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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
On May 10, 2022, Bausch + Lomb became an independent publicly traded company. The audited financial statements for all periods presented have been prepared by Bausch + Lomb in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for financial reporting and pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-K. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and those of its subsidiaries and any variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Following the B+L IPO, certain functions that BHC provided to Bausch + Lomb prior to the B+L IPO were provided and, in some limited cases, continue to be provided to Bausch + Lomb by BHC under a Transition Services Agreement (the “TSA”) or are performed using Bausch + Lomb’s own resources or third-party service providers. Bausch + Lomb has incurred certain costs in its establishment as a standalone public company, and expects additional ongoing costs associated with operating as
an independent, publicly traded company.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
In preparing the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions. This includes estimates and assumptions regarding the nature, timing and extent of the impacts that certain global macroeconomic conditions, including, but not limited to, those related to inflation and supply chain, will have on the Company's operations and cash flows. The estimates and assumptions used by the Company affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates made by management include: provisions for product returns, rebates, chargebacks, discounts and allowances and distribution fees paid to certain wholesalers; useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets and property, plant and equipment; expected future cash flows used in evaluating intangible assets for impairment, assessing compliance with debt covenants, reporting unit fair values for testing goodwill for impairment; acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities; provisions for loss contingencies; provisions for income taxes, uncertain tax positions and realizability of deferred tax assets; the fair value of cross-currency swaps; the fair value of foreign currency exchange contracts; and the recognition of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination or asset acquisition.
All estimates in these Consolidated Financial Statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates to ensure that these estimates appropriately reflect changes in the Company's business and new information as it becomes available. If historical experience and other factors used by management to make these estimates do not reasonably reflect future activity, the Company's business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially impacted.
The extent to which certain global macroeconomic conditions, including, but not limited to, those related to inflation and supply chain, may continue to impact the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations, in particular, will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and many of which are outside the Company’s control. The Company has assessed the possible effects and outcomes of these macroeconomic conditions on, among other things, its supply chain, customers and distributors, discounts and rebates, employee base, product sustainability, research and development efforts, product pipeline and consumer demand and currently believes that its estimates are reasonable.
Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Acquired businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at fair value, with limited exceptions. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded with the acquisition and is calculated as the difference between the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is recognized at fair value and initially characterized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset, irrespective of whether the acquired IPR&D has an alternative future use. If the acquired net assets do not constitute a business, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition and no goodwill is recognized. In an asset acquisition, the amount allocated to acquired IPR&D with no alternative future use is charged to Other expense at the acquisition date. Additionally, any future contingent consideration is not recorded until it becomes probable and reasonably estimable.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to their short maturity periods. The fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration is based on estimated discounted future cash flows analyses and assessment of the probability of occurrence of potential future events.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the instrument has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments, the hedging instrument must be designated, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the current period.
The Company’s cross-currency swaps qualify for and have been designated as an accounting hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation and are remeasured at each reporting date to reflect changes in their fair values. The fair value is determined via a mark-to-market analysis, using observable (Level 2) inputs. These inputs may include: (i) the foreign currency exchange spot rate between the euro and U.S. dollar, (ii) the interest rate yield curves in the euro and U.S. dollar and (iii) the credit risk rating for each applicable counterparty. The net change in fair value of cross-currency swaps is reported as a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income as part of Foreign currency translation adjustment to the extent they are effective, and remain in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income until either the sale or complete, or substantially complete, liquidation of the subsidiary. No portion of the cross-currency swaps was ineffective. The Company uses the spot method of assessing hedge effectiveness. The Company has elected to amortize amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness over the term of its cross-currency swaps as a reduction of Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company uses foreign currency exchange contracts to economically hedge the foreign exchange exposure on certain of the Company's intercompany balances. The Company's foreign currency exchange contracts are remeasured at each reporting date to reflect changes in their fair values determined using forward rates, which are observable market inputs, multiplied by the notional amount. These contracts have not been designated as an accounting hedge, and therefore the net change in their fair value is reported as a gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of Foreign exchange and other.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in bank accounts and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased, and that is legally owned by the Company.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, trade receivables, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency exchange contracts.
Cash deposited at banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these cash deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate such risks by spreading its risk across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.
Outside of the U.S., concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables, which are typically unsecured, are limited due to the number of customers using the Company’s products, as well as their dispersion across many different geographic regions. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of customers and does not require collateral. The Company monitors economic conditions, including volatility associated with international economies, and related impacts on the relevant financial markets and its business, especially in light of sovereign credit issues. The credit and economic conditions within Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Belarus, Greece, Iran, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine and Venezuela have been weak in recent years.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses
An allowance is maintained for potential credit losses. The Company estimates the current expected credit loss on its receivables based on various factors, including historical credit loss experience, customer credit worthiness, value of collaterals (if any), and any relevant current and reasonably supportable future economic factors. Additionally, the Company
generally estimates the expected credit loss on a pooled basis when customers are deemed to have similar risk characteristics. Trade receivable balances are written off against the allowance when it is deemed probable that the trade receivable will not be collected. Trade receivables, net are stated net of certain sales provisions and the allowance for credit losses.
Inventories
Inventories
Inventories comprise raw materials, work in process and finished goods, which are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, on a first-in, first-out basis. The cost value for work in process and finished goods inventories includes materials, direct labor and an allocation of overheads.
The Company evaluates the carrying value of inventories on a regular basis, taking into account such factors as historical and anticipated future sales compared with quantities on hand, the price the Company expects to obtain for products in their respective markets compared with historical cost and the remaining shelf life of goods on hand.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs incurred on assets under construction are capitalized as construction in progress.
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets
A substantial portion of the Intangible assets are specific to: (i) the 2013 acquisition of the Company by BHC and have been included based on BHC's historical cost and (ii) intangible assets acquired through various acquisitions. See Note 4, “ACQUISITIONS AND LICENSING AGREEMENTS” for further detail on these acquisitions. Intangible assets are reported at cost, less accumulated amortization and impairments. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development
Acquired In-Process Research and Development
The fair value of in-process research and development ("IPR&D") acquired through a business combination is capitalized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or abandonment of the related research and development activities. When the related research and development is completed, the asset will be assigned a useful life and amortized.
The fair value of an acquired IPR&D intangible asset is typically determined using an income approach. This approach starts with a forecast of the net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset over its estimated useful life. The net cash flows reflect the asset’s stage of completion, the probability of technical success, the projected costs to complete, expected market competition and an assessment of the asset’s life-cycle. The net cash flows are then adjusted to present value by applying an
appropriate discount rate that reflects the risk factors associated with the expected cash flow streams. IPR&D acquired through an asset acquisition is expensed as incurred if the Company deems there to be no future use at the time of transaction.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets with finite lives are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If indicators of impairment are present, the asset group is tested for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset group to the related estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset group, which include the amount and timing of the projected future cash flows. If the expected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, then the asset is considered to be impaired and its carrying value is written down to fair value, based on the related estimated discounted future cash flows. Impairment losses are included in Other expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which includes acquired IPR&D and the corporate trademark acquired in 2013 as part of the acquisition of the Company (the ‘‘B&L Trademark’’), are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate that the asset may be impaired. Impairment losses on indefinite-lived intangible assets are recognized based on a comparison of the fair value of the asset to its carrying value.
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill is recorded with the acquisition of a business and is calculated as the difference between the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. A substantial portion of goodwill allocated to the Company is specific to the 2013 acquisition of the Company by BHC and has been allocated based on BHC's historical cost. Other goodwill amounts relate to other acquisitions by the Company. If a historical BHC acquisition contributed to both the Company and other BHC businesses, goodwill from the acquisition, based on BHC's historical cost, was allocated to the Company based on a relative fair value basis. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually as of October 1st at the reporting unit level. Goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value. A reporting unit is the same as, or one level below, an operating segment. An entity is permitted to first assess qualitatively whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test for any of its reporting units. The quantitative impairment test is required if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company considers the totality of all relevant events or circumstances that affect the fair value or carrying amount of a reporting unit.
The fair value of a reporting unit refers to the price that would be received to sell the unit as a whole in an orderly transaction between market participants. Bausch + Lomb estimates the fair values of a reporting unit using a discounted cash flow model which utilizes Level 3 unobservable inputs. The discounted cash flow model relies on assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, gross profit, projected working capital needs, selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses, capital expenditures, income tax rates, discount rates and terminal growth rates. To estimate fair value, Bausch + Lomb discounts the forecasted cash flows of each reporting unit. The discount rate Bausch + Lomb uses represents the estimated weighted average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk involved in its reporting unit operations and the rate of return a market participant would expect to earn. The quantitative fair value test is performed utilizing long-term growth rates and discount rates applied to the estimated cash flows in estimation of fair value. To estimate cash flows beyond the final year of its model, Bausch + Lomb estimates a terminal value by applying an in-perpetuity growth assumption and discount factor to determine the reporting unit’s terminal value.
To forecast a reporting unit’s cash flows, Bausch + Lomb takes into consideration economic conditions and trends, estimated future operating results, management’s and a market participant’s view of growth rates and product lives and anticipates future economic conditions. Revenue growth rates inherent in these forecasts are based on input from internal and external market research that compare factors such as growth in global economies, recent industry trends and product life-cycles. Macroeconomic factors such as changes in economies, changes in the competitive landscape including the unexpected loss of exclusivity to Bausch + Lomb’s product portfolio, changes in government legislation, product life-cycles, industry consolidations and other changes beyond Bausch + Lomb’s control could have a positive or negative impact on achieving its targets. Accordingly, if market conditions deteriorate, or if Bausch + Lomb is unable to execute its strategies, it may be necessary to record impairment charges in the future.
An interim goodwill impairment test may be required if adverse events occur that indicate an impairment might be present. For example, changes in reportable segments, unexpected adverse business conditions, economic factors and unanticipated competitive activities may signal that an interim impairment test is needed. Accordingly, among other factors, the Company monitors changes in its share price between annual impairment tests. The Company considers a decline in its share price that corresponds to an overall deterioration in stock market conditions to be less of an indicator of goodwill impairment than a unilateral decline in its share price reflecting adverse changes in its underlying operating performance, cash flows, financial
condition and/or liquidity. In the event that the Company’s market capitalization does decline below its book value, the Company would consider the length and severity of the decline and the reason for the decline when assessing whether potential goodwill impairment exists. The Company believes that short-term fluctuations in share prices may not necessarily reflect underlying values.
Debt Discounts and Premiums, Issuance Costs and Deferred Financing Costs
Debt Discounts and Premiums, Issuance Costs and Deferred Financing Costs
Debt discounts, premiums and issuance costs are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct deduction from or addition to the carrying amount of the related debt and are amortized or accreted, using the effective interest method, as interest expense over the contractual lives of the related credit facilities or notes. Deferred financing costs associated with revolving credit facility arrangements are included in the balances of Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized as interest expense over the contractual life of the related revolving credit facility.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation
The assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign operations having a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date, and at the average exchange rate for the reporting period for revenue and expense accounts. The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity.
Foreign currency exchange gains and losses on transactions occurring in a currency other than an operation’s functional currency are recognized as a component of Foreign exchange and other in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Foreign currency translation recorded in these Consolidated Financial Statements, is based on currency movements specific to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements during the periods presented.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues are primarily generated from product sales in the therapeutic areas of eye health that consist of: (i) branded prescription eye-medications and pharmaceuticals, (ii) generic and branded generic prescription eye medications and pharmaceuticals, (iii) OTC vitamin and supplement products and (iv) medical devices (contact lenses, IOLs and ophthalmic surgical equipment). Other revenues include alliance and service revenue from the licensing and co-promotion of products and contract service revenue. Contract service revenue is derived primarily from contract manufacturing for third parties and is not material. See Note 21, “SEGMENT INFORMATION” for the disaggregation of revenues.
The Company recognizes revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services and in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principle, the Company applies the five-step revenue model to contracts within its scope: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
Product Sales
A contract with the Company’s customers exists for each product sale. Where a contract with a customer contains more than one performance obligation, the Company allocates the transaction price to each distinct performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The transaction price is adjusted for variable consideration which is discussed further below. The Company recognizes revenue for product sales at a point in time, when the customer obtains control of the products in accordance with contracted delivery terms, which is generally upon shipment or customer receipt. Contracted delivery terms will vary by customer and geography. In the U.S., control is generally transferred to the customer upon receipt.
Revenue from sales of surgical equipment and related software is generally recognized upon delivery and installation of the equipment. IOLs and delivery systems, disposable surgical packs and other surgical instruments are distinct from the surgical equipment and may be sold together with the surgical equipment in a single contract or on a standalone basis. Revenue from the sale of delivery systems, disposable surgical packs and other surgical instruments is recognized in accordance with the contracted delivery terms, generally upon shipment or customer receipt. IOLs are sold primarily on a consignment basis and revenue is recognized upon notification of use.
When a sale transaction in the Surgical segment contains multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone sales price and revenue is recognized upon satisfaction of each performance obligation.
Product Sales Provisions
As is customary in the eye health industry, gross product sales of certain product categories are subject to a variety of deductions in arriving at reported net product sales. The transaction price for such product categories is typically adjusted for variable consideration, which may be in the form of cash discounts, allowances, returns, rebates, chargebacks and distribution fees paid to customers. Provisions for variable consideration are established to reflect the Company’s best estimates of the amount of consideration to which it is entitled based on the terms of the contract. The amount of variable consideration included in the transaction price may be constrained, and is included in the net sales price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in the future period.
Provisions for these deductions are recorded concurrently with the recognition of gross product sales revenue and include cash discounts and allowances, chargebacks and distribution fees, which are paid to direct customers, as well as rebates and returns, which can be paid to direct and indirect customers. Returns provision balances and volume discounts to direct customers are included in Accrued and other current liabilities. All other provisions related to direct customers are included in Trade receivables, net, while provision balances related to indirect customers are included in Accrued and other current liabilities.
The following tables present the activity and ending balances of the Company’s variable consideration provisions for years 2025 and 2024:
(in millions)
Discounts
and
Allowances
ReturnsRebatesChargebacks
Distribution
Fees
Total
Reserve balance, January 1, 2024
$141 $66 $226 $67 $18 $518 
Current period provision420 98 1,487 631 82 2,718 
Payments and credits(441)(76)(1,216)(624)(74)(2,431)
Reserve balance, December 31, 2024
120 88 497 74 26 805 
Current period provision476 79 2,049 611 98 3,313 
Payments and credits(476)(88)(1,964)(625)(89)(3,242)
Reserve balance, December 31, 2025
$120 $79 $582 $60 $35 $876 
Included in rebates in the table above are cooperative advertising credits due to customers of approximately $26 million and $32 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which are reflected as a reduction of Trade accounts receivable, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, included in Payments and credits in the table above, are payments made, or to be made, by Novartis (as defined below), on behalf of the Company, in accordance with the agreements associated with the XIIDRA Acquisition (as defined below).
The Company continually monitors its variable consideration provisions and evaluates the estimates used as additional information becomes available. Adjustments will be made to these provisions periodically to reflect new facts and circumstances that may indicate that historical experience may not be indicative of current and/or future results. The Company is required to make subjective judgments based primarily on its evaluation of current market conditions and trade inventory levels related to the Company's products. These judgments include the potential impact of macroeconomic factors on, among other things, unemployment and related changes in customer health insurance levels and government stimulus bills that focus on ensuring availability and access to lifesaving drugs during a public health crisis. This evaluation may result in an increase or decrease in the experience rate that is applied to current and future sales, or require an adjustment related to past sales, or both. If the trend in actual amounts of variable consideration varies from the Company's prior estimates, the Company adjusts these estimates, when such trend is believed to be sustainable. At that time, the Company would record the necessary adjustments which would affect net product revenue and earnings reported in the current period. The Company applies this method consistently for contracts with similar characteristics. The following describes the major sources of variable consideration in the Company’s customer arrangements and the methodology, estimates and judgments applied to estimate each type of variable consideration.
Cash Discounts and Allowances
Cash discounts are offered for prompt payment and allowances for volume purchases. Provisions for cash discounts and allowances are estimated at the time of sale and recorded as direct reductions to trade receivables and revenue. Management estimates the provisions for cash discounts and allowances based on contractual sales terms with customers, an analysis of unpaid invoices and historical payment experience. Estimated cash discounts and allowances have historically been predictable and less subjective, due to the limited number of assumptions involved, the consistency of historical experience and the fact that these amounts are generally settled within one month of incurring the liability.
Returns
Consistent with industry practice, customers are generally allowed to return certain products, primarily of the Company's consumer and ophthalmic businesses, within a specified period of time before and after the product's expiration date. The returns provision is estimated utilizing historical sales and return rates over the period during which customers have a right of return, taking into account available information on competitive products and contract changes. The information utilized to estimate the returns provision includes: (i) historical return and exchange levels, (ii) external data with respect to inventory levels in the wholesale distribution channel, (iii) external data with respect to prescription demand for products, (iv) remaining shelf lives of products at the date of sale and (v) estimated returns liability to be processed by year of sale based on an analysis of lot information related to actual historical returns.
In determining the estimate for returns, management is required to make certain assumptions regarding the timing of the introduction of new products and the potential of these products to capture market share. In addition, certain assumptions with respect to the extent and pattern of decline associated with generic competition are necessary. These assumptions are formulated using market data for similar products, past experience and other available information. These assumptions are continually reassessed, and changes to the estimates and assumptions are made as new information becomes available.
Rebates and Chargebacks
Certain product sales, primarily proprietary and generic pharmaceutical products within the Pharmaceuticals segment, made under governmental and managed-care pricing programs in the U.S. are subject to rebates. The Company participates in state government-managed Medicaid programs, as well as certain other qualifying federal and state government programs whereby rebates are provided to participating government entities. Medicaid rebates are generally billed 45 days to 270 days after the quarter in which the product is dispensed to the Medicaid participant. As a result, the Medicaid rebate reserve includes an estimate of outstanding claims for end-customer sales that occurred, but for which the related claim has not been billed and/or paid, and an estimate for future claims that will be made when inventory in the distribution channel is sold through to plan participants. The calculation of the Medicaid rebate reserve also requires other estimates, such as estimates of sales mix, to determine which sales are subject to rebates and the amount of such rebates. Quarterly, the Medicaid rebate reserve is adjusted based on actual claims paid. Due to the delay in billing, adjustments to actual claims paid may incorporate revisions of that reserve for several periods.
Managed Care rebates relate to contractual agreements to sell products to managed care organizations and pharmacy benefit managers at contractual rebate percentages in exchange for volume and/or market share.
Chargebacks relate to contractual agreements to sell certain products, primarily proprietary and generic pharmaceutical products within the Pharmaceuticals segment to government agencies, group purchasing organizations and other indirect customers at contractual prices that are lower than the list prices the Company charges wholesalers. When these group purchasing organizations or other indirect customers purchase products through wholesalers at these reduced prices, the wholesaler charges the Company for the difference between the prices they paid the Company and the prices at which they sold the products to the indirect customers.
In estimating provisions for rebates and chargebacks, management considers relevant statutes with respect to governmental pricing programs and contractual sales terms with managed-care providers and group purchasing organizations. Management estimates the amount of product sales subject to these programs based on historical utilization levels. Changes in the level of utilization of products through private or public benefit plans and group purchasing organizations will affect the amount of rebates and chargebacks that the Company is obligated to pay. Management continually updates these factors based on new contractual or statutory requirements, and any significant changes in sales trends that may impact the percentage of products subject to rebates or chargebacks.
The amount of Managed Care, Medicaid and other rebates and chargebacks as it relates to proprietary and generic pharmaceutical products within the Pharmaceuticals segment, has become more significant as a result of a combination of deeper discounts implemented in each of the last three years and increased Medicaid utilization due to expansion of government funding for these programs. Management’s estimate for rebates and chargebacks may be impacted by a number of factors, but the principal factor relates to the level of inventory in the distribution channel.
Rebate provisions are based on factors such as timing and terms of plans under contract, time to process rebates, product pricing, sales volumes, amount of inventory in the distribution channel and prescription trends. Adjustments to actual for the years 2025 and 2024 were not material to the Company's revenues or earnings.
Patient Co-Pay Assistance programs, Consumer Rebates and Loyalty Programs are rebates offered on a limited number of the Company’s products. Patient Co-Pay Assistance Programs are patient discount programs offered in the form of coupon cards or point of sale discounts, with which patients receive certain discounts off their prescription at participating pharmacies, as defined by the specific product program. An accrual for these programs is established, equal to management’s estimate of the
discount, rebate and loyalty incentives attributable to a sale. That estimate is based on historical experience and other relevant factors. The accrual is adjusted throughout each quarter based on actual experience and changes in other factors, if any.
Distribution Fees
The Company sells products to certain wholesalers, and large pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walmart, usually under Distribution Services Agreements ("DSAs"). Under the DSAs, the wholesalers agree to provide services, and the Company pays the contracted DSA distribution service fees for these services based on product volumes. Additionally, price appreciation credits are generated when the Company increases a product’s wholesaler acquisition cost (“WAC”) under contracts with certain wholesalers. Under such contracts, the Company is entitled to credits from such wholesalers for the impact of that WAC increase on inventory currently on hand at the wholesalers. Such credits are offset against the total distribution service fees paid to each such wholesaler. The variable consideration associated with price appreciation credits is reflected in the transaction price of products sold when it is determined to be probable that a significant reversal will not occur.
Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities
There are no contract assets for any period presented. Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue, the balance of which is not material to any period presented.
Sales Commissions
Sales commissions are generally attributed to periods shorter than one year and therefore are expensed when incurred. Sales commissions are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Financing Component
The Company has elected not to adjust consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when the period between the transfer of a promised good or service to the customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less. The Company's global payment terms are generally between thirty to ninety days.
Leases
Leases
The Company leases certain facilities, vehicles and equipment principally under multi-year agreements generally having a lease term of one to twenty years, some of which include termination options and options to extend the lease term. The Company includes options that are reasonably certain to be exercised as part of the lease term. The Company may negotiate termination clauses in anticipation of changes in market conditions but generally, these termination options are not exercised. Certain lease agreements also include variable payments that are dependent on usage or may vary month-to-month such as insurance, taxes and maintenance costs. None of the Company's lease agreements contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The Company is required to record a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability, equal to the present value of the lease payments at the commencement date of each lease. For all asset classes, in determining future lease payments, the Company has elected to aggregate lease components, such as payments for rent, taxes and insurance costs with non-lease components such as maintenance costs, and account for these payments as a single lease component. In limited circumstances, when the information necessary to determine the rate implicit in a lease is available, the present value of the lease payments is determined using the rate implicit in that lease. If the information necessary to determine the rate implicit in a lease is not available, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at the commencement of the lease, which represents the rate of interest that the Company would incur to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term.
All leases must be classified as either an operating lease or finance lease. The classification is determined based on whether substantive control has been transferred to the lessee. The classification governs the pattern of lease expense recognition. For leases classified as operating leases, total lease expense over the term of the lease is equal to the undiscounted payments due in accordance with the lease arrangement. Fixed lease expense is recognized periodically on a straight-line basis over the term of each lease and includes: (i) imputed interest during the period on the lease liability determined using the effective interest rate method plus (ii) amortization of the right-of-use asset for that period. Amortization of the right-of-use asset during the period is calculated as the difference between the straight-line expense and the imputed interest on the lease liability for that period. Variable lease expense is recognized when the achievement of the specific target is considered probable.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and Development Expenses
Costs related to internal research and development programs, including costs associated with the development of acquired IPR&D, are expensed as goods are delivered or services are performed. Under certain research and development
arrangements with third parties, the Company may be required to make payments that are contingent on the achievement of specific developmental, regulatory and/or commercial milestones. Milestone payments made to third parties before a product receives regulatory approval, but after the milestone is determined to be probable, are expensed and included in Research and development expenses. Milestone payments made to third parties after regulatory approval is received are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the approved product.
Amounts due from third parties as reimbursement of development activities conducted under certain research and development arrangements are recognized as a reduction of Research and development expenses.
Legal Costs
Legal Costs
Legal fees and other costs related to litigation and other legal proceedings or services are expensed as incurred and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Certain legal costs associated with acquisitions are included in Acquisition-related costs and certain legal costs associated with divestitures, legal settlements and other business development activities are included in Litigation and other matters or Gain on investments, net within Other expense, net, as appropriate. Legal costs expensed are reported net of expected insurance recoveries. A claim for insurance recovery is recognized when realization becomes probable.
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs comprise product samples, print media, promotional materials and television advertising and are expensed on the first use of the advertisement.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation
Effective May 5, 2022, Bausch + Lomb established the Bausch + Lomb Corporation 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended and restated by the 2023 Plan Amendment (as described below) and as further amended and restated by the 2024 Plan Amendment (as described below), the “Plan”). A total of 28,000,000 common shares of Bausch + Lomb were originally authorized for issuance under the Plan. Effective April 24, 2023, Bausch + Lomb’s shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of the Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder by an additional 10,000,000 common shares, resulting in an aggregate 38,000,000 common shares of Bausch + Lomb authorized for issuance under the Plan (the “2023 Plan Amendment”). At the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders held on May 29, 2024, Bausch + Lomb’s shareholders approved a further amendment and restatement of the Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder by an additional 14,000,000 common shares, resulting in an aggregate 52,000,000 common shares of Bausch + Lomb authorized for issuance under the Plan (the “2024 Plan Amendment”).
The Plan provides for the grant of various types of awards, including restricted stock units (“RSUs”), restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, stock options, performance-based awards and cash awards. Under the Plan, the exercise price of awards, if any, is set on the grant date and may not be less than the fair market value per share on that date. Generally, stock options have a term of ten years and a three-year vesting period, subject to limited exceptions.
The Company recognizes all share-based payments to employees of the Company, including grants of employee stock options and RSUs, at estimated fair value. The Company amortizes the fair value of stock option or RSU grants on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the individual stock option or RSU grant, which generally equals the vesting period. Stock option and RSU forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Share-based compensation is recorded in Research and development expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses, as appropriate.
Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration
Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration
Acquisition-related contingent consideration, which primarily consists of potential milestone payments and royalty obligations, is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its acquisition date estimated fair value, in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. The fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration is remeasured each reporting period, with changes in fair value recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value measurement of contingent consideration obligations arising from business combinations is determined via a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis, using unobservable (Level 3) inputs. These inputs may include: (i) the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, (ii) the probability of the achievement of the factor(s) on which the contingency is based and (iii) the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. Significant increases or decreases in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.
Interest Expense
Interest Expense
Interest expense includes interest on outstanding debt currently held by the Company, standby fees, the amortization of debt discounts and deferred financing costs, accretion of debt premiums and the amortization of amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness related to the Company's cross-currency swaps. Interest costs are expensed as incurred, except to the extent such interest is related to construction in progress, in which case interest is capitalized.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of deferred tax assets that is more likely than not to remain unrealized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets for outside basis differences in investments in subsidiaries are only recognized if the difference will be realized in the foreseeable future.
The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such position are measured based on the amount for which there is a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions are classified as long-term unless expected to be paid within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, are recorded in the provision for income taxes and classified with the related liability on the Consolidated balance sheets.
Loss Per Share Attributable to Bausch + Lomb Corporation
Loss Per Share Attributable to Bausch + Lomb Corporation
Basic loss per share attributable to Bausch + Lomb Corporation is calculated by dividing Net loss attributable to Bausch + Lomb Corporation by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted loss per share attributable to Bausch + Lomb Corporation is calculated by dividing Net loss attributable to Bausch + Lomb Corporation by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period after giving effect to dilutive potential common shares for stock options and RSUs, determined using the treasury stock method.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is comprised of Net loss and Other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items such as foreign currency translation adjustments and certain pension and other postretirement benefit plan adjustments. Accumulated other comprehensive loss is recorded as a component of equity.
Contingencies
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to loss contingencies, such as claims and assessments arising from litigation and other legal proceedings, contractual indemnities, product and environmental liabilities and tax matters. Accruals for loss contingencies are recorded when the Company determines that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. If the estimate of the amount of the loss is a range and some amount within the range appears to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, that amount is accrued as a liability. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount of the range is accrued as a liability. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessments change or additional information becomes available.
If no accrual is made for a loss contingency because the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company will disclose contingent liabilities when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred.
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors various retirement and pension plans, including defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans and a participatory defined benefit postretirement plan. The determination of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan obligations and their associated expenses requires the use of actuarial valuations to estimate the benefits employees earn while working, as well as the present value of those benefits. Net actuarial gains and losses that exceed 10% of the greater of the plan’s projected benefit obligations or the market-related value of assets are amortized to earnings over the shorter of the estimated average future service period of the plan participants (or the estimated average future lifetime of the plan participants if the majority of plan participants are inactive) or the period until any anticipated final plan settlements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Adopted as of December 31, 2025 and Not Adopted as of December 31, 2025
Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Adopted as of December 31, 2025
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disclosure of disaggregated income taxes paid, prescribes standard categories for the components of the effective tax rate reconciliation, and modifies other income tax-related disclosures. The ASU is effective for the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The Company has adopted this ASU on a prospective-basis, and it did not have a material impact on its financial statements, other than with respect to expanded disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Not Adopted as of December 31, 2025
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires disclosure of specified information about certain costs and expenses. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its disclosures.
In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, which provides guidance for estimating credit losses under the current expected credit losses (CECL) model for current accounts receivable and current contract assets arising from transactions accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification 606. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2025 and will be adopted prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software. This ASU amends the existing standard to remove all references to software development project stages and requires entities to start capitalizing software costs when both of the following occur: (i) management has authorized and committed to funding the software project and (ii) it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year. The amendments can be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or via a modified prospective transition method. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.