(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.

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