Ahold Delhaize (ENXTAM: AD) 1Q17 Results: Merger Synergies On-Target, Reaffirms Outlook for FY17

Executive Summary

• The merger of Ahold Delhaize in mid-2016 prompted the company’s reported leap in revenues: Ahold Delhaize reported 1Q17 revenues of €15,870 million, up by 61.4% from 1Q16 at constant exchange rates (+65.1% in reported currency).
• Pro forma 1Q17 revenues, which reflect the entirety of the merged group, were €15,766 million, up by 0.6% at constant currency (+2.9% in reported currency) and slightly below the consensus estimate of €15,853 million.
• The gross margin slid by 92 basis points and SG&A as a percentage of sales dropped by 101 bps, while the operating margin climbed by 9 bps. Diluted EPS jumped by 12.0% to €0.28 during the quarter, slightly above the consensus estimate of €0.27.
• Ahold Delhaize upheld its target of realizing €220 million in net synergies in FY17, of which €56 million has already been realized year-to-date.