French eye care company Essilor International SA (EI.FR) is
proposing a 6.1% higher dividend payout for 2009, of EUR0.70 a
share, the company announced Thursday.
The proposed dividend hike comes on a 3.1% boost in 2009 net
profit, to EUR394 million. The contribution from operations rose
7.9%, to EUR594.4 million, while revenues gained 6.3%, to EUR3.268
billion, the company said. Earnings per share came in 10% higher at
EUR2.03.
The company said it's pursuing the potential of high-added value
products as populations age and as middle classes grow in emerging
countries.
Essilor said it will continue its strategy of gaining market
share with major new products, geographical deployment and
acquisitions.
For 2010, Essilor said it expects a gradual improvement in sales
and a continuation of its operational efficiencies.
Company Web site: http://www.essilor.com
-Dow Jones Newswires; dennis.baker@dowjones.com