Ahold Reports Strong Sales Growth In 3Q 2015

Ahold reported group sales grew 13.0 percent in the third quarter of 2015, with sales, excluding gas, rising 3.3 percent at constant exchange rates. Underlying operating income rose to €319 million, with underlying operating margin at 3.8 percent. According to the company, free cash flow increased by €160 million to €230million during the period. Same-store sales in the Netherlands rose 4.0 percent, while underlying sales trends in the United States continued to improve, with identical sales rising by 1.8 percent.