Tesco and Sainsbury gain comfort from Asda's continuing struggles
Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) and J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY) shares received a boost from Asda's latest trading update, with analysts arguing that the struggling supermarket group's continued market share losses underline the resilience of its larger listed rivals. Asda reported first-quarter like-for-like sales down 1.3%, an improvement on the 4.2% decline recorded in the previous quarter but still well short of the stabilisation many investors had hoped for.
Tesco faces slower first-quarter sales growth, says Citi
Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) is expected to report slower first-quarter sales growth next month as the supermarket group laps a period of unusually strong weather-driven demand, according to analysts at Citi. The investment bank trimmed its forecast for the FTSE 100 grocer's UK like-for-like sales growth in Q1 of the current financial year to 2.2% from 4%, below market expectations of about 3%.
Tesco and Sainsbury's shares greet retail sales slump with a collective shrug
Shares in Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO), the UK's largest supermarket group, and rival J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY) were barely moved in early trading on Friday despite official data showing retail sales tumbled at their fastest rate in almost a year. The muted reaction comes against a backdrop of mounting political pressure on the sector, with the Treasury pushing major supermarkets to voluntarily cap prices on staples such as eggs, bread and milk in exchange for regulatory relief.
Here's why the Tesco share price is falling today (May 20)
Tesco share price retreated by over 2% on Wednesday, before paring back some of the losses as the UK government pushed retailers to cap price increases amid the ongoing Iran war. It slipped to 443p, its lowest level since February 4, and 10.85% below its highest point this year.
Tesco and Sainsbury shares slide as government pushes supermarkets to cap food prices
Shares in Britain's biggest supermarkets fell sharply after reports that the government is urging retailers to voluntarily limit prices on staple groceries in return for an easing of regulations. Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) was down 2.8% and J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY) fell 1.8% as investors digested the implications of a policy that the British Retail Consortium (BRC) dismissed as unworkable.
M&S, Tesco and Sainsbury's sales outperform grocery market
Tesco and Sainsbury's continued to gain market share as shoppers turned to discounts amid concerns over rising prices. Spending at Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) rose 4.3% in the 12 weeks to 19 April, lifting its market share to 28.1%, while J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY) increased sales 4.5%, taking its share to 15.5%.
Tesco a 'high-quality compounder' despite cautious outlook, says Deutsche Bank
Tesco PLC's (LSE:TSCO) conservative guidance for the year ahead understates the supermarket's true earnings potential and the shares remain a 'buy', Deutsche Bank argues, lifting its price target to 525p from 500p following last week's full-year results. Analyst Benjamin Yokyong-Zoega describes Tesco as a "high-quality multi-year compounder," pointing to an upgraded medium-term free cash flow outlook, a strong competitive position, and a track record of outperforming its own guidance as the foundations for continued confidence.
Tesco: Opportunity Captured, Upside Fading
Tesco delivered a strong post-Christmas performance, with shares up 18% and now trading above the lower end of my $19–$22 price target. TSCDY expanded UK market share to ~28.5% via aggressive pricing and private label growth, but margin pressure remains as it competes with Aldi. FY 2026 saw 3.5% same-store sales growth, robust FCF (£2.5B), and significant shareholder returns through dividends and £1.54B buybacks.
Tesco's cautious outlook masks a compelling investment case
Tesco PLC's (LSE:TSCO) full-year results delivered the familiar combination of a profit beat and raised free cash flow, but it is the shape of the outlook that deserves closer attention. The operating profit range of £3.0bn to £3.3bn sits roughly 2% below consensus at the midpoint, and the unusually wide band is doing a specific job.
Tesco PLC (TSCDY) Q4 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Tesco PLC (TSCDY) Q4 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Tesco tipped as 'consummate cash compounder' for an uncertain world
Tesco PLC's (LSE:TSCO) strong set of annual results reinforces the supermarket chain's status as a "high-class" and reliable performer in uncertain markets, said Shore Capital. The broker reiterated its 'buy' rating, arguing that the FTSE 100 remains “a high-class defensive stock” thanks to strong cash generation, disciplined execution and consistent returns to shareholders.
Tesco Broadens Guidance as Iran War Uncertainty Clouds Outlook
An uptick in inflation due to the conflict is broadly expected to hike up costs and weigh on consumer spending habits.
