United States
Local focus, global re
performance
In terms of volume and earnings perform
ance, the United States once again
contributed significantly to Ahold's
international portfolio in 1999. Ahold's
operating companies along the US east
coast boosted sales substantially,
reflecting outstanding autonomous growth,
particularly at Stop Shop and Giant Food
Inc. (Giant-Landover). New performance
records were set overall and at the individ
ual operating companies. The full-year
consolidation of Giant-Landover, various
synergy initiatives, the ongoing exchange
of best practices and benefits from working
together in practically all food retail disci
plines had a positive impact on results.
US sales rose 26% to USD 20.3 billion,
57% of worldwide sales, and operating
results increased by 40% to USD 1 billion.
Overall US operating margin increased to
27.9% from 26.9% a year earlier with
ample room for further improvement.
25
20
15
10
5-
0-
Sales USA
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
in billions
16 Royal Ahold Annual Report 1999
