Ahold Delhaize Posts Q4 Sales, Comp Gains as Inflation Slows

Ahold Delhaize said comp sales at its U.S. banners increased by 2.7% in its fiscal fourth quarter, capping a year of improving sales momentum and market share.

Quarterly sales of 9.8 billion Euros (or about $11.1 billion) in the period increased by 2.6% at constant exchange rates, the Netherlands-based company said. For the year, Ahold Delhaize U.S. sales of 37.5 billion euros (about $42.7 billion) increased by 1.9% at constant exchange rates.

The quarterly comp figure included a slightly favorable weather impact but lower levels of inflation as compared to the third quarter. The fourth quarter ended Dec. 30.

U.S. online sales growth accelerated by 12.1% at constant exchange rates, representing renewed momentum and traction from sales initiatives at its brands. Online sales in the U.S. totaled 203 million Euros (about $231 million) for the quarter and 751 million Euros (about $855 million).

Ahold Delhaize is expected to release earnings figures for the quarter and fiscal year next month.