Topic: How To Invest

Pat: What is your opinion on Luxottica Group? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Luxottica Group SpA (ADR), $38.54, symbol LUX on New York (ADRs outstanding: 470.6 million; Market cap: $18.1 billion; www.luxottica.com), is an Italian company that sells prescription eyewear and sunglasses. It has six plants in Italy and one in China. The retail division operates nearly 5,500 company-owned, franchised and leased locations under the LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision and Sears Optical banners. The wholesale division makes and distributes over 2,400 frame styles, including company-owned brands (notably Ray-Ban and Oakley) and licensed labels (including Chanel, Bulgari, Prada, Tiffany, Coach and Armani). Luxottica also owns EyeMed Vision Care, the second-largest eye-care insurance company in the U.S. In the three months ended September 30, 2012, Luxottica’s revenue rose 17.0%, to 1.78 billion euros ($2.33 billion U.S.) from $1.52 billion euros a year earlier. Earnings per ADR rose 12.1%, to $0.37 U.S. from $0.33 U.S. Luxottica’s sales are rising in North America (which accounts for 60% of its overall sales), and it is seeing surprisingly strong demand in Europe (20%…