ZAANDAM, Netherlands, Sept. 7, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ahold NV:
Highlights:
-- Operating performance reflects competitive environment and
restructuring effects
-- Retail execution and value repositioning strategy contributing to
top line in Europe
-- Streamlining U.S. store portfolio continuing
-- Solid progress at U.S. Foodservice: strategic plan to be announced
in November 2005
-- Reduced debt strengthens balance sheet
-- Divestment program nears completion: EUR 2.7 billion gross proceeds
to date
Financial highlights Q2 2005
-- Net sales Q2 2005 of EUR 10.4 billion, a decrease of 0.9%
compared to Q2 2004. Net sales increased by 0.5% excluding currency
impact
-- Operating income Q2 2005 of EUR 248 million (Q2 2004: EUR
217 million)
-- Net income Q2 2005 of EUR 130 million (Q2 2004 net loss:
EUR 28 million)
-- Net cash from operating activities Q2 2005 of EUR 336
million (Q2 2004: EUR 151 million)
-- Net debt declined during the quarter by EUR 0.4 billion or
5.6%
Key priorities for 2005
-- Successful execution of our Road to Recovery strategy
including completion of our divestment program
-- Implementation of our retail business model to drive sales
volume throughout Ahold
-- Further improvement of operational performance at U.S.
Foodservice
-- Completion of our 2006+ strategy following the Road to
Recovery
Financial calendar
-- Third quarter 2005 results November 29, 2005
-- Full year 2005 results March 29, 2006
Please open the following link in order to view the full press release including tables regarding our second quarter 2005 results.