By Mathieu Rosemain PARIS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Facebook-owner Meta holds at least a 3% stake in EssilorLuxottica, ​a board director at the European firm behind ‌Ray-Ban glasses said on Tuesday. The Meta stake has previously been reported from ‌sources but not confirmed by either firm. The two companies are working closely together on Ray-Ban Meta AI-powered glasses. Jose Gonzalo, executive director at French state-owned investment bank Bpifrance and ⁠an independent director ‌on EssilorLuxottica's board, s ...

If all goes to plan, it's going to release a very advanced new product in 2026.As the trading week kicked off, scores of investors saw their way into buying Warby Parker (WRBY +13.27%). Shares of the disruptive eyewear company zoomed more than 13% higher on an update about the line of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered glasses it's developing with Alphabet unit Google. A wearable AI productIn an edition of its product development series The Android Show and accompanying blog post, Google updated the statu ...

Core Insights - Lenskart is transitioning from a basic D2C eyewear brand to a tech-focused company, aiming to enhance its market position and product offerings [2][4] - The company is ramping up domestic manufacturing in India, with plans to shift most operations from China, supported by a new facility in Telangana [3][22] - Lenskart is launching AI-powered smart glasses, B by Lenskart, featuring advanced technology and integration with third-party developers, which could lead to recurring revenue streams [6][9][7] Financial Performance - Lenskart reported a net profit of INR 297 Cr in FY25, a significant improvement from a loss of INR 10 Cr in FY24, although this was largely driven by other income [31][32] - Revenue increased from INR 3,789 Cr in FY23 to INR 6,651 Cr in FY25, but operational profitability remains a concern due to high expenses [32][33] - The company's IPO was met with a muted market debut, with shares trading below the issue price shortly after listing [34][35] Market Position and Strategy - The smart eyewear market is experiencing rapid growth, with shipments increasing over 1,000% in the past year, presenting an opportunity for Lenskart [11] - Lenskart's strategy includes appealing to younger consumers through innovative features and affordability, while facing competition from other tech companies [9][17] - The company is focusing on vertical integration and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing, which may help mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations [22][19] Future Outlook - 2026 is expected to be a critical year for Lenskart, as it needs to demonstrate sustainable growth and improved margins following its IPO [37] - The company faces challenges in maintaining profitability and managing rising operational costs, which could impact its long-term viability [24][33] - Analysts suggest that Lenskart must achieve consistent profitability over the next few quarters to validate its business model and growth strategy [31][36]

Summary of Warby Parker Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Warby Parker - **Industry**: Eyewear and Optical Retail - **Market Size**: Over $60 billion and growing [14] Key Points and Arguments Strategic Evolution - **Act One**: Launched as an online retailer pioneering the direct-to-consumer model, introducing concepts like home try-on and all-in pricing for glasses at $95 [4][11] - **Act Two**: Transitioned to an omnichannel retailer with over 300 stores, offering a full range of eye care services including eye exams and a growing contact lens business [5][6] - **Act Three**: Focus on AI integration in products and customer experience, with plans to launch smart glasses in partnership with Google and Samsung [6][8][17] Differentiating Factors - **Omnichannel Offering**: Warby Parker is the only eyewear retailer at scale with a true omnichannel approach, allowing customers to shop online and offline seamlessly [10] - **Value Proposition**: Maintained pricing at $95 since 2010, contrasting with competitors who raise prices annually, thus providing greater value [11][12] - **Customer Feedback Loop**: Direct-to-consumer model allows for real-time feedback and rapid product development, giving Warby Parker a competitive edge [12] Market Trends - **Post-COVID Recovery**: The optical market is returning to normal shopping behaviors, with steady demand despite some disruptions due to tariffs [15][42] - **Consumer Behavior**: Younger consumers are exhibiting smaller basket sizes, impacting sales growth, but older demographics remain stable [23][24] Growth Opportunities - **AI Glasses**: Anticipated to be a significant new business, with potential for high consumer demand and integration with existing Google and Samsung ecosystems [17][19] - **Store Expansion**: Plans to increase store count significantly, with a goal of over 900 stores, leveraging community locations to enhance accessibility [28][30] Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: Reported over 15% top-line growth in Q3, with a focus on customer growth as the primary driver [21][22] - **Profitability Outlook**: Maintained profitability outlook despite revenue adjustments due to changing consumer behaviors; efficiencies driven by AI integration are expected to continue [25][26] Challenges and Mitigation Strategies - **Tariffs Impact**: Successfully offset tariff impacts through production shifts, selective price increases, and cost-cutting measures [38][39] - **Insurance Adoption**: Working to increase insurance coverage acceptance, which is currently underpenetrated compared to competitors [50][51] Future Outlook - **Stable Demand**: Expectation of stable consumer demand in the next 12 months, with potential for growth driven by new product launches and market expansion [42][43] - **Capital Allocation**: Plans to explore strategic opportunities and return capital to shareholders, with a healthy balance sheet and no debt [45] Additional Insights - **AI Integration**: Significant investments in AI are expected to enhance operational efficiencies and product offerings, with a focus on maintaining gross margins in the mid-50s% [35][36][37] - **Consumer Engagement**: High customer satisfaction and engagement levels, with the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) in the category, driving organic growth [33] This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the Warby Parker conference call, highlighting the company's innovative approach and market positioning within the eyewear industry.

MILAN — Come January, EssilorLuxottica is expected to have a new leader of its wearable segment. Rocco Basilico, the group’s chief wearables officer and president of Oliver Peoples, will exit next month, after six years developing smart eyewear collections. More from WWD An EssilorLuxottica spokesman said Basilico has “decided to pursue his personal interests outside of the company,” adding that the young executive “leaves at a time when our position as the category leader is well defined and our talent p ...

EssilorLuxottica faces a three-day strike by around 9,000 French workers later this week, union FO Metaux said on Tuesday, citing demands for better wages following the eyewear company's record quarte... ...

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firmoo, the online glasses retailer, unveiled its latest eyewear collections, capturing the defining 2025–2026 eyewear trends through globally inspired designs that merge style and function. The global eyewear market is projected to grow from approximately US$200.46 billion in 2024 to over US$335.9 billion by 2030, reflecting rising demand for fashion-driven optical products. Against this backdrop, Firmoo’s new launch introduces six standout series — Y2K, Bow, ...

Core Insights - EssilorLuxottica has expanded its myopia management platform with the introduction of Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses, smart glasses, and a pre-myopia solution, aiming to address the needs of the projected 740 million children suffering from myopia by 2050 [1] Product Innovations - The new Essilor Stellest 2.0 lenses show significantly higher efficacy in slowing axial elongation, with a recent study indicating they deliver double the mean optical power compared to previous versions [2][7] - Essilor Stellest plano pair lenses are designed for early intervention in children at risk of developing myopia, with clinical research suggesting that delaying myopia onset by one year can provide benefits equivalent to over two years of slowed progression [3][6] - Essilor Stellest Smartglasses, equipped with tracking features, will help monitor wearing time and compliance, enhancing the effectiveness of myopia management [4] Strategic Vision - The company emphasizes its commitment to transforming myopia management through advanced lens technology and smart features, aiming to promote healthy wearing habits and accelerate progress in slowing myopia progression in children [5]

Core Insights - Warby Parker's shares have decreased by 15% following the release of its third-quarter earnings, which missed Wall Street's revenue expectations despite operational growth [1][5] - The company reported a 15% increase in sales, a 9% rise in active customers, a 53% improvement in adjusted EBITDA, and a 68% increase in net income [5] - Warby Parker is currently trading at 2.5 times sales, slightly above its all-time lows, indicating potential value if it can capture more market share [6] Operational Performance - Warby Parker's operations are scaling well, and its margin profile is improving, suggesting robust underlying business health despite the stock sell-off [2][5] - The company has only captured 1% of the $68 billion U.S. eyewear market, indicating significant growth potential if it continues to succeed [3] Strategic Initiatives - A recent partnership with Alphabet and Samsung Electronics to develop AI-powered glasses presents new opportunities for innovation and market expansion [4] Market Positioning - The current stock price represents a 42% decline from its one-year high, raising questions about whether this presents a buy-the-dip opportunity for investors [3] - Analysts from The Motley Fool Stock Advisor have identified other stocks as better investment opportunities, suggesting caution for potential investors in Warby Parker [7]

Financial Performance - Net revenue for Q3 2025 reached $222 million, a 15.2% year-over-year growth compared to $192.447 million in Q3 2024[9, 53] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $26 million, representing an 11.6% margin, compared to $17.308 million and 9.0% margin in Q3 2024[9, 53] - The company's full year 2025 outlook projects net revenue between $871 million and $874 million, representing approximately 13% year-over-year growth[30] - Full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $98 million and $101 million, with an approximate 11.4% margin[30] - Q4 2025 net revenue is expected to be between $211 million and $214 million, representing approximately 11-12% year-over-year growth[32] - Q4 2025 adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $18 million and $21 million, with an approximate 9.2% margin[32] Business Operations - Warby Parker has 313 stores as of September 30, 2025, including 5 stores in Canada[7, 24] - The company opened 15 net new retail stores in Q3 2025[24] - Warby Parker estimates a potential footprint of 900+ stores[25] - The company estimates that its sales represent approximately 1% of the $68 billion U S eyewear market[7]