DOUGLAS Group Records Solid Start to FY 2024/25 with Profitable Growth

The DOUGLAS Group reported a promising beginning to FY 2024/25, with group sales increasing by 5.8% to approximately €1.65 billion. Like-for-like sales rose by 5.3%, driven by store and e-commerce performance, which grew by 5.7% and 6.2% respectively. Excluding the sold-off online pharmacy Disapo, sales growth reached 6.5%.

Despite challenging market conditions, DOUGLAS reported an adjusted EBITDA rise of 1.5% to €353.5 million, and a reported EBITDA increase of 9.9% to €350.1 million. Net income improved by 30.2% to €163 million. The company's leverage ratio improved to 2.3x, supported by a 7.6% boost in free cash flow.

CEO Sander van der Laan highlighted the company's successful progress in expansion and strategy execution, particularly noting the continued development of its store network. Despite market challenges, the company maintains its FY 2024/25 guidance, with expected group sales between €4.7-4.8 billion.