CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France, October 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Essilor, the world leader in ophthalmic optics, today announced its consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2006:
EUR millions Sept. 30, 2006 Sept. 30, Change as Like-for-like 2005 reported change* Consolidated revenue 2,022.6 1,803.1 12.2% 7.8% Europe 895.3 833.5 7.4% 6.2% North America 882.9 764.1 15.6% 9.1% Asia-Pacific 175.9 149.2 17.9% 10.8% Latin America 68.5 56.3 21.6% 7.1%
*Based on a comparable scope of consolidation and at constant exchange rates.
Consolidated revenue totaled EUR2,022.6 million for the period, an increase of 7.8% like-for-like and 12.2% as reported. Companies acquired or consolidated in 2005 and 2006 accounted for 3.2% of the growth, while the currency effect declined but remained slightly positive at 1.1%.
Revenue rose 6.4% in the third quarter. At 6.1%, like-for-like growth remained generally strong, amounting to 6% in Europe and North America, 6.2% in Asia-Pacific and 8.9% in Latin America. Changes in the scope of consolidation accounted for 2.4% of third-quarter growth while the currency effect was a negative 2.1% due to the appreciation of the euro against most other currencies.
Essilor continued to benefit from sustained demand for Varilux Physio(R), its new mass-market progressive lens, which is now available in a full range of materials and in all regions. Growth was also driven by other lens categories, in particular variable-tint lenses, high-index materials and anti-reflective lenses.
Strengthened by the successful integration of acquisitions made in recent years, all of the distribution networks also contributed to the Company’s operating performance.
Recent Acquisition
Essilor made 20 acquisitions in the first nine months of 2006. This figure includes the majority stake acquired in Aspen Optical, a Mesa, Arizona-based prescription laboratory that distributes Varilux(R) products and has annual sales of roughly $6.6 million.
A conference call will be held today at 10 a.m. France time. The number to dial is: +44-(0)161-601-8920 The conference will be available for later listening at: http://hosting.3sens.com/Essilor/20061019-5E1FC450/en Next financial announcement Revenue for 2006 will be released on January 25, 2007
Essilor International is the world leader in ophthalmic optical products, offering a wide range of lenses under the flagship Varilux(R), Crizal(R), Airwear(R) and Essilor(R) brands to correct myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Essilor operates worldwide through 16 production sites, 215 lens finishing laboratories and local distribution networks. The Essilor share trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the CAC 40 index. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR 0000121667; Reuters: ESSI.PA; Bloomberg: EF FP.
Investor Relations and Financial Communications Veronique Gillet Phone: +33-(0)1-49-77-42-16
Essilor
CONTACT: Investor Relations and Financial Communications: VeroniqueGillet, Phone: +33-(0)1-49-77-42-16
