Netherlands retailer Ahold has reported on its results for the first quarter of 2013, with sales up 4.4 per cent at constant exchange rates to €10.1bn.
Operating income stood at €345m, down €68m due to a €63m pension settlement, with net income coming in at €1.95bn, of which €1.7bn was related to the sale of its 60 per cent stake in ICA.
'Overall sales grew by 4.4 per cent at constant exchange rates in the first quarter,' said group CEO Dick Boer. 'We continue to gain market share in our major markets as a result of identical sales growth, the expansion of our store network, and strong growth in our on-line business.
'In the United States, our sales, measured in US dollars, grew by 3.4 per cent with ongoing high levels of promotional activity,' he continued. 'We delivered a strong margin performance, thanks to strict cost control.
'In the Netherlands, our sales grew by 7.5 per cent in a market where consumer confidence remains low. We are pleased with the strong sales performance of our online businesses, partly driven by the success of our pick-up points, and with our expansion into Belgium,' he added.
Boer noted that the group remained cautious in its outlook for 2013, but was committed to delivering on its Reshaping Retail strategy.
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