Rodenstock: 1st quarter results confirm positive trend

Global billings stood at Euro 371.7 million (Euro 345 million last year) and gross margins grew from 53.1% to 54.4%. The EBITDA ratio for operational sales rose from 18.9% in 2005 to 20.3% in 2006.

The main factors that supported this positive growth trend include the high added value of innovations in the progressive lens segment, new lines of frames, ophthalmic sunglasses and sports glasses.

Thanks to the overall renewal of the brand, in 2006 Rodenstock consolidated its position on the market. In Germany, Rodenstock has regained its position of leadership.

Rodenstock Italy General Manager Giovanni Palermo said: 'Italy has made an important contribution to the growth trend that characterized 2006 and the first few months of this year. Specifically, the ophthalmic lens segment has achieved its billings objectives and the frames segment is up 5% on forecasts.'

The first quarter of 2007 confirmed the positive data of the previous financial year. During these first three months, sales reached Euro 101.5 million (Euro 93.1 million during the same period 2006), a 10.4% increase in daily turnover.

Rodenstock confirms its commitment to achieving the long-term sales target of Euro 750 million by 2010.