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.
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.
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 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 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 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'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.
An uptick in inflation due to the conflict is broadly expected to hike up costs and weigh on consumer spending habits.
Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) reported steady growth in sales and profit after a year of investment in lower prices helped lift market share. Sales excluding fuel rose 4.3% to £66.6 billion, while like-for-like sales increased 3.5%.
Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) and J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY) will face a complex mix of pressures in the coming months as higher fuel and fertiliser prices filter through to the UK grocery sector, Deutsche Bank warned. Despite signs of easing inflation last year and into the start of 2026, the UK food retail sector is now confronting renewed cost pressures driven by the Middle East conflict, analysts at the bank said.
Tesco, Britain's biggest food retailer, has partnered with U.S. software group Adobe to deepen its use of artificial intelligence in analysing customer data, aiming to boost sales through more personalised marketing, the groups said on Monday.