The Düsseldorf-based e-commerce group The Platform Group SE & Co. KGaA continued its growth course in the first three months of the 2026 financial year. On Wednesday, the company announced, as expected, strong increases in sales and operating profit. It also confirmed its annual forecasts.
In the first quarter, group sales reached 243.1 million euros, exceeding the level of the same period last year by 51.2 percent. The gross merchandise volume (GMV) grew by 23.0 percent to 438.4 million euros.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) only increased by 28.1 percent to 25.1 million euros, not least due to a slightly lower gross margin. Adjusted for special effects, it increased by 37.1 percent to 21.8 million euros. However, reported net profit fell slightly. It fell by 2.7 percent to 17.7 million euros.
The group met its own expectations in the first quarter
CEO Dominik Benner was satisfied with the results, but at the same time pointed out new challenges. “The first quarter was positive, the results met our expectations and we were able to achieve high organic growth in our segments. At the same time, the operating result increased,” he explained in a statement. “However, there is a fundamental difference: interest and logistics costs have changed significantly since the Iran War.”
Benner emphasized that the group would adapt its strategy to the more difficult conditions. “Specifically, we plan to reduce our dependence on logistics costs and reduce interest costs by actively reducing bank liabilities. The debt ratio should fall significantly in the future,” says Benner. “We will also manage our portfolio more actively and reduce costs. We have reduced the number of acquisitions planned for the current financial year to five to six.”
Despite challenges caused by the Iran war: Management confirms the annual forecasts
Management still stuck to its annual forecasts. For 2026, a GMV of 1.7 billion euros and sales of 1.0 billion euros are still expected. The target corridor for EBITDA adjusted for special effects is still between 70 and 80 million euros.
As soon as the previously announced takeovers have been completed, the group wants to update its forecasts. “With regard to the current status of the planned AEP acquisition, it is reported that the closing conditions of the purchase agreement have not yet been fully implemented,” the company said. “Accordingly, progress is expected in June 2026.”
