Rusta (RUSTA) investor relations material

Executive summary

• Achieved profitable growth in all four quarters for the first time, with improved profitability and growth across all segments, more customers, and higher average ticket sizes despite tough comparables.

• Opened a record eight stores in Q4, with 14 new stores added during the year and 41 in the pipeline, supporting ongoing expansion.

• Launched e-commerce in all markets, including a soft launch in Germany, and reached 7 million Club Rusta members.

• First ever non-lossmaking fourth quarter at EBITA level, making all quarters profitable on EBITA for the year.

• Board proposes an increased dividend of SEK 1.80 per share, up from SEK 1.45.

Financial highlights

• Q4 net sales grew 5.8% year-over-year (excluding currency effects), with like-for-like growth of 2.1%.

• Full-year net sales increased by SEK 768 million to SEK 12.6 billion, up 6.5% (8% excluding currency effects).

• Gross margin improved by 1.4 percentage points to 42.3% in Q4 and reached 43.5% for the full year.

• EBITDA for the year rose 11.7% to SEK 953 million, with an EBITDA margin of 7.6%.

• Earnings per share increased by 15.5% to SEK 3.6.

• Cash flow from operating activities increased by SEK 540 million to SEK 1.7 billion.

• Proposed dividend of SEK 1.80 per share, up from SEK 1.45, representing 50% of net profit.

Outlook and guidance

• Strategy remains focused on expansion, like-for-like growth, and online sales, with continued investment in price leadership and value chain efficiency.

• Guidance for 65–80 new stores over the next three years; around 20 store openings expected in the coming fiscal year.

• No direct impact from Middle East situation; stable sales and continued gross margin growth expected in Q1.

• Financial targets (around 8% growth and margin) remain unchanged.

• Dividend policy: 30-50% of net profit to be distributed.