ZAANDAM, Netherlands, May 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ahold NV:
Our highlights:
-- Consolidated first quarter 2005 net sales amounted to EUR 13.0
billion
-- Decline of 1.0% compared to same period last year
-- Net sales impacted by lower currency exchange rates
-- Consolidated first quarter net sales growth excluding currency
impact was 2.6%
-- First trading statement under IFRS
Ahold today announced consolidated net sales (excluding VAT) of EUR 13.0 billion for the first quarter of 2005 (16 weeks: January 3, 2005 -- April 24, 2005), a decline of 1.0% compared to the same period last year (Q1 2004: EUR 13.1 billion). Net sales were impacted by lower currency exchange rates, in particular that of the U.S. dollar. Net sales excluding currency impact increased by 2.6% in the first quarter of 2005.
The numbers presented in this trading statement include net sales accounted for in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), which is Ahold's primary GAAP as from 2005. The impact from the adoption of IFRS is discussed under "Adoption of IFRS" below.
The net sales numbers presented in this press release are preliminary and unaudited.
Please open the following link in order to view the full press release including tables regarding our first quarter 2005 net sales.