Ahold has published its results for full year fiscal 2012, posting a slump in net income of 21.6 per cent to €827 million, at constant exchange rates. The Netherlands-based retailer reported a net sales increase of 3.5 per cent (at constant rates) to €32,841 million, while operating income was €1,187 million, down 15.4% on the same basis. Income from continuing operations decreased by 22.5 per cent to €830 million.
Ahold's US arm saw full year sales reach $25.8 billion, displaying like-for-like growth of 0.5 per cent, excluding petrol. On the home front, like-for-like sales were up 1 per cent in the Netherlands, totalling €11.1 billion. Sales in the Czech Republic and Slovakia decreased 2.2 per cent, excluding petrol, on a like-for-like basis.
Group chief executive Dick Boer said "In 2012 we began to reap the benefits of the Reshaping Retail strategy, actively leveraging changing consumer needs and pursuing growth opportunities, in both existing and new markets." He added that he is "cautious" in his outlook for 2013, saying "We will stay focused on simplifying our business to reduce costs so that we can continue to improve our offering and the value we provide to our customers." (28 Feb)
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Sadhbh Connor
