As a result of the 37% decline in Alcon’s share price at the end of 2008 to USD 89.19 from the price paid for the initial 24.8% stake, Novartis perf
ormed an impairment test on the investment’s carrying value. This test assessed the “value in use” to Novarti
s of this strategic investment by valuing estimated discounted cash flows and future dividend streams from Alcon against the “fair value less costs to sell” of this stake, as measured by the closing price on December 31, 2008, on the NYSE for the 23% publicly tr
...[+++]aded Alcon shares.