By every measure, 1995 was another excellent year for Ahold. Our financial
performance showed further strong progress, as sales were NLG 29.6 billion,
and net earnings rose 11.5% to NLG 456.6 million. Operating results rose by
11.8% to NLG 915.5 million and earnings per share were NLG 3.74, 8.7%
more than in 1994. These are very healthy results.
C.H. van der Hoeven, President
F.I. Ahlqvist
P.J. van Dun
E.S. Moerk
R. Zwartendijk
J.H. Choufoer, Chairman
R.J. Nelissen, Vice Chairman
R.J. Bogomolny
A. Heijn
A.J. Kranendonk
R.F. Meyer
H. de Ruiter
As of March 27,1996
Throughout the company, initiatives are taken to improve and extend
our services to the customer. At the same time, priority is given to
corporate expansion. Important progress was made last year in
expanding our existing activities, and in developing new activities
in current and new markets, including Asia.
The year was further marked by major progress in im
proving efficiency in a wide range of areas, including purchasing,
distribution and store organization. By capitalizing effectively on
the new possibilities offered by technological advances, Ahold has
achieved steady increases in productivity while keeping a good
control over costs. This is absolutely vital in order to keep Ahold
subsidiaries strong, in a retailing environment where competition is
sustained and intense. Furthermore, the commitment to innovation
has permeated to all levels of the organization, increasing the flow
of new initiatives to create extra added value for the consumer.
Efficiency is essential in ensuring a healthy future for the
company, but it is innovation that will determine what shape the
future takes. The individualism of today's consumer demands an
innovative approach. Ahold's response is 'precision retailing', based
on modern information technology. This concept is explored in
further detail in a special report on page 28.
We are taking an innovative approach to our international develop
ment, particularly in areas such as Asia where we are not yet
established, but which offer major opportunities for a group with
our strengths and skills. We are strongly focused on growth, and
ambitious in our goals. Furthermore, we are highly skilled and expe
rienced in all aspects of food retailing, production and distribution,
and have demonstrated our ability to adapt ourselves successfully,
and sensitively, to different cultures and operating environments.
Corporate Executive Board
A. Buitenhuis, Senior Vice President Finance and Fiscal Affairs
P.P.J. Butzelaar, General Counsel
H. Gobes, Senior Vice President Communications
A.M. Meurs, Senior Vice President Business Development
C. Sterk, Senior Vice President Administration
N.L.J. Berger, Secretary
Supervisory Board
4 Annual Report 1995 Royal Ahold
