DIA Group posts gross sales under banner of EUR10.55bn, 10.2% more than in the previous year
February 23, 2017
Adjusted EBITDA reached EUR625m, up 8.6% more than in local currency.
The Board of Directors will propose a dividend of EUR0.21 per share.
In 2016, the DIA Group generated gross sales under banner of EUR10.55bn, implying a 10.2% increase compared to the previous year in local currency thanks to the business performance in all the markets in which it operates. In Iberia, gross sales under banner rose by 1.1% to EUR6.815bn, and the emerging-market segment (Argentina, Brazil, and China) posted sales of EUR3.736bn, representing a 26.3% upturn in local currency.
In Spain, gross sales under banner reached EUR5.967bn, up by 0.9%.
“Our priorities for 2016 were clear: top-line growth, cash flow generation and focus on customers; and we have delivered. DIA accelerated LFL sales growth in 2016 to a record 8.7%, the highest annual rate reported since listing, with positive figures in all the DIA countries. Sustained price investment combined with improved customer service is paying off all over the DIA universe. We also made great progress in the development of our business with local partners. More than 3,300 entrepreneurs work with us every day to serve our customers, and their level of satisfaction improved significantly in 2016, something we are especially proud of. We also generated EUR207m Cash from Operations and reduced our net debt by EUR254m. In 2017, we are confident about our growth potential and business performance. We therefore reiterate our commitment to sustainable profitable growth, keeping our 2016-18 goals unchanged”, stated Ricardo Currás, CEO of DIA Group.
Pretax profits amounted to EUR243m, 12.8% more than in 2015 in local currency. Net attributable profit fell by 42% to EUR174m due to the absence of extraordinaries.
Adjusted EBITDA reached EUR625m, up 8.6% in local currency. At the end of the year, the DIA Group had a network of 7,799 stores, 81 stores more than a year ago.
The Board of Directors will propose to the general shareholders meeting a gross dividend of EUR0.21 per share, which represents a payout of EUR128m, or 50% of underlying net profit.
