Inter Cars SA
WSE:CAR
Inter Cars SA
Inter Cars SA began as a small venture in 1990 in Poland, founded by Krzysztof Oleksowicz and a team of automotive enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings, the company has evolved into one of Europe's largest distributors of spare parts for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks. The story of Inter Cars is one of strategic foresight and relentless growth. The company identified a crucial gap in Eastern Europe's burgeoning automotive market: a lack of reliable and extensive availability of aftermarket parts. With Poland's expanding vehicle fleet post-communism and the rise of car ownership among Polish citizens, Inter Cars seized the moment by creating a robust distribution network that could effectively meet consumer and business demands for high-quality vehicle components. This network extends far beyond Poland's borders today, with the company establishing over 500 branches across 17 European countries.
The core of Inter Cars' business model lies in its extensive product catalog and innovative logistics systems. The company collaborates with more than 500 suppliers globally, stocking upwards of a million products, including chassis parts, engine components, and premium car accessories. By leveraging state-of-the-art warehousing and distribution technologies, Inter Cars can offer rapid delivery times and exceptional stock availability, ensuring clients receive the parts they need when they need them. Additionally, Inter Cars' commitment to customer support and technical training for automotive professionals strengthens its position in the market. This comprehensive approach not only boosts its credibility among clients but also fosters strong, long-term relationships with both customers and suppliers, ensuring a steady revenue stream. Through strategic international expansion and a keen understanding of market needs, Inter Cars continues to flourish, playing a pivotal role in Europe's automotive supply chain.
Inter Cars SA began as a small venture in 1990 in Poland, founded by Krzysztof Oleksowicz and a team of automotive enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings, the company has evolved into one of Europe's largest distributors of spare parts for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks. The story of Inter Cars is one of strategic foresight and relentless growth. The company identified a crucial gap in Eastern Europe's burgeoning automotive market: a lack of reliable and extensive availability of aftermarket parts. With Poland's expanding vehicle fleet post-communism and the rise of car ownership among Polish citizens, Inter Cars seized the moment by creating a robust distribution network that could effectively meet consumer and business demands for high-quality vehicle components. This network extends far beyond Poland's borders today, with the company establishing over 500 branches across 17 European countries.
The core of Inter Cars' business model lies in its extensive product catalog and innovative logistics systems. The company collaborates with more than 500 suppliers globally, stocking upwards of a million products, including chassis parts, engine components, and premium car accessories. By leveraging state-of-the-art warehousing and distribution technologies, Inter Cars can offer rapid delivery times and exceptional stock availability, ensuring clients receive the parts they need when they need them. Additionally, Inter Cars' commitment to customer support and technical training for automotive professionals strengthens its position in the market. This comprehensive approach not only boosts its credibility among clients but also fosters strong, long-term relationships with both customers and suppliers, ensuring a steady revenue stream. Through strategic international expansion and a keen understanding of market needs, Inter Cars continues to flourish, playing a pivotal role in Europe's automotive supply chain.
Strong Sales Growth: Inter Cars reported third quarter sales of PLN 5.4 billion, up 10% from the previous year, and leads its sector with 10.5% sales growth in Q3 (in euro terms).
Profit Up: Net profit for the first 9 months reached PLN 238 million, a 15% increase, despite challenging market conditions and an impairment loss tied to a warehouse in Ukraine.
Margins Holding Steady: Gross margin in Q3 remained flat year-over-year at 29.9% after currency adjustments, marking the first quarter without a declining margin trend.
Geographic Diversification: Domestic sales share fell to about 38% of group sales as the company opened 19 new branches abroad and closed 4 in Poland, expanding its international footprint.
Investments in Automation: Major investments in robotics and automated logistics are underway, expected to deliver PLN 70–80 million in annual logistics savings by 2026.
Guidance on Targets: Management says the company is close to reaching its 2025 targets (PLN 21.7 billion sales and PLN 1.47 billion EBITDA), with cumulative EBITDA at 95% of the target after 3 quarters.
Stable Net Debt Levels: Net debt-to-EBITDA ratio is about 2 and may rise slightly but is expected to stay below 2.5 next year.
