ZAANDAM, Netherlands — Ahold Delhaize reported strong third-quarter results for 2025, highlighting its U.S. business as a key driver. The company noted ongoing growth from Food Lion, investments in digital unification, and value-focused pricing across its banners, including Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Giant Food, and The GIANT Company.
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U.S. comparable sales excluding gasoline increased by 2.9 percent over the quarter, supported by growth in online grocery and pharmacy sales. U.S. online sales surged 15.4 percent at constant exchange rates, led by Food Lion. Net sales for the U.S. reached 12.9 billion euros, representing a 1.9 percent increase at constant exchange rates. Results were somewhat limited by the closure of underperforming Stop & Shop stores and decreased gasoline sales.
U.S. underlying operating margin increased to 4.6 percent, a rise of 0.4 percentage points, supported by higher sales leverage, timing of promotions, and nonrecurring items that offset price investments.
“Our third quarter results reflect the strong foundation and flexibility of our operating model,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO of Ahold Delhaize. “In the U.S., net sales increased, and comparable sales excluding gasoline grew 2.9 percent. Food Lion delivered another impressive quarter, marking its fifty-second consecutive quarter of comparable store sales growth.”
Food Lion pushes ahead with remodels and omnichannel growth
Food Lion continues to excel, marking its 52nd straight quarter of comparable store sales growth. In Q3, the chain launched a significant remodel program in North Carolina.
“In North Carolina, Food Lion launched omnichannel remodels at 153 stores in its Charlotte market,” Muller said. “These remodels enhance convenience with updated assortments, improved layouts, self-checkout and integrated ecommerce options through Food Lion To Go.”
Construction has started on 92 more store remodels in Greensboro, scheduled to open in 2026.
PRISM completes digital unification of every U.S. banner
Ahold Delhaize USA achieved a milestone this quarter with the rollout of the PRISM digital platform. PRISM now integrates e-commerce, loyalty, promotions, and digital payments across all five U.S. brands.
“With the rollout of PRISM at Food Lion and Hannaford, all the U.S. brands are now on the proprietary platform,” Muller said. “This will allow us to increase the speed and impact of innovation in omnichannel convenience for customers moving forward.”
PRISM enables expanded digital payments, including EBT and Apple Pay, and offers smarter options for pickup and delivery orders. The company said PRISM will serve as the digital foundation to introduce more personalization and faster promotional capabilities.
Stop & Shop pushes price investments and service gains
Stop & Shop continued to focus on enhancing price perception and store execution. In Q3, the chain extended price and service updates to 88 stores in Massachusetts, including sharper pricing, improved customer service, and more effective promotional strategies.
“The Stop & Shop team has been laser-focused over the past year on executing their pricing strategy and improving in-store execution,” Muller said. “While there is plenty of hard work ahead, I am encouraged by the positive response from customers.”
Supply chain expansion and future growth
To support the growing omnichannel demand and expansion of store networks, Ahold Delhaize USA will establish a new automated distribution center in North Carolina. The facility will incorporate advanced technology based on the company’s highly automated operations in the Netherlands.
“Our U.S. brands are solidifying their real estate pipelines to accelerate new store openings,” Muller said. “We also announced plans to build a new distribution center in North Carolina to meet growing capacity demands.”
The company will also introduce its European retail media platform, Edge, to the U.S. in 2026. Edge enables advertisers to purchase sponsored search, on-site display, and digital screens in stores.
Outlook remains unchanged
Ahold Delhaize reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook. The company expects:
- Underlying operating margin around 4 percent
- Free cash flow of at least 2.2 billion euros
- Mid to high single-digit growth in diluted underlying EPS
The company also announced a 1 billion euro share buyback program that begins in 2026.
“As 2025 draws to a close, I am proud of our progress and that we have sustained and strengthened market positions,” Muller said. “We have the resilience, flexibility and culture to adapt to the opportunities and risks ahead. I am confident we are taking the right measures to drive consistent growth and long-term value creation.”
Ahold Delhaize USA operates more than two thousand stores along the East Coast under the Food Lion, Hannaford, Giant Food, The GIANT Company and Stop & Shop banners.
