Ahold (AH) Beats Expectations

Executive Summary

• Ahold reported healthy net sales growth of 4.3% in the fourth quarter (excluding fuel, at constant rates adjusted for an extra week) and growth of 3.8% for the fiscal year through December 31, 2015, beating expectations.
• Reported fourth-quarter revenue growth of 21.4% was boosted by an extra trading week in the quarter and by favorable currency effects.
• Healthy sales growth in the Netherlands, the US and the online channel, contributed positively to the group’s results.
• Ahold will expand its US market share through a merger with Delhaize Group, a Belgian food retailer with international operations, in 2016.