Ahold Reports Strong Sales, Profit Gains In 1Q 2016

Retailer Ahold reported group sales grew 4.3 percent to €11.8 billion, 3.5 percent at constant exchange rates, in the first quarter of 2016. Also, the company reported online sales grew 27.4 percent during the quarter, compared with the same period in the previous year. Underlying operating margin was 3.8 percent, compared with 3.5 percent in the same quarter of 2015, the company said. Group underlying operating income jumped 15.1 percent during the period, while free cash flow reached €287 million.