Action achieves sales growth of 32% and accelerates international expansion
• Net sales grew to EUR 1,995 million in 2015, an increase of 32% compared to 2014 (2014: EUR 1,506 million).
• Like-for-like sales growth of 7.6% in 2015 (2014: 7.2%).
• Strong growth in operating EBITDA3 to EUR 226 million in 2015. This is 36% higher than in 2014 (2014: EUR 166 million).
• Cash flow from operations increased by 47% to EUR 225 million (2014: EUR 153 million).
• Net store expansion of 141 new stores. Particularly strong expansion in France, where the number of stores more than doubled. Following the opening of our first stores in Luxembourg and Austria, Action ended 2015 with 655 stores in six countries.
• Average number of store visitors increased to 5 million weekly in Q4. This was achieved by attracting new customers and through an increased store visit frequency of existing customers.
• Voted as Retailer of the Year Europe for the second consecutive year by consumers.
Sander van der Laan and Frederik Lotz appointed, as CEO and CFO, respectively.
Sander van der Laan, CEO Action, commenting on the 2015 results “Since the day I joined, I was struck by the energy, pride and enthusiasm of my colleagues, whose drive to grow the business and improve the customer experience has made Action the company it is today.
Last year was another very successful year for Action. We again recorded strong growth in both sales and EBITDA. Including week 53, sales exceeded the EUR 2 billion mark by reaching EUR 2,034 million.
The strong satisfaction and loyalty of our customers is the foundation of our growing success as we expand our presence into new markets. In 2015 we continued to roll out our formula internationally by the opening of many new stores. We created a total of 7,000 new jobs, giving a significant boost to the local communities and economy.
In 2016 we will continue our store roll out in our existing geographies, particularly in Germany and France. With our strong international growth and the number of stores outside the Netherlands increasing, our organisation has developed from a Dutch company into a European multinational discount retailer. Being an international company means we have to strengthen our organisational capabilities whilst staying focused on our unique proposition. Together with geographic expansion, these will be our key priorities for the coming years.”