Sales up at Ahold U.S.

AMSTERDAM Ahold reported that net sales at Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover for the first quarter were $5.3 billion, up 3.6%. Identical sales were up 3.1% at Stop & Shop (4.8% excluding gasoline) and up 3.6% at Giant-Landover (3.6% excluding gasoline), despite lower pharmacy sales. Operating income was $242 million (or 4.5% of net sales), up $ 40 million, and included a non-recurring rent charge of $15 million.

At Giant-Carlisle net sales were $1.5 billion, up 3.4%. Identical sales were up 1.1% (4.3% excluding gasoline). Operating income was $71 million (or 4.9% of net sales), down $ 1 million compared to the same period last year, primarily due to increased promotional activity.