DIA Group increases gross sales under banner by 11% in first nine months, reaching EUR7.8bn

In the first nine months of the year, the DIA Group generated gross sales under banner of EUR7.8bn, up 11% in local currency compared to the same period in the previous year. This increase is due to the good business momentum in all regions in which the company operates.

In Iberia, gross sales rose by 2% to EUR5.103bn, while in emerging countries the increase was 27.2% in local currency, reaching EUR2.697bn.

In Spain, between January and September, gross sales under banner rose by 2% to EUR4.468bn. In this period, a total of 141 El Árbol stores were transformed into La Plaza de DIA stores, versus the 95 stores initially expected for the full year.

Comparable sales rose by 10% in the third quarter, representing the highest increase for the
second consecutive quarter since the company was listed on the stock exchange. “Sales growth patterns were strong again in every DIA market during Q3 2016, with positive comparable sales growth in all DIA countries despite the challenging business conditions. Sustained price investments combined with improved service for our customers are paying off all over the DIA universe, pushing up LFL growth above their respective markets. Our priorities for 2016 remain clear: top-line growth
and cash flow generation. We are confident that we can achieve our targets for the full-year 2016”, stated Ricardo Currás, CEO of DIA Group.

In the first nine months of the year, underlying net profit amounted to EUR157m, 4.7% less in
local currency than in the same period in 2015 due to the increase in amortisations for acquisitions and net financial income in emerging countries. Adjusted EBITDA reached EUR429m, up 6.4% in local currency. At the end of September 2016, the DIA Group had a total of 7,824 stores.