Forward-looking statements notice
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report are
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S.
federal securities laws. Those statements include, but are
not limited to:
Expectations as to changes in net sales, operating income
and certain expenses in respect of certain of Ahold's
operations, price fluctuations and estimations of the
factors that will cause such expected changes;
Expectations as to reduction of Ahold's debt and the
consequences on its financial position, results of
operations and liquidity;
Expectations as to the impact of operational
improvements on productivity levels, operating income
and profitability in Ahold's stores;
Expectations as to the savings from Ahold's strategy,
including a reduction in operating costs of EUR 500
million, the reduction of Group Support Office costs by
50% and the timing thereof;
Expectations as to Ahold's financial position and
prospects, initiatives to lower costs, access to liquidity, the
sufficiency of its working capital and the sufficiency of its
existing credit facilities, its letter of credit requirements, as
well as to the timing and amounts of certain repayments
under Ahold's existing indebtedness and the sources of
funds available for such payments and the impact of the
Company's financial plan and strategy;
Statements as to achieving investment grade;
Statements as to the timing, scope and impact of certain
divestments, dispositions or acquisitions, the amount of
proceeds to be raised and the use of proceeds from such
divestments, dispositions or acquisitions;
Expectations as to the growth in the industry in which
Ahold operates;
Expectations as to trends in energy costs, pension and
health care costs, insurance costs and coverage,
exchange rate fluctuations and food price inflation;
Statements as to plans to increase the amount to be
returned to shareholders;
Statements regarding the improvement of the food retail
business and store operations, including strengthening
consumer insight capability, building on continental
sourcing strategy, improving brands and improving price
positioning, and product assortment;
Statements as to the institution of two continental
platforms for management of the Ahold group;
Statements as to the expected timing, strategy, outcome,
cost and impact of certain legal proceedings and
investigations and the sufficiency of Ahold's available
defenses and responses;
Statements as to the extent of Ahold's obligations under
certain contingent liabilities;
Expectations as to the cost of contributions to certain
pension plans and other employee benefit plans;
Statements as to the amount and timing of any future
dividend payments;
Expectations as to Ahold's competitive position, industry
consolidation and the impact of the economy on the
Company's business, liquidity and results of operations
and financial position;
Expectations as to the divestments of U.S. Foodservice,
Ahold's operations in Slovakia and Poland, Tops and JMR;
Expectations regarding Ahold's growth and capital
expenditures;
Statements as to Ahold's goals and future strategy with
respect to supplier and customer relationships, market
positioning, net sales growth, portfolio strategy and
operating margin;
Expectations as to the timing of certain appointments
of key executive personnel;
Expectations as to Ahold's relationships with the relevant
trade unions and retention of personnel;
Statements as to the sufficiency of Ahold's facilities to
meet the requirements of its foreseeable future
operations; and
Expectations as to environmental risks and regulations.
154 Ahold Annual Report 2006
