El Corte Inglés net profit climbs 22.8% to €628m, debt at lowest in two decades
Spanish department store chain El Corte Inglés reported a 22.8% rise in net profit for the fiscal year ending February 2026, reaching €628 million, while reducing its net debt to its lowest level in two decades.
Earnings grow on improved efficiency
The group’s net profit reached €628 million, the highest in at least three years, driven by a 2% rise in comparable-store sales and a 4.7% increase in EBITDA to €1,266 million. Recurring net profit advanced 11% to €522 million. Margin improvements accelerated in the second half after weather‑related headwinds early in the year, with the company citing sustained efficiency gains in store operations and logistics.
These results demonstrate the company's strength and allow us to face the coming years with confidence, with greater investment and growth, with the aspiration to always make the experience unique for all El Corte Inglés customers.
Debt reduction milestone
Net financial debt fell by €148 million to €1,648 million, pushing the debt‑to‑EBITDA ratio down to 1.3 times. Management noted that this is the lowest level in almost two decades. The decline in leverage, coupled with a €311 million uplift in asset values from recent investments, gives the group significant headroom for its expansion plans.
Segment and online momentum
Retail income totalled €13,216 million, with the fashion and beauty category growing 3.1% to €5,882 million. Food and hospitality sales reached €3,064 million, while home and electronics contributed €2,776 million. The travel division posted a 3.1% increase, led by holiday demand and stronger advertising revenue. Online traffic passed one billion visits (up from 891.7 million in 2024), and the customer base registered on elcorteingles sites now stands at 16.3 million.
- Fashion & Beauty
- 5882 € million
- Food & Hospitality
- 3064 € million
- Home & Electronics
- 2776 € million
Investment and leadership outlook
The company plans to invest €650 million in 2026, a 14.6% increase over the €567 million spent in the previous year. Cristina Álvarez, who officially replaced her sister Marta as president in January, said the results provide a foundation for confident expansion. The group noted that early trading in the current year, together with its financial strength, points to a positive outlook for the 2026–27 fiscal period.
