Ahold today published its interim financial report for the first three quarters of 2008. Ahold CEO John Rishton said “We delivered a solid performance in our third quarter. I was particularly pleased with the increase in identical sales at Stop & Shop and Giant-Landover as a result of the actions we have taken under the Value Improvement Program over the last two years.
“The company has a healthy balance sheet and is well-positioned to offer value to our customers in the current economic environment. The price investments made in recent years have strengthened the competitive position of all our banners, but we remain vigilant and will respond to changes in consumer and competitor behavior.
“Underlying retail operating margin guidance for the year remains unchanged at 4.8%- 5.3%.”
