	4	9
Settlements	0	0
Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers	0	0
Net defined benefit obligation (asset) at end of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Post-employment benefits for _5

Post-employment benefits for associates - Reconciliation of net liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Past service costs and settlements	$ (18)	$ (154)	$ 2
Pension plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability at beginning of period	(315)	(278)
Current service cost	(24)	(31)
Net interest expense	(3)	(5)
Administrative expenses	(1)	(1)
Past service costs and settlements	18	(11)
Remeasurements	4	5
Currency translation effects	17	(20)
Employer contributions	23	25
Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus	(3)	(11)
Net defined benefit liability at end of period	(270)	(315)	(278)
Other post-employment benefit plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability at beginning of period	(332)	(423)
Current service cost	(10)	(14)
Net interest expense	(7)	(15)
Administrative expenses	0	0
Past service costs and settlements	0	165
Remeasurements	36	(61)
Currency translation effects	0	0
Employer contributions	13	16
Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus	0	0
Net defined benefit liability at end of period	(300)	(332)	$ (423)
Prepaid benefit cost \| Pension plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability at beginning of period	24
Net defined benefit liability at end of period	25	24
Prepaid benefit cost \| Other post-employment benefit plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability at beginning of period	0
Net defined benefit liability at end of period	0	0
Accrued benefit liability \| Pension plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability at beginning of period	(339)
Net defined benefit liability at end of period	(295)	(339)
Accrued benefit liability \| Other post-employment benefit plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Net defined benefit liability at beginning of period	(332)
Net defined benefit liability at end of period	$ (300)	$ (332)

Post-employment benefits for _6

Post-employment benefits for associates - Breakdown of DBO for pension plans by geography and type of member (Details) - Pension plans - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	$ (791)	$ (817)
Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus	(45)	(41)
Fair value of plan assets	541	519
Funded status	(250)	(298)
Active
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(501)	(505)
Deferred pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(151)	(173)
Pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(139)	(139)
Unfunded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(99)	(112)
Unfunded portion of funded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(196)	(227)
Country of domicile \| Switzerland
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(329)	(289)
Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	195	154
Funded status	(134)	(135)
Country of domicile \| Switzerland \| Active
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(295)	(251)
Country of domicile \| Switzerland \| Deferred pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(11)	(12)
Country of domicile \| Switzerland \| Pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(23)	(26)
Country of domicile \| Switzerland \| Unfunded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(47)	(51)
Country of domicile \| Switzerland \| Unfunded portion of funded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(87)	(84)
Foreign countries \| United States
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(126)	(138)
Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	91	94
Funded status	(35)	(44)
Foreign countries \| United States \| Active
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(43)	(53)
Foreign countries \| United States \| Deferred pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(41)	(50)
Foreign countries \| United States \| Pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(42)	(35)
Foreign countries \| United States \| Unfunded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(29)	(30)
Foreign countries \| United States \| Unfunded portion of funded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(6)	(14)
Foreign countries \| Germany
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(115)	(134)
Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus	0	0
Fair value of plan assets	21	19
Funded status	(94)	(115)
Foreign countries \| Germany \| Active
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(64)	(76)
Foreign countries \| Germany \| Deferred pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(28)	(32)
Foreign countries \| Germany \| Pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(23)	(26)
Foreign countries \| Germany \| Unfunded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	0	0
Foreign countries \| Germany \| Unfunded portion of funded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(94)	(115)
Foreign countries \| United Kingdom
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(97)	(104)
Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus	(24)	(23)
Fair value of plan assets	121	127
Funded status	24	23
Foreign countries \| United Kingdom \| Active
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	0	0
Foreign countries \| United Kingdom \| Deferred pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(57)	(62)
Foreign countries \| United Kingdom \| Pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(40)	(42)
Foreign countries \| United Kingdom \| Unfunded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	0	0
Foreign countries \| United Kingdom \| Unfunded portion of funded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	0	0
Foreign countries \| Rest of the world
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(124)	(152)
Prepaid benefit costs and assets subject to limitation on recognition of fund surplus	(21)	(18)
Fair value of plan assets	113	125
Funded status	(11)	(27)
Foreign countries \| Rest of the world \| Active
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(99)	(125)
Foreign countries \| Rest of the world \| Deferred pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(14)	(17)
Foreign countries \| Rest of the world \| Pensioners
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(11)	(10)
Foreign countries \| Rest of the world \| Unfunded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	(23)	(31)
Foreign countries \| Rest of the world \| Unfunded portion of funded plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Defined benefit obligation, at present value	$ (9)	$ (14)

Post-employment benefits for _7

Post-employment benefits for associates - Weighted average actuarial assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Pension plans
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	1.40%	1.20%
Expected rate of pension increase	1.10%	1.10%
Expected rate of salary increase	2.20%	2.40%
Interest on savings account	1.30%	1.00%
Current average life expectancy for a 65-year-old male (in years)	20 years	20 years
Current average life expectancy for a 65-year-old female (in years)	22 years	23 years
Pension plans \| Switzerland \| Country of domicile
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	0.20%	0.10%
Pension plans \| United States \| Foreign countries
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	2.80%	2.40%
Pension plans \| Germany \| Foreign countries
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	1.20%	0.80%
Pension plans \| United Kingdom \| Foreign countries
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	1.90%	1.30%
Other post-employment benefit plans
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	2.70%	2.30%
Expected rate of pension increase
Expected rate of salary increase
Interest on savings account
Current average life expectancy for a 65-year-old male (in years)	21 years	20 years
Current average life expectancy for a 65-year-old female (in years)	23 years	22 years
Other post-employment benefit plans \| United States \| Foreign countries
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate	2.70%	2.30%

Post-employment benefits for _8

Post-employment benefits for associates - Sensitivity analysis (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Discount rate
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [line items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to increase in actuarial assumption	$ (45)
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to decrease in actuarial assumption	38
Life expectancy
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [line items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to increase in actuarial assumption	23
Rate of pension increase
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [line items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to increase in actuarial assumption	9
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to decrease in actuarial assumption	(11)
Interest on savings account
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [line items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to increase in actuarial assumption	5
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to decrease in actuarial assumption	(5)
Rate of salary increase
Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [line items]
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to increase in actuarial assumption	5
Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to decrease in actuarial assumption	$ (5)

Post-employment benefits for _9

Post-employment benefits for associates - Healthcare cost trend rate assumptions used for other post-employment benefits (Details) - Other post-employment benefit plans	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year	6.20%	6.20%	6.50%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

Post-employment benefits for_10

Post-employment benefits for associates - Weighted average plan asset allocation (Details) - Pension plans	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [line items]
Equity securities, allocation percentage	35.00%	31.00%
Debt securities, allocation percentage	40.00%	46.00%
Real estate, allocation percentage	11.00%	7.00%
Alternative investments, allocation percentage	11.00%	10.00%
Cash and other investments, allocation percentage	3.00%	6.00%
Total, allocation percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Long-term target minimum
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [line items]
Equity securities, target	15.00%
Debt securities, target	20.00%
Real estate, target	5.00%
Alternative investments, target	0.00%
Cash and other investments, target	0.00%
Long-term target maximum
Disclosure of fair value of plan assets [line items]
Equity securities, target	40.00%
Debt securities, target	60.00%
Real estate, target	20.00%
Alternative investments, target	20.00%
Cash and other investments, target	15.00%

Post-employment benefits for_11

Post-employment benefits for associates - Schedule of expected future cash flows (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Pension plans
Employer contributions
2022 (estimated)	$ 12
Other post-employment benefit plans
Employer contributions
2022 (estimated)	0
2022 \| Pension plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	31
2022 \| Other post-employment benefit plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	18
2023 \| Pension plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	29
2023 \| Other post-employment benefit plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	19
2024 \| Pension plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	31
2024 \| Other post-employment benefit plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	21
2025 \| Pension plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	32
2025 \| Other post-employment benefit plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	21
2026 \| Pension plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	33
2026 \| Other post-employment benefit plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	21
2027-2031 \| Pension plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	196
2027-2031 \| Other post-employment benefit plans
Expected future benefit payments
Settlements	$ 103

Equity-based compensation - Add

Equity-based compensation - Additional information (Details) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)sharesmetric	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Apr. 08, 2019shares
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$ 151	$ 113	$ 114
Accrued equity-based payments	$ 14	$ 9
Number of awards outstanding (in shares) \| shares	5,627	5,417	4,742	4,200
Remaining weighted-average vesting period	1 year 1 month 6 days
Long-term Incentive Plan
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Vesting period	3 years
Number of metrics \| metric	4
Other Share Savings Plans
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Holding period	3 years
Minimum \| Long-term Incentive Plan
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Target incentive percent of base salary	35.00%
Payout percent	0.00%
Maximum \| Long-term Incentive Plan
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Target incentive percent of base salary	430.00%
Payout percent	200.00%

Equity-based compensation - Sum

Equity-based compensation - Summary of non-vested share movements (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares$ / shares
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Unvested shares at January 1 (in shares) \| shares	5,417	4,742
Vested (in shares) \| shares	(1,258)	(1,149)
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(417)	(301)
Unvested shares at December 31 (in shares) \| shares	5,627	5,417
Outstanding, beginning balance, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 54.90	$ 51.20
Vested, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	50.94	50.55
Forfeited, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	62.50	54.14
Outstanding, ending balance, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 60.96	$ 54.90
Fair value, beginning balance, unvested \| $	$ 297	$ 243
Fair value, vested \| $	(64)	(58)
Fair value, forfeited \| $	(26)	(16)
Fair value, ending balance, unvested \| $	$ 343	$ 297
Restricted awards
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Granted (in shares) \| shares	1,456	1,668
Granted, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 72.05	$ 60.19
Fair value, granted \| $	$ 105	$ 100
Performance awards
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Granted (in shares) \| shares	429	457
Granted, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 72.71	$ 62.03
Fair value, granted \| $	$ 31	$ 28

Equity-based compensation - S_2

Equity-based compensation - Summary of shares authorized (Details) shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021shares
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Authorized shares (in shares)	22,250
Long-term Incentive Plan
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Authorized shares (in shares)	20,000
Deferred Bonus Stock Plan
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Authorized shares (in shares)	1,500
Swiss Employee Share Ownership Plan
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Authorized shares (in shares)	475
Other share savings plans
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]
Authorized shares (in shares)	275

Related parties transactions -

Related parties transactions - Key management compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party [Abstract]
Cash and other compensation	$ 19.3	$ 12.8	$ 12.5
Post-employment benefits	0.9	1.1	0.9
Equity-based compensation	20.9	9.2	10.7
Total	$ 41.1	$ 23.1	$ 24.1

Related parties transactions _2

Related parties transactions - Additional information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 08, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party [Abstract]
Contract manufacturing revenues from former parent	$ 47	$ 47
Purchases from former parent	19	$ 19
Services received, related party transactions	$ 40

Related parties transactions _3

Related parties transactions - Schedule of related parties transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 08, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party [Abstract]
Contract manufacturing revenues from former parent	$ 47	$ 47
Purchases from former parent	$ 19	$ 19

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Research and development payments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Commitments to make payments under R&D arrangements	$ 55
2022
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Commitments to make payments under R&D arrangements	4
2023
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Commitments to make payments under R&D arrangements	4
2024
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Commitments to make payments under R&D arrangements	0
2025
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Commitments to make payments under R&D arrangements	3
2026
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Commitments to make payments under R&D arrangements	0
Thereafter
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Commitments to make payments under R&D arrangements	$ 44

Subsequent events - Additional

Subsequent events - Additional Details (Details) $ in Millions	Feb. 15, 2022USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2022SFr / shares	Jan. 07, 2022USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Purchase of intangible assets				$ 480	$ 88	$ 123
Major purchases of assets \| Ivantis, Inc.
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary			100.00%
Upfront payment			$ 478
Purchase of intangible assets			449
Purchase of tangible assets			39
Assumed liabilities			10
Cash paid for the acquisition, net of cash acquired			$ 475
Potential ordinary share transactions
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]
Dividends declared (per share) \| SFr / shares		SFr 0.20
Dividends declared, amount	$ 108

Alcon subsidiaries - Equity int

Alcon subsidiaries - Equity interests (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Total asset and net sales threshold	$ 5
Alcon Laboratorios Argentina S.A.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories (Australia) Pty Ltd
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Ophthalmika GmbH
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories Belgium BVBA
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon N.V.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Brasil Cuidados com a Saúde Ltda.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Canada Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratorios Chile Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon (China) Ophthalmic Product Co., Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Hong Kong Limited
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Laboratorios Alcon de Colombia S.A.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Pharmaceuticals (Czech Republic) s.r.o.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Nordic A/S
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
AlconLab Ecuador S.A.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Laboratoires Alcon S.A.S.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Deutschland GmbH
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
CIBA Vision GmbH
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
WaveLight GmbH
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories Hellas- Single Member Commercial and Industrial S.A.C.I.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Hungary Pharmaceuticals Trading Limited Liability Company
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories (India) Private Limited
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
PT. CIBA Vision Batam
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories Ireland Limited
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Optonol Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Italia S.p.A.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Japan Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
CIBA Vision Johor Sdn. Bhd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Nederland B.V.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories (New Zealand) Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Centroamerica S.A.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Pharmaceutical del Peru S.A.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories (Philippines), Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Polska Sp. z o.o.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Portugal-Produtos e Equipamentos Oftalmológicos Lda.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon (Puerto Rico), Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Romania S.R.L.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Farmacevtika LLC
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Pte Ltd
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Singapore Manufacturing Pte Ltd
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
CIBA Vision Asian Manufacturing and Logistics Pte Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Korea Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Healthcare S.A.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Grieshaber AG
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Management SA
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Services AG
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Switzerland SA
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories (Thailand) Limited
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratuvarlari Ticaret A.S.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Ukraine LLC
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Eye Care UK Limited
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Finance Corporation
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon LenSx, Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon RefractiveHorizons, LLC
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Research, LLC
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Vision, LLC
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
CIBA Vision, LLC
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
WaveLight, Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
PowerVision, Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Tear Film Innovations, Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
TrueVision Systems, Inc.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%
Alcon Laboratorios Uruguay S.A.
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary	100.00%