For its four quarter, the company reported that net revenues were up by 16.1% on a reported basis to R$4.3 billion, which translated to 12.9% on an adjusted basis, a figure that was impacted by currency exchange rates.
For the full year 2018 net revenues on a reported basis increased by a robust 36.0% to R$13.4 billion, while the adjusted figures represented an increase of 13.5%.
All of this meant strong reported EBITDA growth for the group in the full year, up 6.0% to R$1.86 billion, while the adjusted EBITDA was up 23.0% to R$1.90 billion.
Growth driven by Aesop
The strongest growth in the group came from the performance of Aesop, where the company reported that reported 2018 revenues increased by 50.6% on a reported basis and up 31.0% at a constant currency – a result that was derived from all channels and all geographies.
Full year net sales at the Body were up by 17.7%, reflecting increases in all geographies, and in particular a strong performance in the mainstay UK market, where Christmas sales were said to be strong.
For Natura net sales were up by 9.9% for the full year, reflecting a growth in the market share and a strengthening of its leadership in the sector as a whole.
On category basis, Natura sales were particularly high in Fragrances, body and gifts, whereas across the region the business had reported a strong performance in Argentina, Mexico and Columbia, while Brazil has continued to show strong recovery.
First year of trading for Natura & Co
Company executives pointed out that the strong full year performance happened as the company completed its first full year of trading as Natura & Co, reflecting the business’s greater reach with respect to its multi-channel, multi-brand and purpose-driven approach.
The company has also been building on its sustainability goals during the course of 2018, building on its relationship with the Union of Ethical Bio-trade to promote the ethical sourcing of bio-assets from the Amazon region.
Looking ahead, company executives said that the strong results meant that the company looks set to achieve its medium-term goals, while also creating value for shareholders.