Group 1 - EssilorLuxottica, the world's largest eyewear manufacturer, reported that sales of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses increased more than twofold, contributing to total sales of €14.02 billion (approximately $16.25 billion) in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 7.3% [1] - The CEO Francesco Milleri and Deputy CEO Paul du Saillant stated that the company is leading the transformation of eyewear as the next generation computing platform, integrating AI, sensing technology, and data-rich healthcare facilities [1] - The new Oakley Meta smart glasses, launched in June, are part of the latest product line developed in collaboration with Meta, with plans for a Prada-branded smart glasses in the future [1] Group 2 - EssilorLuxottica owns several well-known brands, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Vogue Eyewear, and Persol [2] - Meta and EssilorLuxottica have signed a long-term cooperation agreement to develop multiple generations of smart eyewear products over the next decade [2] - Meta has acquired just under 3% of EssilorLuxottica's shares, valued at approximately €3 billion ($3.5 billion), and is considering increasing its stake to around 5% [2]

Core Insights - Revenue from Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses has more than tripled year over year, indicating strong market demand and successful product positioning [1] - EssilorLuxottica reported first-half sales of €14.02 billion (approximately US$16.25 billion), reflecting a 7.3% increase compared to the previous year, driven by the success of smart glasses [2] - The company is positioning itself at the forefront of transforming eyewear into a computing platform, integrating AI and sensory technology [3] Company Developments - The partnership between EssilorLuxottica and Meta, which began in 2019, has led to significant product launches, including the Ray-Ban Meta and the new Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses [2][3] - EssilorLuxottica plans to continue its collaboration with Meta for the next decade to develop multi-generational smart eyewear products, as confirmed by a renewed long-term partnership agreement [4] - The company also owns several prominent eyewear brands, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Vogue Eyewear, and Persol, which enhances its market presence [4]

Core Insights - EssilorLuxottica reported a significant increase in sales of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, with over 200% growth in the first half of the year [1] - The company is expanding its product line with new smart glasses and MedTech solutions, including the upcoming Oakley Meta AI glasses [2][3] - The introduction of Nuance Audio, a MedTech solution that integrates hearing aid software into smart glasses, is part of the company's strategy to enhance its product offerings [4] Product Developments - The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses will feature Ultra HD 3K recording, open-ear speakers, and a battery life of up to 8 hours of typical use and 19 hours on standby [3] - The rollout of Nuance Audio began in the United States and Italy, with plans for expansion to France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain [4] Strategic Vision - EssilorLuxottica's leadership emphasized the transformation of glasses into the next computing platform, integrating AI and sensory technology to enhance human capabilities [5] - The company has established a long-term agreement with Meta to continue their collaboration on smart eyewear technology, building on the success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses [7]

Group 1 - The company reported a sound revenue growth of 7.3% in both Q2 and H1, indicating strong performance across all regions and businesses [8] - North America showed acceleration in performance, with Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) maintaining solid growth [8] - EMEA confirmed strong performance in both Professional Services (PS) and DTC, being the best region for the company [8] Group 2 - AI glasses, particularly Ray-Ban Meta, experienced over 200% increase in sales in H1, showcasing significant market demand [8] - The successful launch of Oakley Meta and the 50th anniversary edition further solidified the company's position in the AI glasses market [8] - Nuance Audio has been rolled out in 10,000 locations across North America and Europe, indicating strong adoption [8] Group 3 - The adjusted operating margin remained stable at 18.3% in H1, reflecting effective cost management [8] - The company generated a sound free cash flow of €951 million, demonstrating strong financial health [8] - The acquisition of Optegra clinics marks a significant step in the company's MedTech journey, enhancing its capabilities in personalized patient care [8]

Strong revenue growth in the first quarter Group’s revenue up 8.1% at current and 7.3% at constant exchange rates1 in Q1Sound growth in both PS and DTC channels, with comparable-store sales3 up 8%EMEA growing 10% at constant exchange rates1, equally boosted by the two channelsNA growing 4%, with solid trends in DTC and resilient demand in PSAsia-Pacific up double digits, with myopia solutions strong in ChinaRay-Ban Meta growing fast, with high penetration of TransitionsAfter the US and Italy, Nuance Audio l ...