Zaandam, The Netherlands, January 9, 2004 - Ahold today announced consolidated net sales for 2003 (52 weeks through December 28, 2003) of Euro 56.1 billion, a decline of 10.5% compared to Euro 62.7 billion generated in 2002. The overall impact of acquisitions and divestments on net sales growth in 2003 was 0.7% positive.
In the fourth quarter (12 weeks through December 28, 2003), sales amounted to Euro 12.7 billion, a 10.8% decrease over the Euro 14.3 billion generated in the same quarter in 2002. The overall impact of acquisitions and divestments on net sales growth in the fourth quarter was negative 1.4%.
Sales were significantly impacted by lower currency exchange rates, in particular that of the U.S. Dollar; sales excluding currency impact increased by 2.7% in 2003 and 0.7% in the fourth quarter.
The sales numbers presented in this press release are preliminary and unaudited.
The press release can be downloaded from the following link:
