EUROPE: Ahold reports strong Q2 gains | Progresiv
Ahold said sales for the quarter were up 17.1% to 8.69 billion euros (+4.8% on a constant-currency basis, excl. fuel), while underlying operating profit grew by 14.9% to 331 million euros. 
In its home market, the group recorded growth of 6.8%, on like-for-like growth of 3.4%, helped by a strong performance by Albert Heijn, higher volumes, and more transactions. In the US, sales were up 2.1% (excl. fuel, constant-currency), with like-for-like growth of 1.8%, and the group increased its volume market share for the fourth straight quarter.
Sales grew by a strong 30.2% in the Czech Republic (+2.1% LFL excl. fuel), driven by the Albert supermarket banner, although profits were hurt by the SPAR acquisition. Online sales were up 22.8% (constant-currency basis), which Ahold said was driven by “ongoing investments” into the channel. (www.kamcity.com)
