Metro FY’12 sales up 1.2 percent

For the financial year 2012, sales of the Metro Group rose by 1.2 percent. The company improved

its operating cash flow by 11.9 percent to 2.340 billion euros (Rs 16,342 crores). The group’s sales lines increased their market share in numerous countries. In addition, the company focused on new distribution channels and formats. Multichannel sales grew across the group in 2012.

In Germany, sales rose by 0.6 percent. Sales in Eastern Europe grew by 4.8 percent. A dynamic growth was reported in the Asia/Africa region. Here, sales climbed significantly by 26.2 percent. The share of sales of this region in 2012 for the first time surpassed 5 percent of the total sales of the Metro Group.

Operating profit (EBIT) before special items amounted to 1,976 million euros (Rs 13,824 crores). Including special items, group EBIT declined by 722 million euros (Rs 5,048 crores)  to 1,391 million euros (Rs 9,726 crores). Net profit for the period before special items amounted to 717 million euros (Rs 5,018 crores) in 2011 it was 979 million euros (Rs 6,856 crores) and was adjusted for special items to the amount of 615 million euros (Rs 4,309 crores) in 2011 it was 238 million euros (Rs 1,666 crores). Earnings per share before special items amounted to 1.89 euros (Rs 132.4) in 2011 it was 2.63 euros (Rs 184.2).

"The continued challenging consumer environment in many European countries resulting from the sovereign debt crisis again impacted business development at the Metro Group in 2012," said Olaf Koch, Chairman of Metro.

For the financial year 2013 Metro expects to generate moderate growth in sales. Barring a sustained deterioration of economic parameters it expects to generate higher EBIT before special items in the financial year 2013/14 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The group will continue to closely focus in 2013 and future years on efficient structures and strict cost management.