Underlying this figure was a strong fourth quarter in which Zooplus boosted its sales by 20 per cent compared with the same period in the previous year to 503 mio euros. In addition to the positive sales trend, the online retailer was able to extend its gross profit margin to 30.4 per cent. According to the company, the main contributory factor here was the above-average increase in sales of Zooplus' own brands of 30.4 per cent. Private label business thus accounted for 16 per cent of overall sales as compared with 14 per cent in the previous year.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 51.5 mio euros to 61.3 mio euros, equivalent to an EBITDA margin of 3.5 per cent (2019: 0.8 per cent).
As already communicated on Capital Markets Day, Zooplus is forecasting sales in the range of 2.04 bn to 2.14 bn euros and an EBITDA of between 40 and 80 mio euros for 2021. From its current perspective the board expects sales to be in the mid- to upper range of the sales forecast.
The retailer believes it will be able to extend its market share further in the next few years and expects sales totalling between 3.4 and 3.8 bn euros in 2025. That would equate to a market share of 9 to 10 per cent of the European market as a whole. At the same time, the company is aiming for an EBITDA margin of at least 4 per cent.