MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 5, 2012) - New Look Eyewear Inc. (TSX:BCI) ("New Look") announced today that revenues for the third quarter of 2012 reached $20.0 million, an increase of 2.6% over the corresponding quarter of last year. Revenues from comparable stores increased by 0.3%. EBITDA⁽¹⁾ for the third quarter was $3.4 million, an increase of $0.7 million or 27.0% from last year. Net earnings for the quarter were $1.2 million ($0.12 per share⁽²⁾) compared to $1.0 million ($0.10 per share) for the third quarter last year. Third quarter operating cash flows, before changes in non-cash working capital items, amounted to $0.32 per share compared to $0.26 per share last year.

On a year-to-date basis, revenues were $61.4 million, an increase of 5.7% over the first three quarters of last year. Revenues from comparable stores increased by 0.6%. EBITDA for the same period reached $10.4 million, an increase of $1.0 million or 10.6% over last year. Net earnings for the year-to-date period were $4.3 million ($0.42 per share) compared to $4.2 million ($0.42 per share) last year. Year-to-date operating cash flows, before changes in non-cash working capital items, amounted to $0.99 per share compared to $0.92 per share last year.

Martial Gagné, the President of New Look commented: "We are satisfied with the financial results and operating performance for the third quarter and the year to date given the very competitive environment. New Look has improved its revenues and profitability by providing high quality products and services, competitive promotional activities, and effective expense control. We have made two acquisitions since the beginning of the year and are actively seeking to expand our store network through other acquisitions".

Following the approval of the results of the third quarter, the Board of Directors of New Look approved today the payment of dividends totalling $0.15 per Class A common shares payable on December 31^st, 2012 to the shareholders of record as of December 17^th, 2012. One dividend, representing $0.1445, qualifies as «eligible dividend», i.e. a dividend entitling shareholders who are Canadian resident individuals to a higher dividend tax credit.

SEE TABLE A ATTACHED: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

As of September 29, 2012, New Look had 10,301,732 Class A common shares issued and outstanding. New Look is a leader in the eye care industry in Eastern Canada operating a network of corporate stores and a laboratory using state-of-the-art technologies.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and / or expectations of New Look with respect to its performance, business, and future events. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Actual results and events may vary.

Unaudited - In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts

Unaudited - In thousands of Canadian dollars

EBITDA refers to consolidated earnings before financial expenses, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment of non-financial assets. It excludes any gain or loss from changes in fair value of foreign exchange contracts, and equity-based compensation. EBITDA is not a recognized measure under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other entities. The Company believes that EBITDA is a useful financial metric as it assists in determining the ability to generate cash from operations. Investors should be cautioned that EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings or cash flows as determined under IFRS.

Contributing Sources

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