Ahold Q3 Net Profit Rises 17%

Royal Ahold NV AHONY reported a 17% rise in its Q3 net profit. Ahold's quarterly net profit surged to 165 million euros ($221.7 million), versus a year-ago profit of 141 million euros. Its sales fell 3.1% to 7.36 billion euros from 7.60 billion euros. Ahold shares closed at $18.45 yesterday.