Feb 12 (Reuters) - Supermarket group Ahold Delhaize

reported slightly higher-than-expected sales for the

fourth quarter on Wednesday, thanks to strong holiday sales at

its U.S. grocery stores and market share gains by its Dutch

chain Albert Heijn.

The Dutch group's revenue for the three months through

December 31 was 23.28 billion euros ($24.12 billion), ahead of

analysts' consensus estimate of 23.21 billion euros in a

company-compiled poll.

Ahold Delhaize said it expects an underlying operating

margin of around 4% in 2025, the same level as 2024, and aims to

save 1.25 billion euros through a cost-saving programme.

In the U.S., where Ahold Delhaize generates more than half

of its revenue, major retailers including Target and

Walmart have been pushing to keep prices of essentials

low as many Americans shun big-ticket spending and turn to

discount shopping in the face of sticky inflation.

The Food Lion and Stop & Shop parent company said it would

invest more in lowering product prices this year.

The group announced higher capital expenditure for 2025, at

around 2.7 billion euros, for new stores openings and

investments in technology.

($1 = 0.9653 euros)