Ahold Delivers ‘Strong’ Q4

Ahold has posted consolidated net sales of 7.0 billion euros (US $9.4 billion) for the fourth quarter of 2010, a 5.5 percent rise from the fourth quarter of 2009 after adjustments for constant exchange rates and the effect of an additional week in 2009. The increase was 2.6 percent on a non-adjusted basis. For the full year 2010, net sales came to 29.5 billion euros (US $39.7 billion), up 4.4 percent after adjustment (the increase was 5.7 percent on a non-adjusted basis.)

“We delivered strong sales performance in all of our markets,” the Amsterdam-based retail conglomerate said. “The environment remained challenging and customers continued to focus on value, driving intense promotional activity, particularly in the United States.”

For Ahold USA, fourth-quarter net sales were $5.6 billion, a 6.0 percent rise when compared with adjusted fourth-quarter 2009 sales. The company attributed this increase partly to business acquisitions such as the $125 million deal to acquire Ukrop’s stores. Before adjustment for the impact of the extra week in 2009, net sales fell 2.0 percent. Identical sales for the quarter edged up 1.9 percent (0.9 percent excluding gasoline), and comparable sales increased 2.1 percent.

Full-year net sales at Ahold USA came to $23.5 billion, up 5.1 percent vs. adjusted full-year 2009 sales. Sales from Ukrop’s stores were $458 million. Net sales grew 3.1 percent before adjustment, ID sales rose 1.5 percent (0.4 percent excluding gas) and comps were up 1.9 percent.