Strong online growth boosts Ahold's financial results

Dutch Ahold, bol.com and Albert Heijn‘s parent company, managed a decent 4.3 % turnover increase in the first quarter of 2016, largely thanks to its online sales.

Huge online boost

Ahold’s net turnover in the first quarter grew 4.3 % to 11.8 billion euro although level exchange rates would have resulted in a 3.5 % turnover increase. Particularly Ahold’s online performance was exquisite, with a 27.4 % turnover increase (at level exchange rates). Net profit reached 241 million euro, up 13.1 % compared to the year before.

“We continue to deliver on our strategic objectives, with a good operational and financial performance in the first quarter. Our focus remains on serving our customers and delivering on our Simplicity program, in order to invest in our great local brands to ensure that we provide even more value and innovation”, CEO Dick Boer said.

Growth in all markets

Ahold’s Dutch turnover grew 4.9 % to 3.933 billion euro and like-for-like turnover grew 3.2 %. Bol.com and ah.nl’s online activities shot up tremendously, up more than 30 %. 

The Dutch group also managed a 4 % turnover increase, reaching 7.3 billion euro, mostly thanks to online supermarket Peapod’s strong performance, registering a double-digit turnover growth.

Czech turnover grew 0.4 % (at level exchange rates) to 528 million euro, but the required 5-store divestment (because of the Spar acquisition) in last year’s third quarter had a negative effect on turnover.