| Financial Summary |
| » Revenue growth of 2.2% at identical exchange rates |
| » Comparable store sales growth of 2.5% in the U.S., -2.8% in Belgium and -0.8% in Southeastern Europe |
| » Group underlying operating profit of €173 million |
| » Group underlying operating margin of 3.0% (3.8% in the U.S., 1.4% in Belgium and 2.3% in Southeastern Europe) |
BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
» CEO Comments
Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize Group, commented: "In the first quarter, revenues were resilient at Delhaize America with 2.5% comparable store sales growth despite a meaningful reduction in inflation as the quarter progressed. At Food Lion, we are on track with the roll out of our "Easy, Fresh & Affordable" strategic initiative in an additional 160 stores."
"In Belgium, following the agreement with our social partners on the Transformation Plan on February 23, we are implementing significant changes required to revitalize our business. During the first quarter, our profitability was impacted by investments in prices, promotions and marketing expenses but we saw a gradual improvement in our revenue and market share trends. We expect revenues and profitability to improve in the second half of the year. In Southeastern Europe, while our comparable store sales evolution was slightly negative, the trend improved throughout the region."
"Our focus for the Group is unchanged: continue to grow sales and improve market share in our core markets, funded by operational efficiencies and continued capital discipline as reflected by S&P's recent decision to change our Outlook from "Stable" to "Positive"."
Q1 15 Press release http://hugin.info/133961/R/1916174/685068.pdf
Q1 15 Presentation http://hugin.info/133961/R/1916174/685069.pdf
HUG#1916174