Aldi UK to open 130 new stores after returning to annual profit growth
Aldi’s UK and Ireland arm posted a 26% increase in operating profit last year as sales grew 16.4%
Company
J Sainsbury PLC
LON:SBRY
J Sainsbury PLC is a United Kingdom-based company principally engaged in grocery and related retailing, and financial services.
772 stories · page 5 of 8
Sainsburys-Asda merger could substantially lessen competition, says competition watchdog
During phase 2 of its probe into the proposed deal, the CMA will seek further evidence through customer surveys, discussions with rival retailers, suppliers and industry bodies
£12bn Sainsbury’s-Asda merger referred for more in-depth phase 2 investigation
As expected, the Competition and Markets Authority has moved the investigation into a more detailed phase 2 investigation, claiming the deal “raises sufficient concerns”
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes higher as trade fears ebb; Kingfisher leads the laggards
The FTSE 100 closed nearly 31 points higher at 7,331, while FTSE 250 added over 42 at 20,500
Berenberg tells investors to add UK supermarket shares to their baskets
Shares in Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons have soared over the past year, but Berenberg reckons there is still a way to go
Morrisons may shun retail mega merger kingmaker role to continue online expansion
Morrisons, which has online delivery deals in place with Amazon and Ocado, will likely invest further in e-commerce with the high street in decline
Anglo Asian Mining shares fly higher as it takes steps to identify new targets
A look at some of the top risers and fallers in London on Thursday
Sainsbury's boss warns regulators could scupper £12bn Asda merger
The Competition and Markets Authority is currently undertaking a phase 1 investigation into the proposed tie-up, although it is expected to kick off a more in-depth enquiry shortly
Are supermarket price wars about to be shelved for good?
Moves by Tesco and Asda to scrap their price guarantees may lead to the belief that the price wars are coming to an end, however a new, fiercer contest could soon be underway
Competition watchdog kicks off formal probe into merger of Walmart's Asda and Sainsbury's
The competition watchdog will begin a Phase 1 probe to assess how the deal could affect competition for customers
Major shareholder in Sainsbury's backs proposed Asda merger
Martin Walker, UK equities fund manager at Invesco Perpetual, is the first major investor to publicly back the proposed £12bn merger of Sainsbury's and Asda
Sainsbury's weakest in latest Kantar data but Love Island and hot weather boosts sales
Hot weather boosted drinks sales and hit reality TV show Love Island boosted demand for men’s skincare products
FTSE 100 closes higher but only just as trade tensions continue
The Footsie closed the day in positive territory, just, but was down on the week as a whole
Walmart-owned Asda sees second-quarter sales bounce-back as recovery continues ahead of Sainsbury's takeover
The UK food retailer said its underlying sales excluding fuel rose by 0.4% in its second quarter, but removing the impact of an earlier Easter which this year benefited the first quarter, sales were up 2.6%
UBS ups Morrisons to ‘buy’ as discounter expansion slows
The bank said that discounters had been a “key source of Morrisons’ switching losses ... over recent years”, but added that Aldi store openings had slowed sharply in the first half of 2018
Hot summer and football fever boost supermarket sales but Tesco and Sainsbury’s lose ground to Aldi and Lidl
News of further market share losses for Tesco will likely add more weight to reports over the weekend that it is looking to launch a new discount brand to rival Aldi and Lidl
Tesco’s new discount chain to rival Aldi and Lidl could open within six weeks
According to the Guardian, workers at one Tesco store in Liverpool which is due to close have been promised potential jobs at a “new retail format” store opening in September
Sainsbury unveils appointment of City grandee Martin Scicluna as non-executive chairman to succeed David Tyler
Scicluna, who is chairman of RSA Insurance PLC, will join as the food retailer's chairman-designate on 1 November 2018 and it anticipates that he will assume the role of chairman from the beginning of the new financial year in March 2019, o
FTSE 100 tumbles 1.3% lower as trade worries grip markets
The UK blue chip index dropped 100 points after the US said it was ready to impose tariffs on an extra US$200bn worth of Chinese goods
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Wetherspoons eyed for CO2 shortage impact as week reaches mid-point
The pub chain will be hoping to mitigate any potential drink shortages as the warm weather and England's World Cup performance drive up customer numbers
Argos starting to prove its worth to J Sainsbury shareholders
The UK food retail market is so competitive right now that Sainsbury’s shareholders will be glad they have another division which can pick up the slack
J Sainsbury posts small rise in Q1 like-for-like sales as Argos returns to growth
Argos had been a drag for the past few quarters but it returned to growth this time around as Sainsbury's opened more Argos stores in its supermarkets
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes in the red amid weak volumes and US holiday
The UK's premier index of leading shares closed at 7,573 - down around 20 points. FTSE 250 closed down around 12
Asda CFO Alex Russo leaves for Wilko in wake of proposed Sainsbury's merger
Alex Russo, who has been Asda CFO for more than four years, will be replaced by Rob McWilliam, the former head of finance and consumables at Amazon UK
Investments and investor services
J Sainsbury will be in focus but few fireworks expected in London on Wednesday
Wednesday is US Independence Day, meanwhile, the hangover from England's big game may leave London welcoming a light diary.
UBS ups its target for Sainsbury's as it thinks risk-reward looks attractive with Asda incorporated
Repeating a ‘buy’ rating on the stock, the Swiss bank’s analysts hiked their target for the FTSE 100-listed stock to 400p from 325p, with the shares currently trading at 319.3p
Tesco-Carrefour tie-up a 'direct response' to Sainsbury's-Asda merger, analysts say
Supermarkets have been tackling rising competition from discounters Aldi and Lidl and the growing threat of Amazon
Tesco and Carrefour announce strategic alliance to cut costs and prices
Tesco and Carrefour said the partnership will allow the companies to improve the quality and choice of products at lower prices
FTSE 100 closes in red as ongoing trade standoff scares investors
The UK blue chip benchmark shed almost 90 points to finish the day at 7,547.
Archive
Housebuilders and retailers take centre stage as slew of firms release latest results
The week ahead will see quarterly results from Sainsbury's and AB Foods, trading updates from Bovis Homes and Persimmon, and full year earnings from SuperDry
Barclays Capital now assumes an 80% chance of success for the proposed Sainsbury's/Asda merger
As a result, the bank’s analysts have raised their rating for Sainsbury’s to ‘overweight’ from ‘equal-weight’ and increased their target price to 375p from 300p previously
FTSE 100 pushes higher as crude rallies; US stocks up
The UK index of leading shares closed almost 84 points higher at 7,621..
Sainsbury's sales dip in latest trading period according to latest Kantar data
The market researcher said sales at the FTSE 100 supermarket chain were down 0.2% in the 12 weeks to June 17, while all its ‘big four’ rivals saw sales increase
FTSE 100 closes higher, buoyed by weaker sterling; Carnival goes about
The UK blue-chip index finished over 46 points higher, at 7,555..
Sainsbury-Asda merger may still get CMA approval despite opposition from MPs, analysts say
MPs have accused Sainsbury's and Asda bosses of "talking baloney" and quoting "Mickey Mouse figures" in response to questions about their proposed merger
Sainsbury's-Asda merger raises competition concerns, CMA reveals
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has published a summary of views received from interested parties on the impact of the planned merger of Sainsbury's and Asda
FTSE 100 joins global rout as Trump's trade tactics spook markets
The UK's top share index shed over 131 points at 7,633, while mid-cap brother FTSE 250 was also lower
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Tesco in the spotlight as trading update closes out heavy week for economic data
The week comes to a close with a first-quarter update from the UK's biggest (but potentially soon to be second biggest) supermarket
FTSE 100 ends in the red as Brexit wrangling weighs on sentiment
The UK's premier share index closed down 7.97 points, or 0.10% at 7,704
Investments and investor services
CMC Markets, Auto Trader and MITIE all in focus ahead of Thursday results
One City broker expects CMC to reveal a 22% jump in pre-tax profit in its results tomorrow.
Archive
It's the scrag-end of the corporate reporting season, but an update from WH Smith could excite
Aside from a trading update from WH Smith, the Week Ahead will also bring full-year results from the likes of AO World, CMC Markets, Auto Trader, and MITIE Group
BBQ weather, Royal wedding helped boost sales at UK food retailers in May, but Sainsbury's underperformed
In the 12 weeks to May 20, Kantar Worldpanel’s industry data showed Sainsbury’s posted sales growth of 1% in the period, well below the grocery market's growth of 2.7%
Sainsbury's Asda merger faces hurdle after MPs criticise changes to staff pay
More than 100 MPs have signed a letter to Theresa May asking the prime minister to take action against Sainsbury's "unscrupulous contract changes"
CMA issues 'invitation to comment' on proposed merger of Sainsbury's and Asda
All interested parties have been asked to submit initial views on the impact the proposed merger of Sainsbury's and Asda could have on competition by June 4
Asda notches up fourth straight quarter of like-for-like sales growth ahead of Sainsbury’s merger
Excluding the impact of the long Easter weekend, Asda saw like-for-like sales rise 1%, an acceleration from the 0.5% rate of growth it enjoyed in the prior quarter
Barclays thinks Morrisons could actually benefit from Asda-Sainsbury merger
Morrisons was tipped to be one of the main losers from the £15bn merger between the UK’s second and third largest supermarket chains, but that might not necessarily be the case
US broker Bernstein ups target price for Sainsbury's for recent results which were overshadowed by proposed merger with Asda
The Bernstein analysts said: “The combination of the two, assuming the merger goes through, should warrant a 50% re-rating over time, not the 10% we have seen so far.”
Sainsbury's and Asda may have to sell at least 73 supermarkets, research shows
The proposed merger of Sainsbury's and Asda faces tough scrutiny from the UK Competition and Markets Authority
Morrison: It's hard NOT to be bearish on the stock
The shares have advanced 24% in a little over six weeks, which begs the question: why?
Berenberg raises Sainsbury’s price target amid its potential merger with Asda
In a note to clients, analysts at Berenberg said Sainsbury’s potential merger with Asda would improve its investment case in all aspects
Former Asda exec says competition watchdog should block Sainsbury's merger
"Putting two low growth businesses together doesn’t create a high growth business," a former Asda executive said of the group's planned merger with Sainsbury's
Archive
Direct Line Insurance sees claims linked to winter storms use up full annual weather budget
The FTSE 100-listed firm said claims associated with the snow and icy weather conditions in February and March were expected to be about £50mln after tax
FTSE 100 ends April at highest level in three months, led by Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's shares rose 29% in April on the back of news it had agreed to merge with Asda
Sainsbury's and Asda lose market share as sales trail behind 'big four' rivals, Kantar reveals
The data comes a day after Sainsbury’s and Asda reveal they had agreed to merge
Archive
Rough start to the week for U.S. stocks, Dow closes more than 150 points lower
All major U.S. indices were down by Monday's closing bell, dragged lower by telecom stocks
Merger Monday: Marriott, Prologis, Marathon, J Sainsbury Plc. and United Therapeutics on a buying spree
Business confidence returns with global dealmaking firing on all cylinders
Archive
US stocks set to end April on a positive note, with slew of M&A news to keep traders busy on Merger Monday
A slew of merger news to keep the market busy today ....
Exane sees Morrison's as merger “consolation prize”, downgrades to ‘neutral’
The French broker said it thinks Morrison’s could face more competition if the big merger goes through, although it believes the firm “could be considered a consolation prize”
Sainsbury's-Asda tie-up makes economic sense but risks need considering, says HSBC
HSBC upgraded its rating on Sainsbury’s to ‘hold’ from ‘reduce’ and lifted its target price to 270p from 210p
Sainsbury-Asda: Five reasons why this £14bn mega-merger was inevitable
There are many reasons why a deal like this was somewhat inevitable
Investments and investor services
Small caps slide: Andalas, Velocity Composites and Ten Lifestyle
A look at some of the biggest risers and fallers in London on Monday.
Sainsbury's annual profits fall as it integrates Argos but shares jump on Asda deal
Sainsbury's full year earnings were overshadowed by the group's £15bn merger with Asda
Sainsbury's confirms £15bn Asda merger and dismisses reports stores will close
Sainsbury’s expects its planned merger with Asda to generate £500mln in cost savings
FTSE 100 closes up, but off earlier highs, as Sainsbury-Asda merger news boosts supermarket takeover rumour mill
The pound reverses earlier losses against the euro as the spotlight remains on the Sainsbury-Asda merger
Sainsbury's and Walmart-owned Asda in talks to create UK's biggest supermarket group.
In a statement on Saturday, Sainsbury’s confirmed it is in advanced discussions regarding a combination with Asda and said a further announcement would be made on Monday
UK competition watchdog approves Co-op's £140mln takeover of Nisa
The Co-op offered to buy Nisa in October after rival Sainsbury's shelved plans to acquire the wholesaler
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes higher, buoyed by hopes for City post-Brexit
FTSE 100 closed around 30 points higher at 7,398 on Minday
Tesco and Morrisons outpace the rest of UK's big four supermarkets, Kantar data reveals
Discount grocers Aldi and Lidl are continuing to disrupt the market with sales outperforming Britain's four largest supermarkets
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes in red as traders still jittery about macro issues
The pound is up 0.36% against the Euro at the time of writing, while it is up 0.07% against the US dollar
Tesco to be transformed by Booker acquisition, in JP Morgan Cazenove's view
"We see Tesco as a visible turnaround with moving parts (eg, new management, access to new markets, synergies, cost savings, legacy assets)," the broker said
Morrisons is not the basket case it once was
Previews of results statements from supermarket chain, Morrisons; insurer behemoth, the Pru, and infrastructure contractor, Balfour Beatty
Tesco gains as Barclays reinstates 'overweight' rating after Booker takeover
Tesco's shares were also lifted by the latest industry data, which showed it was one of the best performing supermarkets over the last three months
FTSE 100 closes 30 points ahead as Dow Jones turns negative
The UK premier index added 0.43% on the day, while FTSE 250 added over 123 points at 19,690.
Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's to benefit from easing inflation, says Jefferies
Jefferies upgraded Tesco and Morrisons to a 'buy' rating but left Sainsbury's at 'hold'
Archive
FTSE 100 closes higher as US benchmarks stage turnaround
FTSE 100 closed around 46 points higher at 7,115. Little brother FTSE 250 also gained ground - up over 180 points at 19,567.
UK retail shares drop after Toys R Us UK and Maplin enter administration
Toys R US and Maplin have struggled to cope with weakening consumer confidence and rising online competition from the likes of Amazon
Archive
Could price-to-sales be the key to identifying blue-chips on the recovery trail?
Since the "bombed out" virtual portfolio bit the dust, we've lacked a stock filter that identifies recovery stocks; once again drawing on the simple ideas of Michael O'Higgins ("Dogs of the Dow"), John Harrington takes a look at the price-t
Asda reports sales growth for third quarter in a row on strong Christmas trading
The supermarket chain reported a 0.5% increase in like-for-like sales in the fourth quarter
Tesco loses market share as Lidl and Aldi outperform again
Like Tesco, big four rivals Asda and Morrison both experienced sales growth of 2.2%, though lost market share for the 12 weeks to 28 January 2018
Sainsbury's takes control of customer data with £60m purchase of Nectar loyalty card business
The FTSE 100-listed food retailer - which has been part of the Nectar scheme since it launched in 2002 - said it has acquired all the assets, staff, systems and licences required for the independent operation of the loyalty programme in Bri
Morrisons to slash 1,500 management roles and focus on customer service
The move comes after similar action taken by rivals Tesco and Sainsbury
Sainsbury's to cut thousands of jobs as supermarkets tackle industry-wide challenges
The announcement comes a day after Tesco said it would cut 800 jobs
Tesco to cut 800 jobs as it streamlines operations amid tough competition
Tesco said it hopes to improve efficiency with the job cuts, which will affect 1,700 employees
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes in red amid low volatility
The FTSE 100 closed around 15 points lower - at 7,715
Food inflation helps UK grocers to deliver record Christmas sales but caution remains over general merchandise
Top spot in the Proactive grocer awards goes to Morrisons, while there was only real candidate for the wooden spoon – M&S
Tesco slides despite strong food sales driving it to record Christmas
Like Sainsbury’s on Wednesday, Tesco has told investors it enjoyed a record festive season with UK sales rising 2% in the month leading up to Christmas day
Sainsbury’s lifts full-year profit guidance after record Christmas sales
The supermarket giant said it expects full-year underlying profits to be “moderately ahead” of expectations as strong sales of its higher margin Taste the Difference products helped it to a record Christmas
Investments and investor services
FTSE 100 closes at new high as banks bolster the premier index
The UK blue chip index rose to a new record high on Wednesday
Eat my shorts: Morrisons gives short sellers a lesson after strong Christmas trading news
According to the website www.shorttracker.co.uk, Morrisons is the seventh-most shorted stock in the UK – meaning traders are betting that the share price is primed to fall - with some 11.5% of its shares on loan, according to publicly decla
J Sainsbury expected to report sluggish like-for-like sales growth for final quarter of 2017
Deutsche Bank expects Sainsbury’s will report a 0.4% gain in LFL sales from the year before, having revised this forecast down from its previous prediction of a 1.3% increase
FTSE 100 reaches new closing high with supermarkets in support
London's top tier index reached a new record high on Tuesday, led by supermarket shares
Archive
Wm Morrison set to start Christmas trading supermarket sweep
Day ahead includes trading updates from food retailer Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC, housebuilder Perimmon PLC, and staffing group Robert Walters PLC
FTSE 100 closes in red as Wall Street comes off recent highs
London's top tier index closed down nearly 28 points at 7,696
Archive
Updates from UK food retailers on the menu, as well as high street stalwart M&S in coming week
Week ahead includes trading updates from supermarkets Wm Morrison Supermarkets, J Sainsbury, Tesco, John Lewis's Waitrose, plus clothing retailer Marks & Spencer
Aldi's 2017 sales top £10bn for the first time after record Christmas
Aldi plans to continue its expansion in the UK after opening 76 stores last year
Christmas trading at Sainsbury's and Morrisons could disappoint, says Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank said it thinks it’s best to sit on the sidelines with Morrisons and Sainsbury's, as it repeated a 'hold' rating and cut its target price on both stocks
Brexit could hamper turnaround of Carpetright and other UK retailers, says Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank downgraded its rating on Carpetright but upgraded ASOS as it took a look at the European non-food retail sector
FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 set new record highs on first trading day after Christmas
For the 29th year in the past 34, the blue chips have closed up on the first trading day after Christmas...
Sainsbury is fair value at the moment, says Kepler Cheuvreux
Margins in the core Sainsbury’s business should stabilise shortly, but Kepler still has concerns over Argos given the weak UK consumer market
Surprise trading update is just the job for Robert Walters
The trading update was short and sweet. Liberum responded by increasing its target price.