Amsterdam, the Netherlands, - June 4, 2013

 ·   Sales ?10.1 billion (up 4.4% at constant exchange rates)

 ·   Underlying operating income ?416 million (up 0.4% at constant exchange rates)

 ·   Underlying operating margin 4.1% (Q1 2012: 4.3%)

 ·   Operating income ?345 million (down ?68 million due to a ?63 million pension settlement)

 ·   Net income ?1,951 million, of which ?1,748 million related to ICA

 ·   ?2.5 billion received from dividend and sale of our stake in ICA

·   Share buyback program increased to ?2 billion, to be completed by end of 2014

Ahold today published its interim report for the first quarter of 2013.

CEO Dick Boer said:  "Overall sales grew by 4.4% at constant exchange rates in the first quarter. We continue to gain market share in our major markets as a result of identical sales growth, the expansion of our store network, and strong growth in our on-line business.

"In the United States, our sales, measured in US dollars, grew by 3.4% with ongoing high levels of promotional activity. We delivered a strong margin performance, thanks to strict cost control. We continue to actively manage our U.S. pension plans, and in this quarter we settled a multi-employer pension plan for ?63 million that limits our liability while cost-effectively safeguarding the pensions earned by employees.

"In the Netherlands, our sales grew by 7.5% in a market where consumer confidence remains low. Our operating margin reflects additional non-cash pension charges that resulted from the revised pension accounting rules and decreased discount rates that we flagged earlier, as well as our continued investment in growth. We are pleased with the strong sales performance of our online businesses, partly driven by the success of our pick-up points, and with our expansion into Belgium.

"During the quarter our cash balances increased significantly with the dividend and proceeds from the sale of our 60% stake in ICA. We remain committed to improving the efficiency of our balance sheet and have increased our share buyback program from ?500 million to ?2 billion, to be completed by the end of 2014. Our focus remains on strong capital discipline combined with a balanced approach between investing in profitable growth and providing attractive returns to shareholders.

 "We remain cautious in our outlook for 2013 but we are committed to deliver on our Reshaping Retail strategy."

Click here for more information and watch a video interview with CEO Dick Boer:
https://www.ahold.com/Media/Results-Q1-2013.htm?thomson

Ahold Press Office: +31 88 659 5143
Ahold Investor Relations: +31 88 659 5213
Follow us on Twitter: @AholdNews

Ahold Q1 interim report :
http://hugin.info/130711/R/1706821/565097.pdf



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Source: Ahold via Thomson Reuters ONE

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