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Safilo Group SpA ( (IT:SFL) ) has provided an update.
Safilo Group reported a solid start to 2026, with first‑quarter net sales of €272.9 million, up 0.4% at constant exchange rates despite currency headwinds, and gains concentrated in North America and key European markets. The company highlighted the successful launch of the Victoria Beckham eyewear collection, which helped offset the deconsolidation of its lenses business and supported its ability to reach new consumer segments.
Profitability improved markedly, with the gross industrial margin rising to 62.0% and the adjusted EBITDA margin reaching 13.6%, reflecting structural efficiency measures across the group. Strong cash generation lifted free cash flow to €17.5 million and reduced net financial debt to €30.1 million, underscoring a healthier balance sheet even as Asia‑Pacific and Middle East sales remained a drag on overall growth.
In Europe, sales edged up to €129.9 million on resilient demand in France, Italy and Germany and ongoing expansion in Eastern Europe, particularly through wider distribution of key brands. North America delivered 2.3% growth at constant exchange rates to €109.7 million, driven by independent opticians and the expansion of labels such as Kate Spade, Carrera, Tommy Hilfiger, BOSS, Marc Jacobs and David Beckham in retail chains.
The sports channel remained a support, with Smith performing solidly and Blenders showing better trends thanks to wholesale development and a gradual recovery in direct‑to‑consumer activity. Management signaled continued focus on disciplined execution of strategic priorities to sustain margins and cash generation amid an environment still marked by uncertainty and limited visibility.
The most recent analyst rating on (IT:SFL) stock is a Hold with a EUR1.90 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Safilo Group SpA stock, see the IT:SFL Stock Forecast page.
More about Safilo Group SpA
Safilo Group S.p.A. is an Italian eyewear manufacturer operating in the global optical and sunglasses industry. The group designs, produces and distributes branded eyewear collections, serving independent opticians, key accounts and sports channels across Europe, North America and other international markets.
Average Trading Volume: 746,817
Technical Sentiment Signal: Hold
Current Market Cap: €651M
For an in-depth examination of SFL stock, go to TipRanks’ Overview page.