By Giulia Petroni

Naturgy Energy Group SA on Wednesday said that profit rose in the first nine months of the year, but results still remain below pre-pandemic levels.

The Spanish energy company said net profit for the period was 777 million euros ($900.5 million) compared with EUR490 million a year earlier.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization came in at EUR2.56 billion, broadly in line with last year's figure of EUR2.59 billion.

Sales were EUR14.56 billion, up from EUR11.32 billion.

The company said it has experienced a recovery in demand in the nine-month period, as well as a slight expansion of gas margins across international markets, although that is transitory. This has been offset by pressure on electricity supply margins due to increased prices in Spain.

Naturgy said it would pay a second interim dividend of EUR0.40 a share. The full-year dividend will amount to EUR1.20 a share, it said.

Write to Giulia Petroni at giulia.petroni@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-10-21 0322ET