Ahold Delhaize (AD) 3Q16 RESULTS: CORE SALES UP, BUT EARNINGS MISS ESTIMATES ON US WEAKNESS

Executive Summary

• Ahold Delhaize reported 3Q16 pro forma revenues of €14,546 million, up 2.6% from €14,176 million in 3Q15, narrowly beating the consensus estimate of €14,516.98 million. The underlying EBITDA margin grew by 8 basis points and the underlying operating margin increased by 6bps. Underlying EPS fell 3.7% to €0.26, missing the consensus estimate of €0.28.
• Synergies from the merger between Ahold and Delhaize earlier in 2016, new store openings and investments in price and cost efficiencies drove volume growth across all regions, but was slightly offset by a deflationary environment in the US.
• Ahold Delhaize expects price pressure from the deflationary environment in the US to continue at its current levels. The company expects the pro forma underlying operating margin to be in line with the current year-to-date level of 3.6%.