CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France, August 27, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --
- A Very Good First Half - Sharp Increase in Revenue: up 15.8% - High Contribution Margin Maintained, at 18.0% of Revenue - Adjusted Earnings per Share: up 17.6% - Strong Increase in Free Cash Flow: up 72%
The 2010 interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors of Essilor International on August 26, 2010. These financial statements have been audited and the Statutory Auditors have issued an unqualified opinion thereon.
EUR millions First-half 2010 First-half 2009 % Change Revenue 1,926.8 1,663.4 +15.8% Contribution margin(1) 347.5 301.8(4) +15.2% % of revenue 18.0% 18.1% - Profit attributable to equity 197.5 200.1 -1.3% holders of Essilor International Adjusted attributable 238.8 200.1 +19.3% profit(2) Earnings per share (in EUR) 0.94 0.97 -2.7% Adjusted earnings per share 1.14 0.97 +17.6% (in EUR)(2) Free cash flow(3) 165 96 +72%
(1) Operating profit before compensation costs of share-based payments, restructuring costs, other income and expense, and goodwill impairment.
(2) Adjusted for the EUR41.3 million net of tax provision set aside for the fine imposed by the BKA, the German antitrust authority, which the Company has appealed.
(3) Net cash from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, according to the IFRS consolidated cash flow statement.
(4) Adjusted for EUR0.9 million in non-capitalized costs related to bolt-on acquisitions (application of revised IFRS 3).
In an ophthalmic optics market that is slowly but steadily improving, Essilor continued to increase its global market share by leveraging its innovative products and accelerating the deployment of its targeted acquisitions strategy. For the period, the Company posted revenue growth of 5.9% excluding the currency effect and strategic acquisitions, in line with its full-year objective. Essilor also enhanced its competitiveness through ongoing programs to optimize the production base and develop new services for eyecare professionals.
First-half highlights
- Integration of FGXI, the world leader in non-prescription reading glasses, and Signet Armorlite, the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of Kodak-brand lenses. Overall, these acquisitions were accretive to first-half consolidated earnings. - Successful new product launches, of which the Varilux Physio(R) 2.0 lens in Europe and the United States, the Xperio(TM) polarized lens in Europe, and lenses produced using Eyecode(TM) technology around the world. - An increase in unit sales, reflecting the ramp-up of the Company's strategy of developing the mid-range product segment and rapid growth in emerging markets. - Accelerated deployment of the acquisitions strategy with 13 new partnerships that extend Essilor's geographical coverage. - High operating margin remained (contribution margin 18% of revenue) thanks to ongoing gains in operating efficiency. - Sharp increase in adjusted earnings per share. - A strong increase in net cash flow and a solid balance sheet.
Outlook
The very good first-half results support Essilor's major strategic choices. During the second half, in a still fragile business recovery, Essilor will continue to implement its growth strategy, based on new products, geographic expansion, bolt-on acquisitions and the mid-segment. For 2010, the Company confirms its objectives of revenue growth of 5% to 7% excluding the currency effect and strategic acquisitions, and a stable contribution margin excluding strategic acquisitions and changes in IFRS.
Moreover, following the sale of its stake in Sperian Protection, the Company will recognize an estimated EUR27-million consolidated capital gain in the second half.
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An analysts meeting will be held today, August 27, at 9:30 a.m. Paris time.
The meeting will be available live and recorded for later listening at:
http://hosting.3sens.com/Essilor/20100827-FC6C8EAD/en/
The presentation will be webcast at:
http://www.essilor.com/-results-presentations-
Regulatory Information
The interim financial report is available at http://www.essilor.com or by clicking on:
http://www.essilor.com/-Reports-#interim
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Future event:
Third-quarter revenue will be released on Friday, October 22, 2010.
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The world leader in ophthalmic optical products, Essilor International researches, develops, manufactures and markets around the world a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its flagship brands are Varilux(R), Crizal(R), Essilor(R), Definity(R) and Xperio(TM). Based in France, the company reported consolidated revenue of more than EUR3.2 billion in 2009, with 34,700 employees and operations in 100 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.essilor.com. The Essilor share trades on the NYSE Euronext Paris market and is included in the CAC 40 index. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: ESSI.PA; Bloomberg: EI:FP.
MANAGEMENT REPORT
The 2009 financial statements have been adjusted following the expensing of acquisition-related costs in accordance with revised IFRS 3.
REVENUE UP 11.8% AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE RATES Revenue by division and by region (in EUR millions) H1 2010 H1 2009 % Change Like-for-like Contribution (reported) growth from acquisitions* Lenses and 1,786.9 1,613.6 +10.7% +2.5% +4.1% Optical Instruments Europe 707.6 665.1 +6.4% +1.4% +4.1% North America 776.4 718.1 +8.1% +1.0% +3.9% Asia-Pacific 214.3 170.1 +26.0% +8.0% +4.8% Africa Latin America 88.6 60.3 +47.1% +16.6% +5.0% Equipment 60.2 49.8 +20.8% +8.8% +12.1% Readers 79.7 - N/M N/M N/M TOTAL 1,926.8 1,663.4 +15.8% +2.7% +9.1%
* Revenue from Signet Armorlite has been allocated by region.
Revenue rose 15.8% to EUR1,926.8 million in first-half 2010. Excluding FGXI and Signet, revenue growth stood at 10%.
- Like-for-like growth in first-half revenue came to 2.7%, which included increases of 2.5% in the first quarter and 2.9% in the second. This reflected growth of 2.5% in the Optical Lenses business and 8.8% in the Equipment business. - The 9.1% contribution from acquisitions corresponds to the bolt-on acquisitions carried out in 2009 and first-half 2010, for 3.2%, and the contribution of FGXI and Signet Armorlite, consolidated from March 12 and April 1, 2010 respectively. - The positive currency effect of 4% reflects the euro's decline against all the other currencies and particularly the Brazilian real, the Canadian dollar and the US dollar. Performance by division Lenses and Optical Instruments Revenue growth was driven by an increase in sales volumes in all regions. - In Europe, where performances still vary considerably from one country to another, sales progressed overall by 1.4% like-for-like. France maintained strong momentum thanks to its multi-network strategy and business picked up in the Netherlands, but remained disappointing in Germany and Austria. Benefiting from Russia's rapid development, the Eastern European countries returned to growth. - Growth leveled off in North America (up 1.0% like-for-like). In the United States, all distribution channels contributed to growth in volumes, with a significant increase reported in sales of Xperio polarized lenses. Operating problems affected performance in Canada, in an already challenging environment. - In Asia, like-for-like growth of 8.0% was led by emerging markets. Essilor continued its rapid expansion in India, where it gained market share during the period, as well as in the ASEAN countries, particularly Thailand and Indonesia. Business in China was stimulated by improvements in the product mix, while sales contracted in Australia and New Zealand in a difficult market environment. - Countries in Latin America recorded significant growth in the first half, with revenue for the region up 16.6% like-for-like. In Brazil, the mid-range segment benefited from an increase in volumes and higher demand for anti-reflective lenses, and Mexico and Argentina both reported very strong growth. Equipment - The Equipment division began to recover sharply in the first half of 2010, with revenue up 8.8% like-for-like excluding intragroup sales. Satisloh sales were particularly robust in the area of consumables and digital surfacing machines. Business is developing rapidly in Asia, particularly in China where Satisloh now has a dedicated product offering. Readers - Recently created following the acquisition of FGX International, the Readers division[1] performed very well. The second quarter saw particularly strong sales of sunglasses, which dominate demand at that time of year.
Second quarter: continued recovery in growth Revenue Q2 2010 Q2 2009 % Change Like-for-like Contribution growth from (in EUR millions) as acquisitions* reported Lenses and Optical 923.0 797.7 +15.7% +2.3% +5.2% Instruments Europe 362.3 335.1 +8.1% +2.1% +5.0% North America 400.7 345.7 +15.9% -0.2% +5.2% Asia-Pacific 111.2 84.5 +31.6% +7.5% +4.3% Africa Latin America 48.8 32.5 +50.1% +17.6% +6.2% Equipment 36.6 25.4 +44.2% +20.5% +23.7% Readers 61.3 - N/M N/M N/M TOTAL 1,020.9 823.1 +24.0% +2.9% +13.2%
* Revenue from Signet Armorlite has been allocated by region
Consolidated revenue for the second quarter alone stood at EUR1,020.9 million, up 24% year-on-year as reported and 2.9% like-for-like. The integration of FGXI and Signet, as well as new partnerships, brought the contribution from acquisitions to a high 13.2%. All currencies contributed to the significant 7.9% positive currency effect.
The trends observed during the quarter varied between regions, with:
- A slight improvement in Europe. - Stable demand in the United States and operating problems in Canada. - Continued sharp growth in Asia, except for Australia and Japan. - Very strong demand in Latin America. - A sharp recovery in the Equipment business.
13 new partnerships and 2 strategic acquisitions in first-half 2010
During the first half of 2010, Essilor acquired or increased its holding in 13 companies, representing additional revenue of around EUR80 million. Transactions were carried out in all regions:
- In the United States, Essilor of America acquired a stake in two prescription laboratories- Hawkins in Kansas ($4.5 million in revenue) and Epic Labs in Minnesota ($3 million). EOA also acquired the assets of Custom Optical (Georgia, $2.5 million). Nikon-Essilor increased its stake in the Encore prescription laboratory (Connecticut, $4 million) through its US subsidiary. - In Canada, Essilor acquired a majority stake in Cascade, a prescription laboratory in the province of British Columbia (C$6 million), and in Econo-Optic, a laboratory based in New Brunswick (C$0.7 million). - In Brazil, the Company acquired an interest in Ceditop, a prescription laboratory and distributor in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with annual revenue of around EUR3.5 million (BRL8 million). - In China, a majority stake was acquired in ILT Danyang, which produces lenses for both the domestic market and for export. - In Singapore, the Company acquired Visitech, a distributor that generates around EUR0.7 million in annual revenue. - In Taiwan, a majority stake was acquired in SMJ, a prescription laboratory and distributor with EUR1.6 million in revenue. - In the United Arab Emirates, Essilor become the majority shareholder of Ghanada Opticals, a prescription laboratory based in Abu Dhabi, which serves the United Arab Emirates and the other Gulf states and generates EUR2 million in revenue. - In Australia, Essilor became a 70% partner in a joint venture with Luxottica, which owns the Eyebiz laboratory. - In the Equipment division, the Company acquired a 60% interest in DAC Vision, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumable supplies for surfacing, coating and mounting lenses, which generates around EUR30 million in revenue, mainly in France and the United States.
Since the beginning of the year, Essilor has also made two strategic acquisitions: FGX International, the North American leader in non-prescription reading glasses with $259 million in 2009 revenue, and California-based Signet Armorlite, one of the largest independent manufacturers of ophthalmic lenses and the exclusive producer of Kodak-brand lenses, with 2009 revenue of $115 million.
CONTRIBUTION MARGIN: 18.0% Contribution from operations up 15.2% to EUR347.5 million, or 18% of revenue (in EUR millions) First-half 2010 First-half First-half 2010 2009 excl. FGXI and Signet Armorlite Gross margin 1,068.8 1,015.8 930.7 As a % of revenue 55.5% 55.5% 56.0% Operating expenses 721.2 684.7 628.9 Contribution from operations 347.5 331.0 301.8 (1) 18.0% 18.1% 18.1% As a % of revenue
(1) Operating profit before compensation costs of share-based payments, restructuring costs, other income and expense, and goodwill impairment.
Gross margin up 14.8% to EUR1,068.8 million (up 9.1% excluding FGXI and Signet Armorlite)
In first-half 2010, gross margin (revenue less cost of sales, expressed as a percentage of revenue) stood at 55.5%, compared with 56.0% in first-half 2009. The decrease is mainly due to the dilutive effect of bolt-on acquisitions and the ramp-up of mid-range networks.
Operating expenses up 14.7% to EUR721.2 million (up 8.9% excluding FGXI and Signet Armorlite)
Operating expenses in the first half accounted for 37.4% of consolidated revenue, versus 37.8% in the prior-year period, when they amounted to EUR628.9 million.
Operating expenses comprised:
- RD and engineering costs of EUR78.4 million, up 4.7% over first-half 2009. - Selling and distribution costs of EUR421.7 million, versus EUR353.4 million in the prior-year period, representing an increase of 19.3% (12.9% excluding FGXI and Signet Armorlite) and coming to 21.9% of revenue compared with 21.2% in first-half 2009. - Other operating expenses of EUR221.2 million, representing an increase of 10.3% (3.5% excluding FGXI and Signet Armorlite) and 11.5% of consolidated revenue versus 13.2% in first-half 2009.
Excluding FGXI and Signet Armorlite, the contribution margin rose 9.7% to EUR331 million and represented 18.1% of revenue, as in first-half 2009.
This performance reflects the Company's ability to integrate acquisitions, drive further productivity gains and diligently manage its operating expenses.
ADJUSTED EPS UP 17.6% TO EUR1.14
Operating profit up 1.0% to EUR281.2 million (up 15.9% excluding BKA provision)
Other income and expenses from operations and Gains and losses on asset disposals together represented a net expense of EUR66.3 million (compared with EUR23.4 million in first-half 2009). The increase reflects:
- Virtually unchanged compensation costs on stock options, performance share grants and employee stock ownership plans of EUR10.1 million, versus EUR9.7 million in first-half 2009. - Restructuring costs of EUR12.5 million, versus EUR6.5 million in the prior-year period. - A EUR41.5 million provision set aside for the fine imposed by Germany's competition authorities, the Bundeskartellamt (BKA). Essilor has lodged two appeals against the BKA's decision, which suspend payment of the fine (see Note 10 of the financial statements).
Operating profit represented 14.6% of consolidated revenue, compared with 16.7% in first-half 2009.
Finance costs and other financial income and expenses, net: net expense of EUR6.2 million
Finance costs and other financial income and expenses represented a net expense of EUR6.2 million compared with EUR5.3 million in first-half 2009, reflecting an increase in average debt partially offset by a decrease in finance costs.
Profit attributable to equity holders of Essilor International down 1.3% to EUR197.5 million (up 19.3% excluding BKA provision)
Net profit totaled EUR202.9 million, versus EUR204.8 million in first-half 2009. It comprised:
- Income tax expense of EUR88.8 million. The 32.3% effective tax rate (28.1% excluding BKA provision) compared with a 28.9% rate for first-half 2009. - The share of profit from associates - VisionWeb, Sperian Protection and Transitions - which amounted to EUR16.7 million, versus EUR10.7 million in the prior-year period. Earnings were up for both Transitions (EUR14.2 million versus EUR9.8 million in first-half 2009) and Sperian Protection (EUR2.5 million versus EUR0.9 million).
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent amounted to EUR197.5 million, down 1.3%, and earnings per share stood at EUR0.94, down 2.7%.
Excluding the BKA provision, attributable profit rose 19.3% to EUR238.8 million and earnings per share climbed 17.6% to EUR1.14.
FREE CASH FLOW UP 72%
The Company' high profitability and robust performance enabled it to pursue an ambitious program of industrial and financial investment (acquisitions and share buybacks) and to increase dividends.
Investments
Capital expenditure net of divestments totaled EUR54 million or 2.8% of consolidated revenue.
Financial investments net of disposals amounted to EUR563 million, which included EUR485 million related to acquisitions, mainly FGXI and Signet Armorlite.
Transactions involving Essilor shares amounted to EUR182 million. These included the buyback of 4.1 million shares, as well as employee share grants and the conversion of OCEANE bonds.
Working capital requirement
The change in working capital requirement amounted to EUR106 million, relatively unchanged from first-half 2009, despite the seasonal impact of annual discount payments to customers, which are generally concentrated in the first half.
Inventories amounted to EUR626 million at June 30, 2010, compared with EUR486 million at year-end 2009, an increase of 28.8%. At comparable scope of consolidation and exchange rates, the increase was 6.8%.
Free cash flow and change in net debt
At EUR165 million, free cash flow[2] was up 72% compared with first-half 2009.
At June 30, 2010, net debt was up EUR731 million to EUR638 million, compared with net cash of EUR93 million at December 31, 2009, for gearing of 21.6%.
Cash Flow Statement
(in EUR millions) Net cash from operations 329 Purchases of property, 58 (before WCR) plant and equipment Proceeds from employee share 40 Change in WCR 106 issue Reported change in net debt 731 Dividends 147 Financial investments net 563 of disposals* Treasury stock 182 Other 44
* Of which EUR107 million in acquired financial debt
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE FIRST HALF
Acquisitions
Since July 1, two new partnerships have been created in the United States:
- Essilor of America acquired a majority stake in Gulf States, a prescription laboratory based in Louisiana that generates $3 million in revenue. - Nikon Optical US, a Nikon-Essilor subsidiary, acquired a majority interest in Colorado-based Pasch, which generates $3.9 million in revenue.
Divestment of Sperian Protection shares
Essilor sold its long-standing 15% stake in Sperian Protection to Honeywell on August 9, 2010. The asset's net realizable value is estimated at nearly EUR132 million. The consolidated capital gain from the sale (estimated at approximately EUR27 million) will be recognized in the Company's second-half 2010 accounts.
Redemption of OCEANE convertible bonds
On July 2, Essilor redeemed at maturity all the 2003 OCEANE bonds that had not yet been converted. These bonds were previously traded on the NYSE-Euronext Paris exchange under ISIN code FR0000189276.
Ongoing share buybacks
Since June 30, Essilor has pursued its share buyback program. More than 700,000 shares with a total value of EUR33.7 million have been bought back on the market.
Related party transactions / Risks and contingencies
In first-half 2010, the nature of transactions with companies consolidated by the proportionate or equity method was not significantly different from the description in the 2009 Registration Document.
Similarly, risks and contingencies to which the Company is exposed in the months ahead are generally in line with the analysis presented in Chapter 4 of the Registration Document.
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[1] The Readers business encompasses the production, distribution and sale of non-prescription glasses. The division's end customers are retailers, who sell the products on to consumers.
[2]Net cash from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, according to the IFRS consolidated cash flow statement.
Investor Relations and Financial Communications Veronique Gillet - Sebastien Leroy Phone: +33-1-49-77-42-16 http://www.essilor.com
SOURCE: Essilor
CONTACT: Investor Relations and Financial Communications, Veronique Gillet- Sebastien Leroy, Phone: +33-1-49-77-42-16
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