Ahold Delhaize stock faces lower outlook after cyber hit

Ahold Delhaize reported resilient third-quarter results on Wednesday, November 4, but lowered parts of its 2026 outlook after an October cybersecurity incident disrupted online operations and Benelux supply-chain activities. The company published the figures at 7:30 a.m. Central European Time in a company release.

Ahold Delhaize stock traded at 33.28 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 10:00:47 CET on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The quote reflects the current trading indication and does not include a verified Xetra closing comparison.

Sales Growth Across Both Regions

Third-quarter net sales increased 1.9 percent at constant exchange rates and 2.6 percent at actual exchange rates to 23.1 billion euros. Comparable sales excluding gasoline grew 1.2 percent, supported by a 2.1 percent increase in Europe and a 0.5 percent increase in the United States.

Online sales rose 8.2 percent at constant exchange rates. The United States delivered 14.2 percent online growth, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of double-digit expansion. Group underlying operating margin was 4.1 percent, down 0.1 percentage point at constant exchange rates. Diluted underlying earnings per share reached 0.69 euros, up 1.4 percent at constant exchange rates from the prior year.

IFRS operating income was 976 million euros, while diluted IFRS earnings per share from continuing operations came to 0.72 euros. The company said the IFRS result was 30 million euros above the underlying result, primarily because of a pension settlement gain in the United States. Free cash flow reached 445 million euros in the quarter.

Cyber Incident Changes Full-Year View

Ahold Delhaize expects the cybersecurity incident to reduce fourth-quarter net sales by 200 million to 250 million euros and underlying and IFRS operating income by 75 million to 100 million euros. Additional response and remediation costs are expected to have a marginal effect on 2026 IFRS operating income.

The company now expects underlying operating margin to approach 4.0 percent, compared with previous guidance of around 4.0 percent. Diluted underlying earnings per share growth at constant exchange rates is expected in the low single digits, down from the previous mid- to high-single-digit range. Free cash flow is now expected at about 2.1 billion euros, compared with at least 2.3 billion euros previously.

Capital Returns Remain In Focus

Ahold Delhaize announced a 1 billion euro share buyback program scheduled to start at the beginning of 2027. Management also aims to increase the 2026 dividend per share at a mid-single-digit rate, subject to the stated outlook.

For investors, the quarter showed continued sales momentum and strong online growth, while the revised outlook shifts attention to the duration and financial cost of the cyber disruption. The next reporting cycle will show whether operations have returned to normal and whether margin pressure persists in the United States.

The real-time quote of Ahold Delhaize stock provides the latest trading indication.

The AEX Index provides the broader Dutch market context.

More news and analyses on Ahold Delhaize stock.