RIYADH: Sales of the listed multiple investment firms grew by 3.20 percent to SR1.53 billion in the first quarter of the current year compared to SR1.48 billion in the same period last year, according to a financial report.

Similarly, net profits of the retail sector grew by 13 percent to SR225 million compared to SR199 million in the comparable periods, the report, compiled by Al-Hayat daily, said.

The investment sector is composed of 7 companies whose market capitalization stood at SR90 billion, or 4.2 percent of the Saudi equity market. Their capital reached SR40.2 billion.

Sales of Aseer Trading, Tourism and Manufacturing Company grew by 6.4 percent to SR645.4 million in Q1 compared to SR607 million in Q1, 2014. Net profits of the company rose by 15 percent to SR60.5 million compared to SR52.7 million.

Saudi Industrial Services Company registered the third biggest sales in Q1 at SR151 million compared to SR121.4 million, or an increase of 24 percent. Its net profits also increased by 49.3 percent to SR18.47 million compared to SR12.37 million.

Meanwhile, Saudi Advanced Industries Company has its profits grown by 25 percent to SR7.51 million in Q1 compared to SR6.01 million in Q1, 2014, the report said.