Jeronimo Martins offered an upbeat take on its nine-month results, even as the Portuguese retailer slightly lowered its full-year outlook.

The company said that consolidated sales rose 11.5% in the first nine months of the year, rising to EUR8.7bn (US$11.73bn). In each of the group’s main markets – Poland and Portugal – Jeronimo Martins booked like-for-like sales expansion of 4%.

EBITDA increased 7.5% to EUR573.2m. EBITDA margin slipped to 6.6% from 6.8%. Difficult trading conditions have meant that Jeronimo Martins has had to step up its investment in pricing, particularly in the Polish market where it competes against the likes of the UK’s Tesco.

CEO Pedro Soares dos Santos emphasised the firm’s formats “reinforced their leadership position” in the face of a “tougher and more challenging trading environment”.

Net earnings increased 2.7% to EUR280.5m as Jeronimo Martins stepped up investment in new business, including expansion into Colombia, and store openings. Excluding these investments, the company said net profit was up 11.8%.

However, Jeronimo Martins revised its full year projections downwards on the back of the result. The company said that it now anticipates double-digit full-year sales, with EBITDA growth trailing. Previously, Jeronimo Martins had suggested that earnings would be in line with sales growth.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The firm also lowered its projected capital expenditure to EUR600-650m versus EUR650-700m previously.

Click here to view the release from Jeronimo Martins.