Ahold 3rd quarter 2000 net earnings rise 55.5% to Euro 259.6 million

Zaandam, The Netherlands, November 28, 2000 - Royal Ahold, the international food provider, achieved third quarter 2000 net earnings of Euro 259.6 million, a 55.5% increase. Sales rose 76.5% to Euro 13.8 billion and operating results increased by 67.5% to Euro 548.1 million. Earnings per common share for the quarter rose 31.6% to Euro 0.33. Excluding currency fluctuations, specifically the higher average exchange rate of the U.S. dollar, earnings per common share grew 18.4%.


‘Record sales and results expected for 4th Quarter’, says Cees van der Hoeven
In a comment, Ahold President & CEO Cees van der Hoeven said: ‘Once again we have delivered strong results this quarter, particularly taking seasonality into account. They are in line with our projection for full-year 2000. Our retail chains and foodservice operations turned in an improved performance, reinforcing our market positions. Our strategy to reach consumers through food retail, foodservice and e-commerce channels is proving highly effective. Our retail customer count is rising, and when they eat out, we play a role as well. At the same time, we are seeing interesting synergy benefits developing within and among our sales channels. We anticipate a record-breaking performance in the fourth quarter. Ahold is right on track to become the leading
multi-channel food provider in the world.’



Confirmation full-year earnings outlook
Ahold confirms its earlier projection that sales and operating results for the full-year 2000 will increase in all regions, reflecting healthy autonomous growth and acquisitions. It is expected that net earnings will be sharply higher than in 1999. Earnings per share, excluding currency impact, are expected to rise by 17-20%.