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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART III

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

   

o

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

ý

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

OR

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

o

 

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-10421

LUXOTTICA GROUP S.p.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

(Translation of Registrant's name into English)

REPUBLIC OF ITALY

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

PIAZZALE L. CADORNA 3, MILAN 20123, ITALY

(Address of principal executive offices)

Michael A. Boxer, Esq.
Executive Vice President and Group General Counsel
Piazzale L. Cadorna 3,
Milan 20123, Italy
Tel: +39 02 8633 4052
Michael.Boxer@luxottica.com

(Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)



Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class   Name of each exchange of which registered

ORDINARY SHARES, PAR VALUE
EURO 0.06 PER SHARE*

 

NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY
SHARES, EACH REPRESENTING
ONE ORDINARY SHARE

 

NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE


*
Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange

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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None.

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None.

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

ORDINARY SHARES, PAR VALUE EURO 0.06 PER SHARE

  480,507,468
     

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

                                                                                                             

    Yes ý No o  


If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


 

    Yes o No ý  


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.


 

    Yes ý No o  


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).


 

    Yes o No o  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.

Large accelerated filer ý

  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o


Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP o

  International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ý   Other o


If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

      Item 17 o Item 18 o


If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

      Yes o No ý

 
   
   

PART I

      2

ITEM 1.

 

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

  2

ITEM 2.

 

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

  2

ITEM 3.

 

KEY INFORMATION

  2

ITEM 4.

 

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

  15

ITEM 4A.

 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

  41

ITEM 5.

 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

  42

ITEM 6.

 

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

  65

ITEM 7.

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

  85

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  87

ITEM 9.

 

THE OFFER AND LISTING

  88

ITEM 10.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  89

ITEM 11.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

  114

ITEM 12.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

  115

PART II

     
117

ITEM 13.

 

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

  117

ITEM 14.

 

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

  117

ITEM 15.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

  117

ITEM 16.

 

[RESERVED]

  118

ITEM 16A.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

  118

ITEM 16B.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

  118

ITEM 16C.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

  118

ITEM 16D.

 

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

  119

ITEM 16E.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

  119

ITEM 16F.

 

CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

  120

ITEM 16G.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

  120

ITEM 16H.

 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

  124

PART III

     
125

ITEM 17.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  125

ITEM 18.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  125

ITEM 19.

 

EXHIBITS

  126

SIGNATURES

     
130

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 
 


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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

        Throughout this annual report on Form 20-F (this "Form 20-F"), management has made certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which are considered prospective. These statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are identified by the use of forward-looking words and phrases such as "plans," "estimates," "believes" or "belief," "expects" or other similar words or phrases.

        Such statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those which are anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to manage the effect of the uncertain current global economic conditions on our business, our ability to successfully acquire new businesses and integrate their operations, our ability to predict future economic conditions and changes in consumer preferences, our ability to successfully introduce and market new products, our ability to maintain an efficient distribution network, our ability to achieve our business objectives and manage growth, our ability to negotiate and maintain favorable license arrangements, the availability of correction alternatives to prescription eyeglasses, fluctuations in exchange rates, changes in local conditions, our ability to protect our proprietary rights, our ability to maintain our relationships with host stores, any failure of our information technology, inventory and other asset risk, credit risk on our accounts, insurance risks, changes in tax laws, as well as other political, economic, legal and technological factors and other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we do not assume any obligation to update them.

        Throughout this Form 20-F, when we use the terms "Luxottica," "Company," "Group," "we," "us" and "our," unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, we are referring to Luxottica Group S.p.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries.


TRADEMARKS

        Our proprietary brands and designer line prescription frames and sunglasses that are referred to in this Form 20-F, and certain of our other products, are sold under names that are subject to registered trademarks held by us or, in certain instances, our licensors. These trademarks may not be used by any person without our prior written consent or the consent of our licensors, as applicable.


PART I

ITEM 1.    IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

        Not applicable.

ITEM 2.    OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

        Not applicable.

ITEM 3.    KEY INFORMATION

        The following tables set forth selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated and are qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements, the related notes thereto, and Item 5—"Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" contained elsewhere herein. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"). The selected consolidated income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, are derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18. The selected

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consolidated income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, are derived from audited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this Form 20-F. The 2011 consolidated financial statements were audited by Deloitte & Touche S.p.A. In 2015, the Group applied accounting policies on a basis consistent with the previous year and did not elect the early adoption of any IFRS standards (other than as disclosed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F).

        The selected financial data below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 20-F.

[TABLES APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES]

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(Amounts in thousands of Euro except share data)
  2015(1)
  2014(2)
  2013
  2012
  2011
 
   

STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:

                               

Net Sales

    8,836,578     7,652,317     7,312,611     7,086,142     6,222,483  

Cost of Sales

    (2,835,426 )   (2,574,685 )   (2,524,006 )   (2,435,993 )   (2,216,876 )

Gross Profit

    6,001,152     5,077,632     4,788,605     4,650,148     4,005,607  

OPERATING EXPENSE

                               

Selling and Advertising

    (3,537,224 )   (3,013,399 )   (2,866,307 )   (2,840,649 )   (2,509,783 )

General and Administrative

    (1,087,484 )   (906,620 )   (866,624 )   (839,360 )   (698,795 )

Total

    (4,624,708 )   (3,920,019 )   (3,732,931 )   (3,680,009 )   (3,208,578 )

Income from Operations

    1,376,445     1,157,613     1,055,673     970,139     797,029  

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

                               

Interest Income

    11,190     11,672     10,072     18,910     12,472  

Interest Expense

    (106,439 )   (109,659 )   (102,132 )   (138,140 )   (121,067 )

Other—Net

    (3,281 )   455     (7,247 )   (6,463 )   (3,273 )

Other Expenses—Net

    (98,530 )   (97,533 )   (99,307 )   (125,693 )   (111,868 )

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

    1,277,914     1,060,080     956,366     844,447     685,161  

Provision for Income Taxes

    (471,042 )   (414,066 )   (407,505 )   (305,891 )   (233,093 )

Net Income

    806,873     646,014     548,861     538,556     452,068  

Of which attributable to:

                               

Luxottica Group Stockholders

    804,119     642,596     544,696     534,375     446,111  

Non-controlling Interests

    2,753     3,417     4,165     4,181     5,957  

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (thousands)

                               

—Basic

    479,554     475,948     472,057     464,643     460,437  

—Diluted

    482,073     479,247     476,273     469,574     463,296  

Basic Earnings per Share(3)

    1.68     1.35     1.15     1.15     0.97  

Diluted Earnings per Share(3)

    1.67     1.34     1.14     1.14     0.96  
(1)
In 2015, the majority of the retail subsidiaries of the Group that did not previously report on a calendar-year basis changed their reporting calendars in order to align with those of Luxottica Group S.p.A. and other subsidiaries that report on a calendar-year basis.

(2)
Fiscal year 2014 for certain entities within the retail distribution segment included 53 weeks, compared to 52 weeks in each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013.

(3)
Earnings per Share for each year have been calculated based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the respective years. Each American Depositary Share ("ADS" or "ADR") represents one ordinary share.

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  As of December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands of Euro except share data)
 
  2015
  2014
  2013
  2012
  2011
 
   

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

                               

Working Capital(1)

    922,209     778,955     535,616     621,882     526,241  

Total Assets

    9,649,148     9,594,297     8,082,905     8,442,160     8,374,325  

Total Debt(2)

    1,870,436     2,466,506     2,079,430     2,452,463     2,936,712  

Stockholders' Equity

    5,412,524     4,921,479     4,142,828     3,981,372     3,612,928  

Capital Stock

    29,019     28,900     28,653     28,394     28,041  

Total Number of Ordinary Shares (thousands)

    483,653     481,672     477,561     473,238     467,352  
(1)
Working Capital is total current assets minus total current liabilities. See Item 5—"Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources."

(2)
The current portion of Total Debt was Euro 155.3 million, Euro 778.1 million, Euro 363.0 million, Euro 400.4 million and Euro 692.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

DIVIDENDS

        We are required to pay an annual dividend on our ordinary shares if such dividend has been approved by a majority of our stockholders at the ordinary meeting of stockholders. Before we may pay any dividends with respect to any fiscal year, we are required, as necessary, to set aside an amount equal to 5% of our statutory net income for such year in our legal reserve unless and until the reserve, including amounts remaining from prior years, is at least equal to one-fifth of the nominal value of our then issued share capital. Each year thereafter, such legal reserve requirement remains fulfilled so long as the reserve equals at least one-fifth of the nominal value of our issued share capital for each such year.

        At our ordinary meeting of stockholders held on April 24, 2015, our stockholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend in the amount of Euro 1.44 per ordinary share and ADR. The total amount of the dividend paid to stockholders on May 20, 2015 was Euro 689.7 million. On March 1, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company proposed to the ordinary meeting of stockholders to be convened on April 29, 2016 the distribution of a cash dividend in the amount of Euro 0.89 per ordinary share and ADR.

        Future determinations as to dividends will depend upon, among other things, our earnings, financial position and capital requirements, applicable legal restrictions and such other factors as the Board of Directors and our stockholders may determine.

        The table below sets forth the cash dividends declared and paid on each ordinary share in each year indicated.

   
 
   
  Translated into U.S. $ per Ordinary Share(4)
 
 
  Cash Dividends per
Ordinary Share(1)(2)(3)

 
Year
 
   
 
  (Euro)
  (U.S. $)
 

2011

    0.440     0.622  

2012

    0.490     0.615  

2013

    0.580     0.750  

2014

    0.650     0.888  

2015

    1.440 (5)   1.598  
(1)
Cash dividends per ordinary share are expressed in gross amounts without giving effect to applicable withholding or other deductions for taxes.

(2)
Each ADS represents one ordinary share.

(3)
Our dividend policy is based upon, among other things, our consolidated net income for each fiscal year, and dividends for a fiscal year are paid in the immediately following fiscal year. The dividends

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(4)
Holders of ADSs received their dividends denominated in U.S. dollars based on the conversion rate used by our paying agent, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.

(5)
The dividend consisting of an ordinary dividend of Euro 0.72 per ordinary share and an extraordinary dividend of Euro 0.72 per ordinary share was approved by our Board of Directors on March 2, 2015 and was voted upon and approved by our stockholders at the ordinary meeting of stockholders held on April 24, 2015.

EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

        The following tables set forth, for 2011 through 2015, certain information regarding the Euro foreign exchange reference rate published by the European Central Bank (the "BCE Rate"), which is used by the Company for translating amounts denominated in currencies other than Euro. The information is expressed in U.S. dollars per Euro 1.00:

   
Year Ended December 31,
  Low
  High
  Average(1)
  End of Period
 
   

2011

    1.2669     1.4882     1.4000     1.2939  

2012

    1.2053     1.3453     1.2859     1.3194  

2013

    1.2768     1.3814     1.3308     1.3791  

2014

    1.2141     1.3953     1.3211     1.2141  

2015

    1.0552     1.2043     1.1046     1.0887  
(1)
The average of the BCE Rate in effect on the last business day of each month during the period. When the Company consolidates its profit and loss statement, it translates U.S. dollar denominated amounts into Euro using an average U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate of each business day during the applicable period.


   
Month
  Low
  High
 
   

October 2015

    1.0930     1.1439  

November 2015

    1.0579     1.1032  

December 2015

    1.0600     1.0990  

January 2016

    1.0742     1.0920  

February 2016

    1.0884     1.1347  

March 2016

    1.0856     1.1385  

        On April 8, 2016, the BCE Rate was U.S. $1.1363 per Euro 1.00.

        Unless otherwise indicated, all translations included in this Form 20-F of amounts expressed in Euro into U.S. dollars have been made using the exchange rates, as indicated in the above table, in effect as of the end of the relevant period or date, as appropriate.

        In this Form 20-F, unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, references to "$," "U.S. $," "dollars," "USD" or "U.S. dollars" are to United States dollars, references to "Euro" or "€" are to the Common European Currency, the Euro, and references to "AUD" or "A$" are to Australian dollars.

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RISK FACTORS

        Our future operating results and financial condition may be affected by various factors, including those set forth below.

Risks Relating to Our Industry and General Economic Conditions

If current economic conditions deteriorate, demand for our products will be adversely impacted, access to credit will be reduced and our customers and others with which we do business will suffer financial hardship. All of these factors could reduce sales and in turn adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

        Our operations and performance depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk to our business because consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit markets, unemployment, negative financial news and/or declines in income or asset values, which could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products and services. Discretionary spending is affected by many factors, including general business conditions, inflation, interest rates, consumer debt levels, unemployment rates, availability of consumer credit, conditions in the real estate and mortgage markets, currency exchange rates and other matters that influence consumer confidence. Many of these factors are outside our control. Purchases of discretionary items could decline during periods in which disposable income is lower or prices have increased in response to rising costs or in periods of actual or perceived unfavorable economic conditions. If this occurs or if unfavorable economic conditions continue to challenge the consumer environment, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

        In the event of financial turmoil affecting the banking system and financial markets, additional consolidation of the financial services industry or significant failure of financial services institutions, there could be a tightening of the credit markets, decreased liquidity and extreme volatility in fixed income, credit, currency and equity markets. In addition, the credit crisis could continue to have material adverse effects on our business, including the inability of customers of our wholesale distribution business to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products, restructurings, bankruptcies, liquidations and other unfavorable events for our consumers, customers, vendors, suppliers, logistics providers, other service providers and the financial institutions that are counterparties to our credit facilities and other derivative transactions. The likelihood that such third parties will be unable to overcome such unfavorable financial difficulties may increase. If the third parties on which we rely for goods and services or our wholesale customers are unable to overcome financial difficulties resulting from the deterioration of worldwide economic conditions or if the counterparties to our credit facilities or our derivative transactions do not perform their obligations as intended, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

If our business suffers due to changing local conditions, our profitability and future growth may be affected.

        We currently operate worldwide and have operations in many countries, including certain developing countries in Asia, South America and Africa. Therefore, we are subject to various risks inherent in conducting business internationally, including the following:

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        The likelihood of such occurrences and their potential effect on us vary from country to country and are unpredictable, but any such occurrence may result in the loss of sales or increased costs of doing business and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

If vision correction alternatives to prescription eyeglasses become more widely available, or consumer preferences for such alternatives increase, our profitability could suffer through a reduction of sales of our prescription eyewear products, including lenses and accessories.

        Our business could be negatively impacted by the availability and acceptance of vision correction alternatives to prescription eyeglasses, such as contact lenses and refractive optical surgery. Increased use of vision correction alternatives could result in decreased use of our prescription eyewear products, including a reduction of sales of lenses and accessories sold in our retail outlets, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Unforeseen or catastrophic losses not covered by insurance could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

        For certain risks, we do not maintain insurance coverage because of cost and/or availability. Because we retain some portion of our insurable risks, and in some cases self-insure completely, unforeseen or catastrophic losses in excess of insured limits could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Relating to Our Business and Operations

If we are unable to successfully introduce new products and develop and defend our brands, our future sales and operating performance may suffer.

        The mid- and premium-price categories of the prescription frame and sunglasses markets in which we compete are particularly vulnerable to changes in fashion trends and consumer preferences. Our historical success is attributable, in part, to our introduction of innovative products which are perceived to represent an improvement over products otherwise available in the market and our ability to develop and defend our brands, especially our Ray-Ban and Oakley proprietary brands. Our future success will depend on our continued ability to develop and introduce such innovative products and continued success in building our brands. If we are unable to continue to do so, our future sales could decline, inventory levels could rise, leading to additional costs for storage and potential write-downs relating to the value of excess inventory, and there could be a negative impact on production costs since fixed costs would represent a larger portion of

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total production costs due to the decline in quantities produced, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

If we are not successful in completing and integrating strategic acquisitions to expand or complement our business, our future profitability and growth could be at risk.

        As part of our growth strategy, we have made, and may continue to make, strategic business acquisitions to expand or complement our business. Our acquisition activities, however, can be disrupted by overtures from competitors for the targeted candidates, governmental regulation and rapid developments in our industry. We may face additional risks and uncertainties following an acquisition, including (i) difficulty in integrating the newly acquired business and operations in an efficient and effective manner, (ii) inability to achieve strategic objectives, cost savings and other benefits from the acquisition, (iii) the lack of success by the acquired business in its markets, (iv) the loss of key employees of the acquired business, (v) a decrease in the focus of senior management on our operations, (vi) difficulty integrating human resources systems, operating systems, inventory management systems and assortment planning systems of the acquired business with our systems, (vii) the cultural differences between our organization and that of the acquired business and (viii) liabilities that were not known at the time of acquisition or the need to address tax or accounting issues.

        If we fail to timely recognize or address these matters or to devote adequate resources to them, we may fail to achieve our growth strategy or otherwise realize the intended benefits of any acquisition. Even if we are able to integrate our business operations successfully, the integration may not result in the realization of the full benefits of synergies, cost savings, innovation and operational efficiencies that may be possible from the integration or in the achievement of such benefits within the forecasted period of time.

If we are unable to achieve our business objectives and manage growth, operating margins may be reduced as a result of decreased efficiency of distribution.

        In order to achieve and manage our growth effectively, we are required to increase and streamline production and implement manufacturing efficiencies where possible, while maintaining strict quality control and the ability to deliver products to our customers in a timely and efficient manner. We must also continuously develop new product designs and features, expand our information systems and operations, and train and manage an increasing number of management level and other employees. If we are unable to manage these matters effectively, our distribution process could be adversely affected and we could lose market share in affected regions, which could materially adversely affect our business prospects.

If we do not correctly predict future economic conditions and changes in consumer preferences, our sales of premium products and profitability could suffer.

        The fashion and consumer products industries in which we operate are cyclical. Downturns in general economic conditions or uncertainties regarding future economic prospects, which affect consumer disposable income, have historically adversely affected consumer spending habits in our principal markets and thus made the growth in sales and profitability of premium-priced product categories difficult during such downturns. Therefore, future economic downturns or uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, including sales of our designer and other premium brands.

        The industry is also subject to rapidly changing consumer preferences and future sales may suffer if the fashion and consumer products industries do not continue to grow or if consumer preferences shift away from our products. Changes in fashion could also affect the popularity and, therefore, the value of the fashion licenses granted to us by designers. Any event or circumstance resulting in reduced market acceptance of one or more of these designers could reduce our sales and the value of our models from that designer. Unanticipated shifts in consumer preferences may also result in excess inventory and underutilized

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manufacturing capacity. In addition, our success depends, in large part, on our ability to anticipate and react to changing fashion trends in a timely manner. Any sustained failure to identify and respond to such trends could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and may result in the write-down of excess inventory and idle manufacturing facilities.

If we do not continue to negotiate and maintain favorable license arrangements, our sales or cost of sales could suffer.

        We have entered into license agreements that enable us to manufacture and distribute prescription frames and sunglasses under certain designer names, including Chanel, Prada, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, Bvlgari, Tiffany & Co., Versace, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Paul Smith, Brooks Brothers, Tory Burch, Coach, Armani, Michael Kors and Starck Eyes. These license agreements typically have terms of between four and ten years and may contain options for renewal for additional periods and require us to make guaranteed and contingent royalty payments to the licensor. We believe that our ability to maintain and negotiate favorable license agreements with leading designers in the fashion and luxury goods industries is essential to the branding of our products and, therefore, material to the success of our business. Accordingly, if we are unable to negotiate and maintain satisfactory license arrangements with leading designers, our growth prospects and financial results could materially suffer from a reduction in sales or an increase in advertising costs and royalty payments to designers. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, no single license agreement represented greater than 5.0% of total sales.

As we operate in a complex international environment, if new laws, regulations or policies of governmental organizations, or changes to existing ones, occur and cannot be managed efficiently, the results could have a negative impact on our operations, our ability to compete or our future financial results.

        Compliance with European, U.S. and other laws and regulations that apply to our international operations increases our costs of doing business, including cost of compliance, in certain jurisdictions, and such costs may rise in the future as a result of changes in these laws and regulations or in their interpretation or enforcement. This includes, in particular, our manufacturing activities and services provided to us by third parties within our supply chain, which are subject to numerous workplace health and safety laws, environmental laws, labor laws and other similar regulations and restrictions on the sourcing of materials (including with respect to "conflict mineral" zones) that may vary from country to country and are continuously evolving. In certain countries, failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations relating to workplace health and safety protection and environmental matters could result in criminal and/or civil penalties being imposed on responsible individuals and, in certain cases, the Company. In addition, effective starting in 2016, the European Union has put in place new rules and regulations regarding privacy concerns, which impose fines and penalties for non-compliance that are calculated as a percentage of net sales. In certain circumstances, even if no fine or penalty is imposed for our failure to comply with an applicable law or regulation, we may suffer reputational harm if we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations. We have implemented policies and procedures designed to facilitate our compliance with these laws and regulations, but there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors or agents will not violate such laws and regulations or our policies. Any such violations could individually, or in the aggregate, materially adversely affect our financial condition or operating results.

        Additionally, our Oakley, Eye Safety Systems and EyeMed subsidiaries are U.S. government contractors or subcontractors and, as a result, we must comply with, and are affected by, U.S. laws and regulations related to conducting business with the U.S. government. These laws and regulations may impose various additional costs and risks on our business. For example, Oakley and Eye Safety Systems are required to obtain applicable governmental approvals, clearances and certain export licenses. We also may become subject to audits, reviews and investigations of our compliance with these laws and regulations. See Item 4—"Information on the Company—Regulatory Matters" and Item 8—"Financial Information—Legal Proceedings."

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If we are unable to protect our proprietary rights, our sales might suffer, and we may incur significant additional costs to defend such rights.

        We rely on trade secret, unfair competition, trade dress, trademark, patent and copyright laws to protect our rights to certain aspects of our products and services, including product designs, brand names, proprietary manufacturing processes and technologies, product research and concepts and goodwill, all of which we believe are important to the success of our products and services and our competitive position. However, pending trademark or patent applications may not in all instances result in the issuance of a registered trademark or patent, and trademarks or patents granted may not be effective in thwarting competition or be held valid if subsequently challenged. In addition, the actions we take to protect our proprietary rights may be inadequate to prevent imitation of our products and services. Our proprietary information could become known to competitors, and we may not be able to meaningfully protect our rights to proprietary information. Furthermore, other companies may independently develop substantially equivalent or better products or services that do not infringe on our intellectual property rights or could assert rights in, and ownership of, our proprietary rights. Moreover, the laws of certain countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States or of the member states of the European Union.

        Consistent with our strategy of vigorously defending our intellectual property rights, we devote substantial resources to the enforcement of patents issued and trademarks granted to us, to the protection of our trade secrets or other intellectual property rights and to the determination of the scope or validity of the proprietary rights of others that might be asserted against us. However, if the level of potentially infringing activities by others were to increase substantially, we might have to significantly increase the resources we devote to protecting our rights. From time to time, third parties may assert patent, copyright, trademark or similar rights against intellectual property that is important to our business. The resolution or compromise of any litigation or other legal process to enforce such alleged third party rights, regardless of its merit or resolution, could be costly and divert the efforts and attention of our management. We may not prevail in any such litigation or other legal process or we may compromise or settle such claims because of the complex technical issues and inherent uncertainties in intellectual property disputes and the significant expense in defending such claims. An adverse determination in any dispute involving our proprietary rights could, among other things, (i) require us to coexist in the market with competitors utilizing the same or similar intellectual property, (ii) require us to grant licenses to, or obtain licenses from, third parties, (iii) prevent us from manufacturing or selling our products, (iv) require us to discontinue the use of a particular patent, trademark, copyright or trade secret or (v) subject us to substantial liability. Any of these possibilities could have a material adverse effect on our business by reducing our future sales or causing us to incur significant costs to defend our rights.

If we are unable to maintain our current operating relationship with host stores, including our retail licensed brands and other host relationships, we could suffer a loss in sales and possible impairment of certain intangible assets.

        Our sales depend in part on our relationships with the host stores that allow us to operate our retail licensed brands, including Sears Optical and Target Optical and other host relationships including our relationship with Macy's. Our leases and licenses with Sears Optical are terminable upon short notice. If our relationship with Sears Optical, Target Optical or Macy's were to end, we would suffer a loss of sales and the possible impairment of certain intangible assets. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

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If we fail to maintain an efficient distribution and production network or if there is a disruption to our critical manufacturing plants or distribution network in highly competitive markets, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer.

        The mid- and premium-price categories of the prescription frame and sunglasses markets in which we operate are highly competitive. We believe that, in addition to successfully introducing new products, responding to changes in the market environment and maintaining superior production capabilities, our ability to remain competitive is highly dependent on our success in maintaining an efficient distribution network. If we are unable to maintain an efficient and resilient distribution and production network or a significant disruption thereto should occur, our sales may decline due to the inability to timely deliver products to customers and our profitability may decline due to an increase in our per unit distribution costs in the affected regions, which may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we were to become subject to adverse judgments or determinations in legal proceedings to which we are, or may become, a party, our future profitability could suffer through a reduction of sales, increased costs or damage to our reputation due to our failure to adequately communicate the impact of any such proceeding or its outcome to the investor and business communities.

        We are currently a party to certain legal proceedings as described in Item 8—"Financial Information—Legal Proceedings." In addition, in the ordinary course of our business, we become involved in various other claims, lawsuits, investigations and governmental and administrative proceedings, some of which are or may be significant. Adverse judgments or determinations in one or more of these proceedings could require us to change the way we do business or use substantial resources in adhering to the settlements and could have a material adverse effect on our business, including, among other consequences, by significantly increasing the costs required to operate our business.

        Ineffective communications, during or after these proceedings, could amplify the negative effects, if any, of these proceedings on our reputation and may result in a negative market impact on the price of our securities.

Changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional tax liabilities could affect our future results.

        We are subject to taxes in Italy, the United States and numerous other jurisdictions. Our future effective tax rates could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, or changes in tax laws or their interpretation. Any of these changes could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. We also are regularly subject to the examination of our income tax returns by the Italian tax authority, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as well as the governing tax authorities in other countries where we operate. We routinely assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for tax risks. Currently, some of our companies are under examination by various tax authorities. There can be no assurance that the outcomes of the current ongoing examinations and possible future examinations will not materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

If there is any material failure, inadequacy, interruption, security failure or breach of our information technology systems, whether owned by us or outsourced or managed by third parties, this may result in remediation costs, reduced sales due to an inability to properly process information and increased costs of operating our business.

        We rely on information technology systems both managed internally and outsourced to third parties across our operations, including for management of our supply chain, point-of-sale processing in our

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stores and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our business and coordinate the production, distribution and sale of our products depends on, among other things, the reliability and capacity of these systems. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, network disruptions, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, or a breach in data security of these systems could cause delays in product supply and sales, reduced efficiency of our operations, unintentional disclosure of customer or other confidential information of the Company leading to additional costs and possible fines or penalties, legal defense and settlement costs, or damage to our reputation, and potentially significant capital investments and other costs could be required to remediate the problem, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

If we record a write-down for inventories that are obsolete or exceed anticipated demand or other assets the net realizable value of which is below the carrying amount, such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

        We record a write-down for product and component inventories that have become obsolete or exceed anticipated demand or net realizable value. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changed circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, and we determine whether valuation allowances are needed against other assets, including, but not limited to, accounts receivable. If we determine that impairments or other events have occurred that lead us to believe we will not fully realize these assets, we record a write-down or a valuation allowance equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair market value. Although we believe our inventory and other asset-related provisions are currently adequate, no assurance can be made that, given the rapid and unpredictable pace of product obsolescence, we will not incur additional inventory or asset-related charges, which charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Leonardo Del Vecchio, our chairman and principal stockholder, controls 61.90% of our voting power and is in a position to affect our ongoing operations, corporate transactions and any matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including the election of directors and a change in corporate control.

        As of April 8, 2016, Mr. Leonardo Del Vecchio, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, through the company Delfin S.à r.l., has voting rights over 299,423,025 Ordinary Shares, or 61.90% of the issued share capital. See Item 7—"Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions." As a result, Mr. Del Vecchio has the ability to exert significant influence over our corporate affairs and to control the outcome of virtually all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including the election of our directors, the amendment of our Articles of Association or By-laws, and the approval of mergers, consolidations and other significant corporate transactions.

        Mr. Del Vecchio's interests may conflict with or differ from the interests of our other stockholders. In situations involving a conflict of interest between Mr. Del Vecchio and our other stockholders, Mr. Del Vecchio may exercise his control in a manner that would benefit him to the potential detriment of other stockholders. Mr. Del Vecchio's significant ownership interest could delay, prevent or cause a change in control of our company, any of which may be adverse to the interests of our other stockholders.

If we are not successful in transitioning our leadership structure as currently intended, our future growth and profitability may suffer.

        In October 2014, we announced the introduction of a management structure based on a co-CEO model, pursuant to which two co-chief executive officers are appointed to manage the principal executive officer responsibilities of the Group, with one chief executive officer focused on Markets and the other focused on Product and Operations. The co-CEO leadership structure allocates distinct yet complementary responsibilities between the two co-chief executive officers and is designed to promote

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stronger management of the Group, which has rapidly increased in size, complexity and global presence in recent years. In January 2016, our Board of Directors approved the assignment of executive responsibility for Markets, a role formerly held by Mr. Adil Mehboob-Khan, to Mr. Leonardo Del Vecchio, the Company's Chairman of the Board and majority shareholder, as Executive Chairman. Mr. Massimo Vian continues in his role of CEO for Product and Operations. If the new model proves ineffective, there may be delays in the implementation of the Group's strategic plans and reductions or slowdowns of our future growth and profitability.

If our procedures designed to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 cause us to identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, the trading price of our securities may be adversely impacted.

        Our annual report on Form 20-F includes a report from our management relating to its evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting, as required under Section 404 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. There are inherent limitations on the effectiveness of internal controls, including collusion, management override and failure of human judgment. In addition, control procedures are designed to reduce, rather than eliminate, business risks. Notwithstanding the systems and procedures we have implemented to comply with these requirements, we may uncover circumstances that we determine to be material weaknesses, or that otherwise result in disclosable conditions. Any identified material weaknesses in our internal control structure may involve significant effort and expense to remediate, and any disclosure of such material weaknesses or other conditions requiring disclosure may result in a negative market reaction to our securities.

Our auditors, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in Italy and various other non-U.S. jurisdictions, are not inspected by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the "PCAOB") and, as such, investors currently do not have the benefits of PCAOB oversight.

        The independent accounting firms that issue audit reports filed with the SEC are required under U.S. law to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess their compliance with professional auditing standards in connection with their audits of public companies. Because our independent auditor is located in Italy, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Italian authorities, the audit work and practices of our independent auditor, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in Italy, are currently not inspected by the PCAOB.

        The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in Italy makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent auditor's audit procedures and quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of Italy that are subject to periodic PCAOB inspections. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections.

Financial Risks

If the U.S. dollar or the Australian dollar weaken relative to the Euro or the Chinese Yuan strengthens relative to the Euro, our profitability as a consolidated group could suffer.

        Our principal manufacturing facilities are located in Italy and China. We also maintain manufacturing facilities in Brazil, India and the United States as well as sales and distribution facilities throughout the world. As a result, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations in two principal areas:

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        As our international operations grow, future changes in the exchange rate of the Euro against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may negatively impact our reported results, although we have in place policies designed to manage such risk.

        See Item 11—"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" and Item 18—"Financial Risks" (Note 3).

If economic conditions around the world worsen, we may experience an increase in our exposure to credit risk on our accounts receivable which may result in a higher risk that we are unable to collect payments from our customers and, potentially, increased costs due to reserves for doubtful accounts and a reduction in sales to customers experiencing credit-related issues.

        A substantial majority of our outstanding trade receivables are not covered by collateral or credit insurance. While we have procedures to monitor and limit exposure to credit risk on our trade and non-trade receivables, there can be no assurance such procedures will effectively limit our credit risk and avoid losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

ITEM 4.    INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

OVERVIEW

        We are a market leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of fashion, luxury, sport and performance eyewear. Due to the strong growth experienced throughout 2015, our total net sales reached over Euro 8.8 billion, net income attributable to Luxottica stockholders was Euro 804 million and headcount as of year-end was 78,930 employees. We operate in two segments: (i) manufacturing and wholesale distribution; and (ii) retail distribution. See Item 18—"Financial Statements" for additional disclosures about our operating segments. Founded in 1961 by Leonardo Del Vecchio and listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1990 and Borsa Italiana since 2000, we are a vertically integrated organization whose manufacturing of sun and prescription eyewear is backed by a wide-reaching wholesale organization and a retail distribution network, located primarily in North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

        Product design, development and manufacturing take place in six production facilities in Italy, three factories in China, one in Brazil and one in the United States devoted to sports and performance eyewear. We also have a small plant in India serving the local market. In 2015, our worldwide production reached approximately 93 million units.

        The design and quality of our products and our strong and well-balanced brand portfolio are recognized throughout the world. Proprietary brands include Ray-Ban, one of the world's best-known eyewear brands, Oakley, Vogue Eyewear, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Alain Mikli and Arnette. Licensed brands include Giorgio Armani, Bvlgari, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Dolce&Gabbana, DKNY, Michael Kors, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Starck Eyes, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch and Versace.

        Our wholesale distribution network covers more than 150 countries across five continents and has more than 50 commercial subsidiaries providing direct operations in key markets.

        Our direct wholesale operations are complemented by an extensive retail network comprised of over 7,200 stores worldwide as of December 31, 2015. We are a leader in the prescription business in North America with our LensCrafters and Pearle Vision retail brands, in Australia and New Zealand with

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our OPSM and Laubman & Pank brands, in China with our LensCrafters brand and in Latin America with our GMO brand. In North America, we also operate our retail licensed brands, Sears Optical and Target Optical. Additionally, we operate one of the largest managed vision care networks in the United States, through EyeMed and the second largest lens finishing network, with three central laboratories, over 900 on-site labs at LensCrafters stores, a fully dedicated Oakley lab and an additional facility based in China.

        Luxottica is home to Sunglass Hut, the largest retailer of premium sunglasses with a global footprint in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, South Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Retail brands including Oliver Peoples, ILORI and The Optical Shop of Aspen give Luxottica a foothold in the luxury space.

        The Oakley brand provides a powerful wholesale and retail presence in both the performance optics and sport channels with its "O" stores, offering Oakley-branded eyewear as well as apparel, footwear, backpacks and accessories designed for athletic lifestyles.

        Our distribution channels are complemented by e-commerce properties, including the Oakley.com, Ray-Ban.com, SunglassHut.com and glasses.com websites.

        In 2015, 44.2% of total sales of frames and lenses in Euros related to prescription eyewear and 55.8% related to sunglasses.

        Our capital expenditures for our continuing operations were Euro 513.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and Euro 99.9 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016. We expect 2016 aggregate capital expenditures to exceed 6.0% of the Group's net sales, excluding any additional investments for business acquisitions. The most significant investments planned are the remodeling of existing stores, the opening of new stores, the upgrade and expansion of our manufacturing and distribution facilities, including in Atlanta (U.S.) and Dongguan (China), as well as enhancement of our IT infrastructure. We expect to fund these future capital expenditures through cash flow generation primarily due to our operating leverage as well as working capital efficiencies. For a description of capital expenditures for the previous three years, see Item 5—"Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows—Investing Activities."

        Our principal executive offices are located at Piazzale L. Cadorna 3, Milan 20123, Italy, and our telephone number at that address is (011) 39-02-863341. We are domiciled in Milan, Italy.

HISTORY

Incorporation

        Luxottica Group was founded by Leonardo Del Vecchio in 1961, when he set up Luxottica di Del Vecchio e C. S.a.S., which subsequently became a joint-stock company organized under the laws of Italy under the name of Luxottica S.p.A. We started out as a small workshop and operated until the end of the 1960s as a contract producer of dyes, metal components and semi-finished goods for the optical industry. We gradually widened the range of processes offered until we had an integrated manufacturing structure capable of producing a finished pair of glasses. In 1971, our first collection of prescription eyewear was presented at Milan's MIDO (an international optics trade fair), marking our definitive transition from contract manufacturer to independent producer.

Expansion in Wholesale Distribution

        In the early 1970s, we sold our frames exclusively through independent distributors. In 1974, after five years of sustained development of our manufacturing capacity, we started to pursue a strategy of vertical integration, with the goal of distributing frames directly to retailers. Our first step was the

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acquisition of Scarrone S.p.A., which had marketed our products since 1971, bringing with it a vital knowledge of the Italian eyewear market.

        Our international expansion began in the 1980s with the acquisition of independent distributors and the formation of subsidiaries and joint ventures in key international markets.

        Our wholesale distribution expansion focuses on customer differentiation, customized service and new sales channels, such as large department stores, travel retail and e-commerce, as well as continuous penetration into the emerging markets. The acquisition, in 1981, of La Meccanoptica Leonardo, the owner of the Sferoflex brand and of an important flexible hinge patent, enabled us to enhance the design and quality of our products and increase market share.

        From the late 1980s, eyeglasses, previously perceived as mere sight-correcting instruments, began to evolve into "eyewear." An aesthetic focus on everyday objects and designers' interest in the emerging accessories market led us to embark on our first collaboration with the fashion industry in 1988 by entering into a licensing agreement with Giorgio Armani. We followed that initial collaboration, with numerous others and with the acquisition of new brands, gradually building our current world-class brand portfolio.

        Over the years, we have launched collections from names like Bvlgari (1997), Chanel (1999), Prada (2003), Versace (2003), Donna Karan (2005), Dolce&Gabbana (2006), Burberry (2006), Ralph Lauren (2007), Paul Smith (2007), Tiffany & Co. (2008), Tory Burch (2009), Coach (2012), Starck Eyes (2013), Armani (2013) and Michael Kors (2015).

        Moreover, in 1999 we acquired Ray-Ban, one of the world's best-known sunglasses brands along with its crystal sun lens technology.

        In 2007, we acquired California-based Oakley, a leading sport and performance brand, which owned the Oliver Peoples brand and a license to manufacture and distribute eyewear under the Paul Smith name. At the time of the acquisition, Oakley had its own retail network of over 160 stores.

        In 2013, we acquired Alain Mikli International SA ("Alain Mikli"), a French luxury and contemporary eyewear company, which owned the Alain Mikli brand and Starck Eyes license. As a result of the acquisition, we strengthened both our luxury brand portfolio and prescription offerings.

Financial Markets

        In 1990, we listed our American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2000, our stock was listed on Borsa Italiana's electronic share market and it has been in Italy's Mercato Telematico Azionario ("MTA") since 2003.

Retail Distribution

        In 1995, we acquired The United States Shoe Corporation, which owned LensCrafters, one of North America's largest optical retail chains. We became the world's first significant eyewear manufacturer to enter the retail market, maximizing synergies with our production and wholesale distribution and increasing penetration of our products through LensCrafters stores.

        Since 2000, we have strengthened our retail business by acquiring a number of chains, including Sunglass Hut (2001), a leading retailer of premium sunglasses, OPSM Group (2003), a leading optical retailer in Australia and New Zealand, Cole National Corporation ("Cole") (2004), which brought with it another important optical retail chain in North America, Pearle Vision, and an extensive retail licensed brands store business (Target Optical and Sears Optical). In 2005, we began our retail expansion into China, where LensCrafters has become a leading brand in the country's high-end market. In the same year, we also started to expand Sunglass Hut globally in high-potential markets like the Middle East, South Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Brazil and Europe. In 2011, we started our optical retail

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expansion in Latin America by completing the acquisition of Multiópticas Internacional S.L. ("GMO" or "Multiópticas Internacional"), a leading retailer in Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.

DESIGN AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

        Emphasis on product design and the continuous development of new styles are key to Luxottica's success. During 2015, we added approximately 2,000 new styles to our eyewear collections. Each style is typically produced in two sizes and five colors.

        The design of the Group's products is the focal point where vision, technology and creativity converge. Each frame expresses Luxottica's two core precepts: the use of innovative materials, technologies and processes and unparalleled craftsmanship.

        The design process begins with our in-house designers who work in an environment that promotes innovation, originality and a creative process in which eyewear is interpreted as art, an object to put on display. They draw inspiration from both market trends and their own imagination and creativity. In addition, our design team works directly with the marketing and sales departments, which monitor the demand for our current models, as well as general style trends in eyewear.

        Product development is the next stage of execution. The research and development efforts of our engineering staff play a crucial role in the product development process. Our engineers are continuously looking for new materials, concepts and technology innovations to apply to our products and processes in an effort to differentiate them in the eyewear market.

        During the initial phase of the development process, the prototype makers transform designs into one-off pieces, crafted by hand with precision. Once developed, they are passed on to the product department, which uses visual rendering and 3D software to analyze the steps necessary to bring the prototype to mass production.

        At this point in the cycle, the mold workshop designs and assembles the equipment needed to make the components for the new model. The first samples obtained are assembled and undergo a series of tests required by internal quality control procedures.

        Next comes the quality certification of the new model samples. After the samples are subjected to a sequence of tests to verify the quality of the engineering, a preliminary batch using certified tooling is produced in a pilot facility that closely resembles the plant chosen to produce the final product for consumers.

        By using a launch calendar that focuses on customer and geographic demand, the engineering department has been able to shorten product development timelines in recent years.

        Innovation is Luxottica's founding principle. From new materials research and product development to manufacturing, distribution and digital platforms, innovation can be found in every corner of the Company. While wearable technology is in its early stages, Luxottica has taken a leading role in exploring and developing smart eyewear through partnerships with Google and Intel. In January 2016, Luxottica and Intel introduced "Radar Pace," Oakley branded smart glasses with a voice-activated real time coaching system to improve the work-out experience and performance for runners and cyclists.

BRAND PORTFOLIO

        Our portfolio is well-balanced between proprietary and licensed brands and continues to evolve.

        The presence of Ray-Ban, one of the world's best-selling eyewear brands, and Oakley, a leader in the sport and performance category, gives the proprietary brand portfolio a strong base, complemented by Persol, Oliver Peoples and Alain Mikli in the high-end of the market, Arnette in the sport market, and Vogue Eyewear in the fashion market. Alongside the proprietary brands, our portfolio has over

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20 licensed brands, including some of the most well-known and prestigious names in the global fashion and luxury industries.

        With our manufacturing and distribution know-how, experience in international markets and direct retail operations supported by marketing investment, we are the ideal partner for fashion houses and stylists seeking to translate their style and values into successful premium eyewear collections. We differentiate each designer's offering to produce a broad range of models that appeal to a diverse group of consumers, lifestyles and geographic locations.

        The following table presents the respective percentages of our total sales of frames in Euro comprised by our designer and proprietary brands during the periods indicated:

   
 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2015
  2014
  2013
  2012
  2011
 
   

Designer brands

    32.4 %   30.6 %   31.4 %   29.7 %   30.5 %

Proprietary brands

    67.6 %   69.4 %   68.6 %   70.3 %   69.5 %

        The following table presents the respective percentages of our total sales of frames and lenses in Euros comprised by our prescription frames and lenses and sunglasses for the periods indicated:

   
 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2015
  2014
  2013
  2012
  2011
 
   

Prescription frames and lenses

    44.2 %   44.3 %   46.1 %   47.3 %   46.3 %

Sunglasses

    55.8 %   55.7 %   53.9 %   52.7 %   53.7 %

Proprietary Brands

        In 2015, proprietary brands accounted for approximately 68% of total sales of frames. Ray-Ban and Oakley, the two largest eyewear brands in our portfolio based on sales, accounted for 26.8% and 11.3%, respectively, of the Group's 2015 net sales.

        Timeless style, authenticity and freedom of expression are the core values of Ray-Ban, a leader in sun and prescription eyewear for generations. From its debut in 1937 with the now iconic Aviator created for the American Air Force until today, Ray-Ban has maintained a unique cultural relevance and has become a symbol of "cool", worn by celebrities and public figures all over the world.

        Established in 1975 and acquired by Luxottica in 2007, Oakley is one of the leading product design and sport performance brands in the world, chosen by world-class athletes to compete at the highest level possible. The holder of more than 750 patents, Oakley is also known for its innovative lens technologies, including High Definition Optics. Oakley extended its position as a sports eyewear brand into apparel and accessories, offering men's and women's product lines that appeal to sports performance, active and lifestyle consumers. The brand's global distribution includes Oakley "O" retail stores and outlet Oakley Vault stores.

        Founded in 1992 and acquired by Luxottica in 1999, Arnette is an active lifestyle eyewear brand that appeals to young and "forever young" consumers with an easy going style. Key traits of Arnette are

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functional affordable quality designed for everyday use and an authentic love for popular freestyle action sports like surf and skate.

        Launched in 1973 under the same name as the famous fashion magazine, Vogue Eyewear was acquired by Luxottica in 1990. The brand, which reflects dominant fashion trends of the moment, offers a wide global assortment as well as local collections for the emerging markets. It has become an international contemporary fashion brand.

        Persol, the iconic "Made in Italy" eyewear brand, made its debut in 1917 and was acquired by Luxottica in 1995. With its evocative name, meaning "for sun," it is the proud heir to a culture of excellence and craftsmanship, a perfect alchemy of aesthetics and technology. The irresistible appeal of timeless design and art-like quality make the brand a favorite in the world of cinema.

        Acquired by Luxottica in 2007, Oliver Peoples was founded in 1987 with its first store in West Hollywood and the introduction of a retro-inspired eyewear collection. Oliver Peoples frames are handcrafted from the finest quality materials, in colors and styles exclusive to the brand. Frames are manufactured in limited quantities and with deliberate anti-logo labeling, which appeals to refined consumers.

        Acquired by Luxottica in 2013, Alain Mikli represents over 35 years of passion and know-how. In 1978, the designer Alain Mikli began to use eyewear as a means to communicate personal style and trends. These became frames to see as well as to be seen.

        Acquired in 2007, ESS designs, develops and markets advanced eye protection systems for military, firefighting and law enforcement professionals worldwide and is a leading supplier of protective eyewear to the U.S. military and firefighting markets.

        Launched in 1967, the Group's original line best conveys the experience and tradition that are its essence.

        Sferoflex, which joined the Group's portfolio in 1981, takes its name from the patented flexible hinge enabling the temples to conform to the shape and size of the face, thus increasing the resilience of the frame itself and ensuring perfect fit.

Licensed Brands

        Designer lines are produced and distributed through license agreements with major fashion houses. The license agreements are exclusive contracts, which typically have terms of between four and ten years and may contain options for renewal. Under these license agreements, we are required to pay a royalty ranging from 6% to 14% of net sales of the related collection and a mandatory marketing contribution of between 5% and 10% of net sales.

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        Prada is the most significant license in our portfolio as measured by total sales. In 2015, sales realized through the Prada, Prada Linea Rossa and Miu Miu brand names together represented approximately 4% of total Group sales.

        Under license since 2013, the Armani Group includes the following collections:

        Characterized by lightweight materials and a slender line, the Brooks Brothers collections reflect the American brand's iconic style. This is an accessible product line with classic style that delivers high functionality and quality. The original license agreement was signed in 1992.

        Under license since 1997, Bvlgari, the great Italian jeweler and master of colored gemstones of international fame, represents one of the most exclusive brands in eyewear. Contemporary design, unique styles and glamorous details are combined with superior quality. This brand is positioned for the highest segment of eyewear as jewelry, with luxury Italian craftsmanship and bold style. Bvlgari eyewear features precious materials such as gold, gemstones and Austrian crystals and is carefully crafted in timeless designs.

        Since its founding in England in 1856, Burberry has been synonymous with quality, as defined by the endurance, classicism and functionality that characterized its history. Burberry has become a leading luxury brand with a global business. The eyewear collection, under license since 2006, is inspired by the brand's innovative ready-to-wear and accessories collections and incorporates very recognizable iconic elements for both men and women.

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        In 1999, Luxottica was the first company licensed to produce Chanel eyewear. The Chanel eyewear collection, targeting luxury-oriented consumers, reflects the essential characteristics of the brand: innovative creations, fashion, elegance and refinement.

        Founded in 1941 as a family-run workshop in a Manhattan loft, Coach has grown into a leading American designer and marketer of fine accessories and ready-to-wear for women and men around the world. Under license since 2012, the Coach eyewear collection perfectly expresses New York style and the authentic American heritage of the Coach brand.

        Dolce&Gabbana is a luxury brand that draws inspiration from the roots and the authentic values of its own DNA: Sicily, sensuality and sartorial ability. Dolce&Gabbana's essence lies in its contrasting yet complementary features. The eyewear collection, under license since 2006, is characterized by glamorous, unconventional shapes, prestigious materials and sumptuous detailing.

        DKNY is easy-to-wear fashion characterized by the energetic attitude of New York City: sleek, metropolitan, fun, fast and real. The brand caters to modern, urban, fashion conscious women and men, addressing a broad range of lifestyle needs, from work to weekend, jeans to evening. Under license since 2005, DKNY eyewear is modern design at an accessible price—the perfect mix of style, quality and value, fashion and color.

        Established in 1981, Michael Kors is an authentic contemporary fashion brand. Michael Kors eyewear, launched by Luxottica in 2015, offers a glamorous lifestyle for the consummate jet setter that is as sophisticated as it is indulgent and as iconic as it is modern. Michael Kors' eyewear collections capture the glamour and effortless sophistication for which the designer is celebrated, drawing upon signature details found in the brand's most iconic designs.

        Launched in 1994 and licensed by Luxottica in 2007, the Paul Smith Spectacles brand includes prescription and sun eyewear featuring the whimsical yet classic designs and attention to detail that are synonymous with one of Britain's leading fashion designers.

        Under license since 2003, the Prada Group includes the following collections:

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        Under license since 2007, Ralph Lauren includes the following collections:

        Starck Eyes joined our portfolio as part of the Alain Mikli acquisition in 2013. Philippe Starck and Alain Mikli pooled their skills to create the Starck Eyes collection in 1996. This line marked a technological revolution: the "Biolink," a screwless hinge modeled after the human clavicle, which allows a full 360-degree movement for increased comfort and durability: Biomechanics in the service of vision.

        Founded in 1837 in New York City, Tiffany & Co., has a rich heritage filled with celebrated events, artists and milestones that live on today in legendary style. Luxottica was the first company licensed to produce Tiffany & Co.'s eyewear collection, which takes inspiration from the most iconic jewelry collection, celebrating stunning originality and enduring beauty. The first collection was launched in 2008.

        Tory Burch is an American attainable luxury lifestyle brand that embodies the unique sense of style of its chairman, CEO and designer, Tory Burch. Launched in 2004 with her now iconic Reva ballet flats and the tunic, the brand has expanded into accessories, apparel and beauty. Known for her bohemian preppy, aesthetic, Tory Burch expanded into eyewear with Luxottica in 2009. Her bold use of color, graphic prints and eclectic detailing are all signatures of the brand.

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        Versace is a prestigious fashion and lifestyle brand, a symbol of Italian luxury worldwide. It is designed for men and women who desire a modern and contemporary style that combines sophistication and sex appeal. The eyewear collection, under license since 2003, bears the distinctive visual details that the fashion house is known for.

MANUFACTURING

Plants and Facilities

        In 2015, our manufacturing facilities located in Italy, China, India, the United States and Brazil produced a combined total of approximately 93 million prescription frames and sunglasses. Ongoing research, development and innovation has allowed us to strengthen our manufacturing processes, increase our capacity at each of our facilities and improve the overall quality of our products. Automation is also key in boosting the efficiency of our production.

        Our manufacturing footprint includes six facilities located in Italy, the center of our luxury eyewear production, all of which combine the tradition of Italian craftsmanship with the speed and efficiency of modern automation. These factories represent 41% of our global production output. Five facilities are located in northeastern Italy, where most of the country's eyewear industry is based, and one is located near Turin.

        Three manufacturing facilities in China and a small plant in India collectively represent another 45% of our total production output. From 1997 to 2001, we operated the Dongguan plant in China's Guangdong province through our 50%-owned joint venture (Tristar Optical Company Ltd.) with a Japanese partner. In 2001, Luxottica acquired the remaining 50% interest and, in 2006, we further increased manufacturing capacity in China through the construction of a new facility. In 2010, our Tristar facility started producing plastic sun lenses to be paired with frames manufactured in the same location. In 2013, Luxottica integrated a new state-of-the-art plant, primarily dedicated to frame details and decorations.

        The Foothill Ranch facility in California manufactures high-performance sunglasses and prescription frames and lenses and assembles most of Oakley's eyewear products. Oakley apparel, footwear, watches and certain goggles are produced by third-party manufacturers.

        In 2012, we acquired the manufacturing facility in Campinas, Brazil, which produces both plastic and metal frames for the local market. In September 2012, we launched the first locally designed and produced Vogue Eyewear collection for Brazil, followed by select Ray-Ban, Arnette, Oakley and Armani Exchange collections. In 2015, the Campinas plant produced approximately 50% of the eyewear sold by Luxottica in the Brazilian market.

        Over the years, we have progressively diversified our technology mix from traditional metal, plastic injection and acetate slabs to include aluminum, wood, die casting, fabrics and LiteForce material. This technology shift has reduced the weight of metal-based frames from 44% of total production output in 2010 to less than 30% in 2015.

        The manufacturing process for all frames begins with the creation of precision tooling and molds based on prototypes developed by in-house designers and engineering staff.

        Our manufacturing process for metal frames has approximately 70 different phases, beginning with the production of basic components such as rims, temples and bridges, which are produced through a molding process. These components are then welded together to form frames over numerous stages of

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detailed assembly work. Once assembled, the metal frames are treated with various coatings to improve their resistance and finish, and then prepared for lens fitting and packaging.

        Plastic frames are manufactured using either a milling or an injection molding process. In the milling process, a computer controlled machine carves frames from colored acetate slabs. This process produces rims, temples and bridges that are then assembled, finished and packaged. In the injection molding process, plastic resins are liquefied and injected into molds. The plastic parts are then assembled, coated, finished and packaged.

Suppliers

        The principal raw materials and components purchased for the manufacturing process include plastic resins, acetate sheets, metal alloys, crystal and plastic lenses and frame parts.

        We purchase a substantial majority of raw materials in Europe and Asia and, to a lesser extent, in the United States. In addition, we use external suppliers for frames, lenses, eyewear cases, packaging materials, machinery and equipment, and for some logistic services. We also rely on outside suppliers for the production of Oakley apparel, footwear and accessories.

        Although, historically, prices of the raw materials used in our manufacturing process have been stable, in 2015, we continued to utilize a process to hedge the risk of price fluctuations for gold and palladium, in order to minimize the related impact. In November 2014, we entered into a jet fuel commodity swap transaction to hedge the risk of price fluctuations associated with fuel costs incurred in connection with our distribution operations. Regarding other raw materials and components used in our manufacturing process, we negotiate prices directly with our suppliers.

        We have continued to build strong relationships with our major strategic suppliers. In 2015, we continued to monitor the risk management initiatives in our purchasing function to identify potential risks (impact and probability) and implemented mitigation plans if not already in place. With most suppliers, we maintain agreements that prohibit disclosure of our proprietary information or technology to third parties. Although our Oakley subsidiary relies on outside suppliers for most of the specific molded components of its glasses and goggles, it generally retains ownership of the molds used in the production of the components. Most of the components used in our products can be obtained from one or more alternative sources within a relatively short period of time, if necessary or desired. In addition, we have strengthened the in-house injection molding capability for sunglass lenses and built new ones utilizing crystal lenses.

        Essilor International ("Essilor") is one of the largest suppliers of our global retail operations, accounting for a significant portion of total North America retail lens merchandise purchases and related processing costs in 2015. We have entered into a number of long-term contracts with Essilor governing new products and services and have additional agreements directly with lens casters to ensure that we maintain adequate access to suppliers. Luxottica Retail North America Inc. ("Luxottica Retail N.A.") has long-term contracts with Essilor to finance, use and service anti-reflective equipment installed at selected LensCrafters in-store labs. In addition, EyeMed has a contract with Essilor to procure lab services for certain independent opticians, ophthalmologists and optometrists. We have not experienced any significant interruptions in our sourcing of supplies and we believe that the loss of Essilor or any of our other suppliers would not have a significant long-term impact on our operations.

        Luxottica and Essilor have formed a long-term joint venture for the Australian and New Zealand markets. This alliance (which is majority controlled by Essilor) manages Eyebiz Laboratories Pty. Ltd., which provides lens manufacturing, finished lenses, and fitting services for Australia and New Zealand.

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This joint venture invested in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Thailand capable of providing 24-hour production seven days a week.

Quality Control

        The satisfaction of wholesale clients and retail consumers is one of Luxottica's primary objectives. At Luxottica, achieving this objective depends on the continuous improvement of every phase of the production and distribution cycles. While increasing production capacity in both developed and emerging countries, we are pursuing a crucial goal: delivering the same "Made in Luxottica" quality everywhere in the world.

        Regardless of location, a single quality system is applied to product development, procurement, distribution, operational analysis and uniform and measurable performance management in the plants.

        We manufacture products of the highest quality. Most of the equipment that we use is specially designed and adapted for our manufacturing processes. This facilitates a rapid response to customer demand and observance of strict quality control standards. The teams regularly inspect semi-finished products, verifying the feasibility of prototypes in the design phase, controlling standards in both the product development and production phases, subsequently checking for resistance to wear and tear and reviewing optical properties in relation to type of use. The manufacturing processes and materials used by primary suppliers are also controlled and certified.

        We design products to meet or exceed relevant industry standards for safety, performance and durability. Throughout the development process, our eyewear products undergo extensive testing against standards established specifically for eyewear by ANSI (Z.80.3), ASTM, Standards Australia Limited (AS 1067) and EU (EN ISO 12312 and EN ISO 12870). These standards relate to product safety and performance and provide quantitative measures of optical quality, UV protection, light transmission and impact resistance.

        To assure our quality standards worldwide and the right support for quality improvement, we have four main labs in Italy, China, Brazil and the United States. Each lab is responsible for establishing and maintaining the quality standards in the region where it is located and supports activities in engineering, production and market feedback management. All of our labs conduct the same tests using the same equipment and procedures, which are developed and approved in the central Italian lab.

        In 2014, our Italian, Chinese and U.S. manufacturing facilities were granted accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) for performing ISO 8624 and ISO 12870 tests on eyewear. The A2LA accreditation program provides formal recognition of the technical competence and quality management utilized in performing these specific tests. Every year, we enhance the performance criteria used in our standards tests and introduce new requirements. As a result, the return rate for defective merchandise manufactured by us has remained stable at approximately 1% in 2015.

DISTRIBUTION

        Luxottica's global distribution network, including retail chains and a wholesale network of third-party stores, is one of our core strengths. It extends to both developed and emerging markets, where we have made substantial investments over the last few years. Our efficient distribution network makes it possible to maintain close contact with customers while maximizing the visibility of our brand portfolio. In addition, our experience in the retail business has given us a unique understanding of consumer needs and tastes in key countries. All of this helps us to achieve tighter control over and strategic optimization of brand diffusion, for both proprietary and licensed brands. The Group continues to explore and invest in new channels of distribution, such as department stores, travel retail and e-commerce.

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Our Principal Markets

        The following table presents our net sales by geographic market for the periods indicated:

   
 
  Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands of Euro)
  2015
  2014
  2013
 
   

European Retail

    264,504     211,818     170,000  

European Wholesale

    1,360,782     1,295,283     1,272,789  

North America Retail

    4,097,272     3,445,481     3,360,783  

North America Wholesale

    1,053,906     841,290     763,000  

Asia-Pacific Retail

    659,554     616,998     618,180  

Asia-Pacific Wholesale

    518,369     432,910     386,365  

Latam Retail(*)

    193,798     155,583     146,012  

Latam Wholesale(*)

    349,185     350,428     324,228  

Other Retail

    28,904     28,679     26,339  

Other Wholesale

    310,301     273,847     244,914  

Total

    8,836,578     7,652,317     7,312,611  
(*)
Latam consists of countries in the Latin American region, primarily Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia.

Logistics

        Our distribution system, which serves both the retail and wholesale businesses, is globally integrated and fed by a centralized manufacturing platform. The network linking the logistics and sales centers to the production facilities in Italy, China, the United States and Brazil provides daily monitoring of global sales performance and inventory levels to meet local market demand. This system, comprised of 18 distribution centers with 11 in the Americas, five in Asia-Pacific and two in Europe, is one of the most advanced and efficient in the industry and allows the Group to reduce worldwide logistics lead time year after year.

        There are four main distribution centers (hubs) in strategic locations serving our major markets: Sedico (Italy), Atlanta, Georgia (United States), Dongguan (China) and Jundiaí (Brazil). They operate as centralized facilities incorporating a highly automated order management system, servicing other Group distribution centers or, in some markets, shipping products directly to customers, thereby further reducing delivery times and keeping stock levels low.

        The Sedico hub was opened in 2001 and is one of the most technically advanced in the industry. In 2015, it managed approximately 20,000 orders per day, including eyeglasses and spare parts. Sedico ships approximately 235,000 units daily to customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, select U.S. markets and to the Group's distribution centers in the rest of the world, where they are then delivered to local customers. In addition, Sedico manages customized services, such as Ray-Ban Remix, providing direct global deliveries of these products.

        The Atlanta facility, opened in 1996, has consolidated several North America based facilities into a single state-of-the-art distribution center, which is located close to one of the major airport hubs of the United States. It serves both our retail and wholesale businesses in the North American market. This facility manages up to 150,000 units per day.

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        The Dongguan hub was opened in 2006 and manages an average of 190,000 units per day. The growth in the Asia-Pacific region has made this hub a strategic part of the Group's distribution network. We continue to invest in ways to improve services and increase capacity in order to create even greater efficiencies in the region.

        In 2013, the Group opened a distribution center in Jundiaí, Brazil, close to São Paulo, which offers targeted distribution services to customers and serves the local market.

Wholesale Distribution

        Our wholesale distribution network covers more than 150 countries, with over 50 commercial subsidiaries in major markets and approximately 100 independent distributors in other less developed markets. Wholesale customers are mostly retailers of mid to premium-priced eyewear, such as independent opticians, optical retail chains, specialty sun retailers, department stores, duty-free shops and online retailers. Certain brands, including Oakley, also are distributed to sporting goods stores and specialty sports locations.

        In addition to giving wholesale customers access to some of the most popular brands and models, we provide them with pre- and post-sale services to enhance their business and maintain close contact with distributors in order to monitor sales and the quality of the points of sale.

        In 2002, we introduced the STARS (Superior Turn Automatic Replenishment System) program within our wholesale segment that leverages our knowledge of local markets and brands to deliver fresh, high-turnover products to customers and maintain optimal inventory levels at each point of sale. Strengthening the partnership between Luxottica and its customers, this program directly manages product selection activities, assortment planning and automatic replenishment of our products in the store, utilizing ad hoc systems, tools and state-of-the-art planning techniques. At the end of 2015, STARS served approximately 6,300 stores in the major European markets, the United States, the Middle East and emerging markets.

Retail Distribution

        With a strong portfolio of retail brands, we are well positioned to serve every segment of the market with a variety of differentiation points, including the latest in designer and high-performance frames, advanced lens options, advanced eye care, everyday value and high-quality vision care health benefits.

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        As of March 31, 2016, our retail business consisted of 6,539 corporate stores and 696 franchised locations as follows:

   
 
   
   
   
   
  Africa
and
Middle
East

   
   
 
 
  North
America

  Asia-
Pacific

  China /
Hong Kong

   
   
   
 
 
  Europe
  Latam
  Total
 
   

LensCrafters

    926         287                 1,213  

Pearle Vision

    112                         112  

Sunglass Hut(1)

    1,874     302     43     367     137     283     3,006  

Oakley retail locations(2)

    176     32         10             218  

Sears Optical

    619                         619  

Target Optical

    389                         389  

OPSM

        308                     308  

Laubman & Pank

        25                     25  

David Clulow(3)

                115             115  

GMO(4)

                        482     482  

Oliver Peoples Group(5)

    41     9         2             52  

Franchised locations(6)

    421     202         3     58     12     696  

Total

    4,558     878     330     497     195     777     7,235  
(1)
Includes Apex in North America.

(2)
Includes Oakley "O" Stores and Vaults.

(3)
Includes David Clulow joint venture stores.

(4)
Includes Econópticas.

(5)
Includes ILORI, The Optical Shop of Aspen, Oliver Peoples and Alain Mikli following a reorganization of the Group's luxury retail stores.

(6)
Includes franchised locations for Pearle Vision, Sunglass Hut, Oakley "O" Stores and Vaults, OPSM, Laubman & Pank, Oliver Peoples and Alain Mikli.

        Our retail stores sell not only prescription frames and sunglasses that we manufacture but also a wide range of frames, lenses and ophthalmic products manufactured by other companies. In 2015, net sales from our proprietary and licensed brands represented approximately 89% of the total net sales of frames by the retail distribution segment (approximately 89% in 2014).

        Founded in 1983, LensCrafters pioneered a revolutionary concept to combine eye care, eyewear and onsite labs to craft glasses in about an hour. Today, LensCrafters is the largest optical retailer in North America in terms of sales.

        Most LensCrafters stores are located in high-traffic commercial malls and shopping centers. A wide selection of premium prescription frames, sunglasses and high-quality lenses and optical products made by Luxottica and other suppliers are available in most locations. Each location has an experienced doctor, either an independent or an employed doctor of optometry, who is focused on building patient relationships. Most LensCrafters stores also have a fully equipped, state-of-the-art lens laboratory with the ability to craft, surface, finish and fit lenses in about one hour.

        As part of its underlying commitment to customer satisfaction and industry innovation, LensCrafters has made significant investments in technology including the AccuFit Digital Measurement™ , which provides a lens fit with five times greater precision than traditional methods. The majority of in-store labs offer the anti-reflective coating capability supporting the "one hour service" concept. LensCrafters continues its in-store digital transformation with associate iPads to enhance the customer's omnichannel experience, and a digital eye exam experience with AccuExam in certain locations.

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        In 2006, Luxottica began to expand the LensCrafters brand in China by acquiring and then rebranding local retail chains in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and Hong Kong. As of March 31, 2016, we operated a retail network of 1,213 LensCrafters stores, of which 926 stores are in North America and 287 stores are in China and Hong Kong.

        In 2015, Luxottica expanded its relationship with Macy's with an agreement to open up to 500 LensCrafters stores in Macy's locations in the United States by 2018. The Group is also rolling out a new global design format aimed at creating a more modern and engaging experience for consumers. The first newly designed and Macy's locations will be opened in 2016.

        Acquired by Luxottica in 2004, Pearle Vision is one of the largest franchised optical retailers in North America. Built around the neighborhood doctor, Pearle Vision allows local business operators to provide genuine eye care to their patients with the support and resources of the Pearle Vision brand.

        As of March 31, 2016, Pearle Vision operated 112 corporate stores and had 420 franchise locations throughout North America.

        With the acquisition of Cole National in 2004, Sears Optical and Target Optical, both licensed brands operating within their host stores, became part of the Luxottica retail network. The two brands, each with their own marketing positions within Luxottica, offer consumers the convenience of taking care of their optical needs while shopping at their preferred retailers. As of March 31, 2016, Luxottica operated 619 Sears Optical and 389 Target Optical locations throughout North America.

        OPSM is a leading eye care and eyewear retailer in Australia and New Zealand, with more than 80 years of history. Through its world-class technology and exceptional service, OPSM's goal is to raise the standard of eye health and eye care. In addition to its eye care services, OPSM is renowned for its range of optical frames and sunglasses from international brands.

        As of March 31, 2016, Luxottica operated 265 corporate-owned stores and 64 franchise locations throughout Australia. OPSM also has 43 corporate-owned stores in New Zealand and seven franchise locations, mainly in large urban areas.

        Laubman & Pank is renowned for high quality eye care and personalized service in regional Australian markets. As of March 31, 2016, Luxottica owned 25 stores and there were 22 franchise locations throughout Australia.

        GMO, an optical market leader in Latin America, became a part of Luxottica Group in July 2011, following the acquisition of Multiópticas Internacional. Since its beginning in the late 1990s, GMO has developed a reputation for optical retail excellence among consumers in Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia with its strong Opticas GMO and Econópticas retail brands. As of March 31, 2016, Luxottica operated 376 Opticas GMO stores and 106 Econópticas stores.

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        EyeMed Vision Care is the second largest vision benefits company in the United States in terms of managed care membership, servicing approximately 39 million members in large and medium-sized companies as well as government entities. EyeMed members are enrolled through employer-sponsored benefits sold directly by EyeMed or bundled with benefits offered by insurance companies. EyeMed offers the largest network of eyecare providers in the United States, including a diverse range of independent practitioners and retail locations, including Luxottica optical retail locations.

        In addition to over 900 in-store LensCrafters labs, we operate three central lens surfacing and finishing labs in North America and an additional lab based in China. Leveraging the combined network capabilities, Luxottica reduces the time and cost to surface and finish lenses while improving the quality of service. The central laboratories use state-of-the-art technologies to meet growing demand and serve all of our North American optical retail stores.

        In addition, we operate Oakley optical lens laboratories in the United States and Japan. These labs provide Oakley prescription lenses to North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, enabling them to achieve expeditious delivery, better quality control and higher optical standards.

        Most of the Australian laboratory needs are provided by the Eyebiz Laboratory, a joint venture between Luxottica and Essilor that was formed in February 2010.

        Founded in 1971 as a small kiosk in a Miami mall, Sunglass Hut has grown into one of the world's leading destinations for the most sought-after high-quality and performance sunglass brands. Stores can be found in fashionable shopping districts across the globe, from the Americas, Europe and the Middle East to Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong and beyond, providing consumers with a fun, highly engaging shopping experience.

        Sunglass Hut has been expanding its presence in developed markets and emerging markets, including Brazil, Mexico, Chile and India, while making its mark in Asia, with new openings in Malaysia, Indonesia, mainland China and Thailand. Sunglass Hut offers a consistent and connected experience across all customer touchpoints including online, in-store, social and mobile, and utilizes in-store digital tools to access an "endless aisle" assortment in every store location. As part of this strategy, the brand is investing in the digitalization of the "in-store" shopping experience, particularly in North America, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Australia.

        As of March 31, 2016, Sunglass Hut operated a retail network of 3,125 stores worldwide, including 3,006 corporate stores across North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, South Africa and Latin America and 119 franchise locations in North America, India and the Middle East.

        ILORI is Luxottica's luxury sun retail brand, with 16 stores in North America as of March 31, 2016, including flagship stores in SoHo, New York City and Beverly Hills, California. ILORI caters to elite clientele, offering highly personalized service and exclusive brands and collections.

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        Founded in the 1970s, The Optical Shop of Aspen is known in the eyewear industry for its luxury prescription and sun eyewear and its first-class customer service. As of March 31, 2016, we operated 11 stores in some of the most upscale and exclusive locations throughout the United States.

        We operate 16 luxury retail stores under the Oliver Peoples name, which sell Oliver Peoples branded products exclusively. As of March 31, 2016, four Oliver Peoples retail locations are operated under license in Tokyo and Los Angeles.

        We operate 14 luxury retail stores under the Alain Mikli brand of which two are franchised. The stores are located in the most cosmopolitan cities worldwide.

        We operate David Clulow, a premium optical retailer in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The brand emphasizes service, quality and fashion. Its targeted marketing reinforces these brand values and builds long-term relationships with customers. In addition to operating optical stores, David Clulow operates a number of designer sunglass concessions in up-market department stores, further reinforcing our position as a premium brand in the United Kingdom. As of March 31, 2016, David Clulow operated 41 corporate owned locations (including three joint ventures), one franchise locations and 74 sun stores/concessions.

        As of March 31, 2016, we operated 274 Oakley "O" Stores and Vaults worldwide (including 56 franchise locations), offering a full range of Oakley products including sunglasses, apparel, footwear and accessories. These stores are designed and merchandised to immerse consumers in the Oakley brand through innovative use of product presentation, graphics and original audio and visual elements. In the United States, Oakley "O" Stores are in major shopping centers. Outside of the United States, Oakley's retail operations are also located in Mexico, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

        Our Oakley, Ray-Ban and Sunglass Hut e-commerce websites serve as important sales channels that complement Luxottica's retail operations and international distribution. The websites drive brand awareness and allow consumers to purchase products efficiently, extending superior customer service into the digital space.

        Ray-Ban.com was launched in the United States in 2009 and is the place to go for a premium Ray-Ban assortment, exclusive services and a customer experience that is unique to the brand. The path of international e-commerce expansion for the Ray-Ban brand is closely tied to Ray-Ban Remix, the online customization service, which was initially launched in Europe in 2013. The success of the service led to Remix launches in the United States, Canada and China in 2014. In 2015, Remix was launched in Australia, Brazil, Japan and Hong Kong. Currently, Ray-Ban.com operates in 24 countries.

        Oakley.com provides an e-commerce channel across multiple markets including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and 16 countries in Europe. Its online custom eyewear experience gives Oakley fans the ability to customize their favorite models from Jawbreaker to Frogskins, selecting frame color, lens tint, personalized etching and other features.

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        Launched in 2008, SunglassHut.com has become the digital destination for consumers looking to find the latest trends and hottest products in premium sunglasses. In 2014, the United Kingdom and Brazil joined the United States, Canada and Australia in offering online shopping on its local Sunglass Hut websites, with New Zealand added in 2015. Additionally, Sunglass Hut redesigned its mobile and desktop sites across all countries to enhance customer experiences, storytelling and business performance.

        Acquired in 2014, glasses.com continues to serve as an innovation lab focused on improving the eyewear e-commerce experience for consumers and patients and lending its capabilities to Luxottica's other retail brands.

        We plan to bring our e-commerce strategy to additional markets as the business matures. For example, we formed strategic partnerships in China to open both Ray-Ban and "O" stores within Tmall, the world's largest local online mall.

MARKETING

        Our marketing and advertising activities are designed primarily to enhance our image and our brand portfolio and to drive traffic into our retail locations.

        Advertising expenses amounted to approximately 6.7% of our net sales in each of 2015 and 2014.

Marketing Strategy for Our Wholesale Business

        Our marketing strategy for the wholesale business is focused on promoting our extensive brand portfolio, our corporate image and the value of our products. Advertising is extremely important in supporting our marketing strategy, and therefore we engage in extensive advertising activities, both through various media (mainly print, billboard advertising and digital media) directed at the end consumer of our products and at the point of sale (displays, counter cards, catalogs, posters and product literature).

        In addition, we advertise in publications targeted to independent practitioners and other market specific magazines, participate in major industry trade fairs and organize and sponsor our own events, where we promote our collections and recommend ideal assortments.

        We also benefit from brand-name advertising carried out by licensors of our designer brands intended to promote the image of the eyewear collections. Our advertising and promotional efforts in respect of our licensed brands are developed in coordination with our licensors. We contribute to the designer a specified percentage of our sales of the designer line to be devoted to its advertising and promotion.

        As part of our marketing plan, public relations programs and activities play a key role globally to enhance and elevate the eyewear category, our proprietary and licensed brands as well as our collections with a view to targeting influential editors, consumer and trade media, celebrities and other VIPs.

        For our Oakley brand, we also use less conventional marketing methods, including sports marketing, involvement in grass-roots sporting events and targeted product allocations. The exposure generated by athletes wearing Oakley products during competition and in other media appearances serves as a more powerful endorsement of product performance and style than traditional commercial endorsements and results in strong brand recognition and authenticity on a global level.

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Marketing Strategy for Our Retail Business

        We engage in promotional, advertising and public relations activities through our retail business with the objectives of attracting customers to the stores, promoting sales, building our image and the visibility of our retail brands throughout the world and encouraging customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

        The "O" Stores and Vaults are designed and merchandised to immerse the consumer in the Oakley brand through innovative use of product presentation, graphics and original audio and visual elements.

        A considerable amount of our retail marketing budget is dedicated to direct marketing activities, such as communications with customers through mailings and catalogs. Our direct marketing activities benefit from our large database of customer information and investment in customer relationships, marketing technologies and skills in the United States and in Australia. Another significant portion of the marketing budget is allocated to broadcast and print media, such as television, radio and magazines, designed to reach the broad markets in which we operate with image building messages about our retail business.

ANTI-COUNTERFEITING POLICY

        Intellectual property is one of our most important assets and is protected through the registration and enforcement of our trademarks and patents around the world. Our commitment is demonstrated through on-going anti-counterfeiting activities. Trademarks and products from market leaders are increasingly copied and the implementation of a strong anti-counterfeiting program that leverages Luxottica's global organization allows us to maintain the equity of our authorized distribution network and send a strong message to infringers that we will vigorously work to protect our intellectual property. Through a strong investigative network, especially in China, we have been able to identify key sources of counterfeit goods, to assist local law enforcement in investigating these sources and, when applicable, to file legal actions against the counterfeiters.

        Additionally, we continue to consolidate and strengthen our cooperation with customs organizations around the world, which helps to stop, seize and destroy hundreds of thousands of counterfeit goods each year. We are a member of the major global anti-counterfeiting organizations including the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) and the International Trademark Association (INTA).

        We dedicate considerable efforts to monitoring the trafficking of counterfeit goods through the internet, and work actively to remove counterfeit eyewear from certain popular online auction platforms and shut down the websites that violate our intellectual property rights through the sale of counterfeit products or the unauthorized use of our trademarks.

TRADEMARKS, TRADE NAMES AND PATENTS

        Our principal trademarks or trade names include Luxottica, Ray-Ban, Oliver Peoples, Oakley, Persol, Vogue, Arnette, LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, ILORI, Pearle Vision, OPSM, Laubman & Pank and the Oakley ellipsoid "O" and square "O" logos. Our principal trademarks are registered worldwide. Other than Luxottica, Ray-Ban, Oakley, LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision, OPSM and the Oakley ellipsoid "O" and square "O" logos, we do not believe that any single trademark or trade name is material to our business or results of operations. The collection of Oakley and Ray-Ban products accounted for 11.3% and 26.8%, respectively, of our net sales in 2015. We believe that our trademarks have significant value for the marketing of our products and that having distinctive marks that are readily identifiable is important for creating and maintaining a market for our products, identifying our brands and distinguishing our products from those of our competitors. Therefore, we utilize a combination of logos, names and other distinctive elements on nearly all of our products.

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        We utilize patented and proprietary technologies and precision manufacturing processes in the production of our products. As of March 31, 2016, we held a portfolio of over 800 (mostly Oakley-related) patents worldwide that protect our designs and innovations.

        The design patents largely protect the distinctive designs of Oakley's innovative products, including its sunglasses, goggles, prescription eyewear, watches and footwear. Some of the most important utility patents relate to the following categories: innovations in lens technology and the associated optical advances; electronically enabled eyewear; innovations in frame design and functionality and interchangeable lenses.

        See Item 3—"Key Information—Risk Factors—If we are unable to protect our proprietary rights, our sales might suffer, and we may incur significant additional costs to defend such rights."

LICENSE AGREEMENTS

        We have entered into license agreements to manufacture and distribute prescription frames and sunglasses with numerous designers. These license agreements typically have terms ranging from four to ten years, but may be terminated early by either party for a variety of reasons, including non-payment of royalties, failure to meet minimum sales thresholds, product alteration and, under certain agreements, a change in control of Luxottica Group S.p.A.

        Under these license agreements, we are required to pay a royalty which generally ranges from 6% to 14% of the net sales of the relevant collection, which may be offset by any guaranteed minimum royalty payments. The license agreements also provide for a mandatory marketing contribution that generally amounts to between 5% and 10% of net sales.

        We believe that early termination of one or a small number of the current license agreements would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Upon any early termination of any existing license agreement, we expect that we would seek to enter into alternative arrangements with other designers to reduce any negative impact of such a termination.

        The table below summarizes the principal terms of our most significant license agreements.

 
Licensor
  Licensed Marks
  Territory
  Expiration
 

Giorgio Armani S.p.A. 

  Giorgio Armani
Emporio Armani
A/X Armani Exchange
  Worldwide exclusive license  

December 31, 2022

Brooks Brothers Group, Inc.*

 

Brooks Brothers

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2019

Burberry Limited

 

Burberry
Burberry Check
Equestrian Knight Device
Burberry Black Label**

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2025

Bulgari S.p.A. 

 

Bulgari

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2020

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Licensor
  Licensed Marks
  Territory
  Expiration
 

Chanel Group

 

Chanel

 

Argentina, Antigua, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curaçao, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Grand Cayman, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Perú, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Sint Maarten (Dutch part), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay and Venezuela.

 

December 31, 2018 (renewable until December 31, 2020)

Coach, Inc. 

 

Coach Poppy
Coach
Reed Krakoff

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

June 30, 2016
(renewable until June 30, 2024)

Dolce & Gabbana S.r.l. 

 

Dolce & Gabbana

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2025

Donna Karan Studio LLC

 

DKNY

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

June 30, 2016

Gianni Versace S.p.A. 

 

Gianni Versace
Versace
Versace Sport
Versus

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2022

Michael Kors Group

 

Michael Kors
Michael Michael Kors

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2024

Paul Smith Limited

 

Paul Smith
PS Paul Smith

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2018
(renewable until December 31, 2023)

Prada S.A. 

 

Prada
Miu Miu

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2025

PHS General Design SA

 

Starck Eyes

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2018
(renewable until December 31, 2023)

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Licensor
  Licensed Marks
  Territory
  Expiration
 

PRL USA Inc.
The Polo/Lauren
Company LP

 

Polo by Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren
Ralph (Polo Player
    Design) Lauren
RLX
RL
Ralph
Ralph/Ralph Lauren
Lauren by Ralph Lauren
Polo Jeans Company
The Representation of the
    Polo Player
Chaps**

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

March 31, 2017

Tiffany and Company

 

TIFFANY & CO.
Tiffany

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2017

Tory Burch LLC

 

Tory Burch
TT

 

Worldwide exclusive license

 

December 31, 2019
(renewable until December 31, 2024)

*
Brooks Brothers Group, Inc. is indirectly owned and controlled by a former director and a son of our Executive Chairman.

**
United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan only.

REGULATORY MATTERS

        Our products are subject to governmental health and safety regulations in most of the countries where they are sold, including the United States. We regularly inspect our production techniques and standards to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Historically, compliance with such requirements has not had a material effect on our operations.

        In addition, governments throughout the world impose import duties and tariffs on products being imported into their countries. Although in the past we have not experienced situations in which the duties or tariffs imposed materially impacted our operations, we can provide no assurances that this will be true in the future.

        Our past and present operations, including owned and leased real property, are subject to extensive and changing environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling and disposition of waste or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. However, we cannot predict with any certainty that we will not in the future incur liability under environmental statutes and regulations with respect to contamination of sites formerly or currently owned or operated by us (including contamination caused by prior owners and operators of such sites) and the off-site disposal of hazardous substances.

        Our retail operations are also subject to various legal requirements in many countries in which we operate our business that regulate the permitted relationships between licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists, who primarily perform eye examinations and prescribe corrective lenses, and opticians, who fill such prescriptions and sell eyeglass frames.

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        We produce and sell to the U.S. government, including the U.S. military, and to other governments, certain Oakley and ESS protective eyewear and other products. As a result, our operations are subject to various regulatory requirements, including the necessity of obtaining government approvals for certain products, country-of-origin restrictions on materials in certain products, U.S.-imposed restrictions on sales to specific countries, foreign import controls, and various decrees, laws, taxes, regulations, interpretations and court judgments that are not always fully developed and that may be retroactively or arbitrarily applied. Our EyeMed subsidiaries are also U.S. government subcontractors and, as a result, we must comply with, and are affected by, the U.S. laws and regulations related to conducting business with the U.S. government. Additionally, we could be subject to periodic audits by U.S. government personnel for contract and other regulatory compliance.

COMPETITION

        We believe that our integrated business model, innovative technology and design, integrated sunglass manufacturing capabilities, effective brand and product marketing efforts and vigorous protection of our intellectual property rights are important aspects of competition and are among our primary competitive advantages.

        The prescription frame and sunglasses industry is highly competitive and fragmented. As we market our products throughout the world, we compete with many prescription frame and sunglass companies in various local markets. The major competitive factors include fashion trends, brand recognition, marketing strategies, distribution channels and the number and range of products offered. We believe that some of our largest competitors in the design, manufacturing and wholesale distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses are De Rigo S.p.A., Kering Eyewear S.p.A., Marchon Eyewear, Inc., Marcolin S.p.A., Safilo Group S.p.A., Silhouette International, Schmied AG and Maui Jim, Inc.

        Several of our most significant competitors in the manufacture and distribution of eyewear are significant vendors to our retail distribution segment. Our success in these markets will depend on, among other things, our ability to manage an efficient distribution network and to market our products effectively as well as the popularity and market acceptance of our brands. See Item 3—"Key Information—Risk Factors—If we are unable to successfully introduce new products and develop our brands, our future sales and operating performance may suffer" and "—If we fail to maintain an efficient distribution and production network or if there is a disruption to our critical manufacturing plants or distribution network in highly competitive markets, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer."

        The highly competitive optical retail market in North America includes a large number of small independent competitors and several national and regional chains of optical superstores. In recent years, a number of factors, including consolidation among retail chains and the emergence of optical departments in discount retailers, have resulted in significant competition within the optical retailing industry. We compete against several large optical retailers in North America, including Wal-Mart and Visionworks, and, in the sunglasses area, department stores and numerous sunglass retail chains and outlet centers. In Australia and New Zealand, we compete against retail chains, including Specsavers, as well as independent optical stores and online retailers. Our optical retail operations emphasize product quality, selection, customer service and convenience. We do not compete primarily on the basis of price.

        We believe that Oakley and our other sports brands are leaders in non-prescription sports eyewear, where they mostly compete with smaller sunglass and goggle companies in various niches and a number of large eyewear and sports products companies that market eyewear.

        The managed vision care market in North America is highly competitive. EyeMed has a number of competitors, including Vision Service Plan ("VSP"), Davis Vision and Spectera. While VSP was founded over 60 years ago and is the current market leader, EyeMed's consistent year-over-year growth has enabled us to become the second largest market competitor in terms of funded lives. EyeMed competes

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based on its ability to offer a network and plan design with the goal of delivering overall value based on the price, accessibility and administrative services provided to clients and their members.

SEASONALITY

        We have historically experienced sales volume fluctuations by quarter due to seasonality associated with the sale of sunglasses, which represented 55.85% and 55.7% of our sales in 2015 and 2014, respectively. As a result, our net sales are typically higher in the second quarter, which includes increased sales to wholesale customers and increased sales in our Sunglass Hut stores, and lower in the first quarter, as sunglass sales are lower in the cooler climates of North America, Europe and Northern Asia. These seasonal variations could affect the comparability of our results from period to period. Our retail fiscal year historically has been either a 53-week year or a 52-week year, which also can affect the comparability of our results from period to period. When a 53-week year occurred, we generally added the extra week to the fourth quarter. A 53-week year occurs in five- to six-year intervals and last occurred in fiscal 2014 in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and South Africa. In 2015, the retail subsidiaries of the Group that did not previously report on a calendar-year basis modified their respective reporting calendars in order to align with those of Luxottica Group S.p.A. and other subsidiaries in the consolidated Group that report on a calendar-year basis. Had such retail subsidiaries of the Group continued to use a 52/53-week calendar in 2015, there would not have been a material impact on the consolidated results of the Group.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

        We are a holding company, and the majority of our operations are conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiaries. We operate in two segments: (i) manufacturing and wholesale distribution, and (ii) retail distribution. In the retail segment, we primarily conduct our operations through LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision, the retail licensed brands and OPSM. In the manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment, we operate through 12 manufacturing plants and approximately 50 geographically oriented wholesale distribution subsidiaries. See "—Distribution" for a breakdown of the geographic regions. The significant subsidiaries controlled by Luxottica Group S.p.A., including holding companies, are:

   
 
  Country of
Organization

  Percentage of
Ownership

 
Subsidiary
 
   

Manufacturing

           

Luxottica S.r.l.

  Italy     100 %

Luxottica Tristar (Dongguan) Optical Co., Ltd.

  China     100 %

Distribution

           

Luxottica USA LLC

  United States     100 %

Luxottica Retail North America Inc.

  United States     100 %

Sunglass Hut Trading, LLC

  United States     100 %

OPSM Group Pty Limited

  Australia     100 %

Holding companies

           

Luxottica U.S. Holdings Corp.

  United States     100 %

Luxottica South Pacific Holdings Pty Limited

  Australia     100 %

Luxottica (China) Investment Co. Ltd.

  China     100 %

Oakley, Inc.(1)

  United States     100 %

Arnette Optic Illusions, Inc.

  United States     100 %

The United States Shoe Corporation

  United States     100 %
(1)
In addition to being a holding company, Oakley, Inc. is also a manufacturer and a distributor.

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PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

        Our corporate headquarters is located at Piazzale L. Cadorna 3, Milan 20123, Italy. Information regarding the location, use and approximate size of our principal offices and facilities as of March 31, 2016 is set forth below:

   
 
   
   
  Approximate
Area in Square
Feet

 
 
   
  Owned/
Leased

 
Location
  Use
 
   

Milan, Italy

  Corporate headquarters   Leased     174,875  

Milan, Italy

  Offices (former corporate headquarters)   Owned     115,716  

Agordo, Italy(1)

  Administrative offices and manufacturing facility   Owned     937,625  

Mason (Ohio), United States

  North American retail headquarters   Owned     415,776  

Atlanta (Georgia), United States(2)

  North American distribution center   Owned     183,521  

Jurupa Valley (California), United States

  Oakley distribution center   Leased     353,361  

Campinas, Brazil

  Manufacturing and research facility, administrative offices and related space   Leased     484,391  

Port Washington (New York), United States

  U.S. corporate headquarters and wholesale   Leased     35,000  

Foothill Ranch (California), United States(3)

  Oakley headquarters, manufacturing facility and ophthalmic laboratory   Owned     791,247  

Ontario (California), United States

  Oakley eyewear, apparel and footwear distribution center   Leased     289,940  

Atlanta (Georgia), United States

  After sales service center   Leased     30,230  

Macquarie Park, Australia

  Offices   Leased     43,572  

Revesby, Australia

  Distribution center   Leased     61,054  

Cincinnati (Ohio), United States

  Warehouse, distribution center   Leased     96,000  

Dallas (Texas), United States

  Ophthalmic laboratory, distribution center, office   Leased     128,869  

Memphis (Tennessee), United States

  Ophthalmic laboratory   Leased     59,350  

Columbus (Ohio), United States

  Ophthalmic laboratory, distribution center   Leased     121,036  

St. Albans (Hertfordshire), United Kingdom

  Offices   Leased     15,600  

Dongguan, China(1)(4)

  Office, manufacturing facility, land and dormitories   Leased     4,631,256  

Shanghai, China(5)

  Offices   Leased     52,206  

Bhiwadi, India(6)

  Manufacturing facility, administrative offices   Leased     343,474  

Rovereto, Italy

  Frame manufacturing facility   Owned     228,902  

Sedico, Italy(1)

  Distribution center   Owned     392,312  

Cencenighe, Italy

  Semi-finished product manufacturing facility   Owned     59,892  

Lauriano, Italy

  Frame and crystal lenses manufacturing facility   Owned     292,078  

Pederobba, Italy(1)(7)

  Frame manufacturing facility   Owned     188,730  

Sedico, Italy(1)

  Frame manufacturing facility   Owned     346,695  

Izmir, Turkey

  Turkish headquarters, offices and warehouse facility   Leased     90,416  

Santiago, Chile

  Offices, warehouse, finishing lab   Leased     41,484  

São Paulo, Brazil

  Administrative offices   Leased     51,010  

Jundiaí, Brazil

  Distribution center   Leased     81,698  

Manhattan (New York), United States

  Offices   Leased     14,406  
(1)
Facility is comprised of several different premises located within the same municipality.

(2)
In January 2016, the Company commenced construction of a new building in Atlanta, Georgia on property adjacent to the existing distribution center. Upon completion, this building will consist of approximately 700,000 square feet on three levels and will be utilized for frame distribution and lens manufacturing and as administrative offices.

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(3)
Facility is comprised of several different premises located in Foothill Ranch and Lake Forest, California, United States. A portion of the premises (254,347 square feet) are leased.

(4)
Facility consists of 1,436,850 square feet dedicated to offices and manufacturing and the rest consists of dormitories, related facilities and undeveloped land. We have leased this facility for 50 years beginning in 2004. A new distribution center is under construction in Dongguan to expand our distribution capacity.

(5)
Facility is comprised of three different premises located within the same municipality. The office lease of Luxottica (China) Investment Co. Ltd. is subject to a mortgage.

(6)
We have leased such facility for 99 years beginning in 1989.

(7)
25,963 square feet of this facility are leased.

        A substantial number of our retail stores are leased. See "—Distribution—Retail Distribution" above for more information about our retail locations and a breakdown of geographic regions. All of our retail store leases expire between 2015 and 2026 and have terms that we believe are generally reasonable and reflective of market conditions.

        We believe that our current facilities (including our manufacturing facilities) are adequate to meet our present and reasonably foreseeable needs. There are no encumbrances on any of our principal owned properties.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

        On January 29, 2016, Mr. Adil Mehboob-Khan departed from the Board of Directors and as the Group's CEO for Markets and, effective February 29, 2016, from his other administrative roles with the Group. In connection with his termination, Luxottica paid Mr. Mehboob-Khan Euro 6.8 million in addition to severance pay linked to the termination of his employment relationship. In addition, Luxottica paid Mr. Mehboob-Khan Euro 0.2 million in connection with a settlement and novation agreement as consideration for his waiver of any claims or rights that he may have that are connected or related to his employment and administration relationships with the Group or any other associated entity and any resolution thereof. No sums were awarded in connection with Mr. Mehboob-Khan's termination from the position of director and CEO for Markets. At the same time, the Board of Directors approved the assignment of responsibility for Markets, a role formerly held by Mr. Mehboob-Khan, to Mr. Leonardo Del Vecchio, the Company's Chairman of the Board of Directors and majority shareholder, as Executive Chairman. Mr. Massimo Vian continues in his role as CEO for Product and Operations.

        On February 23, 2016, the Company and Maison Valentino signed a new and exclusive eyewear license agreement for the design, manufacture and worldwide distribution of Valentino eyewear. The ten-year term of the agreement will begin in January 2017. The first collection under the agreement will be available in 2017.

        On March 1, 2016, the Board of Directors co-opted Mr. Francesco Milleri as a director with deputy functions to assist the Executive Chairman with the exercise of his duties. The Board has granted Mr. Milleri deputy and substitute powers to be exercised upon specific request and authorization of the Executive Chairman under his coordination and responsibility. Mr. Milleri will remain in office until the stockholder's meeting convened to approve the 2015 financial statements. The Board of Directors has proposed that the stockholders confirm Mr. Milleri as a director until the approval of the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2017. This nomination will be submitted to the stockholders of the Company at the meeting of stockholders to be held on April 29, 2016.

ITEM 4A.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        None.

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ITEM 5.    OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

        The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Overview

        We operate in two segments: (i) manufacturing and wholesale distribution and (ii) retail distribution. Through our manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment, we are engaged in the design, manufacture, wholesale distribution and marketing of proprietary brand and designer lines of mid-to premium-priced prescription frames and sunglasses and, through Oakley, of performance optics products. We operate in our retail segment principally through our retail brands, which include LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut (including those in host stores), Pearle Vision, ILORI, The Optical Shop of Aspen, GMO, OPSM, Laubman & Pank, Oakley "O" Stores and Vaults, David Clulow and our retail licensed brands (Sears Optical and Target Optical). As of December 31, 2015, Luxottica's retail business consisted of 7,265 stores as follows:

   
 
   
   
  China/
Hong
Kong

   
  Africa
and
Middle
East

   
   
 
 
  North
America

  Asia-
Pacific

   
   
   
 
 
  Europe
  Latam
  Total
 
   

LensCrafters

    933         289                 1,222  

Pearle Vision

    118                         118  

Sunglass Hut(1)

    1,923     298     42     358     140     279     3,040  

ILORI and The Optical Shop of Aspen

    28                         28  

Oakley retail locations(2)

    178     32         9             219  

Sears Optical

    623                         623  

Target Optical

    390                         390  

OPSM

        309                     309  

Laubman & Pank

        24                     24  

David Clulow(3)

                115             115  

GMO(4)

                        476     476  

Oliver Peoples

    9                         9  

Alain Mikli

    2     9     3     2             16  

Franchised locations(5)

    424     182         6     55     9     676  

Total

    4,628     854     334     490     195     764     7,265  
(1)
Includes Apex in North America.

(2)
Includes Oakley "O" Stores and Vaults.

(3)
Includes David Clulow joint venture stores.

(4)
Includes Econópticas.

(5)
Includes franchised locations for Pearle Vision, Sunglass Hut, Oakley "O" Stores and Vaults, OPSM, Laubman & Pank, Oliver Peoples and Alain Mikli.

        LensCrafters, ILORI, Pearle Vision, our retail licensed brands (Sears Optical and Target Optical), Oakley (Oakley "O" Stores and Vaults), Sunglass Icon, The Optical Shop of Aspen and Oliver Peoples have retail distribution operations located throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, while OPSM and Laubman & Pank operate retail outlets located in Australia and New Zealand. Sunglass Hut is a leading retailer of sunglasses worldwide based on sales in Euro. In 2006, we began operating retail locations in mainland China and currently we have rebranded the acquired stores to our premium

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LensCrafters brand in mainland China and Hong Kong. In 2008, we acquired David Clulow, a premium optical, retailer operating in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In 2011, we completed our acquisition of Multiópticas Internacional. Our net sales consist of direct sales of finished products manufactured with our own brand names or our licensed brands to opticians and other independent retailers through our wholesale distribution channel and sales directly to consumers through our retail distribution segment.

        Demand for our products, particularly our higher-end designer lines, is largely dependent on the discretionary spending power of the consumers in the markets in which we operate. See Item 3—"Key Information—Risk Factors—If we do not correctly predict future economic conditions and changes in consumer preferences, our sales of premium products and profitability could suffer." We have also historically experienced sales volume fluctuations by quarter due to seasonality associated with the sale of sunglasses. As a result, our net sales are typically higher during the summer and the winter holiday season. As a result of our numerous acquisitions and the subsequent expansion of our business activities in the United States through these acquisitions, our results of operations, which are reported in Euro, are susceptible to currency rate fluctuations between the Euro and the U.S. dollar. The Euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate has fluctuated from an average exchange rate of Euro 1.00 = U.S. $1.3277 in 2013 to Euro 1.00 = U.S. $1.3285 in 2014 to Euro 1.00 = U.S. $1.1095 in 2015. Additionally, with the acquisition of OPSM, our results of operations have been rendered susceptible to currency fluctuations between the Euro and the Australian dollar. Although we engage in certain foreign currency hedging activities to mitigate the impact of these fluctuations, they have impacted our reported revenues and expenses during the periods discussed herein. See Item 11—"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Foreign Exchange Sensitivity" and Item 3—"Key Information—Risk Factors—If the U.S. dollar or the Australian dollar weakens relative to the Euro or the Chinese Yuan strengthens relative to the Euro, our profitability as a consolidated group could suffer."

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS, which require management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. We believe that our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to the following:

        Revenues include sales of merchandise (both wholesale and retail), insurance and administrative fees associated with the Company's managed vision care business, eye exams and related professional services and sales of merchandise to franchisees, along with other revenues from franchisees such as royalties based on sales and initial franchise fee revenues.

        Revenue is recognized when (a) the significant risks and rewards of the ownership of goods are transferred, (b) neither continuing managerial involvement to a degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold is retained by the Company, (c) the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, (d) it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company and (e) the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

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        The Group records an accrual for amounts estimated to be returned by customers against sales revenues. We have estimated and accrued for the amounts to be returned in the subsequent period. This estimate is based on our right of return policies and practices along with historical data and sales trends. Changes to these policies and practices or a change in the trend of returns could lead to actual returns being different from the amounts estimated and accrued.

        Also included in retail segment revenues are managed vision care revenues consisting of (i) insurance revenues which are recognized when earned over the terms of the respective contractual relationships and (ii) administrative services revenues which are recognized when services are provided during the contract period. Accruals are established for amounts due under these relationships based on an estimate of uncollectible amounts. Our insurance contracts require us to estimate the potential costs and exposures over the life of the agreement such that the amount charged to the customers will cover these costs. To mitigate the exposure risk, these contracts are usually short-term in nature. However, if we do not accurately estimate the future exposure and risks associated with these contracts, we may suffer losses as we would not be able to cover our costs incurred with revenues from the customer.

        Income taxes are recorded in accordance with IAS 12, Income Taxes, which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the consolidated financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period. The realization of deferred tax assets depends, among other things, on the Group's ability to generate sufficient taxable income in future years and the reversal of taxable temporary differences, taking into account any restrictions on the carry-forward of tax losses. The estimated tax rates and the deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded are based on information available at the time of calculation. This information is subject to change due to subsequent tax audits performed by different taxing jurisdictions and changes in corporate structure not contemplated at the time of calculation, as well as various other factors.

        In addition the Group is subject to different tax jurisdictions. The determination of tax liabilities for the Group requires the use of assumptions with respect to transactions whose fiscal consequences are not yet certain at the end of the reporting period. The Group recognizes liabilities which could result from future inspections by the fiscal authorities on the basis of an estimate of the amounts expected to be paid to the taxation authorities. If the result of the abovementioned inspections differs from that estimated by Group management, there could be significant effects on both current and deferred taxes.

        Frames manufactured by us were approximately 59.3% and 55.5% of total frame inventory as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. All inventories at December 31, 2015 were valued using the lower of cost, as determined under an average annual cost by product line method, or market. Inventories are recorded net of allowances for possible losses. These reserves are calculated using various factors including sales volume, historical shrink results, changes in market conditions and current trends. In addition, production schedules are made on similar factors which, if not estimated correctly, could lead to the production of potentially obsolete inventory. As such, actual results could differ significantly from the estimated amounts.

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        In connection with various acquisitions, we have recorded as intangible assets certain goodwill, trade names and certain other identifiable intangibles. At December 31, 2015, the aggregate carrying value of intangibles, including goodwill, was approximately Euro 5.0 billion or approximately 52% of total assets.

        As acquisitions are an important element of our growth strategy, valuations of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition dates could have a significant impact on our future results of operations. Fair values of those assets and liabilities on the date of the acquisition could be based on estimates of future cash flows and operating conditions for which the actual results may vary significantly. This may lead to, among other items, impairment charges and payment of liabilities different than amounts originally recorded, which could have a material impact on future operations.

        Goodwill is no longer amortized, but rather is tested for impairment annually and, under certain circumstances, between annual periods. An impairment charge will be recorded if the fair value of goodwill and other intangible assets is less than the carrying value. The calculation of fair value may be based on, among other items, estimated future cash flows if quoted market prices in active markets are not available. We test our goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31 of each year and any other time a condition arises that may cause us to believe that an impairment has occurred. Since impairment tests use estimates of the impact of future events, actual results may differ and we may be required to record an impairment in future years. We recorded no impairment losses in 2015, 2014 and 2013. For further details, see Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

        Intangibles subject to amortization based on a finite useful life continue to be amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Our long-lived assets, other than goodwill, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, we measure impairment by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived asset to its recoverable amount, which is equal to its value in use. The value-in-use calculation involves discounting the expected cash flows to be generated by the asset to its present value. If the sum of the expected discounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, we would recognize an impairment loss, if determined to be necessary. Actual results may differ from our current estimates.

        For a further discussion on accounting policies and estimates, see Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

        See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F for a discussion of the impact of recent accounting pronouncements on our financial condition and results of operations, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on our financial position, statement of cash flows and results of operations.

OVERVIEW OF 2015 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        In fiscal year 2015, we achieved strong growth of net sales and a more than proportionate increase in profitability relative to sales growth, as well as a significant improvement in financial leverage. Both segments made a major contribution to our results.

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        Because of our worldwide operations, our results of operations are affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations. In 2015, the strengthening of certain currencies in which we conduct business, in particular of the U.S. dollar against the Euro, which is our reporting currency, increased net sales by Euro 857.9 million, primarily in the wholesale segment. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 3—"Key Information—Risk Factors" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in Item 18.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of net sales represented by certain items included in our statements of consolidated income:

   
 
  2015
  2014
  2013
 
   

Net Sales

    100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of Sales

    32.1     33.6     34.5  

Gross Profit

    67.9     66.4     65.5  

Operating Expenses:

                   

Selling and Advertising

    40.0     39.4     39.2  

General and Administrative

    12.3     11.8     11.9  

Total

    52.3     51.2     51.0  

Income from Operations

    15.6     15.1     14.4  

Other Income (Expense)—Net

    (1.1 )   (1.3 )   (1.4 )

Provision for Income Taxes

    (5.3 )   (5.4 )   (5.6 )

Net Income

    9.1     8.4     7.5  

Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests

    0.0     0.0     0.1  

Net Income Attributable to Luxottica Group Stockholders

    9.1     8.4     7.4  

        For additional financial information by operating segment and geographic region, see Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

        Throughout the following comparison of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, and of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we use certain performance measures that are not in accordance with IFRS. Such non-IFRS measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for items appearing in our financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. Rather, these non-IFRS measures should be used as a supplement to IFRS results to assist the reader in better understanding our operational performance. For further information regarding the use of and limitations relating to such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

        In addition, comparable store sales reflect the change in sales from one period to another that, for comparison purposes, includes in the calculation only stores open in the more recent period that also were open during the prior period in the same geographic area, and applies to both periods the average exchange rate for the prior period.

COMPARISON OF THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 TO THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014.

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased by Euro 1,184.3 million, or 15.5%, to Euro 8,836.5 million in 2015 from Euro 7,652.3 million in 2014. Euro 398.8 million of this increase was attributable to increased sales in the manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment during 2015 as compared to 2014 and Euro 785.5 million was attributable to increased sales in the retail distribution segment during 2015 as

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compared to 2014. Adjusted net sales in 2015 and 2014, which include the EyeMed Adjustment (as defined below), were Euro 9,010.8 million and Euro 7,698.9 million, respectively.

        Effective July 1, 2014, adjusted net sales were impacted by the modification of terms of an EyeMed reinsurance agreement with an existing underwriter whereby the Group now assumes less reinsurance revenue and less claims expense. This modification resulted in a reduction in reinsurance revenue and claims of Euro 174.3 million and Euro 46.6 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively (the "EyeMed Adjustment"). This reinsurance agreement was further amended on January 1, 2016 in order to provide that the Group will assume more reinsurance revenue and claims expense in future periods.

        A reconciliation of adjusted net sales, a non-IFRS measure, to net sales, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons:

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Net sales

    8,836.5     7,652.3  

> EyeMed Adjustment

    174.3     46.6  

Adjusted net sales

    9,010.8     7,698.9  

        Net sales for the retail distribution segment increased by Euro 785.5 million, or 17.6%, to Euro 5,244.0 million in 2015 from Euro 4,458.6 million in 2014. The increase in net sales for the period was partially attributable to a 3.9% increase in comparable store sales. The effects from currency fluctuations between the Euro, which is our reporting currency, and other currencies in which we conduct business, in particular the strengthening of the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar compared to the Euro, increased net sales in the retail distribution segment by Euro 680.9 million.

        Adjusted net sales for the retail distribution segment in 2015 and 2014, which include the EyeMed Adjustment, were Euro 5,418.3 million and 4,505.1 million, respectively.

        A reconciliation of adjusted net sales for the retail distribution segment, a non-IFRS measure, to net sales of the retail distribution segment, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons:

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Net sales

    5,244.0     4,458.6  

> EyeMed Adjustment

    174.3     46.6  

Adjusted net sales

    5,418.3     4,505.1  

        Net sales to third parties in the manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment increased by Euro 398.8 million, or 12.5%, to Euro 3,592.6 million in 2015 from Euro 3,193.8 million in 2014. This increase was mainly attributable to increased sales of most of our proprietary brands, in particular Ray-Ban and Oakley, and certain designer brands, including Coach, Burberry and Armani. The impact on net sales of currency fluctuations, in particular the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the Euro, increased net sales in the wholesale distribution segment by Euro 177.1 million.

        In 2015, net sales in the retail distribution segment accounted for approximately 59.3% of total net sales, as compared to approximately 58.3% of total net sales in 2014. This increase in sales for the retail distribution segment as a percentage of total net sales was primarily attributable to a 12.5% increase in

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net sales for the manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment for 2015, as compared to a 17.6% increase in net sales to third parties in the retail distribution segment for 2015.

        In 2015 and 2014, net sales in our retail distribution segment in the United States and Canada comprised 78.1% and 77.3%, respectively, of our total net sales in this segment. In U.S. dollars, retail net sales in the United States and Canada increased by 0.3% to U.S. $4,590.8 million in 2015 from U.S. $4,577.3 million in 2014, due to sales volume increases. During 2015, net sales in the retail distribution segment in the rest of the world (excluding the United States and Canada) comprised 21.9% of our total net sales in the retail distribution segment and increased by 13.2% to Euro 1,146.8 million in 2015 from Euro 1,013.1 million, or 22.7% of our total net sales in the retail distribution segment, in 2014, mainly due to an increase in consumer demand.

        In 2015, net sales to third parties in our manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment in Europe were Euro 1,360.8 million, comprising 37.9% of our total net sales in this segment, compared to Euro 1,295.3 million, or 40.6% of total net sales in this segment, in 2014, increasing by Euro 65.5 million or 5.1% in 2015 as compared to 2014. The increase in net sales in Europe in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to a general increase in consumer demand. Net sales to third parties in our manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment in the United States and Canada were U.S. $1,169.3 million and comprised 29.3% of our total net sales in this segment in 2015, compared to U.S. $1,117.7 million, or 26.3% of total net sales in this segment, in 2014. The increase in net sales in the United States and Canada in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to a general increase in consumer demand. In 2015, net sales to third parties in our manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment in the rest of the world were Euro 1,177.9 million, comprising 32.8% of our total net sales in this segment, compared to Euro 1,057.2 million, or 33.1% of our net sales in this segment, in 2014. The increase of Euro 120.7 million, or 11.4%, in 2015 as compared to 2014 was due to an increase in consumer demand, in particular in the emerging markets.

        Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales increased by Euro 260.7 million, or 10.1%, to Euro 2,835.4 million in 2015 from Euro 2,574.7 million in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales was 32.1% and 33.6% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The average number of frames produced daily in our facilities was approximately 346,991 and 297,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        Adjusted cost of sales was Euro 3,009.0 million and Euro 2,621.3 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. This includes, for 2015, the EyeMed Adjustment of Euro 174.3 million and expenses of Euro 0.7 million related to the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects and, for 2014, the EyeMed Adjustment of Euro 46.6 million.

        A reconciliation of adjusted cost of sales, a non-IFRS measure, to cost of sales, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Cost of sales

    2,835.4     2,574.7  

> EyeMed Adjustment

    174.3     46.6  

> Adjustment for the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects

    (0.7 )    

Adjusted cost of sales

    3,009.0     2,621.3  

        Gross Profit.    Our gross profit increased by Euro 923.5 million, or 18.2%, to Euro 6,001.2 million in 2015 from Euro 5,077.6 million in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 67.9% in 2015 from 66.4% in 2014 due to the factors noted above.

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        Adjusted gross profit for 2015, excluding expenses of Euro 0.7 million related to the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects, was Euro 6,001.8, or 66.6% as percentage of net sales.

        A reconciliation of adjusted gross profit, a non-IFRS measure, to gross profit, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Gross profit

    6,001.2     5,077.6  

> Adjustment for the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects

    0.7      

Adjusted gross profit

    6,001.8     5,077.6  

        Operating Expenses.    Total operating expenses increased by Euro 704.7 million, or 18.0%, to Euro 4,624.7 million in 2015 from Euro 3,920.0 million in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 52.3% in 2015 compared to 51.2% in 2014.

        Total adjusted operating expenses increased by Euro 659.0 million, or 16.9%, to Euro 4,559.0 million in 2015 from Euro 3,900.0 million in 2014, excluding, for 2015, expenses of Euro 65.7 million related to the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects and, for 2014, non-recurring expenses of Euro 20.0 million related to the termination of the employment of the former Group CEOs. As a percentage of net sales, adjusted operating expenses decreased to 50.6% in 2015 from 50.7% in 2014.

        A reconciliation of adjusted operating expenses, a non-IFRS measure, to operating expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Operating expenses

    4,624.7     3,920.0  

> Adjustment for the employment termination of the former Group CEOs

        (20.0 )

> Adjustment for the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects

    (65.7 )    

Adjusted operating expenses

    4,559.0     3,900.0  

        Selling and advertising expenses (including royalty expenses) increased by Euro 523.8 million, or 17.4%, to Euro 3,537.2 million in 2015 from Euro 3,013.4 million in 2014. Selling expenses increased by Euro 426.5 million, or 18.1%, to Euro 2,778.8 million in 2015 from Euro 2,352.3 million in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 31.4% and 30.7% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Advertising expenses increased by Euro 78.6 million, or 15.4%. As a percentage of net sales, advertising expenses were 6.7% in both 2015 and 2014. Royalties increased by Euro 18.7 million, or 12.5%. As a percentage of net sales, royalty expenses were 1.9% and 2.0% in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        Adjusted selling expenses, excluding, for 2015, expenses of Euro 5.5 million related to the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects, were Euro 2,773.3 million as compared to selling expenses of Euro 2,352.3 million in 2014. As percentage of net sales, adjusted selling expenses were 30.8% in 2015.

        A reconciliation of adjusted selling expenses, a non-IFRS measure, to selling expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such

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non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Selling expenses

    2,778.8     2,352.3  

> Adjustment for the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects

    (5.5 )    

Adjusted selling expenses

    2,773.3     2,352.3  

        General and administrative expenses, including intangible asset amortization, increased by Euro 180.9 million, or 19.9%, to Euro 1,087.5 million in 2015, as compared to Euro 906.6 million in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 12.3% and 11.8% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase was primarily due to expenses of Euro 60.1 million relating to the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects.

        Adjusted general and administrative expenses increased by Euro 140.8 million, or 15.9%, to Euro 1,027.4 million in 2015 as compared to Euro 886.6 million in 2014. This amount includes intangible asset amortization and excludes, in 2015, the expenses related to the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects of Euro 60.1 million and, in 2014, the non-recurring expenses of Euro 20.0 million related to the termination of the employment of the former Group CEOs. As a percentage of net sales, adjusted general and administrative expenses decreased to 11.4% in 2015 from 11.5% in 2014.

        A reconciliation of adjusted general and administrative expenses, a non-IFRS measure, to general and administrative expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

General and administrative expenses

    1,087.5     906.6  

> Adjustment for the employment termination of the former Group CEOs

        (20.0 )

> Adjustment for the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects

    (60.1 )    

Adjusted general and administrative expenses

    1,027.4     886.6  

        Income from Operations.    For the reasons described above, income from operations increased by Euro 218.8 million, or 18.9%, to Euro 1,376.4 million in 2015 from Euro 1,157.6 million in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, income from operations increased to 15.6% in 2015 from 15.1% in 2014. Adjusted income from operations increased by Euro 265.2 million, or 22.5%, to Euro 1,442.8 million in 2015 from Euro 1,177.6 million in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, adjusted income from operations increased to 16.0% in 2015 from 15.3% in 2014.

        A reconciliation of adjusted income from operations, a non-IFRS measure, to income from operations, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further

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discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Income from operations

    1,376.4     1,157.6  

> Adjustment for the employment termination of the former Group CEOs

        20.0  

> Adjustment for the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects

    66.4      

Adjusted income from operations

    1,442.8     1,177.6  

        Other Income (Expense)—Net.    Other income (expense)—net was Euro (98.5) million in 2015 as compared to Euro (97.5) million in 2014. Net interest expense was Euro 95.2 million in 2015 as compared to Euro 98.0 million in 2014.

        Net Income.    Income before taxes increased by Euro 217.8 million, or 20.5%, to Euro 1,277.9 million in 2015 from Euro 1,060.1 million in 2014 for the reasons described above. As a percentage of net sales, income before taxes increased to 14.5% in 2015 from 13.9% in 2014. Adjusted income before taxes increased by Euro 264.2 million, or 24.5%, to Euro 1,344.3 million in 2015 from Euro 1,080.1 million in 2014, for the reasons described above. As a percentage of net sales, adjusted income before taxes increased to 14.9% in 2015 from 14.0% in 2014.

        A reconciliation of adjusted income before taxes, a non-IFRS measure, to income before taxes, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Income before taxes

    1,277.9     1,060.1  

> Adjustment for the termination of the former Group CEOs

        20.0  

> Adjustment for the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects

    66.4      

Adjusted income before taxes

    1,344.3     1,080.1  

        Our effective tax rate was 36.9% and 39.1% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in 2014 was Euro 30.3 million for certain income taxes accrued in the period as a result of ongoing tax audits. Our adjusted tax rate, which excludes, in 2015, the tax effect of the reorganization of Oakley and other minor projects and, in 2014, the tax effects of the tax audits and the termination of the former Group CEOs, was 36.3% and 36.0%, respectively. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests was equal to Euro 2.8 million and Euro 3.4 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

        Net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders increased by Euro 161.5 million, or 25.1%, to Euro 804.1 million in 2015 from Euro 642.6 million in 2014. Net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders as a percentage of net sales increased to 9.1% in 2015 from 8.4% in 2014. Adjusted net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders increased by Euro 166.5 million, or 24.2%, to Euro 854.0 million in 2015 from Euro 687.4 million in 2014. Adjusted net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders as a percentage of net sales increased to 9.5% in 2015 from 8.9% in 2014.

        A reconciliation of adjusted net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders, a non-IFRS measure, to net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please

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refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
 
   

Net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders

    804.1     642.6  

> Adjustment for the reorganization of Oakley and for other minor projects

    49.8      

> Adjustment for the accrual for the tax audit relating to Luxottica S.r.l. (fiscal years 2008 to 2011)

        30.3  

> Adjustment for the termination of the former Group CEOs

        14.5  

Adjusted net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders

    854.0     687.4  

        Basic earnings per share were Euro 1.68 in 2015 and Euro 1.35 in 2014. Diluted earnings per share were Euro 1.67 in 2015 and Euro 1.34 in 2014.

COMPARISON OF THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 TO THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013.

        Net Sales.    Net sales increased by Euro 339.7 million, or 4.6%, to Euro 7,652.3 million in 2014 from Euro 7,312.6 million in 2013. Euro 202.5 million of this increase was attributable to increased sales in the manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment during 2014 as compared to 2013 and Euro 137.2 million was attributable to increased sales in the retail distribution segment during 2014 as compared to 2013. This growth in net sales also included the impact of the 53rd week for the retail business, which generated net sales of approximately Euro 60.0 million. Adjusted net sales in 2014, which include the EyeMed Adjustment, were Euro 7,698.9 million.

        Effective July 1, 2014, adjusted net sales were impacted by the modification of terms of an EyeMed reinsurance agreement with an existing underwriter whereby the Company now assumes less reinsurance revenue and less claims expense. This modification resulted in a reduction in reinsurance revenue and claims of Euro 46.6 million. A reconciliation of adjusted net sales, a non-IFRS measure, to net sales, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons:

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2014
  2013
 
   

Net sales

    7,652.3     7,312.6  

> EyeMed Adjustment

    46.6      

Adjusted net sales

    7,698.9     7,312.6  

        Net sales for the retail distribution segment increased by Euro 137.2 million, or 3.2%, to Euro 4,458.6 million in 2014 from Euro 4,321.3 million in 2013. The increase in net sales for the period was partially attributable to a 1.8% increase in comparable store sales for LensCrafters and a 7.4% increase in comparable store sales for Sunglass Hut. The effects from currency fluctuations between the Euro, which is our reporting currency, and other currencies in which we conduct business, in particular the weakening of the U.S. dollar and the Australian dollar compared to the Euro, decreased net sales in the retail distribution segment by Euro 48.2 million.

        Adjusted net sales for the retail distribution segment in 2014, which include the EyeMed Adjustment, were Euro 4,505.2 million.

        A reconciliation of adjusted net sales for the retail distribution segment, a non-IFRS measure, to net sales of the retail division, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below.

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For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons:

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2014
  2013
 
   

Net sales

    4,458.6     4,321.3  

> EyeMed Adjustment

    46.6      

Adjusted net sales

    4,505.2     4,321.3  

        Net sales to third parties in the manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment increased by Euro 202.5 million, or 6.8%, to Euro 3,193.8 million in 2014 from Euro 2,991.3 million in 2013. This increase was mainly attributable to increased sales of most of our proprietary brands, in particular Ray-Ban and Oakley, and certain designer brands, including Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Armani. The positive impact on net sales was partially offset by negative currency fluctuations, in particular the weakening of the U.S. dollar and the Brazilian Real compared to the Euro, which decreased net sales in the wholesale distribution segment by Euro 56.0 million.

        In 2014, net sales in the retail distribution segment accounted for approximately 58.3% of total net sales, as compared to approximately 59.1% of total net sales in 2013. This decrease in sales for the retail distribution segment as a percentage of total net sales was primarily attributable to a 6.8% increase in net sales for the manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment for 2014, as compared to a 3.2% increase in net sales to third parties in the retail distribution segment for 2014.

        In 2014 and 2013, net sales in our retail distribution segment in the United States and Canada comprised 77.3% and 77.8%, respectively, of our total net sales in this segment. In U.S. dollars, retail net sales in the United States and Canada increased by 2.6% to U.S. $4,577.3 million in 2014 from U.S. $4,462.3 million in 2013, due to sales volume increases. During 2014, net sales in the retail distribution segment in the rest of the world (excluding the United States and Canada) comprised 22.7% of our total net sales in the retail distribution segment and increased by 5.5% to Euro 1,013.1 million in 2014 from Euro 960.5 million, or 22.2% of our total net sales in the retail distribution segment, in 2013, mainly due to an increase in consumer demand.

        In 2014, net sales to third parties in our manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment in Europe were Euro 1,295.3 million, comprising 40.6% of our total net sales in this segment, compared to Euro 1,272.8 million, or 42.5% of total net sales in this segment, in 2013, increasing by Euro 22.5 million or 1.8% in 2014 as compared to 2013. Net sales to third parties in our manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment in the United States and Canada were U.S. $1,117.7 million and comprised 26.3% of our total net sales in this segment in 2014, compared to U.S. $1,013.1 million, or 25.5% of total net sales in this segment, in 2013. The increase in net sales in the United States and Canada in 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to a general increase in consumer demand. In 2014, net sales to third parties in our manufacturing and wholesale distribution segment in the rest of the world were Euro 1,057.2 million, comprising 33.1% of our total net sales in this segment, compared to Euro 955.5 million, or 31.9% of our net sales in this segment, in 2013. The increase of Euro 101.7 million, or 10.6%, in 2014 as compared to 2013 was due to an increase in consumer demand, in particular in the emerging markets.

        Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales increased by Euro 51.0 million, or 2.0%, to Euro 2,574.7 million in 2014 from Euro 2,524.0 million in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales was 33.6% and 34.5% in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The average number of frames produced daily in our facilities was approximately 297,100 and 302,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

        Adjusted cost of sales in 2014, which include the EyeMed Adjustment, was Euro 2,621.3 million.

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        A reconciliation of adjusted cost of sales, a non-IFRS measure, to cost of sales, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2014
  2013
 
   

Cost of sales

    2,574.7     2,524.0  

> EyeMed Adjustment

    46.6      

Adjusted cost of sales

    2,621.3     2,524.0  

        Gross Profit.    Our gross profit increased by Euro 289.0 million, or 6.0%, to Euro 5,077.6 million in 2014 from Euro 4,788.6 million in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 66.4% in 2014 from 65.5% in 2013 due to the factors noted above.

        Operating Expenses.    Total operating expenses increased by Euro 187.1 million, or 5.0%, to Euro 3,920.0 million in 2014 from Euro 3,732.9 million in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 51.2% in 2014 compared to 51.0% in 2013.

        The increase in operating expenses in 2014 was primarily attributable to a Euro 110.4 million increase in selling expenses, a Euro 31.3 million increase in advertising expenses and a Euro 40.0 million increase in general and administrative expenses.

        Total adjusted operating expenses increased by Euro 176.1 million, or 4.7%, to Euro 3,900.0 million in 2014 from Euro 3,723.9 million in 2013, excluding non-recurring expenses of Euro 20.0 million related to the termination of the employment of the former Group CEOs in 2014 and expenses of approximately 9.0 million related to the reorganization of the Alain Mikli business in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, adjusted operating expenses decreased to 50.7% in 2014 from 50.9% in 2013. A reconciliation of adjusted operating expenses, a non-IFRS measure, to operating expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2014
  2013
 
   

Operating expenses

    3,920.0     3,732.9  

> Adjustment for the employment termination of the former Group CEOs

    (20.0 )    

> Adjustment for Alain Mikli reorganization

        (9.0 )

Adjusted operating expenses

    3,900.0     3,723.9  

        Selling and advertising expenses (including royalty expenses) increased by Euro 147.1 million, or 5.1%, to Euro 3,013.4 million in 2014 from Euro 2,866.3 million in 2013. The increase was primarily due to an increase in selling expenses and advertising expenses. Selling expenses increased by Euro 110.4 million, or 4.9%. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 30.7% in each of 2014 and 2013. Advertising expenses increased by Euro 31.3 million, or 6.5%. As a percentage of net sales advertising expenses were 6.7% and 6.6% in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Royalties increased by Euro 5.4 million, or 3.7%. As a percentage of net sales, royalty expenses were 2.0% in each of 2014 and 2013.

        General and administrative expenses, including intangible asset amortization, increased by Euro 40.0 million, or 4.6%, to Euro 906.6 million in 2014, as compared to Euro 866.6 million in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 11.8% in 2014 compared to 11.9% in

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2013. The increase was primarily related to the termination of the employment of the former Group CEOs amounting to approximately Euro 20.0 million.

        Adjusted general and administrative expenses increased by Euro 29.0 million, or 3.4%, to Euro 886.6 million in 2014 as compared to Euro 857.6 million in 2013. This amount includes intangible asset amortization and excludes, in 2014, the non-recurring expenses of Euro 20.0 million related to the termination of the employment of the former Group CEOs and, in 2013, expenses of approximately Euro 9.0 million related to the reorganization of the Alain Mikli business. As a percentage of net sales, adjusted general and administrative expenses decreased to 11.5% in 2014, compared to 11.7% in 2013.

        A reconciliation of adjusted general and administrative expenses, a non-IFRS measure, to general and administrative expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2014
  2013
 
   

General and administrative expenses

    906.6     866.6  

> Adjustment for the employment termination of the former Group CEOs

    (20.0 )    

> Adjustment for Alain Mikli reorganization

        (9.0 )

Adjusted general and administrative expenses

    886.6     857.6  

        Income from Operations.    For the reasons described above, income from operations increased by Euro 101.9 million, or 9.7%, to Euro 1,157.6 million in 2014 from Euro 1,055.7 million in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, income from operations increased to 15.1% in 2014 from 14.4% in 2013. Adjusted income from operations increased by Euro 112.9 million, or 10.6%, to Euro 1,177.6 million in 2014 from Euro 1,064.7 million in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, adjusted income from operations increased to 15.3% in 2014 from 14.6% in 2013.A reconciliation of adjusted income from operations, a non-IFRS measure, to income from operations, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2014
  2013
 
   

Income from operations

    1,157.6     1,055.7  

> Adjustment for the employment termination of the former Group CEOs

    20.0      

> Adjustment for Alain Mikli reorganization

        9.0  

Adjusted income from operations

    1,177.6     1,064.7  

        Other Income (Expense)—Net.    Other income (expense)—net was Euro (97.5) million in 2014 as compared to Euro (99.3) million in 2013. Net interest expense was Euro 98.0 million in 2014 as compared to Euro 92.1 million in 2013. The increase was mainly due to an increase in outstanding debt as a result of the issuance of Euro 500 million of bonds in the first half of 2014.

        Net Income.    Income before taxes increased by Euro 103.7 million, or 10.8%, to Euro 1,060.1 million in 2014 from Euro 956.4 million in 2013 for the reasons described above. As a percentage of net sales, income before taxes increased to 13.9% in 2014, from 13.1% in 2013. Adjusted income before taxes increased by Euro 114.7 million, or 11.9%, to Euro 1,080.1 million in 2014 from Euro 965.4 million in 2013, for the reasons described above. As a percentage of net sales, adjusted income before taxes increased to 14.0% in 2014 from 13.2% in 2013.

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        A reconciliation of adjusted net income before taxes, a non-IFRS measure, to net income before taxes, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2014
  2013
 
   

Net income before taxes

    1,060.1     956.4  

> Adjustment for the termination of the former Group CEOs

    20.0      

> Adjustment for Alain Mikli reorganization

        9.0  

Adjusted net income before taxes

    1,080.1     965.4  

        Our effective tax rate was 39.1% and 42.6% in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Included in 2014 was Euro 30.3 million for certain income taxes accrued in the period as a result of ongoing tax audits as compared with Euro 66.7 million accrued in 2013. Our adjusted tax rate in 2014 and 2013 was 36.0% and 35.6%, respectively.

        Net income attributable to non-controlling interests was equal to Euro 3.4 million and Euro 4.2 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

        Net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders increased by Euro 97.9 million, or 18.0%, to Euro 642.6 million in 2014 from Euro 544.7 million in 2013. Net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders as a percentage of net sales increased to 8.4% in 2014 from 7.4% in 2013. Adjusted net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders increased by Euro 70.1 million, or 11.4%, to Euro 687.4 million in 2014 from Euro 617.3 million in 2013. Adjusted net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders as a percentage of net sales increased to 8.9% in 2014, from 8.4% in 2013.

        A reconciliation of adjusted net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders, a non-IFRS measure, to net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, is presented in the table below. For a further discussion of such non-IFRS measures, please refer to the "Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures" discussion following the year-over-year comparisons.

   
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2014
  2013
 
   

Net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders

    642.6     544.7  

> Adjustment for Alain Mikli reorganization

        5.9  

> Adjustment for the cost of the tax audit relating to Luxottica S.r.l. (fiscal year 2007)

        26.7  

> Adjustment for the accrual for the tax audit relating to Luxottica S.r.l. (fiscal years 2008 to 2011)

    30.3     40.0  

> Adjustment for the termination of the former Group CEOs

    14.5      

Adjusted net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders

    687.4     617.3  

        Basic earnings per share were Euro 1.35 in 2014 and Euro 1.15 in 2013. Diluted earnings per share were Euro 1.34 in 2014 and Euro 1.14 in 2013.

Non-IFRS Measures: Adjusted Measures

        In order to provide a supplemental comparison of current period results of operations to prior periods, we have adjusted for certain transactions or events.

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        In order to provide a supplemental comparison of current period results of operations to prior periods, certain measures, such as net sales, operating expenses, selling and advertising expenses, general and administrative expenses, income from operations, income before taxes and net income attributable to Luxottica Group stockholders have been adjusted by the following items:

        The Company believes that these adjusted measures are useful to both management and investors in evaluating the Company's operating performance compared with that of other companies in its industry because they exclude the impact of items that are not relevant to the Company's operating performance.

        The adjusted measures referenced above are not measures of performance in accordance with IFRS. We include these adjusted comparisons in this presentation in order to provide a supplemental view of operations that excludes items that are unusual, infrequent or unrelated to our ongoing core operations.

        These adjusted measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for items appearing in our financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. Rather, these non-IFRS measures should be used as a supplement to IFRS results to assist the reader in better understanding the operational performance of the Company. The Company cautions that these adjusted measures are not defined terms under IFRS and their definitions should be carefully reviewed and understood by investors. Investors should be aware that Luxottica Group's method of calculating these adjusted measures may differ from methods used by other companies.

        The Company recognizes that there are limitations in the usefulness of adjusted comparisons due to the subjective nature of items excluded by management in calculating adjusted comparisons. We compensate for the foregoing limitation by using these adjusted measures as a comparative tool, together with IFRS measurements, to assist in the evaluation of our operating performance.

        See the tables on the foregoing pages for a reconciliation of the adjusted measures discussed above to their most directly comparable IFRS financial measures.

TAXES

        Our effective tax rates for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were approximately 36.9%, 39.1% and 42.6%, respectively. The effective tax rates for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 include tax accruals of Euro 30.3 million and Euro 66.7 million, respectively, associated with tax

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audits of Luxottica S.r.l. related to fiscal years 2008 through 2011. In future periods, we expect that our effective tax rate should return to its historical range of 35% to 37%. However, until all open tax years have been settled, our effective tax rate may be higher than historical levels. For additional information on risks associated with our future effective tax rate, please see Item 3—"Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Operations—Changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional tax liabilities could affect our future results."

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2015 totaled Euro 864.9 million, compared to Euro 1,453.6 million at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, Euro 630.5 million of the Group's total cash and cash equivalents was held outside of Italy. There are no significant repatriation restrictions other than local or Italian taxes associated with repatriation. While we currently do not foresee a need to repatriate funds, should we require more capital in Italy than is generated by our operations locally, we could elect to raise capital in Italy or the rest of Europe through debt or equity issuances. These alternatives could result in increased interest expense.

Cash Flows

        Operating Activities.    The Company's net cash provided by operating activities in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was Euro 1,197.3 million, Euro 1,170.1 million and Euro 921.8 million, respectively.

        Depreciation and amortization were Euro 476.9 million in 2015 as compared to Euro 384.0 million in 2014 and Euro 366.6 million in 2013. The increase in depreciation and amortization in 2015 as compared to 2014 is mainly due to the strengthening of certain major currencies in which we operate, in particular the U.S. dollar (Euro 53.1 million), and the increase in tangible and intangible assets in the period. The increase in depreciation and amortization in 2014 as compared to 2013 is mainly due to the increase in tangible and intangible asset purchases and to the acquisition of glasses.com for Euro 1.2 million.

        Non-cash stock-based compensation expense was Euro 49.7 million in 2015 as compared to Euro 31.8 million in 2014 and Euro 28.1 million in 2013. The increase in 2015 as compared to 2014 is due to (i) Euro 7.4 million related to the grant of free treasury shares to the Group's employees in Italy in honor of the 80th birthday of the Group's Chairman and founder, Mr. Leonardo Del Vecchio, and (ii) Euro 8.0 million related to the 2015 PSP Plan (defined below). The increase in 2014 as compared to 2013 was mainly due to higher expenses related to incentive plan awards granted in 2014 partially offset by awards granted in previous years that vested in the first half of 2014.

        The change in accounts receivable was Euro (108.6) million in 2015 as compared to Euro (41.3) million in 2014 and Euro (16.8) million in 2013. The change in 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to the higher volume of sales in 2015 as compared to 2014. The changes in 2014 as compared to 2013 were primarily due to the higher volume of sales partially offset by an improvement in collections. The inventory change was Euro (85.2) million in 2015 as compared to Euro 7.3 million in 2014 and Euro 11.8 million in 2013. The increase in inventory in 2015 was due to an effort to improve the quality of the customer experience by having inventory levels in line with customer demand. The change in other assets and liabilities was Euro (7.8) million in 2015 as compared to Euro 21.2 million in 2014 and Euro (30.4) million in 2013. The change in 2015 as compared to 2014 was primarily due to the change in the reporting calendar of certain retail subsidiaries of the Group, which resulted in a reduction of the net liability. The change in 2014 as compared to 2013 was primarily driven by the increase in the liability to employees in the retail distribution segment in North America due to the timing in payment of salaries to store personnel. The change in accounts payable was Euro 115.6 million in 2015 as compared to Euro 24.6 million in 2014 and Euro 12.5 million in 2013. The change in 2015 as compared to 2014 was mainly due to the continuous improvement in payment terms and conditions and to the overall growth of the Group's business. The changes in 2014 as compared to 2013 were primarily due to the continuous

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improvement of payment terms and conditions that started in 2012. Income tax payments in 2015 were Euro 565.9 million as compared to Euro 349.2 million in 2014 and Euro 427.9 million in 2013. The increase in income tax payments in 2015 as compared to 2014 was due to the payment of Euro 91.6 million related to the tax audit of Luxottica S.r.l. for the tax years from 2008 to 2011 and to a general increase in the Group's taxable income. The decrease in 2014 as compared to 2013 was related to the timing of our tax payments related to certain Italian and U.S. subsidiaries and the payment of Euro 38.0 million in the last quarter of 2013 related to the tax audit of Luxottica S.r.l. Interest paid was Euro 79.8 million in 2015 as compared to Euro 93.1 million in 2014 and Euro 94.5 million in 2013. The change in 2015 as compared to 2014 and 2013 was mainly due to repayment of long-term debt in 2015.

        Investing Activities.    The Company's net cash used in investing activities was Euro 483.3 million, Euro 459.3 million and Euro 479.8 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The primary investment activities in 2015 were related to (i) the acquisition of tangible assets for Euro 319.8 million, (ii) the acquisition of intangible assets for Euro 144.0 million, primarily related to IT infrastructure, and (iii) the acquisition of Sunglass Warehouse for Euro 21.0 million. The primary investment activities in 2014 were related to (i) the acquisition of tangible assets for Euro 280.8 million, (ii) the acquisition of intangible assets for Euro 138.5 million, primarily related to IT infrastructure, and (iii) the acquisition of glasses.com for Euro 30.1 million and other minor acquisitions in the retail segment for Euro 11.0 million. The primary investment activities in 2013 were related to (i) the acquisition of tangible assets for Euro 274.1 million, (ii) the acquisition of intangible assets for Euro 101.1 million, primarily related to IT infrastructure, (iii) the acquisition of Alain Mikli for Euro 71.9 million and (iv) the acquisition of 36.33% of the share capital of Salmoiraghi & Viganò for Euro 45.0 million.

        Our capital expenditures were Euro 513.6 million in 2015 as compared to Euro 418.9 million in 2014 and Euro 369.7 million in 2013, primarily related to investments in IT infrastructure in 2015, 2014 and 2013, and in each year investments in manufacturing facilities for the manufacturing and wholesale segment and the opening, remodeling and relocation of stores in the retail distribution segment. Capital expenditures were Euro 99.9 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2016. It is our expectation that 2016 net capital expenditures will exceed 6.0% of the Group's net sales, excluding investments for acquisitions. We expect to fund future capital expenditures through cash flow generation primarily due to our operating leverage as well as working capital efficiencies.

        Net cash provided by disposals of property, plant and equipment was insignificant in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Investments in equity investees resulted in cash used of Euro 0.0 million in each of 2015 and 2014 and Euro 45.0 million in 2013.

        Financing Activities.    The Company's net cash (used in) provided by financing activities was Euro (1,354.3) million, Euro 72.3 million and Euro (568.8) million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash used in financing activities in 2015 consisted primarily of (i) Euro (649.3) million related to the payment of existing debt, (ii) Euro (689.7) million used to pay dividends to the shareholders of the Company, (iii) Euro 47.7 million related to the exercise of stock options, (iv) Euro (19) million related to the acquisition of the remaining 49% of Luxottica Netherlands and (v) Euro (39.0) million related to the decrease in bank overdrafts. Cash provided by financing activities in 2014 consisted primarily of (i) Euro 500 million related to the issuance of new bonds, (ii) Euro (318.5) million related to the payment of existing debt, (iii) Euro (308.3) million used to pay dividends to the shareholders of the Company, (iv) Euro 70.0 million related to the exercise of stock options and (v) Euro 135.7 million related to the increase in bank overdrafts. Cash used in financing activities in 2013 mainly related to repayment of maturing outstanding debt of Euro (327.1) million and aggregate dividend payments to stockholders of Euro (273.7) million, which were partially offset by cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options totaling Euro 75.3 million.

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Our Indebtedness

        We have relied primarily upon internally generated funds, trade credit, committed bank facilities and debt capital markets to finance our operations and expansion. We do not typically raise capital through the issuance of stock; rather, we use debt financing to lower our overall cost of capital and increase our return on stockholders' equity. We have access to capital markets at favorable market conditions and continue to monitor the debt capital markets in order to take appropriate actions to raise financing.

        We manage our financing requirements by maintaining an adequate level of liquidity and committed and uncommitted financing facilities. To this end, we take a series of actions to ensure compliance with these financing requirements. In particular:

        Our debt agreements contain certain covenants, including covenants that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness. We do not currently expect to require any additional financing that would require us to obtain consents or waivers of any existing restrictions on additional indebtedness set forth in our debt agreements.

        Our long-term credit facilities contained certain financial covenants including ratios of Net Financial Position (as defined in the agreements) to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as defined in the agreements) and EBITDA to net financial charges (as defined in the agreements). As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with these financial covenants. As of December 31, 2015, all of our long-term credit facilities were repaid in full. The financial and operating covenants included in the above long-term debt were as follows (such terms are defined in our applicable debt agreements):

        Our total indebtedness was Euro 1,760.0 million as of December 31, 2015. Available additional borrowings under credit facilities as of such date were Euro 632.0 million.

        The Group has credit ratings assigned by Standard & Poor's of "A-" and "A-2" for its long-term and short-term debt, respectively; the outlook was stable as of April 8, 2016. The long-term rating was upgraded from "BBB+" on January 20, 2014.

        For additional information, see Note 21 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

Bank Overdrafts

        Bank overdrafts represent negative cash balances held in banks and amounts borrowed under various unsecured short-term lines of credit obtained by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries through local financial institutions. These facilities are usually short-term in nature or contain evergreen clauses with a cancellation notice period. Certain of these subsidiaries' agreements require a guaranty from Luxottica Group S.p.A. Interest rates on these lines vary based on the country of borrowing, among other factors. The Company uses these short-term lines of credit to satisfy its short-term cash needs.

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The Euro 300 Million Club Deal

        On November 11, 2009, we entered into a Euro 300 million Term Facility Agreement, guaranteed by our subsidiaries Luxottica U.S. Holdings Corp. ("U.S. Holdings") and Luxottica S.r.l., with Mediobanca—Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A., as agent, and Mediobanca—Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A., Deutsche Bank S.p.A., Calyon S.A. Milan Branch and Unicredit Corporate Banking S.p.A., as lenders. The final maturity of the Term Facility was November 30, 2012. Interest accrued at EURIBOR (as defined in the agreement) plus a margin between 1.75% and 3.00% based on the "Net Debt/EBITDA" ratio, as defined in the agreement. In November 2010, we renegotiated this facility, extending the maturity for a further two years. The new expiration date was November 30, 2014. Interest accrued at EURIBOR plus a margin between 1.00% and 2.25%, as defined in the amendment (1.147% as of December 31, 2013). On August 29, 2014, the Group repaid the term loan in full in the amount of Euro 300 million.

The Euro 500 Million Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility

        On April 17, 2012, we and our subsidiary, U.S. Holdings, entered into a multicurrency (Euro/U.S. dollars) revolving credit facility with a group of banks providing for loans in the aggregate principal amount of Euro 500 million (or the equivalent in U.S. dollars). Amounts borrowed could be repaid and re-borrowed with all outstanding balances maturing on April 10, 2017. We were able to select interest periods of one, three or six months with interest accruing (i) on Euro-denominated loans based on the corresponding EURIBOR rate and (ii) on U.S. dollar denominated loans based on the corresponding LIBOR rate and a premium of 0.35% per annum, both plus a margin between 1.30% and 2.25% based on the "Consolidated Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDA" ratio as defined in the agreement.

        On March 5, 2014, we and our subsidiary, U.S. Holdings, entered into an amendment to the existing multicurrency (Euro/U.S. dollars) revolving credit facility in order to, among other things, extend the term of the agreement and modify the applicable interest rates. Under the amended agreement, amounts borrowed could be repaid and re-borrowed with all outstanding balances maturing on April 10, 2019. We were able to select interest periods of one, three or six months with interest accruing (i) on Euro-denominated loans based on the corresponding EURIBOR rate and (ii) on U.S. dollar- denominated loans based on the corresponding LIBOR rate, both plus a margin of between 0.65% and 1.50% based on the Company's long-term senior unsecured debt credit rating issued by Standard & Poor's.

        On February 27, 2015, the Group terminated this revolving credit facility. As of the date of termination, the facility was undrawn.

Our Other Debt Financings

        On July 1, 2008, U.S. Holdings closed a private placement of U.S. $275 million of senior unsecured guaranteed notes, issued in three series ("Series A," "Series B" and "Series C"). The aggregate principal amounts of the Series A, Series B and Series C Notes are U.S. $20 million, U.S. $127 million and U.S. $128 million, respectively. The Series A Notes matured on July 1, 2013, the Series B Notes matured on July 1, 2015 and the Series C Notes mature on July 1, 2018. Interest on the Series A Notes accrued at 5.96% per annum, interest on the Series B Notes accrued at 6.42% per annum and interest on the Series C Notes accrues at 6.77% per annum. The Notes were not rated. The Notes contain certain financial and operating covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants as of December 31, 2015. The proceeds from the Notes were used to repay a portion of the bridge loan facility that expired on July 1, 2008.

        On July 1, 2015, the Series B Notes matured and were fully repaid in the amount of U.S.$ 127 million.

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        On January 29, 2010, U.S. Holdings closed a private placement of U.S. $175 million of senior unsecured guaranteed notes, issued in three series ("Series D," "Series E" and "Series F"). The aggregate principal amount of each of the Series D and Series E Notes is U.S. $50 million and the aggregate principal amount of the Series F Notes is U.S. $75 million. The Series D Notes mature on January 29, 2017, the Series E Notes mature on January 29, 2020 and the Series F Notes mature on January 29, 2019. Interest on the Series D Notes accrues at 5.19% per annum, interest on the Series E Notes accrues at 5.75% per annum and interest on the Series F Notes accrues at 5.39% per annum. The Notes were not rated. The Notes contain certain financial and operating covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants as of December 31, 2015. The proceeds from the Notes were used for general corporate purposes.

        On September 30, 2010, we closed a private placement of Euro 100 million senior unsecured guaranteed notes, issued in two series ("Series G" and "Series H"). The aggregate principal amounts of the Series G and Series H Notes are Euro 50 million and Euro 50 million, respectively. The Series G Notes mature on September 15, 2017 and the Series H Notes mature on September 15, 2020. Interest on the Series G Notes accrues at 3.75% per annum and interest on the Series H Notes accrues at 4.25% per annum. The Notes were not rated. The Notes contain certain financial and operating covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants as of December 31, 2015. The proceeds from the Notes were used for general corporate purposes.

        On November 10, 2010, we closed an offering in Europe to institutional investors of Euro 500 million of senior unsecured guaranteed notes due November 10, 2015. The Notes were listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange under ISIN XS0557635777. Interest on the Notes accrued at 4.00% per annum. The Notes were guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by U.S. Holdings and Luxottica S.r.l. The proceeds from the Notes were used for general corporate purposes. On January 20, 2014, the Notes were assigned an "A-" credit rating by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("Standard & Poor's") On November 10, 2015, the Group repaid the Notes in full in the amount of Euro 500 million.

        On December 15, 2011, U.S. Holdings closed a private placement of U.S. $350 million senior unsecured guaranteed notes ("Series I"). The Series I Notes mature on December 15, 2021. Interest on the Series I Notes accrues at 4.35% per annum. The proceeds from the Notes were used for general corporate purposes and to refinance existing term debt. The Notes were not rated. The Notes contain certain financial and operating covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants as of December 31, 2015.

        On March 19, 2012, we closed an offering in Europe to institutional investors of Euro 500 million of senior unsecured guaranteed notes due March 19, 2019. The Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange under ISIN XS0758640279. Interest on the Notes accrues at 3.625% per annum. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by U.S. Holdings and Luxottica S.r.l. When issued, the Notes were assigned a "BBB+" credit rating by Standard & Poor's and, on January 20, 2014, the Notes were upgraded to an "A-" credit rating by Standard & Poor's. The Notes contain certain financial and operating covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants as of December 31, 2015.

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        On April 29, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a Euro 2 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the "Programme") pursuant to which Luxottica Group S.p.A. may from time to time offer notes to investors in certain jurisdictions (excluding the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia). The Programme was updated on May 9, 2014.

        On February 10, 2014, we completed an offering in Europe to institutional investors of Euro 500 million of senior unsecured guaranteed notes due February 10, 2024 under the Group's Euro Medium Term Note Programme. Interest on the notes accrues at 2.625% per annum. The Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange under ISIN XS1030851791. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by U.S. Holdings and Luxottica S.r.l. The proceeds from the Notes were used for general corporate purposes and to refinance existing term debt. The Notes were assigned an "A-" credit rating by Standard & Poor's. The Notes contain certain operating covenants. We were in compliance with those covenants as of December 31, 2015.

Outstanding Standby Letters of Credit

        Certain U.S. subsidiaries have obtained various standby and trade letters of credit from banks that aggregated Euro 45.2 million and Euro 40.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Most of these letters of credit are used for security in risk management contracts, purchases from foreign vendors or as security on store leases. Most standby letters of credit contain evergreen clauses under which the letter is automatically renewed unless the bank is notified not to renew. Trade letters of credit are for purchases from foreign vendors and are generally outstanding for a period that is less than six months. Substantially all the fees associated with maintaining the letters of credit fall within the range of 40 to 60 basis points annually.

Concentration of Credit Risk

        Financial instruments which potentially expose us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash, investments and accounts receivable. We attempt to limit our credit risk associated with cash equivalents by placing our cash balances and investments with highly-rated banks and financial institutions. However, at any time, amounts invested at these banks may be in excess of the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. With respect to accounts receivable, we limit our credit risk by performing ongoing credit evaluations, and certain customers may be required to post security in the form of letters of credit. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, no single customer's balance comprised 10% or more of the overall accounts receivable balance. However, included in accounts receivable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, was approximately Euro 39.8 million and Euro 36.7 million, respectively, due from the host stores of our U.S. retail locations. These receivables represent cash proceeds from sales deposited into the host stores' bank accounts, which are subsequently forwarded to us on a weekly or monthly basis depending on our contract with the particular host store and are based on short-term contract arrangements.

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Our Working Capital

        Set forth below is certain information regarding our working capital (total current assets minus total current liabilities):

   
 
  As of December 31,  
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  2015
  2014
  2013
 
   

Current Assets

    2,829.1     3,167.7     2,236.0  

Current Liabilities

    (1,906.9 )   (2,388.7 )   (1,700.4 )

Working Capital

    922.2     779.0     535.6  

        The increase in working capital in 2015 as compared to 2014 is mainly attributable to an increase in commercial receivables and inventory. The increase in working capital in 2014 as compared to 2013 is mainly attributable to an increase in cash and cash equivalents as a result of the issuance of Euro 500 million of bonds in the first half of 2014.

        We believe that the financial resources available to us will be sufficient to meet our currently anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next 24 months.

        We do not believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation which have been experienced in the geographic markets where we compete have had a significant effect on our net sales or profitability. In the past, we have been able to offset cost increases by increasing prices, although we can give no assurance that we will be able to do so in the future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We have no material off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

        We use, from time to time, derivative financial instruments, principally interest rate and currency forward agreements, as part of our risk management policy to reduce our exposure to market risks from changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates (see Note 31 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F). We may enter into other derivative financial instruments when we assess that the risk can be hedged effectively.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

        We are party to numerous contractual arrangements consisting of, among other things, royalty agreements with designers, leases for retail store, plant, warehouse and office facilities, as well as certain data processing and automotive equipment, and outstanding borrowings under credit agreements and facilities with financial institutions to finance our operations. These contractual arrangements may contain minimum annual commitments. A more complete discussion of the obligations and commitments is included in Notes 21 and 28 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

        The following table summarizes the scheduled maturities of our long-term debt, minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, minimum payments under non-cancelable royalty arrangements, purchase commitments (including long-term) and endorsement contracts as of December 31, 2015. The table does not include pension liabilities or liabilities for uncertain tax payments. We cannot make a reasonable and reliable estimate of when or if the uncertain tax payments

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will be made. Our pension plans are discussed in Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

   
 
  Payments Due by Period  
Contractual Obligations
(Amounts in millions of Euro)
  1 Year
  1 to 3
Years

  3 to 5
Years

  After 5
Years

  Total
 
   

Long-Term Debt and Current Maturities(1)(2)

    44.9     226.6     672.6     825.2     1,769.3  

Interest Payments(3)

    65.9     120.9     64.9     54.2     305.8  

Operating Leases

    375.1     514.7     317.6     270.3     1.477.8  

Minimum Royalty Arrangements(4)

    106.1     243.9     208.4     349.5     907.9  

Long-Term Purchase Commitments(5)

    17.6     23.5     12.7     5.3     59.0  

Endorsement Contracts(6)

    10.1     7.6     1.4         19.0  

Other Commitments(7)

    115.3     87.7     11.8         214.8  

Total

    735.0     1,224.9     1,289.4     1,504.3     4,753.4  
(1)
As described previously, our long-term debt has certain financial and operating covenants that may cause the acceleration of future maturities if we do not comply with them. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2015 and expect to be in compliance for the foreseeable future.

(2)
The calculation of Long-Term Debt and Current Maturities includes capital lease obligations, pursuant to which the following amounts are scheduled to become due and payable: Euro 9.5 million (less than one year) and Euro 24.1 million (one to three years); and it excludes the balance of the amortized costs of Euro 9.2 million.

(3)
These amounts do not include interest payments due under our various revolving credit facilities as the amounts to be borrowed in future years are uncertain at this time. In addition, interest rates used to calculate the future interest due on our variable interest rate term loans were calculated based on the interest rate as of December 31, 2015 and assume that we make all scheduled principal payments as they mature.

(4)
These amounts represent obligations under our license agreements with designers, some of which require us to make annual guaranteed minimum payments.

(5)
These amounts represent obligations under our supplier commitments with various vendors.

(6)
These amounts represent obligations under our endorsement contracts with selected athletes and others who endorse Oakley products, certain of which require us to pay specified annual minimum commitments and sometimes additional amounts based on performance goals.

(7)
Other commitments mainly include auto, machinery and equipment lease commitments.

        At December 31, 2015, we had available funds of approximately Euro 632.0 million under our unused short-term lines of credit. Substantially all of these lines have terms of less than one year, but they have been renewed annually in prior years. For additional information, see Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

ITEM 6.    DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

        The Board of Directors of Luxottica Group S.p.A. was appointed at the Stockholders' Meeting held on April 24, 2015. It currently consists of 14 members.

        The current term of the Board of Directors expires at the time of the approval of the statutory financial statements as of and for the year ending December 31, 2017. During 2014, the Company adopted a governance model based on the appointment of two Chief Executive Officers to better respond to the

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growing complexity of the Group and to the demands of global competition. The model was implemented on January 19, 2015 with the appointment of Mr. Adil Mehboob-Khan as Chief Executive Officer for Markets and Mr. Massimo Vian as Chief Executive Officer for Product and Operations. On January 29, 2016, Mr. Mehboob-Khan departed from the Board of Directors and as the Group CEO for Markets and, effective February 29, 2016, from his other administrative roles with the Group. At the same time, the Board of Directors approved the assignment of responsibility for Markets, a role formerly held by Mr. Mehboob-Khan, to Mr. Leonardo Del Vecchio, the Company's Chairman of the Board of Directors and majority shareholder, as Executive Chairman. Mr. Massimo Vian continues in his role as CEO for Product and Operations. Furthermore on March 1, 2016, the Board of Directors co-opted Mr. Francesco Milleri as a director with deputy functions to assist the Executive Chairman with the exercise of his duties. The Board has granted Mr. Milleri deputy and substitute powers to be exercised upon specific request and authorization of the Executive Chairman under his coordination and responsibility. Mr. Milleri's appointment terminates concurrently with the ordinary stockholder's meeting on April 29, 2016. Mr. Milleri will remain in office until the stockholder's meeting convened to approve the 2015 financial statements. The Board of Directors has proposed that the stockholders confirm Mr. Milleri as a director until the approval of the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2017. This nomination will be submitted to the stockholders of the Company at the meeting of stockholders to be held on April 29, 2016.

        Set forth below is certain information as of April 8, 2016 regarding the directors and senior management of Luxottica Group S.p.A.:

 
Name
  Age
  Senior
Manager or
Director(1)
Since

  Position
 

Leonardo Del Vecchio

    80   1961   Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

Luigi Francavilla

    78   1968/1985   Deputy Chairman

Massimo Vian

    43   2005/2014   Chief Executive Officer for Product and Operations and Director

Francesco Milleri

    56   2016   Director with Deputy Functions

Marina Brogi

    48   2015   Director

Luigi Feola

    48   2015   Director

Elisabetta Magistretti

    68   2012   Director

Mario Notari

    51   2015   Director

Maria Pierdicchi

    58   2015   Director

Karl Heinz Salzburger

    59   2015   Director

Luciano Santel

    59   2015   Director

Cristina Scocchia

    42   2015   Director

Sandro Veronesi

    56   2015   Director

Andrea Zappia

    52   2015   Director

Paolo Alberti

    53   2009   President Wholesale

PierGiorgio Angeli

    55   2007   Group Human Resources and Internal Communications Officer

Nicola Brandolese

    45   2012   President Retail Optical

Stefano Grassi

    42   2007   Chief Financial Officer

Enrico Mistron

    46   1995   Corporate Business Services Officer

Alessandra Senici

    48   2000   Group Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Officer

Giorgio Striano

    45   2009   Group Manufacturing Officer
(1)
For our senior managers, the periods listed in the table reflect periods of affiliation with Luxottica Group S.p.A. or any of its predecessors and affiliates, and not necessarily the period since they were appointed to their current position. When two years are indicated, the former is the first year of affiliation with Luxottica Group S.p.A. or any of its predecessors and affiliates and the latter is the year of appointment as a director.

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        All information disclosed below regarding compensation, shareholdings and incentive plans also include directors who held the office for all or part of 2015, including Mr. Adil Mehboob-Khan (whose relationship with the Company as CEO for Markets and a Director ended on January 29, 2016), and sixteen senior managers, each of whom held office for all or part of 2015.

        Executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Messrs. Feola, Notari, Salzburger, Santel, Veronesi and Zappia and Mses. Brogi, Magistretti, Pierdicchi and Scocchia are all non-executive directors. In addition, Mses. Brogi, Magistretti, Pierdicchi and Scocchia and Messrs. Feola, Salzburger, Santel, Veronesi and Zappia are also independent directors under Italian law.

        Pursuant to Italian law and our By-laws, a list for the appointment of the Board of Directors can be presented only by stockholders who hold the minimum percentage of the share capital established annually by CONSOB. For 2015, the year in which the current Board of Directors was appointed, the percentage established by CONSOB for Luxottica was equal to 0.5%.

        Pursuant to Italian law, we maintain a Board of Statutory Auditors, elected at the Stockholders' Meeting, composed of experts in legal and accounting matters who are required to have no other affiliation with Luxottica Group S.p.A. and who must satisfy certain professional and other standards. The Board of Statutory Auditors, comprised of three regular members and two alternate members, is required to verify that we (i) comply with applicable law and our By-laws, (ii) respect the principles of correct administration, (iii) maintain adequate organizational structure, internal controls and administrative and accounting systems, (iv) ensure that our accounting system represents the facts in a fair and true manner and (v) give adequate instructions to our subsidiaries. The Board also supervises the manner in which we comply with the Code of Corporate Governance issued by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. It also supervises our financial reporting process, the effectiveness of our internal auditing system and risk assessment, the audit work and the independence of our auditing firm. Although members of the Board of Statutory Auditors are required to attend the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders, they are not deemed to be members of the Board of Directors and do not vote on matters submitted to such meetings. At the Stockholders Meeting on April 24, 2015, the following individuals were appointed as members of the Board of Statutory Auditors: Francesco Vella, who is Chairman, Barbara Tadolini and Alberto Giussani. The following individuals were also appointed as alternate members of the Board of Statutory Auditors: Maria Venturini and Roberto Miccù. The alternate members will replace current members who leave their position during the current term. Francesco Vella and Roberto Miccù were selected from a list submitted by minority stockholders. Alberto Giussani, Barbara Tadolini and Maria Venturini were selected from a list submitted by Delfin S.à r.l. The current term of the Board of Statutory Auditors expires at the time of the approval of the statutory financial statements as of and for the year ending December 31, 2017.

        See Item 16G—"Corporate Governance—Summary of the Significant Differences Between Our Corporate Governance Practices and the Corporate Governance Standards of the New York Stock Exchange" for more information regarding the designation of the Board of Statutory Auditors to act as our "Audit Committee" as defined in the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

        On July 26, 2012, the Board of Directors approved certain amendments to our By-laws as required by Italian law no. 120/2011 in order to ensure gender equality in the composition of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors. Please see Item 10—"Additional Information" for further details regarding the requirements set forth under the law no. 120/2011.

        The extraordinary stockholder's meeting to be convened on April 29, 2016 will pass upon the proposed amendments to Articles 12, 19 and 30 of our By-Laws. The amended By-Laws will be available on our website if and when approved by the stockholders.

        Pursuant to the Italian Code of Corporate Governance, issued by Borsa Italiana, we also maintain a Human Resources Committee, elected from the members of the Board of Directors. The Human

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Resources Committee has verification, advisory and proposal making functions, including, among others: (i) proposing to the Board of Directors the Group remuneration policy, (ii) recommending to the Board of Directors the remuneration payable to the Company's Directors with additional responsibilities and determining the remuneration criteria for senior management of the Company and of the entire Group and (iii) reviewing the Luxottica Group employees' incentive plans and making proposals to the Board of Directors regarding the beneficiaries of the plans. The Human Resources Committee also evaluates the organizational requirements of the Group and the actions taken to assign key positions ("succession plans") and makes inquiries for the preparation and revision of succession plans adopted by the Board of Directors. The members of the Human Resources Committee are Andrea Zappia, Chairman, Marina Brogi, independent directors, and Mario Notari, non-executive director. The term of the Human Resources Committee is co-extensive with the term of our Board of Directors since its members are also members of our Board of Directors.

        We also have a Control and Risk Committee, which is composed of the following independent directors: Elisabetta Magistretti, Chairperson, Luciano Santel and Cristina Scocchia. The Control and Risk Committee is responsible for performing investigations, providing advice and submitting proposals to the Board of Directors. In particular, the Control and Risk Committee (i) assists the Board of Directors in the execution of its internal control tasks and mandates, (ii) evaluates the planned initiatives and projects of the Internal Auditing function, (iii) reviews and assesses the regular reports issued by the Internal Auditing function, (iv) assesses, together with the manager responsible for the preparation of the Company's accounting records and the managers and the auditors, the proper use and application of accounting principles, (v) assesses the results of the activities performed by the Internal Auditing function, (vi) expresses opinions concerning the identification and management of corporate risks and (vii) expresses opinions concerning the planning, implementation and management of the internal control system.

        See Item 16G—"Corporate Governance—Summary of the Significant Differences Between Our Corporate Governance Practices and the Corporate Governance Standards of the New York Stock Exchange" for more information regarding the designation of the Human Resources Committee to act as our compensation committee.

        A short biography of each of our Directors and executive officers is set forth below:

        Leonardo Del Vecchio is the founder of our operations and has been Chairman of the Company since its incorporation. In 2016, he became the Company's Executive Chairman with responsibility for Markets. In 1986, the President of the Republic of Italy conferred on Mr. Del Vecchio the honor of Cavaliere dell'Ordine al "Merito del Lavoro" (Knight of the Order for Labor Merit). In May 1995, he received an honorary degree in Business Administration from the Venice Ca' Foscari University. In 1999, he received a Master "honoris causa" in International Business from MIB-Management School in Trieste. In 2002, he received an honorary degree in Managerial Engineering from the University of Udine and, in March 2006, Mr. Del Vecchio received another honorary degree in Materials Engineering from Politecnico of Milan. Furthermore, in December 2012, Mr. Del Vecchio received from CUOA Foundation a master "honoris causa" in Business Administration. Mr. Del Vecchio is also Chairman of Delfin S.à r.l. and Aterno S.a.r.l., Deputy Chairman of Foncière des Régions S.A. and Director of Beni Stabili S.p.A. SIIQ, GiVi Holding S.p.A., Gianni Versace S.p.A. and Kairos Julius Baer SIM.

        Luigi Francavilla joined the Group in 1968, has been Director since 1985, Deputy Chairman since 1991, and was, until June 2010, the Chief Quality Officer of the Group. From 1977 until May 2009, he was Group Product and Design Director. From 1972 to 1977, Mr. Francavilla was General Manager of Luxottica S.r.l. and, from 1969 to 1971, he served as Technical General Manager of Luxottica S.r.l. In addition, he is Chairman of Luxottica S.r.l. and Luxottica Tristar (Dongguan) Optical Co. Ltd., two of our principal operating subsidiaries. Mr. Francavilla is also a Director in the Venice branch of the Bank of Italy. In April 2000, he received an honorary degree in Business Administration from Constantinian University

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in Cranston, Rhode Island, U.S.A. In 2011, he was appointed Grande Ufficiale of the Italian Republic. In 2012, the President of the Republic of Italy conferred on Mr. Francavilla the honor of Cavaliere dell'Ordine al "Merito del Lavoro" (Knight of the Order for Labor Merit).

        Massimo Vian was appointed as a Director of the Company on October 29, 2014, undertaking ad interim all managing powers until January 19, 2015, when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer for Product and Operations. Mr. Vian joined the Group in 2005 as Industrial Engineering Director. From 2007 to 2010, he served as Asia Operations Director, and he was subsequently appointed as Group Chief Operations Director and assumed the responsibility for the Company's Zero Waste initiative in 2013. Mr. Vian holds a degree in Management Engineering from the University of Padova. Prior to joining Luxottica, he held different roles at Nacco Materials Handling, EFESO Consulting, Key Safety Systems and Momo S.r.l. Mr. Vian is also Chief Executive Officer of Luxottica S.r.l. and serves as a Director of Luxottica North America Distribution LLC., Luxottica U.S. Holdings Corp., Oakley Inc., Luxottica Retail North America Inc. and OPSM Group Pty Limited.

        Francesco Milleri was appointed as a Director with Deputy Functions of Luxottica Group S.p.A. on March 1, 2016. Mr. Milleri graduated with a degree in Law from the University of Florence in 1983 where he worked as an Assistant Professor of Political Economy from 1984 to 1986. In 1987, he earned a Master's of Business Administration from the school of management at Bocconi University in Milan, followed by two years of specialization in Corporate Finance at New York University's Stern School of Business as the recipient of Banca d'Italia's "Donato Menichella" scholarship. Mr. Milleri began his career in 1988 as a business consultant for Italian companies and multinational corporations. Mr. Milleri has over 20 years of international experience working in a variety of industries, including mechanics, consumer goods, financial institutions and pharmaceuticals. Alongside his business consulting activities, in 2000, Mr. Milleri founded and currently leads a group of companies focused on technology and d