BELGIUM - Delhaize Group impressed investors and analysts alike with stronger-than-expected results for its latest financial report.

For Q4 2014, the retailer reported revenues of 5.8 billion euros ($6.5 billion), an 11.4% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Wall Street Journal. Sales rose 12% to $4.7 billion in the U.S. Comparable store-sales also saw an increase, rising 3.6%, according to the report.

“Our fourth quarter revenues at Delhaize America were solid, partly helped by inflation and both Food Lion and Hannaford reported positive real sales growth,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO of Delhaize Group.

Muller also outlined the company’s initiatives for 2015, noting that one major focus of the year is to “further roll-out the Easy, Fresh, and Affordable strategy at Food Lion.”

“We will also seek to accelerate growth in selected markets,” he added. “Finally, we will continue to be disciplined with respect to operating costs, capital allocation, and working capital.”

Other noteworthy results for the full year from the report included:

• Underlying operating profit of 764 million euros including the 53^rd week in the U.S. (739 million euros excluding the 53^rd week)
• Group revenue growth of 3.9% at identical exchange rates including the 53^rd week in the U.S. (2.6% excluding the 53^rd week)

Delhaize shares increased $1.41 to $20.74, increasing 7.29% as of January 26, 2015 at 4:05 PM ET.

Delhaize Group