Le groupe Metro est le n°3 en Europe de la distribution grand public

METRO Group is one of the worldwide largest trading groups. It was created in 1996 in a merger of several important retail companies. Based on its successful performance in the domestic market the group soon expanded into foreign markets as well. Today, Metro Group is at the head of a capital market-orientated, highly-competitive retail group with an international profile. The METRO Group’s business and operational structures, entrepreneurial concepts and strategies are worlds apart from the usual image of a trading company focussing on the domestic market.
At more than 2,300 locations in 26 countries the Metro company proves this competence  – with concepts that meet the highest quality demands. Intelligent, sophisticated logistics systems guarantee that a large selection of high quality merchandise is always available both in the food and nonfood areas. In terms of our food offering the aspect of freshness enjoys top priority. With its quality management programm the METRO Group takes up a leading position in the trading industry. 

• Sales increased by 7.5 percent to around € 60 billion in 2006
• EBIT grows by 14.1 percent to € 1.98 million – excluding special items, EBIT increases by 9.9 percent
• EPS rise to € 3.23 – adjusted EPS up 7.0 percent to € 2.64
• Dividend increase from € 1.02 to € 1.12 proposed
• Net debt reduced by € 630 million
• METRO Group expects to boost sales by 8 to 9 percent in 2007 and EBIT by 6 to 8 percent

The METRO Group once again delivered strong gains in sales and earnings in financial year 2006. Group sales rose by 7.5 percent to around € 60 billion, and EBIT climbed to nearly € 2 billion. Earnings per share jumped from € 1.63 to € 3.23. Adjusted for special effects, EPS rose by 7 percent to € 2.64.

"The year 2006 was our strongest growth year since 1998. We significantly strengthened our position among the leading and largest international trade and retail companies. Given our good business results and the successful market placement of our remaining stake in Praktiker, we will propose a dividend increase from € 1.02 to € 1.12 per share of common stock to the annual general meeting," Dr. Hans-Joachim Körber, CEO of the METRO Group, said in releasing the figures for 2006. The dividend per share of preferred stock is to rise from € 1.122 to € 1.232.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) climbed by 10.1 percent to € 3.23 billion. At € 1.98 billion, EBIT was 14.1 percent higher than in the previous year. Adjusted for the repositioning of Real (including the acquisitions of Wal-Mart Germany and Géant Poland), EBIT rose by 9.9 percent to € 1.91 billion. "Our strategy of profitable growth and the sustainable improvement of the company value is extremely successful," Dr. Körber said. "In 2006, more than 50 percent of our sales and about two-thirds of our earnings were generated abroad. With the market entry of Metro Cash & Carry into Pakistan and Media Markt into Turkey, we will continue to extend the METRO Group’s international operations this year."

The METRO Group’s economic value added (EVA) climbed notably in 2006. EVA reached € 426 million compared with € 305 million in the previous year. Metro Cash & Carry as well as Media Markt and Saturn once again recorded a significant improvement in EVA over the previous year.

The METRO Group’s investments totaled around € 3 billion in 2006, exceeding the previous year’s figure by 0.9 billion. Adjusted for acquisitions, investments amounted to about € 2 billion.

As a result of the METRO Group’s successful expansion, the number of employees continued to rise. An average of about 264,000 people worked for the group in 2006.