By Aimee Look

Shares in grocery retailer Ahold Delhaize jumped after the Dutch multinational's sales and operating profit rose in the fourth quarter, boosted by online sales in the U.S. despite political uncertainty.

Ahold Delhaize shares gained 7.6% to 37.4 euros in morning European trading.

Sales rose to 23.5 billion euros ($27.96 billion) in the fourth quarter from 23.28 billion euros in the prior-year period, beating company-compiled analysts' estimates of around 23.34 billion euros.

U.S. sales on a constant-currency basis rose 2.5% on year to 13.05 billion euros. In Europe, sales grew 11% at constant exchange rates.

Online sales rose 23% on a constant-currency basis, driven by a strong performance in the U.S.

The grocery-retail company, which operates U.S. stores such as Food Lion and Giant Food, said it faced increased consumer uncertainty in the country, citing last year's U.S. government shutdown and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payment delays as contributing factors.

"Our U.S. brands took actions to limit the impact on their customers and local communities," Ahold Delhaize said.

U.S. pharmacy sales will likely be hurt by the Inflation Reduction Act, it said.

Group net sales benefited from its acquisition of Romanian supermarket chain Profi. On the other hand, sales were hit after the company stopped tobacco sales in Belgium, it said Wednesday.

Operating profit rose 48% to 899 million euros in the quarter.

For 2026, the company expects an underlying operating margin of 4%. The margin stood at 4.2% in the fourth quarter of last year.

Ahold Delhaize raised its 2025 dividend to 1.24 euros, up 6% on the previous year.

Write to Aimee Look at aimee.look@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 11, 2026 03:41 ET (08:41 GMT)

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