Ahold reports positive Q4, full-year results

AMSTERDAM — Ahold experienced several bright spots during its fourth quarter and full year, the Dutch supermarket company said.

Fourth-quarter net sales totaled $9.4 billion, a 4.5% increase above the year-ago period, while net sales for the year increased by 2.5% to $39.1 billion.

For its U.S. subsidiary, which includes such banners as Stop & Shop and Giant-Landover, Ahold said Ahold USA garnered $5.9 billion in fourth-quarter net sales, which were 5% above the year-ago period. Similarly, identical-store sales and comparable-store sales increased 3.9% and 4.2%, respectively. For the full year, net sales totaled $25.1 billion, marking a 6.6% boost over 2010, while identical-store sales and comparable-store sales most experienced positive gains of 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively.

"We are pleased to have delivered another solid performance over the quarter, growing sales and market share in the United States and the Netherlands," the company said. "We continue to be well positioned in challenging market conditions with customers remaining cautious in their spending."