Amsterdam, the Netherlands, November 2, 2006 - Ahold today announced
consolidated net sales of ¤10.3 billion for the third quarter of
2006. Compared to the third quarter of 2005, net sales increased by
0.7% and by 3.7% at constant exchange rates. We stated when we
announced our Q2 results that the outlook for the second half of the
year would be more challenging. The third quarter has been even more
challenging in the United States, reflecting increased competitor
activity and weaker economic conditions, leading to margin pressure.
Sales performance
Stop & Shop / Giant-Landover
* Net sales in the arena increased 2.1% to $3.7 billion.
* Identical sales decreased 1.3% at Stop & Shop (1.8%
excluding gasoline net sales) and 0.5% at Giant-Landover.
* Comparable sales decreased 0.8% at Stop & Shop and 0.2% at
Giant-Landover.
Giant-Carlisle / Tops
* Net sales in the arena increased 0.3% to $1.4 billion.
* Identical sales increased 4.8% at Giant-Carlisle (3.0%
excluding gasoline net sales), but decreased 6.2% at Tops (7.3%
excluding gasoline net sales).
* Comparable sales increased 7.2% at Giant-Carlisle, but
decreased 5.7% at Tops.
Albert Heijn
* Net sales in the arena increased 10.3% to ¤1.6 billion.
* Net sales at Albert Heijn increased 10.6% to ¤1.5 billion.
* Identical sales increased 9.2% at Albert Heijn.
Central Europe
* Net sales decreased 2.5% to ¤423 million. At constant
exchange rates and excluding the impact of a change in the
accounting period from three months to 12 weeks, net sales
increased 3.6%.
* Identical sales for the arena decreased 6.1%.
Schuitema
* Net sales increased 1.1% to ¤716 million.
* Identical sales increased 1.1%.
U.S. Foodservice
* Net sales at U.S. Foodservice increased 5.0% to $4.5
billion. Quarterly sales comparisons were negatively impacted by
approximately 0.7% as a result of exiting the Sofco business in the
third quarter of 2005. Cost inflation was in the 1-2% range for the
third quarter of 2006.
* Net sales at U.S. Foodservice - Broadline increased 4.3%
to $3.9 billion. The Sofco exit in the third quarter of 2005
negatively impacted Broadline sales by approximately 0.8%.
* Net sales at North Star Foodservice increased 9.6% to $684
million.
Unconsolidated joint ventures and associates
* Net sales of unconsolidated joint ventures and associates
increased 6.4%. At constant exchange rates, net sales increased
6.0%.
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