El Corte Inglés wrapped up the 2024-2025 financial year, which concluded on February 28, 2025, reporting an impressive net profit of 512 million euros. This figure marks a noteworthy increase of 6.7% from the previous year. In a further testament to its financial health, the recurring net profit soared to 470 million euros, reflecting a remarkable growth of 30.8%, as disclosed by the Spanish department store giant.
Total consolidated revenues also saw a positive trajectory, reaching 16,675 million euros, which translates to a 2% uptick compared to the previous year. When adjusted for like-for-like sales, the revenue growth jumps to an even more encouraging 4.3%. This upward trend speaks volumes not just about the company’s resilience but also about its ability to adapt to changing consumer needs and market conditions.
The company credited this robust performance to several factors including improved management efficiency, a commitment to outstanding customer service, and a continuous drive towards innovation and quality in its product offerings. It reflects a business model that resonates well with today’s discerning shoppers, who seek both value and an exceptional shopping experience.
Furthermore, El Corte Inglés reported a gross margin increase of 4.5%. This growth has been largely attributed to the strong performance of its private label brands, which successfully complement a rich assortment of products from both national and international suppliers. Their strategy seems to be working well, as the consolidated group’s gross operating profit (EBITDA) climbed to 1,209 million euros, a healthy rise of 11.9% year-on-year. Pre-tax profits also showed a solid increase, landing at 682 million euros.
On the financial health front, the company managed to pare down its net financial debt by 263 million euros, reducing it to 1,796 million euros—1.5 times its EBITDA. This indicates a sound approach to debt management and bodes well for its future financial stability.
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 financial year, El Corte Inglés expresses optimism across its diverse business sectors, highlighted by significant growth in retail, particularly in fashion and beauty. The retail segment alone achieved revenues of 12,976 million euros, a solid growth of 3.9% on comparable sales surfaces. Within this sector, fashion and beauty stood out, raking in sales of 5,704 million euros—an impressive growth of 4.9%.
Other sectors also reported noteworthy advancements. The food and hospitality divisions recorded a robust sales increase of 4.8%, reaching 3,044 million euros, while home and electronics sales improved by 3.4%, totaling 2,697 million euros.
Moreover, the shift to online shopping is evident, with El Corte Inglés reporting more than 891.7 million visits to its websites and apps—a jump from 858.2 million in 2023. The company proudly holds a customer base of 14.9 million registered users on its online platform, elcorteingles.es. This digital engagement translates to increased retail EBITDA, which rose to 922 million euros, a clear sign that their omnichannel approach is paying off.
Viajes El Corte Inglés, the travel division, also posted healthy numbers, achieving a revenue of 3,449 million euros, with a growth rate of 4.3%. Their EBITDA reached 101 million euros, marking an 8.8% increase. Meanwhile, Financiera El Corte Inglés saw its net profit rise by an impressive 22.8% this year to 50 million euros, and Seguros El Corte Inglés generated a net profit of 71 million euros, showcasing an 8.6% growth year-over-year.
Lastly, the marketing category—encompassing rentals and partnerships within the store that offer complementary services such as hairdressers, dental clinics, or car washes—generated 83 million euros this year.
In sum, El Corte Inglés demonstrates a strategic blend of innovation, customer-centric services, and robust financial management. Their ability to navigate the complexities of the retail landscape while continuing to meet consumer expectations positions them well for the future. If you’re a fan of El Corte Inglés or even just keeping an eye on retail trends, this growth story is undoubtedly one to watch.
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