Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V., NL0011794037

Ahold Delhaize stock holds near Xetra close as cyber costs weigh

Published on 11/12/2026 at 17:40 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Ahold Delhaize stock faces a weaker near-term outlook after an October cyber incident. Resilient online demand offers operational support.

Cyber pressure reshapes the outlook

Third-quarter demand remained resilient, with online sales providing support across the group.
The October cyber incident is expected to pressure fourth-quarter sales and operating income.
Management is keeping capital returns and digital investment on its agenda.

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V., NL0011794037, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Ahold Delhaize lowered parts of its 2026 outlook after an October cybersecurity incident, while third-quarter trading showed resilient demand. The company published its third-quarter results on Wednesday, November 4, according to Ahold Delhaize investor relations.

Resilient quarter, uneven regions

Quarterly net sales rose 1.9 percent at constant exchange rates to 23.1 billion euros. Comparable sales excluding gasoline increased 1.2 percent across the group, with Europe outperforming the United States.

Online sales grew 8.2 percent at constant exchange rates. U.S. online sales advanced 14.2 percent, extending a run of double-digit growth. The group underlying operating margin was 4.1 percent, while diluted underlying earnings per share rose 1.4 percent to 0.69 euros.

Cyber costs reduce visibility

Ahold Delhaize expects the October incident to reduce fourth-quarter sales by 200 million to 250 million euros. Underlying and IFRS operating income are expected to take a 75 million to 100 million euro hit, while restoration work was still continuing when the results were published.

Management now expects 2026 diluted underlying earnings per share to grow at a low-single-digit rate at constant exchange rates, compared with the previous mid- to high-single-digit range. Free cash flow guidance was reduced to around 2.1 billion euros from at least 2.3 billion euros. The underlying operating margin is still expected to approach 4.0 percent.

Shareholder returns remain in focus

Ahold Delhaize plans to begin a 1 billion euro share buyback at the start of 2027 and aims to increase its 2026 dividend per share at a mid-single-digit rate. The next scheduled reporting date is February 17, 2027, when the company plans to publish fourth-quarter and full-year results.

Ahold Delhaize stock traded at 35.30 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 17:35 CET on Thursday, November 12, 2026, 0.23 percent above the Xetra close of Wednesday, November 11. The Xetra reference instrument is AHOG.