FINANCIAL NEWS

CONFERENCE CALL INVITATION
 

Conference call on the results for the 1^st  quarter 2023/24 (ending 31 December 2023) on 22 February 2024

Düsseldorf, 21 February 2024. Douglas, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, invites you to an analyst update call on the first quarter 2023/24 on 22 February 2024.

The conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CEST on 22 February 2024.

To participate in the conference call, please make use of one of the following options:

• To participate in the audio conference, please use this link to register for the conference call.
  • Please use this webcast link to follow the presentation when dialled in.
• You can follow the webcast with audio via this link.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The company is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, DOUGLAS is the partner of choice for brands and offers a selected range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by DOUGLAS’ omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the fiscal year 2022/23, DOUGLAS generated sales of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe. More information is available at https://douglas.group/en/investors.

Q1 2023/24 (October – December 2023)

Strong start into the new financial year: DOUGLAS Group significantly increased sales and profitability

• Group sales (net) increased by 8.0% (reported) to around 1.56 billion euros (like-for-like, “lfl”: +7.5%) with continued omnichannel growth: store sales (net) up 6.7%, E-Com sales (net) up 10.7%
• Profitability significantly increased: Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12.6% to 348.3 million euros with a higher adj. EBITDA margin of 22.4% (previous year: 21.5%); net income grew to 125.2 million euros (+10.6%, previous year: 113.2 million euros)
• Free cash flow of 459.4 million euros (previous year: 402.3 million euros)
• Net leverage ratio significantly improved to 4.0x (31 Dec. 2023: 4.8x)
• Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group: “We had a very successful first quarter with strong results in both channels and grow profitably and organically.”

Düsseldorf, 15 February 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe's leading omnichannel destination for premium beauty, continued its profitable growth trajectory in the first quarter of its financial year 2023/24. Based on unaudited numbers, Group sales (net) increased by 8.0% to around 1.56 billion euros in the important period from October to December 2023 (Q1 2022/23: 1.44 billion euros). Actual Group sales (net) are slightly below the previous communicated +8.3% due to the discontinuation of the Spain restructuring adjustments and minor consolidation effects. Growth was driven by strong results of both channels: Store sales (net) increased by 6.7% (lfl: +6.0%) while E-Com sales (net) grew 10.7% year-on-year (lfl: +10.7%), both thus continuing the positive trend from previous quarters. This also marks the tenth consecutive quarter of Group sales (net) growth. All segments contributed positively to overall growth for both sales and earnings.

“The months from October to December are the most important sales period of the year for us”, said Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group. “The team has pulled off a strong start to our financial year: We are growing both top and bottom line, across all channels and regions compared to the previous year while also significantly improving our profitability. We clearly see our ‘Let it Bloom’ strategy bearing fruit. The results are well in line with our midterm guidance of a compound annual sales (net) growth rate of around 7% and encourage us to press ahead with our strategic initiatives.”

Further increased profitability and net income

Beyond the continued total sales (net) growth, the DOUGLAS Group also further increased its profitability and generated an adj. EBITDA of 348.3 million euros (Q1 2022/23: 309.4 million euros), an improvement of 12.6%. The corresponding adj. EBITDA margin was 22.4%, another step up compared to the 21.5% of the previous year.

Net income in the first quarter improved by 10.6% to 125.2 million euros (Q1 2022/23: 113.2 million euros). Free cash flow increased to 459.4 million euros. In the previous year, this figure amounted to 402.3 million euros, taking into account the money market instruments reported as current other financial assets. Accordingly, the DOUGLAS Group's net leverage ratio significantly improved further to 4.0x as of the reporting date (31 Dec. 2023: 4.8x)[1].

Strong E-Commerce momentum

The E-Com business recorded a particularly strong performance with an impressive double-digit sales (net) growth of 10.7%, resulting in the sixth consecutive quarter of E-Com growth. The online pure player segment Parfumdreams/Niche Beauty contributed with a strong increase in sales (net) of 26.0% compared to previous year’s quarter.

Overall E-Com growth in the first quarter, which includes important customer events like Singles’ Day, Beauty (Black) Friday, and Christmas, was driven in particular by a strong performance of the segments DACHNL (+11.6%), CEE (+20.2%), and the online beauty pure players Parfumdreams/Niche Beauty.

In line with the high E-Com demand, the DOUGLAS online shops received more than 20,000 delivery orders per hour across Europe at peak times during Black Friday. Bestsellers in the first quarter included Advent calendars, premium fragrances, and gift sets with fragrance or body care products.

Expansion and refurbishment of store network

As part of the “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” strategy, the DOUGLAS Group has launched a program to develop and expand its store network until the end of the financial year 2025/26. The DOUGLAS Group plans to open (net) more than 200 stores across Europe and more than 400 stores are set to be upgraded or refurbished. With this strategic initiative, the DOUGLAS Group aims to offer customers an even more appealing and contemporary shopping experience. The first quarter of the current financial year already saw a notable number of net 17 store openings.

Updated sustainability strategy with ambitious goals

The DOUGLAS Group has recently published its Sustainability Report for the financial year 2022/23, following the ambition to also be a leading beauty retailer in sustainability. The report includes an updated, more ambitious sustainability strategy in line with the overarching “Let it Bloom” strategy, thus expanding the previous approach of the 2020/21 financial year. The DOUGLAS Group’s sustainability strategy is based on three focus areas: People, Planet, and Products.

Overview Financial Results

* As the restructuring in Spain has been successfully completed, the DOUGLAS Group will cease adjusting sales (net) going forward and inform on a reported basis.

** CEE = Central Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia)

About the DOUGLAS Group

The DOUGLAS Group, with its commercial brands DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, parfumdreams and Niche Beauty, is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The DOUGLAS Group is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, the DOUGLAS Group is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the DOUGLAS Group strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by the Group’s omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2022/23, the DOUGLAS Group generated sales (net) of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe.

For more information visit the DOUGLAS Group website.

Press Contact

Peter Wübben
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Phone: +49 211 16847 664
E-Mail: pr@douglas.de

^[1] Net financial debt position of €3.063m and LTM EBITDA of €765m.

SUSTAINABILITY     

ESG Report
DOUGLAS updates sustainability strategy with ambitious goals

• DOUGLAS released its updated sustainability strategy and report along the three focus areas People, Planet and Products
• People: DOUGLAS aims to further drive diversity and increase representation, while already 89% of management positions in the DOUGLAS Group are held by women in FY 2022/23 (as of September 30, 2023)
• Planet: DOUGLAS aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% until 2025 in Scope 1 and 2, followed-up by further reduction steps in-line with Science Based Targets
• Products: DOUGLAS aims for 80% of its Corporate Brands to be vegan with fully sustainable packaging by 2030, while 94% of Corporate Brands new launches in FY 2022/23 were already vegan; DOUGLAS also wants to closely cooperate with brand partners on ESG
• Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group: “As Europe’s number one omnichannel premium beauty destination, we also want to be leading in sustainability.”

Düsseldorf, 1 February 2024 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel destination for premium beauty, has released its Sustainability report of the financial year 2022/23 with reference to the international standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The report includes an updated, more ambitious sustainability strategy expanding the previous approach of the 2020/21 financial year.

Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group and Chairman of the ESG Committee, said: “As Europe’s number one omnichannel premium beauty destination, we have the ambition to also be a leading beauty retailer in sustainability. We have made good progress on our sustainability journey, for instance in reducing our combined Scopes 1 and 2 emissions in the past years. We are committed to our ambitious goals to further reduce our carbon footprint and to promote sustainable practices.”

DOUGLAS’ sustainability strategy forms an integral part of the company’s “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” strategy, which is focused on accelerating growth through a targeted omnichannel business model and a strict focus on the customer. The ESG strategy is firmly anchored in the first strategy pillar ‘Be the #1 BEAUTY DESTINATION in all our markets’ and is based on three focus areas: People, Planet, and Products. The governance framework of DOUGLAS is the fundament to these central focus areas, with ESG integrated into management remuneration, showcasing the dedication to sustainable practices from top to bottom. The main components are:

• People: DOUGLAS aims to create a workplace that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively drives these by setting clear priorities to increase representation. 89% of management positions in the DOUGLAS Group are held by women, with 97% in stores and 60% in offices (as of September 30, 2023). At the same time, people from 104 nations work for DOUGLAS. In addition, further initiatives were taken to attract, develop, and retain talent, including leadership programs, a new e-learning platform, and a mentoring program.
• Planet: DOUGLAS is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. From minimizing energy consumption in the stores and offices to cutting waste and carbon emissions across the supply chain. DOUGLAS targets to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2025 in Scope 1 and 2 (compared with the baseline financial year 2018/19). The combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions were already reduced in the financial year 2022/23 by 32%, versus the baseline financial year 2018/19. DOUGLAS intends to assess its climate ambitions in accordance with Science-Based Targets (SBTs) then also including a Scope 3 reduction target, and has also signed the UN Global Compact, a United Nations pact to get businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies.
• Products: DOUGLAS is committed for 80% of its Corporate Brands to be vegan by 2030 and for 100% of their packaging to be recyclable, recycled, or reusable. DOUGLAS has already made significant progress towards these goals, with 94% of Corporate Brands new launches in the financial year 2022/23 being vegan, and nearly 30% of the DOUGLAS’s  Corporate Brands new launches in financial year 2022/23 contained at least 90% ingredients from a natural origin as of September 30, 2023. In addition, DOUGLAS has achieved a central milestone by joining the EcoBeautyScore Consortium, an initiative of the cosmetics industry consisting of manufacturers, retailers, and associations, to enable consumers to make more informed and sustainable choices. Moreover, DOUGLAS wants to closely cooperate with its brand partners on ESG and plans to use its marketing reach for raising the visibility of sustainability in the customer journey.

The full Sustainability Report is available on the DOUGLAS website

[https://corporate.douglas.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DOUGLAS-Group-Sustainability-Report-FY-2022-23.pdf].

* Scopes 1 and 2 emissions are layers of greenhouse gas emissions according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

ABOUT DOUGLAS 

DOUGLAS is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The company is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, DOUGLAS is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by DOUGLAS’ omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2022/23, DOUGLAS generated sales (net) of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe. 

For more information visit the DOUGLAS website. 

PRESS CONTACT 

Peter Wübben 
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability 
Phone: +49 211 16847 664 
E-Mail: pr@douglas.de 

TRADING STATEMENT    

Peak Season
DOUGLAS with strong first quarter 2023/24 - growth strategy on track

• Group sales (net) based on preliminary figures increased October - December 2023 by 8.3% to around 1.56 billion euros (lfl: +7.5%) vs. previous year’s quarter
• Continuation of omnichannel success with strong sales in both channels: store sales (net) were up by 7.1%, E-Com sales (net) increased by 10.7% (preliminary figures)
• Mid-term ambition to grow group sales (net) at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 18.5% with typical fluctuations year-over-year
• Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group: “We are very happy with our first quarter results and are on track to achieve our growth targets.”

Düsseldorf, 15 January 2024 – DOUGLAS, Europe's leading omnichannel destination for premium beauty, continued its successful growth trajectory in the first quarter of its financial year 2023/24. Based on preliminary figures, group sales (net) increased by 8.3% to around 1.56 billion euros in the period from October to December 2023 (Q1 2022/23: 1.44 billion euros). This positive start to the financial year was due to the good results of both channels: store sales (net) recorded an increase of 7.1% (lfl: +6.0%), while the E-Com business grew by 10.7% year-on-year (lfl: +10.7%). This once again demonstrates the advantage of DOUGLAS’ omnichannel positioning and its ‘Let it Bloom’ strategy.

Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group, said: "I would like to thank all colleagues in the stores and behind our web-shops for their great job during this important quarter. Regardless the difficult economic circumstances, our customers are attracted by our comprehensive beauty offering and appreciate the broad omnichannel range of brands. Our peak season has been proven to be very successful. We are on track to achieve our ambition of 5 billion euros net sales in 2026."

The positive development in the first quarter of 2023/24 proves that DOUGLAS is on the right track. In the mid-term, DOUGLAS has the ambition to grow group sales (net) at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7%. The company also aims to further achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 18.5% with typical fluctuations year-over-year. Further information on the medium-term targets will be provided on the DOUGLAS’ Investor Relations homepage in due course.

The full quarterly results for Q1 2023/24 will be published on 22 February 2024.

ABOUT DOUGLAS 

DOUGLAS is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The company is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, DOUGLAS is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by DOUGLAS’ omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2022/23, DOUGLAS generated sales of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe. 

For more information visit the DOUGLAS website. 

PRESS CONTACT 

Peter Wübben 
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability 
Phone: +49 211 16847 664 
E-Mail: pr@douglas.de 

PRESS RELEASE

Financial year 2022/23
DOUGLAS with record sales and earnings

• Full year 2022/23 performance (October 2022 to September 2023):
  • Group adjusted sales (net) up 12.1% to 4.1 billion euros (like-for-like, “lfl”: +13.4%)
  • Double-digit omnichannel growth: store adj. sales (net) grew 13.0% (lfl: 15.5%), E‑Commerce up 10.3% (lfl: 9.2%)
  • Adj. EBITDA up 22.3% to 725.9 million euros; positive net income at 16.7 million euros (previous year: -313.8 million euros)
  • Cash amounted to 262.3 million euros (previous year: 245.3 million euros)
• Q4 performance (July to September 2023)
  • Group adjusted sales (net) up 9.1% to 883.0 million euros (lfl: 9.4%)
  • 9.6% store adj. sales (net) growth (lfl: 8.6%), E-Commerce 7.9% (lfl: 12.0%)
  • Adj. EBITDA up 25.0% to 136.7 million euros, with a significantly improved adj. EBITDA margin of 15.5% (previous year: 13.5%)
  • Free Cash Flow of 121.7 million euros
• Sander van der Laan, DOUGLAS Group CEO: “Our financial performance proves the strength of our well-positioned omnichannel business model and unique customer proposition.”
• Good start into the financial year 2023/24 with robust pre-Christmas sales period

Düsseldorf, 20 December 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s number one omnichannel premium beauty destination, completed its financial year 2022/23 with record results: with adj. sales (net) of 4.1 billion euros (FY 2021/22: 3.65 billion euros) between October 2022 and September 2023, DOUGLAS surpassed the threshold of 4 billion euros in sales (net) for the first time and grew by 12.1% compared to the previous financial year.

The Group cemented its omnichannel focus as both stores (+13.0%) and E-Commerce (+10.3%) contributed double-digit to this performance. At the same time, DOUGLAS achieved a Group adj. EBITDA of 725.9 million euros (FY 2021/22: 593.4 million euros), up 22.3% year-on-year and corresponding to an adj. EBITDA margin of 17.7%. For the first time since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, DOUGLAS reported a net profit as the net income significantly improved to 16.7 million euros from -313.8 million euros in the previous year. Free Cash Flow (FCF) increased to 480.6 million euros (FY 2021/22: 366.6 million euros).

“Our strong financial performance proves the strength of our well-positioned omnichannel business model and unique customer proposition", said DOUGLAS Group CEO Sander van der Laan. “We will continue to build on this success by consistently implementing our ‘Let it Bloom’ strategy with various initiatives already started this year. DOUGLAS is well on track to maintain its growth trajectory and achieve the Group sales target of 5 billion euros by 2026.”

Q4: Adj. sales (net) growth for nine consecutive quarters

DOUGLAS also closed the financial year with another successful quarter and grew adj. sales (net) from July to September by 9.1% to 883.0 million euros (Q4 2021/22: 809.7 million euros). The growth stems from good results across both channels: Store adj. sales (net) grew 9.6% (lfl: +8.6%) and E-Commerce sales were up 7.9% year-on-year (lfl: +12.0%), once again demonstrating the resilient omnichannel model. Total growth in the fourth quarter – which corresponds to an adj. sales (net) growth for nine consecutive quarters – was driven by positive results across all segments, with DACHNL (+9.2%) and CEE (+18.8%) developing particularly well.

From July to September, DOUGLAS achieved a Group adj. EBITDA of 136.7 million euros (Q4 2021/22: 109.4 million euros). This corresponds to an adj. EBITDA margin of 15.5% which is ahead of the previous financial year’s margin of 13.5%. Fourth quarter net income improved by 203.0 million euros to -28.2 million euros (Q4 2021/22: -231.2 million euros). Cash as of 30 September stood at 262.3 million euros (30.09.22: 245.3 million euros). As a result of the positive cash development and the strong increase in adj. EBITDA, DOUGLAS’ net leverage ratio improved further to 4.7 as of the reporting date.

DOUGLAS sets course for future growth

As DOUGLAS continues implementing its strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” to set the course for long-term future growth, the Group has made landmark decisions and achieved new milestones in the four key strategic pillars #1 Beauty Destination, Range of Brands, Omnichannel Experience and Efficient Operating Model. Business development is expected to be driven by several initiatives and fields of action, including:

1. Store Network Expansion: DOUGLAS continues to develop its store network and is ramping up its pace and activities in Central Eastern Europe, a key growth region for the Group. In the financial year 2022/23, DOUGLAS opened 39 new stores, 26 of them in CEE. These include, among others, new locations in Poland, Estonia and  Romania, while the first stores have been opened in the two new countries Belgium and Slovenia. At the same time, 76 stores have been modernized.
2. E-Com Business Boost: DOUGLAS’ omnichannel model proves a key differentiating factor, with E-Com as a continuous growth driver. The good performance of the DOUGLAS online stores as well as the E-Com focused segment Parfumdreams / Niche Beauty demonstrates sustained customer demand for a compelling online offering and digital customer journey.
3. ESG Commitments: DOUGLAS has updated its ambition to be a leading premium beauty retailer in sustainability. As part of its new ESG strategy, it has defined three focus areas: People, Planet and Product. For each area, DOUGLAS has set clear goals focusing on specific topics such as climate protection, energy and waste. The Group will share more details on its ESG strategy within the Sustainability Report 2024 set to be published in the first quarter 2024.

Good start to financial year 2023/24

DOUGLAS started well into the new financial year 2023/24. The important pre-Christmas sales period with the retail highlights “Singles’ Day” and “Beauty Friday” / “Black Week” proved to be satisfactory both online and in the stationary business. In October 2023, DOUGLAS decided to pay the interests for its PIK notes in cash as a result of the continued positive liquidity development of the Group.

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS*

* Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS 16. All comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
** Adjusted for sales (net) of closure stores in Spain.

*** CEE = Central Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia)

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The company is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, DOUGLAS is the partner of choice for brands and offers a selected range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by DOUGLAS’ omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the fiscal year 2022/23, DOUGLAS generated sales of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe.

For more information visit the DOUGLAS website.

PRESS CONTACT

Peter Wübben
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Phone: +49 211 16847 664
E-Mail: pr@douglas.de

INVESTOR RELATIONS RELEASE

Publication of results for the 4^th quarter 2022/23 (ending 30 September 2023) on 20 December 2023

Düsseldorf, 15 December 2023. Douglas, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, will release its results for the fourth quarter and full year 2022/23 on 20 December 2023.

The results release and accompanying presentation will be available through the investor relations website.

A conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CEST on 20 December 2023.

To participate in the conference call, please make use of one of the following options:

• To participate in the audio conference, please use this link to register for the conference call.
  • Please use this webcast link to follow the presentation when dialled in.
• You can follow the webcast with audio via this link (also available on our investor relations website).

A replay will be available on the investor relations website later on 20 December 2023.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,840 stores. Strengthening our successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros with a focus on fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, health care and accessories.

More information is available at https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en.

IR NEWS

Cash payment of interest on Kirk Beauty SUN notes on the back of strong cash generation

DOUGLAS will pay interest on PIK notes in cash

• Interest payment on Kirk Beauty SUN notes will be paid in cash for the first time since the successful refinancing in 2021
• Cash coupon of 8.25% paid instead of PIK coupon of 9.00%
• Robust liquidity level allows for change in payment pattern
• Mark Langer, CFO of DOUGLAS Group: “DOUGLAS has always stated that interest on the Kirk Beauty SUN notes will be PIK’ed until our liquidity buffer and projections give us confidence that we can pay cash interest.”
• Full year figures for 2022/23 (October 2022 - September 2023) will be published on 20 December 2023

Düsseldorf, 16 October 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, will start to pay cash interest on its Kirk Beauty SUN notes starting with the payment date 16 October 2023. This shift has two positive effects for DOUGLAS: first, the gross debt will not increase any further which supports DOUGLAS on its deleveraging path. Second, the cash interest rate is at 8.25% and thereby 75 basis points lower than PIK interest rate which represents interest cost savings of more than 4 million Euro per year in addition to the ceasing compound effect from PIK interest.

“Our third quarter results already showed the strong cash generation of DOUGLAS even in a still challenging economic environment”, said Mark Langer. “With this switch to cash interest payment we underline our ambition to deleverage DOUGLAS not only by growing our EBITDA, but also by keeping the gross debt stable.”

The cash interest was paid today, the next payment date is 15 April 2024.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,840 stores. Strengthening our successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros with a focus on fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, health care and accessories.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Stefanie Steiner

Head of Investor Relations and M&A

Phone: +49 (0)211 16847 8594

E-mail: ir@douglas.de

PRESS RELEASE

Q3 Fiscal Year 2022/23 (April – June)

DOUGLAS continues sales and profit growth in third quarter

• Group adjusted sales (net) up 9.7% to 910.4 million euros (like-for-like, “lfl”: +10.0%)
• Continuation of omnichannel success: strong sales contribution from stores with +12.1% (lfl: +10.7%) and E-Commerce with +5.2% (lfl: +8.5%)
• Group operating profit (adj. EBITDA) improved year-on-year to 154.3 million euros (+11.9%)
• Positive net income in the first nine months of 44.9 (-82.5) million euros
• Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group: “DOUGLAS further grows amid tough macroeconomics, showcasing resilience and improved profitability in Q3.”
• Continuous enhancement of omnichannel model through multi-format portfolio, development of a group wide supply chain and optimization of E-Commerce set-up

Düsseldorf, 24 August 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, continued its growth path and increased sales and profits also in the third quarter (April – June) of the fiscal year 2022/23. Both stores and E-Commerce contributed to the Group’s growth, underpinning DOUGLAS’ omnichannel focus.

DOUGLAS grew adj. sales (net) from April to June by 9.7% to 910.4 (829.7) million euros. Store adj. sales (net) grew by 12.1% (lfl: +10.7%), with E-Commerce sales (net) also up 5.2% year-on-year (lfl: +8.5%). The digital business, which accounted for 31.9% of total Group sales, recorded continued sales growth in the core beauty area. Total growth from April to June 2023 was driven by all segments. The segments Southern Europe (+13.7%) and Central Eastern Europe (+16.9%) showed the strongest growth rates.

“Our third quarter results underline once again DOUGLAS’ resilience and strong market position, especially as we entered a phase of a slowing down inflation and a steadily improving product availability”, said Sander van der Laan. “Even though uncertainties for our customers persist, we have been able to grow across all segments, channels and categories and to improve profitability at the same time.”

Strengthened profitability and liquidity position

In the third quarter, DOUGLAS achieved a Group adj. EBITDA of 154.3 (137.9) million euros. This corresponds to an adj. EBITDA margin of 16.9% which is ahead of the previous year’s margin of 16.6%.

Third quarter net income improved by 25.3 million euros or nearly 50% to -26.1 (-51.4) million euros. In line with the usual seasonal fluctuations, net liquidity stood at 239.4 (270.8) million euros.

Nine months performance very strong

For the full first nine months of the fiscal year, DOUGLAS achieved adj. sales (net) of 3,208 (2,840) million euros and a Group adj. EBITDA of 589.2 (490.8) million euros, corresponding to an adj. EBITDA margin of 18.4% (17.3%). Net income after nine months stood at 44.9 million euros, a positive swing of more than 120 million euros compared to the previous year.

Implementation of “Let it Bloom” strategy well on track

Earlier this year, DOUGLAS introduced its new strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” which focuses on four key pillars: #1 Beauty Destination, Range of Brands, Omnichannel Experience and Efficient Operating Model, all based on the DOUGLAS culture as a strong foundation. The Group is making good progress in implementing the strategy and translating the key objectives into specific measures and initiatives. Three groundbreaking decisions were made recently:

1. Multi-format portfolio: DOUGLAS will translate its omnichannel strategy into a simplified multi-format portfolio strategy containing three formats: “Premium” and “Luxury” Stores as well as its online shop. The stationary formats will range between 100 and 800m² in size and have been updated to create a more consistent brand appearance and increased capital efficiency.
2. Establishing one group wide E-Commerce platform: DOUGLAS aims to roll out its E‑Commerce platform across Europe in the upcoming years. The aim is to achieve a greater range of functions, an increase in the quality level and cost efficiency by switching to a common platform. Important milestones in the process have already been reached with Spain recently converted to the new platform and France currently in implementation.
3. Development of a group wide supply chain function: DOUGLAS is building a focused and efficient operating model with a group wide supply chain approach based on standardization, simplicity and scalability. Therefore Oliver Kraftsik has assumed the position of the Group’s SVP Supply Chain as of 14 August, 2023. He has gained extensive experience in building and leading supply chain organizations across multiple countries and industries.

In addition, DOUGLAS continues to expand its footprint in Europe with today’s opening of its first store in Belgium, located in the Wijnegem shopping center near Antwerp. This step marks DOUGLAS’ stationary debut in the country following the online shop in 2021.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,840 stores. Strengthening our successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros with a focus on fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, health care and accessories.

PRESS CONTACT

Peter Wübben
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Phone: +49 211 16847 664
E-Mail: pr@douglas.de

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS*

* Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS 16. All comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
** Adjusted for sales (net) of closure stores in Spain.

INVESTOR RELATIONS RELEASE

Publication of results for the 3^rd quarter 2022/23 (ending 30 June 2023) on 24 August 2023

Düsseldorf, 17 August 2023. Douglas, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, will release its results for the third quarter and first nine months 2022/23 on 24 August 2023.

The results release and accompanying presentation will be available through the investor relations website.

A conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CEST on 24 August 2023.

To participate in the conference call, please make use of one of the following options:

• To participate in the audio conference, please use this link to register for the conference call.
  • Please use this webcast link to follow the presentation when dialled in.
• You can follow the webcast with audio via this link (also available on our investor relations website).

A replay will be available on the investor relations website later on 24 August 2023.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,800 stores. Strengthening our successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care, nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

More information is available at https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en.

IR NEWS

Standard & Poor’s upgrades DOUGLAS‘ outlook to stable, affirms rating

• Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings has revised DOUGLAS GmbH’s outlook to stable from negative while affirming the long-term issuer default rating at 'B-'
• Upgraded outlook based on DOUGLAS‘ improving performance due to a substantial recovery in footfall and profitable e-commerce in 2022 and stronger credit metrics
• S&P emphasises that demand for beauty products has been resilient in Eastern Europe, where strong growth suggests that operating performance could improve further

Düsseldorf, 06.07.2023. Rating agency Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings has upgraded the outlook for DOUGLAS GmbH to stable as the operating performance exceeded its expectations in 2022, with record sales of €3.7 billion and stronger margins. Although S&P expects Douglas to sustain these improvements, the effect of inflation on discretionary spending and costs, combined with rising interest rates, could curtail further improvements.

While S&P anticipates that results for the full fiscal year will be in line with trading in the first six months of fiscal 2023, the rating is still constrained by Douglas’ limited capacity to generate positive FOCF after leases, as well as the high leverage. With regard to the economic environment, S&P expects that discretionary spending could be hit by high inflation, but views beauty items as less discretionary. S&P anticipates that customers will cut back their consumption of larger articles, such as washing machines, and more discretionary items, such as clothing, rather than of their beauty products.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omni-channel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,800 stores. Strengthening our successful omni-channel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

CONTACTS DOUGLAS

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Stefanie Steiner

Head of Investor Relations and M&A

Phone: +49 (0) 211 16847 8594

Email: ir@douglas.de

MEDIA RELATIONS

Peter Wübben

SVP Global Communications & Sustainability

Phone: +49 (0) 211 16847 664

Email: pr@douglas.de

PRESS RELEASE      

January - March 2023
DOUGLAS continues strong growth and profitability improvements in second quarter 2022/23

• Group net sales up 19.3% to 858.5 million euros (like-for-like, “lfl”: +19.9%)
• Thriving omnichannel business: double-digit sales contribution from both stores with +19.5% (lfl: +24.5%) and E-Commerce with +20.0% (lfl: +12.1%)
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) up 32.9% year-on-year to 126.9 million euros
• Net income improved by 45.3% to -55.6 million euros
• Improved free cash flow of 237.8 million euros in first six months
• Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group: “With these results we continue our positive trend and underline once again that our omnichannel model is the right focus for us.”

Düsseldorf, 30 May 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, achieved strong sales growth and increased its profitability in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2022/23. Despite a continued challenging macroeconomic environment, both stores and E-Commerce contributed double-digit sales increases, underpinning DOUGLAS’ omnichannel focus as part of its strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”.

For the first half of the fiscal year, the company reported net sales of 2,297.5 million euros and an adjusted EBITDA of 435.0 million euros, both significantly higher than in the first half of the previous fiscal year 2021/2022.

Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group, said: “As we look back on another successful quarter, it clearly shows that even in the current challenging environment of inflation and supply chain disruption, DOUGLAS’ business model proves to be resilient and well-positioned for the future. Not only do these results continue our positive trend, but our omnichannel model has also once again proven to be the right focus for us. With our new strategy ‘Let it Bloom’, we will take these strengths and build on them to further elevate our business.”

Strong sales growth across all channels

DOUGLAS significantly increased sales from January to March 2023 by 19.3% to 858.5 million euros, therefore growing its business for the eighth consecutive quarter. The company continued to attract customers with its unique omnichannel offering, wide product range and unrivalled beauty expertise. Alongside an increasing demand for expert advice and personal shopping, store sales grew by 19.5% (lfl: +24.5%), while E-Commerce sales also went up by 20.0% year-on-year (lfl: +12.1%). The E-Commerce business remained strong and accounted for more than one third of total Group sales. Online sales are particularly fueled by the DOUGLAS app which recorded significant growth of 27% in the second quarter and a strong uplift in both orders and monthly active users.

Growth from January to March 2023 was driven by positive developments across all categories and segments. The segments DACHNL (lfl: +23.1%) and Eastern Europe (lfl: +27.6%) showed the strongest growth rates compared to the prior-year quarter.

Improved profitability, strong liquidity position

DOUGLAS achieved a Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of 126.9 million euros in the second quarter, a 32.9% improvement year-on-year. At the same time, the corresponding adjusted EBITDA margin rose by 1.5 percentage points to 14.8%. Improved profitability was driven by a higher gross margin and ongoing cost discipline.

Higher interest rates due to rate hikes by the European Central Bank led to increased financial expenses. Further potential rate increases are hedged. Nevertheless, DOUGLAS improved the second quarter net income by 45.3% to -55.6 million euros. On a half-year basis, net profit amounted to +71.0 million euros compared to -31.1 million euros in the prior-year period. In line with the usual seasonal swings, net liquidity was at 238.2 million euros.

New strategy includes targeted investments in store network

As part of the recently introduced strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”, DOUGLAS also strengthens its store network by increasing its investments which includes entering new markets: Since the beginning of this year, DOUGLAS has opened three stores in Ljubljana which marks the first step into the stationary business in Slovenia. The first store opening in Belgium is planned for the second half of 2023. In addition, further DOUGLAS stores opened in Portugal and Germany, with a Flagship Store in Düsseldorf specifically designed to attract a younger audience.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,840 stores. Strengthening our successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care, nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

PRESS CONTACT

Peter Wübben
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Phone: +49 211 16847 664
E-Mail: pr@douglas.de

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS*

* Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS 16. All comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
** Adjusted for Net Sales of closure stores in Spain.

INVESTOR RELATIONS RELEASE

Publication of results for the 2^nd quarter 2022/23 (ending 31 March 2023) on 30 May 2023

Düsseldorf, 22 May 2023. Douglas, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, will release its results for the second quarter and first half year 2022/23 on 30 May 2023.

The results release and accompanying presentation will be available through the investor relations website (https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en).

A conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CEST on 30 May 2023.

To participate in the conference call, please make use of one of the following options:

• To participate in the audio conference, please use this link to register for the conference call.
  • Please use this webcast link to follow the presentation when dialled in.
• You can follow the webcast with audio via this link (also available on our investor relations website).

A replay will be available at the investor relations website later on 30 May 2023.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,800 stores. Strengthening our successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

More information is available at https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en.

IR NEWS

Fitch upgrades DOUGLAS‘ outlook to stable, affirms rating

• Fitch Ratings has revised DOUGLAS GmbH’s outlook to stable from negative while affirming the long-term issuer default rating at 'B-'
• Upgraded outlook based on DOUGLAS‘ stronger operating performance, cost benefits from the concluded Store Optimization Program and the nearly completed restructuring in Spain as well as improving cash flow generation
• Fitch highlights that a potential weakening in consumer beauty spending in 2023 is not expected to lead to a material increase in DOUGLAS’ leverage

Düsseldorf, 12.04.2023. Rating agency Fitch has upgraded the outlook for DOUGLAS GmbH to stable as it recognizes the strong recovery of the operating business post the pandemic as well as the improved EBITDA margin. DOUGLAS’ leading market position in the European beauty sector, which is less susceptible to cyclical swings, should result in an only moderate impact from a potential slowdown in consumer spending in 2023.

Fitch also acknowledges the strengths of DOUGLAS’ omni-channel business model with a strong online presence and beauty stores. With this set-up the leading beauty destination offers best-in-class customer experience and advice, both essential for sustainable growth. The new assessment does not yet comprise DOUGLAS’ recently announced strategy “Let it bloom” which the company expects to significantly improve its net sales, EBITDA and cash flow profile.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omni-channel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,800 stores. Strengthening our successful omni-channel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

CONTACTS DOUGLAS

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Stefanie Steiner

Head of Investor Relations and M&A

Phone: +49 (0) 211 16847 8594

Email: ir@douglas.de

MEDIA RELATIONS

Peter Wübben

SVP Global Communications & Sustainability

Phone: +49 (0) 211 16847 664

Email: pr@douglas.de

PRESS RELEASE

“Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”
DOUGLAS accelerates growth with strict customer focus and targeted omni-channel set-up 

• Strategy program “Let it Bloom” puts customers at the center of business model
• Focus on brand, products, omni-channel, efficiency and company culture
• Targeted investments to strengthen store network, E-Commerce and operating model
• Net sales to reach 5 billion euros by 2026 with corresponding EBITDA uplift
• Sander van der Laan, Group CEO DOUGLAS: “With our new strategic direction, we want to energize the whole organization to further strengthen our market positioning and growth perspective.”

Düsseldorf, 22 March 2023 - DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading beauty destination, unveiled its strategy program ‘Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026’ – well in time with the beginning of spring. The program includes a four-year growth plan for all of its business activities. By putting customers at the center of the business model and by finetuning every relevant operational and efficiency lever, the company aims to accelerate its growth trajectory.

DOUGLAS wants to grow sales, profits and cash-flow generation: until 2026, the company plans to increase the Group’s net sales to 5 billion euros (FY 2021/22: 3.65 billion euros) and its EBITDA accordingly. To enhance its customer journey, DOUGLAS wants to further develop its European  footprint, E-Commerce offering, brand positioning as well as its range of brands on offer. Moreover, the company will further develop its retail media activities. In its day-to-day operations, DOUGLAS will improve efficiency with greater focus on costs, standardization and  the supply chain and will develop its technological backbone.

CEO Sander van der Laan says: “We have seen a tremendous comeback of our stores after the pandemic and the era of lockdowns, while E-Commerce remains strong. Our leading omni-channel business model has proven very resilient and this is exactly what we will focus on. We strongly believe in the combination of a unique stationary offer with the passionate service from our around 16,000 Beauty Advisors and a convenient online shopping experience. Both based on an outstanding brand perception as well as an attractive range of product brands on offer.”

As part of the strategy program, DOUGLAS commits to targeted investments into its store network including modernization, expansion within existing markets and into new markets such as Belgium and Slovenia, as well as into further growth of the E-Commerce business, the online partner program and omni-channel integration. At the same time, the company envisages to increase profits and cash-flow generation with stricter cost management and efficiency improvements in all of its processes.

To explore and to realize saving potentials, the company has conducted a comprehensive in-depth analysis, carried out by several inhouse expert teams. “This is a bottom-up driven process. We are looking into each aspect of our business to unlock efficiency gains while strengthening our market position at the same time,” said van der Laan.

The strategy program ‘Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026’ focuses on four strategic pillars with the DOUGLAS team as strong foundation: 

1. Be the #1 BEAUTY DESTINATION in all markets: DOUGLAS will continue to invest in its brand perception and visibility. This will include further development of its ESG program into all relevant areas of the business.
2. Offer the most relevant and distinctive RANGE OF BRANDS: Building on its attractive product offering, DOUGLAS aims to elevate its assortment further and strengthen other product categories such as skincare, make-up and hair.
3. Deliver the most customer friendly OMNI-CHANNEL EXPERIENCE: As customers switch between sales channels more fluidly; DOUGLAS will focus on enhancing the customer journey across stores and E-Commerce. This will include investments in new technologies as well as a more focused concept for store formats.
4. Build a focused and efficient OPERATING MODEL: To further increase profitability, DOUGLAS will invest into its supply chain and technological backbone to achieve greater standardization and automation. Structures and processes will be simplified across Europe to allow for faster decision-making and better accountability.

Last, but not least, the foundation: Grow our CULTURE AND VALUES, lived by us: As DOUGLAS is poised to expand its leading role in the European beauty market, it will foster a performance culture supporting employees according to their individual strengths.

The overall results and top priority goals of this process are to improve the customer proposition and employee satisfaction of DOUGLAS and its entities Nocibé, Parfumdreams and Niche Beauty leading to an improvement of financial performance.

“We are deeply convinced, that this is the right path to accelerated growth and increased company value. We firmly believe that we have a unique company brand with outstanding people and a very successful business model. We will build on these virtues and further strengthen our market position,” said van der Laan.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omni-channel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, the partner program and around 1,800 stores. Strengthening our successful omni-channel positioning is at the heart of our strategy, under which we are consistently developing the customer experience. In fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.
 

PRESS CONTACT

Peter Wübben

Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability

Phone: +49 211 16847 664

E-Mail: pr@douglas.de

PRESS RELEASE    

Strong start into the fiscal year
DOUGLAS reports double-digit growth in sales and profit in 1^st quarter 2022/23

• Like-for-like (“lfl”) Group sales growth of 13.4% from October to December 2022
• Store sales contribute strongly to overall improvement (lfl: +17.3%); E-Commerce continues to grow from already high level (lfl: +6.1%)
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of 308.1 million euros, up by 19.7%
  year-on-year
• Net income of 126.7 million euros rises as much as 79.3%
• Net liquidity at 516.7 million euros
• Launch of new international campaign “Beauty is …” and new corporate imagery with Hollywood star Diane Kruger and actor Elyas M’Barek

Düsseldorf, February 17, 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading premium beauty retailer, started the new fiscal year 2022/23 with strong growth in the first quarter.

Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group, said: “Against the backdrop of the volatile market environment, DOUGLAS had an exceptionally strong Christmas quarter both in terms of sales and profits. Our omnichannel business model proved to be a differentiating factor and allowed us to attract customers and increase sales. When it comes to premium beauty, consumer behavior remained largely intact in an inflationary environment. Customers were won over by our attractive product range and the expert advice provided by our teams. While we remain cautious about the overall economic environment in the upcoming quarters, we will continue to further enhance our offering and strengthen our operating model.”

Sales growth across all channels

From its strong market position, DOUGLAS significantly increased its sales and earnings from October to December 2022. The company recorded strong growth in sales of 11.5% to 1.44 billion euros (lfl: +13.4%) and therefore continued to expand its business for the seventh consecutive quarter. The good results were driven by both stores and E-Commerce. While store sales rose significantly compared to the previous year
(lfl: +17.3%) as customer demand for expert advice and personal shopping continue to increase following the pandemic, E-Commerce growth continued to gather momentum from an already high level a year ago (lfl: +6.1%). The online business, which remains robust even in the current environment, thus once again represented nearly one third of overall Group sales.

Growth in the first quarter stems from solid performance across segments, all of which contributed positively to this improvement. The segments DACHNL and CEE in particular stood out and accounted for the largest share of sales growth in both channels. France and Southern Europe also developed positively with the latter performing well even in spite of substantial store closures in Spain.

Strengthened profitability and liquidity position

Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) rose by 19.7% to 308.1 million euros in the first quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin also improved by 1.5 percentage points to 21.4%. The improved profitability resulted from the strong increase in sales combined with continued discipline in expenditures.

Together with lower financial expenses this led to a rise in net income of 79.3% to 126.7 million euros. Thanks to the successful first quarter, net liquidity reached 516.7 million euros.

From now on, DOUGLAS is reporting its results exclusively in accordance with IFRS 16; therefore, all results of the current fiscal year 2022/23 will be reported under IFRS 16 as well. In this context, all comparative reporting figures have been adjusted accordingly.

Growth across all product categories

Business performance in the first quarter of the financial year was underpinned in particular by the very successful and eventful months of November and December, including the respective sales highlights of Black Friday and Christmas. Notably, the strong development in the high-volume sales quarter from October to December was achieved against a background of persisting supply chain constraints.

Corresponding to the successful Christmas season, all product categories showed strong growth rates. Fragrance, the largest category, achieved a further increase in sales from an already high level. Momentum was even stronger in make-up, with lipstick sales up more than 50% compared to the previous year. Coinciding with Christmas, there was also a strong demand for Advent calendars such as the internationally launched DOUGLAS Exclusive Advent Calendar.

Hollywood Star Diane Kruger and actor Elyas M’Barek as new faces of DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS has recently introduced a new visual brand communication across Europe, both in its stores and online. The internationally renowned actors Diane Kruger and Elyas M'Barek replaced the previous Lindbergh photos as the new faces of DOUGLAS. The launch was marked by the international campaign "Beauty is ...", as Europe's leading platform for premium beauty wants to set an impulse for the individual interpretation of beauty.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty retailer in Europe. DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, the partner program and around 1,800 stores. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our Store experience and strong E-Commerce. In fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

PRESS CONTACT

Peter Wübben

Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability

Phone: +49 211 16847 8569

E-Mail: pr@douglas.de

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS*

* Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS 16. All comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
** Adjusted for Net Sales of closure stores in Spain.

PRESS RELEASE

Release of results for the 1^st quarter 2022/23 (ending 31 December 2022) on 17 February 2023

Düsseldorf, 13 February 2023. Douglas, Europe’s leading premium beauty platform, will release its results for the first quarter 2022/23 on 17 February 2023.

The results release and accompanying presentation will be available through the Investor Relations website (https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en).

A conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CET on 17 February 2023.

To participate in the Conference, please make use of one of the following options:

• To participate in the Audio Conference, please use this link to register for the Conference Call.
  • Please use this webcast link to follow the presentation when dialled in
• You can follow the Webcast with audio via this link (also available on our website).

A replay will be available at the Investor Relations website later on 17 February 2023.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering nearly 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 1,900 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong E-Commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

More information is available at https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en.

PRESS RELEASE  

4th quarter and full year 2021/22

Resilient business model: DOUGLAS with further sales and earnings growth

Q4 2021/22 performance:

• Like-for-like (“lfl”) sales growth of 10.2 percent in fourth quarter (July to
  September 2022), up 20.6 percent (lfl) on pre-COVID level (Q4 2018/19)
• Fourth-quarter Store sales of 556.6 million euros, up 3.0 percent year-on-year, E‑Commerce sales up 16.7 percent to 247.2 million euros
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of 45.8 million euros
  in Q4

Full year 2021/22 performance:

• Total sales in 2021/22 up 17.0 percent to around 3.65 billion euros (lfl: +21.8 percent), up 18.3 percent (lfl) on pre-COVID level (2018/19)
• Annual Store sales up by 27.4 percent to around 2.44 billion euros (lfl: +40.9 percent), E‑Commerce sales for full year at around 1.2 billion euros, more than twice as high as pre-COVID level
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) for the full year up 49.4 percent to 325.5 million euros; net profit impacted by non-cash expenses

• Net liquidity at prior-year level with sufficient headroom
• Economic environment in Europe remains challenging, marked by high inflation, consumer reticence and supply chain disruptions

Düsseldorf, December 20, 2022 - DOUGLAS, the leading premium beauty retailer in
Europe, increased its sales and earnings in the fourth quarter and thus also in the full fiscal year 2021/22. The Düsseldorf-based Group achieved growth in both Stores and E-Commerce. With total annual sales of around 3.65 billion euros, the company was up 17.0 percent on the previous year’s level and around 6 percent higher than in the pre-COVID period.

Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group, said: “The positive sales performance in a difficult economic environment demonstrates how strongly DOUGLAS has been positioned in the past years with its omnichannel model. The combination of an attractive store business and an almost unique online offering has made the company more
resilient.”

Sales growth in six consecutive quarters

In the fourth quarter of the 2021/22 fiscal year (July to September 2022), DOUGLAS increased sales by 7.6 percent to 809.7 million euros (lfl: +10.2 percent). This marks the sixth consecutive quarter in which the company has expanded its business. At the same time, quarterly sales (lfl) were 20.6 percent above the pre-COVID level (2018/19). E‑Commerce sales (including the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V.) increased by 16.7 percent to 247.2 million euros compared to the prior-year quarter. This means that the E‑Commerce share of total sales remains 30.5 percent (pre-COVID: 16.9 percent).

Quarterly Store sales rose by 3.0 percent year-on-year to 556.6 million euros
(lfl: +10.9 percent). All regions contributed to this increase on a like-for-like basis. Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) improved by 18.2 million euros to 45.8 million euros in the fourth quarter. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 5.7 percent (previous year: 3.7 percent). This was due in particular to cost effects from the completed Store Optimization Program (SOP) which involved adjustments to the store network and improved costs in- store operations. Net liquidity remained at the prior-year level.

Full-year sales up on previous year and pre-COVID level

With the increase of its total sales compared to the previous year and compared to pre-COVID levels, DOUGLAS underlined its position as the leading premium beauty retailer in both stores and E-Commerce. Store sales rose by 27.4 percent to around 2.44 billion euros (lfl: +40.9 percent). This was also due to the easing of pandemic restrictions during the fiscal year. E-Commerce generated annual sales of around 1.2 billion euros (including the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V.), down slightly by minus 0.7 percent compared to previous year, when stores had been closed for months across Europe due to the pandemic. Compared with the period before COVID, online sales more than doubled.

Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) also saw a significant increase of 49.4 percent year-on-year to 325.5 million euros (previous year: 217.8 million euros), almost matching pre-COVID levels.

Group CFO Mark Langer said: “The results prove that we are on the right track. Our performance this year was also strengthened by the return of social life after COVID restrictions were eased. Less mask-wearing means more make-up and more lipsticks. And the strong mix of our store and online offer, unique shopping experiences, customer-focused marketing and exclusive offers such as Billie Eilish’s fragrance has been met with catch-up demand from customers.”

The net profit of minus 306.5 million euros for the fiscal year was impacted by one-off non-cash goodwill impairments of 231.9 million euros due to the significant rise in interest rates. Earnings were also impacted by the acquired online pharmacy Disapo B.V. as well as restructuring expenses for store closures, among other things. This was counteracted by a capitalization of deferred taxes, which led to a tax relief of 43.2 million euros.

Good start to new fiscal year 2022/23 – business environment remains challenging

DOUGLAS made a good start to the new 2022/23 fiscal year and thus the Christmas business. Strong sales days such as “Singles’ Day”, “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” already proved very satisfactory both online and in the stores. “This time of the year is the most important in our business,” said van der Laan. “We are at the climax of the Christmas season. I would like to thank all our colleagues for their great efforts and commitment to DOUGLAS and our customers. At the same time, the economic environment remains challenging: inflation, decreasing purchasing power of private households and supply chain disruptions will go on and could also have a noticeable impact on our business. Therefore, as well as expanding our omnichannel strategy and maintaining a strict customer orientation, we are keeping a strong focus on costs and cash management and thus on the earnings situation.”

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty retailer in Europe. With around 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online stores, the partner program and around 1,800 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our Store experience and strong E-Commerce. In fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

PRESS CONTACT:

Peter Wübben

Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability

Phone: +49 211 16847 8569

E-Mail: pr@douglas.de

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS

PRESS RELEASE

Release of results for the 4^th quarter and full year 2021/22 (ending 30 September 2022) on 20 December 2022

Düsseldorf, 14 December 2022. Douglas, Europe’s leading premium beauty platform, will release its results for the fourth quarter and full year 2021/22 on 20 December 2022.

The results release and accompanying presentation will be available through the Investor Relations website (https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en).

A conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CET on 20 December 2022.

To participate in the Conference, please make use of one of the following options:

• To participate in the Audio Conference, please use this link to register for the Conference Call.
  • Please use this webcast link to follow the presentation when dialled in
• You can follow the Webcast with audio via this link (also available on our website).

A replay will be available at the Investor Relations website later on 20 December 2022.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering nearly 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 1,900 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong E-Commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

More information is available at https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en.

PRESS RELEASE

Sander van der Laan appointed as new DOUGLAS CEO – Tina Müller joins the Supervisory Board

Düsseldorf, 20.10.2022 DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading provider of premium beauty and health products, today announced a leadership change: Sander van der Laan (54) will become CEO of the company as of November 1, 2022. He will succeed Tina Müller (54), who decided to resign at her own request and will join the Supervisory Board after five successful years as CEO of DOUGLAS.

“I am delighted that we have won Sander van der Laan as CEO of DOUGLAS. He is an excellent manager with proven experience in the retail industry and a strong leadership personality. I would like to thank Tina Müller on behalf of the entire Supervisory Board for her outstanding contribution to the company's success and regret her departure," said Henning Kreke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DOUGLAS. "In the last years, she has redefined DOUGLAS' strategy and successfully driven the company's transformation into Europe's leading digital premium beauty platform. We are very pleased that we will continue to benefit from her expertise and experience as a member of the Supervisory Board.”

Alexander Dibelius, CEO Germany of CVC, the majority shareholder of DOUGLAS, said: “With Sander van der Laan, we welcome an experienced manager with an outstanding track record at renowned retailers and brand manufacturers. We are very much looking forward to joining forces. Tina Müller has laid an excellent foundation: She has geared DOUGLAS towards a modern and digital direction. At the same time, she has tripled e-commerce sales, achieved record sales and an excellent result this year after steering the company safely through the pandemic. We thank her for her outstanding commitment to the company and its employees.”

Tina Müller said: “It was my great pleasure to lead DOUGLAS into a new era together with an outstanding team, who has always put our customers first. I am truly proud that together we have created Europe's largest premium beauty and health platform. Now is the right time for me to take the next step. In the coming years, I want to set new and different impulses. I would like to express my gratitude to all DOUGLAS employees and brand partners for their support and great trust. In addition, I would also like to thank our customers for their fantastic support over the past years. I am delighted that Sander van der Laan, a recognized and experienced top manager, is taking over at DOUGLAS. I am certain that he will successfully lead the company and I wish him and all colleagues the very best.”

Sander van der Laan most recently steered the fortunes of Dutch non-food retailer Action as CEO for more than six years. Under his leadership, the company's sales increased from 2 to over 5 billion euros. He also played a key role in driving Action's international expansion in ten European countries, further developing the brand and product range and successfully establishing the company's digital interface. Prior to joining Action, he spent over 16 years in various management positions at the listed retail company Ahold Delhaize – most recently as CEO of the leading Dutch retail chain Albert Heijn. During this time, he was responsible for the transformation of Albert Heijn into a multi-channel brand and headed the company's expansion into new markets.

“Sander van der Laan has extensive management expertise in the retail sector combined with an outstanding track record in driving sales, marketing, supply chain management and digitalization. Within a few years, he significantly increased Action's sales and operating profit. This makes him an ideal candidate to lead DOUGLAS into the next phase. In particular, this will include optimizing backbone processes to match the e-commerce business, fully integrating the pharmacy portfolio, and further strengthening profitability,” said Kreke.

“DOUGLAS has undergone an extraordinary development in the last few years," said van der Laan. "I am looking forward to contributing my experience and continuing the company's success story together with an accomplished team.”

Since she was appointed CEO in November 2017, Tina Müller has successfully realigned DOUGLAS' strategy. In addition to the strong focus on e-commerce, she repositioned DOUGLAS with a successful brand relaunch and refined the shopping experience in the stores substantially. Most recently, Tina Müller restructured the European store network and laid the foundation for the company's expansion into the highly attractive growing online pharmacy market with the acquisition of the Dutch mail-order pharmacy Disapo.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering nearly 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 1,900 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong E-Commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

PRESS CONTACT

Peter Wübben,

Corporate Communications, DOUGLAS

Phone: +49 (0) 211 16847 8569

E-mail: pr@douglas.de

PRESS RELEASE  

Sales above pre-COVID level

DOUGLAS continues to accelerate growth in the third quarter - significant increase in sales and earnings

• Sales in the third quarter (April to June 2022) up 28.8 percent to 830 million euros (+35 percent like-for-like)
• Quarterly lfl sales thus 21 percent above pre-COVID level (Q3 2018/19)
• Lfl store sales up 66.5 percent year-on-year after removal of COVID restrictions;
  2 percent above pre-COVID level
• E-Commerce sales up 5.3 percent year-on-year to 276 million euros; still at more than double pre-COVID level
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) significantly improved from 24 million euros to 64 million euros; margin increased to 7.7 percent; nine-month adjusted EBITDA up 45 percent to 280 million euros
• Tina Müller, CEO DOUGLAS Group: "We have made significant gains in both sales and profitability. We are seeing a clear increase in demand in our Brick & Mortar business along with sustained high E-Commerce sales. It is especially pleasing that our total sales are now noticeably above the level prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic."
• DOUGLAS systematically expands pharmacy range following successful Disapo takeover; around 11,000 non-prescription products available on the DOUGLAS platform in Germany via the partner program since May
• Top-class trade conference: first Beauty + Health Summit by DOUGLAS on 2-3 September
• New luxury store with Beauty Suite, surface of approx. 1,000m², to open in Düsseldorf on 25 August

Düsseldorf, 23 August 2022. DOUGLAS, Europe's leading provider of premium beauty and health products, significantly increased its sales and operating result in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021/22 (April to June). DOUGLAS achieved noticeable growth compared to both the previous year and the quarter before the start of the pandemic. This means that the positive trend in the current fiscal year has continued: the store business, for example, achieved significant sales growth compared to the prior-year quarter, following the removal of the COVID restrictions, and is even above the pre-COVID level (+2 percent on a like-for-like basis). At the same time, the E-Commerce business has stabilized at a high level.

"The return to our stores is driving our growth and demonstrates the high demand for personal in-store advice," said Tina Müller, CEO DOUGLAS Group. "At the same time, we have managed to maintain online sales at a consistently high level. This successful combination of revitalized store business and strong E-Commerce speaks for our unique business model. In sum, this makes us stronger than before the pandemic."

Significant growth in sales

In the third quarter of 2021/22, Europe's leading premium beauty and health platform increased sales by around 30 percent to 830 million euros; on a like-for-like basis, the rise amounted to around 35 percent. Group sales on a like-for-like basis were thus 21 percent above the pre-COVID level.

Sales from E-Commerce (including Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V.) increased by 5.3 percent to 276 million euros compared to the prior-year quarter. This means that E-Commerce now accounts for more than 33% of total sales (pre-COVID: 17.3%). Overall, sales in the online business were twice as high (+110 percent) as before the outbreak of the pandemic.

In the Brick & Mortar business, sales rose by 47.5 percent compared with the previous year to 554 million euros, representing like-for-like growth of 66.5 percent. Customers' desire for personal advice and the return of social, leisure and evening events played a major part in these higher sales. The significant improvement in sales was driven in particular by the DACHNL region, where like-for-like sales doubled. In France and Central Eastern Europe, like-for-like store sales increased by more than 50 percent respectively.

Substantial improvement in profitability

Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) more than doubled in the third quarter, rising by 40 million euros to 64 million euros. The EBITDA margin increased to 7.7 percent (previous year: 3.7 percent). The improvement in profitability resulted from sales growth, savings from the Store Optimization Program (SOP) and ongoing consistent cost management.

In the first nine months of the fiscal year 2021/22 (October 2021 to June 2022), DOUGLAS increased sales by 20 percent to more than 2.8 billion euros, representing a like-for-like increase of 27 percent. The operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) improved by 45 percent to 280 million euros.

"The results of the past quarter prove that our #FORWARDBEAUTY strategy is taking hold. At the same time, it demonstrates the resilience of our business model, with two strong and closely integrated sales channels, in an increasingly challenging market environment," said Tina Müller. "Seeing this business development gives us encouragement to consistently pursue our strategic course, to drive forward core initiatives such as the expansion of the pharmacy range, and to strengthen our online offering and our stores with targeted modernizations and expansions."

Following the successful acquisition of Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V., DOUGLAS started the expansion of its pharmacy range in May. Around 11,000 non-prescription products have since been available in the German DOUGLAS online store via the partner program. This launch as part of the online partner program was accompanied by a broad advertising campaign in June, which focused on the advantages of having numerous pharmacy products easily available via the DOUGLAS platform. As part of the expansion of the pharmacy product range, DOUGLAS will be hosting its first Beauty + Health Summit at the beginning of September, where customers will be able to find out more about the latest innovations and trends. With this event, featuring numerous doctors as guest speakers, DOUGLAS is underpinning its expertise in the area of health.

Marking a further milestone in the expansion of its exclusive range of products and customer services, DOUGLAS will open its new luxury store with Beauty Suite on Düsseldorf's shopping boulevard Königsallee at the end of August. Customers at the store will enjoy a unique experience of shopping and personal in-store advice.

Within the product categories, fragrances and make-up in particular made significant sales gains in the past quarter, following increased demand from customers for skin and hair care products during the lockdowns. The launch of Billie Eilish's perfume was a notable success. The fragrance has been available exclusively from DOUGLAS throughout Europe since June and is already one of the strongest market launches of the past 12 months.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering nearly 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 1,900 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong E-Commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

PRESS CONTACT:

Peter Wübben

Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability

Phone: : +49 211 16847 8569

Mail: pr@douglas.de

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS

PRESS RELEASE

Release of results for the third quarter and nine months 2021/22 (ending 30 June 2022) on 23 August 2022

Düsseldorf, 18 August 2022. Douglas, Europe’s leading premium beauty platform, will release its results for the third quarter and first nine months 2021/22 on 23 August 2022.

The results release and accompanying presentation will be available through the Investor Relations website (http://ir.douglas.de/).

A conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CET on 23 August 2022.

To participate in the Conference, please make use of one of the following options:

• To participate in the Audio Conference, please use this link to register for the Conference Call.
  • Please use this webcast link to follow the presentation when dialled in
• You can follow the Webcast with audio via this link (also available on our website).

A replay will be available at the Investor Relations website later on 23 August 2022.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering almost 200,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong e-commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

More information is available at https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en.

PRESS RELEASE

Release of results for the third quarter and nine months 2021/22 (ending 30 June 2022) on 23 August 2022

Düsseldorf, 17 August 2022. DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading premium beauty platform, will release its results for the third quarter and first nine months 2021/22 on 23 August 2022.

The results release and accompanying presentation will be available through the Investor Relations website (http://ir.douglas.de/).

A conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CET on 25 May 2022.

To participate in the Conference, please make use of one of the following options:

• To participate in the Audio Conference, please use this link to register for the Conference Call.
  • Please use this webcast link to follow the presentation when dialled in
• You can follow the Webcast with audio via this link (also available on our website).

A replay will be available at the Investor Relations website later on 23 August 2022.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering almost 200,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong e-commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

More information is available at https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en.

PRESS RELEASE

ESG Report 2021
DOUGLAS commits to a more sustainable beauty industry – clean beauty, diversity and climate protection as top priorities

•  Düsseldorf-based Group publishes comprehensive sustainability report
• Global sustainability goals and integrated strategy for 26 countries
• Focus on clean beauty and natural cosmetics in the assortment
• Equal opportunities: already more than 50% of management positions held by women
• Ambitious climate target: carbon neutral in Scope 1 and 2 by the end of 2025
• DOUGLAS Collection partners with Plastic Bank

Düsseldorf, 8 June 2022. DOUGLAS aims to become a driving force for greater sustainability in the beauty industry. In its assortment and especially in its premium beauty products, Europe's leading provider is increasingly focusing on clean beauty and natural cosmetics. As such, the range of sustainable cosmetic and beauty products is to be significantly increased in close cooperation with manufacturers and suppliers. DOUGLAS is also striving to become climate-neutral in its own business operations by the end of 2025. In terms of diversity and gender equality, the Düsseldorf-based company is already a leader: more than half of the Group's management positions are already held by women.

"As Europe's leading provider of premium beauty, we are aware of our great ecological and social responsibility," said Tina Müller, DOUGLAS Group CEO. "At the same time, the expectations of our customers have grown significantly: Sustainability considerations are among the key purchasing criteria, alongside quality and price. Therefore, our ambition is to be a leading player in the beauty industry in terms of sustainability. Sustainable thinking and action must be among the top priorities, both in our own activities and in our cooperation with suppliers and business partners."

The comprehensive sustainability report [https://corporate.douglas.de/esg-report/?lang=en] now published by DOUGLAS focuses on four areas of action:

People, Products, Planet and Governance, within which the following key topics have been prioritized:

- Customer satisfaction and shopping experience

- Diversity, equality and inclusion

- Employee engagement

- Sustainable assortment, especially for own brands

- Reduction of CO2 emissions

- Resource efficiency

- ESG commitment of the management

In line with these topics, DOUGLAS has formulated mandatory, qualitative and quantitative goals as well as intentions for the coming years. "We will measure ourselves against our plans and promises and communicate progress continuously and transparently," said Tina Müller. "Together with our employees, customers and business partners, we want to anchor sustainability as an integral element in every area of our business. This starts with raising awareness, continues through changes in attitude and behavior, and evolves into specific measures and projects, ultimately resulting in tangible and powerful results."

Among other things, DOUGLAS has set itself the goal of reducing CO2e emissions in its own business operations ("Scope 1 and 2") by at least half by the end of 2025 compared to the base year of 2019. In order to become climate neutral, DOUGLAS will close the gap in 2025 and compensate unavoidable emissions using certified standards. In addition, Europe's market leader in the beauty sector intends to boost its efficient use of materials. In order to conserve valuable resources, DOUGLAS is looking at various ways to increase the share of recycled materials while reducing the amount of waste generated within the company. Simultaneously, the company intends to establish a waste system that is broken down by material and type of disposal, thus allowing consumers to see where glass, paper and other recyclable materials end up.

A comparatively positive development can already be observed in the e-commerce return rates: the volume of returns has already fallen by around a third between 2019 and 2021 to 4.4% of the shipments delivered. All returns in Germany that cannot be resold but are suitable for donation are given to charitable organizations such as "Die Tafel Düsseldorf e. V." and "Bürgerstiftung".

In the area of Products, DOUGLAS already identifies clean beauty products throughout its assortment with a dedicated label. In the case of its own brands, DOUGLAS has set itself the clear goal of becoming a pioneer in sustainability, as the company has a direct influence on the development and manufacturing of the products in this area. Numerous advances have already been made at DOUGLAS Brands:

- almost 100% of the new DOUGLAS Brands products launched since 2020 are free of microplastics

- more than 40% of the products launched in the 2021/22 fiscal year fall into the clean beauty category

- 93% of the products launched since 2020/21 financial year are vegan

- 63% of the new DOUGLAS Brands products launched in the financial year 2021/22 will be FSC-compliant

- more than 50% of all new DOUGLAS Brands products will be using recycled material by 2030

- 85% of DOUGLAS Brands are already produced in the EU

"We are proud of these key figures. At the same time, we are determined to keep up the fast pace when it comes to improving the environmental performance of our own brands," said Susanne Cornelius, DOUGLAS Brands CEO. "This applies to every aspect of the product: manufacturing, ingredients, packaging materials, disposal. We can only truly speak of sustainability if we take a holistic view and approach. This includes DOUGLAS Brands partnering with Plastic Bank." The organization builds ethical recycling ecosystems in vulnerable coastal communities. The collectors receive bonuses for the plastic they collect, which help them meet their families' basic needs, such as food or school fees." As part of the cooperation, a contribution will be made to Plastic Bank for each item sold from the DOUGLAS "Home Spa" and "Essential" private labels.

DOUGLAS is not only focusing on greater sustainability of its own brands but also on its cooperation with business partners. "We already expect and demand a corresponding attitude from our suppliers and we incorporate this into all discussions," explained Tina Müller. "In addition, we expressly welcome the recent efforts of various manufacturers to determine the ecological footprint at the product level and to make it transparent for customers. This will be a giant step forward in the beauty industry’s efforts to promote sustainable consumption more effectively."

In the People sector, DOUGLAS is already a leader on several parameters. Diversity, tolerance and mutual respect are practiced core values of the Group’s corporate culture; its Purpose is based on a togetherness in which all people "feel seen, heard and valued." The internal motto is: "We open all eyes to the beauty of uniqueness, bring it to life and make life itself more beautiful." Tina Müller adds: "We do not discriminate between skin color, origin, sexual orientation or personal pronouns. DOUGLAS sees itself as a democratic and inclusive brand that stands for an open and diverse society. As an employer, DOUGLAS practices equal treatment, tolerance and equal opportunities at all levels of the workforce."

For example, DOUGLAS was the first company to receive full BeyondGenderAgenda (BGA) certification. More than half of the management positions are already occupied by women. Employee satisfaction is of paramount importance to DOUGLAS, which is why the company is preparing an employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) for the entire organization in 2022. At the same time, great importance is attached to training: a dual study program is offered at the company headquarters, giving high school graduates the opportunity to combine a 3.5-year bachelor's degree with a practical component in various areas. To ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, comprehensive analysis systems have been implemented, such as the Net Promoter Score (NPS) for transactions.

As part of Governance, the management has committed to the ambitious sustainability strategy, which will be reinforced from fiscal year 2022/23 onwards by linking components of management compensation to progress in sustainability. With regard to compliance, anti-corruption, transparency and data protection, DOUGLAS has also introduced mechanisms, systems and processes to ensure fairness and legal compliance. The DOUGLAS Code of Conduct, for example, sets out commitments to responsible business practices for all employees and business partners.

ABOUT DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty. Offering almost 200,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong e-commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

PRESS CONTACT

Peter Wübben
Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability
Phone: +49 (0) 211 16847 6644
Mail: pr@douglas.de
ESG Report: https://corporate.douglas.de/esg-report/?lang=en

PRESS RELEASE

DOUGLAS reports strong sales and earnings growth in second quarter - Group sales significantly above pre-COVID-19 level

• Strong year-on-year sales increase in the second quarter (January to March 2022) of around 39 like-for-like (lfl); total sales amounted to 719 million euros
• Return to growth path: lfl quarterly sales 12.0 percent above pre-COVID-19 level (Q2 2018/19)
• Lfl store sales more than doubled year-on-year (up 117.3 percent) following relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions
• Online demand remains strong: e-commerce sales of 250 million euros at more than double pre-COVID-19 level (plus 100.7 percent); 14.3 percent below lockdown-related highs in prior-year quarter
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) improved to 25 million euros following negative prior-year quarter
• Half-year adjusted EBITDA increased by 27.3 percent to 216 million euros
• Tina Müller, DOUGLAS Group CEO: "We are seeing the return of brick-and-mortar business and at the same time continue to experience strong online demand; this once again underscores our sound Beauty Platform-Strategy of a comprehensive digital offering coupled with an optimal store experience."

Düsseldorf, 25 May 2022. DOUGLAS, Europe's leading premium beauty group, continued its growth course in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2021/22 and significantly increased sales and earnings. Both year-on-year and compared to the pre-COVID-19 quarter of 2019, the Düsseldorf-based company posted significant gains and won further market share in Germany. In particular, the brick & mortar business picked up noticeably following the relaxation of COVID restrictions in the months from January to March of this year, more than doubling sales year-on-year. As expected, some of the online business shifted back to the stores, but overall it remained at a very high level. "We are now seeing the ratios of online and store sales starting to rebalance after the end of the lockdowns," said Tina Müller, DOUGLAS Group CEO. "For example, we had e-commerce sales in the second quarter that were twice as high as in pre-COVID-19 times. It is pleasing that we were able to maintain this high level while also achieving disproportionately strong growth in our store business. This shows that our Beauty Platform-Strategy approach is proving to be the right business model."

Significant sales and earnings growth in the second quarter

In the second quarter of 2021/22, Europe's leading premium beauty group increased its sales by around 31 percent to 719 million euros; in like-for-like terms, the rise even amounted to around 39 percent. Group like-for-like sales were thus 12.0 percent higher than before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As expected, in the course of stores reopening, a certain amount of sales shifted back from online retail to brick & mortar business, although the level of e-commerce remained very high. Sales in the online business, which DOUGLAS has strategically expanded in recent years, thus amounted to 250 million euros (-14.3 percent vs. prior-year quarter), more than double the figure recorded in the pre-COVID-19 quarter of 2019. "We are satisfied with this sales performance while the profitability of the e-commerce business remains strong," said DOUGLAS Group CDO Vanessa Stützle, . "This demonstrates the strengths of our business model, that through our loyalty program we can target and serve customers in a personalized way, depending on their preferences in the channel of their choice. The rapid integration of Disapo already enables us to offer dermacosmetic and OTC products and will help us to further expand our leading position in the beauty and beauty-related health market."

In the store business, like-for-like sales increased by 117.3 percent year-on-year to 471 million euros following the reopenings. All regions contributed to the significant sales increase, in particular German-speaking Europe, France and Eastern Europe. DOUGLAS was also able to win back customers who had to migrate to other distribution channels such as drugstores during the COVID-related closures for certain product categories. In addition, it can be observed that customers who used the DOUGLAS online store during the lockdowns are now returning to the brick & mortar stores, thus remaining loyal to the brand. "This once again underlines the strength of our omnichannel business model as well as our brand: our customers remain in the DOUGLAS cosmos. This would not have been possible as a pure online retailer," said Tina Müller.

The Group operating result (adjusted EBITDA) rose in the second quarter by 26.5 million euros to 25 million euros, following a negative result in the prior-year quarter. In addition to the increase in sales, the improvement is attributable to consistent cost management and further savings from the “Store Optimization Program” (SOP). The EBITDA margin increased accordingly to 3.5 percent, in the entire first half of 2021/22, it amounted to 10.7 percent. The earnings contribution in the second quarter is seasonally lower than in the rest of the year; in addition, the Easter business in 2022 took place in the current third quarter.

In the entire first half of 2021/22, i.e. the months of October 2021 to March 2022 inclusive, DOUGLAS increased sales by 16.9 percent to approximately 2 billion euros, while operating earnings (adjusted EBITDA) improved by 27.3 percent to 216 million euros. "This development shows that we are on a very good path," said Tina Müller. "Nevertheless, it is unfortunately not yet possible to make a reliable forecast as to the ratio to which store and online sales will readjust in the long-term following the COVID restrictions."

In February, DOUGLAS announced its entry into the healthcare market through the planned acquisition of the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V.. The transaction closing has since taken place. Since the end of April, DOUGLAS customers have been able to purchase dermacosmetics and over-the-counter products via the partner program in the online store. DOUGLAS plans to extend this offer to various European countries in the course of the year.
 

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty group in Europe. Offering more than 200,000 beauty and lifestyle products in online shops, the beauty marketplace and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The continued expansion of the strong e-commerce business is the focus of the #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy program. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

PRESS CONTACT:

Peter Wübben
Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability
Phone: +49 211 16847 8569
E-Mail: pr@douglas.de

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS

PRESS RELEASE

Release of results for the second quarter and first half year 2021/22 (ending 31 March 2022) on 25 May 2022

Düsseldorf, 20 May 2022. Douglas, Europe’s leading premium beauty platform, will release its results for the second quarter and first half year 2021/22 on 25 May 2022.

The results release and accompanying presentation will be available through the Investor Relations website (http://ir.douglas.de/).

A conference call on the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. CET on 25 May 2022.

To participate in the Conference, please make use of one of the following options:

- To participate in the Audio Conference, please use this link to register for the Conference Call.

- You can follow the Webcast with audio via this link (also available on our website).

- Please use this link to participate in the Webcast without audio.

A replay will be available at the Investor Relations website later on 25 May 2022.

ABOUT DOUGLAS:

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty platform in Europe. Offering nearly 200,000 beauty and lifestyle products in online shops, the beauty marketplace and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The continued expansion of the strong e-commerce business is the focus of the #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy programme. In fiscal year 2020/2021, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

More information is available at https://corporate.douglas.de/investors/?lang=en.