Rusta (RUSTA) investor relations material

Executive summary

• Net sales rose 9.9% year-over-year to MSEK 3,489, with all business segments and like-for-like stores showing growth and improved profitability, driven by more customers, higher conversion, and increased sales per customer.

• EBITA grew 17.6% to MSEK 330, with margin up to 9.5% from 8.8%.

• Five new stores opened in the quarter, with 14 more in the pipeline for the fall, and continued rollout of the renewed store concept, including the Health & Beauty area.

• Club Rusta loyalty program surpassed 7.1 million members.

• Automation project at the central warehouse began tuning, increasing capacity step by step.

Financial highlights

• Net sales: MSEK 3,489 (+9.9% year-over-year); like-for-like sales growth excluding currency: 2.2%.

• Gross margin increased by 1.7 percentage points to 44.3%, driven by assortment renewal and positive currency effects.

• EBITA: MSEK 330 (+17.6% year-over-year), margin 9.5%.

• Cash flow from operating activities increased by 60.7% to MSEK 758.

• Net cash position improved to MSEK 587 (excluding IFRS 16).

Outlook and guidance

• Guidance maintained for 65–80 new stores over the next three years, with 14 new stores in the pipeline for the fall.

• Medium-term targets: annual net sales growth ~8%, like-for-like growth >3%, EBITA margin ~8%.

• Expect higher freight and goods costs by end of Q2 due to geopolitical uncertainty, partially offset by currency tailwinds.

• Stable sales development seen in August and early Q2; highest share of Q2 sales expected in the last month.

• Automation project at central warehouse progressing as planned.