Carrefour

Carrefour shares slump about 5.3% after the half‑year results raised margin concerns. Adjusted earnings per share rose 18.3% to €0.49 and recurring operating profit climbed 4.0% to €757m, while the gross margin fell by 28 basis points. Like‑for‑like sales growth in France remained close to zero and Brazil only barely recovered, disappointing investors’ hopes for a stronger margin rebound. » More on de.investing.com

Carrefour shares fell about 6.5% today to €15.38, driven by JPMorgan adding the retailer to its "Negative Catalyst Watch" list. The US bank maintains a "Sell" rating and warns that the half-year results next month could lead to profit forecast downgrades. Analyst consensus, with a 12-month price target of around €15.77, sees only limited upside, while competitors are gaining market share and the environment remains under mild pressure. With new trading figures not expected until the end of July, there are few short-term catalysts for a recovery. » More on de.investing.com

A Paris appeals court ruled that the Rennes commercial court is not competent to hear the claims brought by the Association of Carrefour Franchisees (AFC) and upheld the validity of the arbitration clauses in the contracts. The judgment overturns the first-instance decision and forces franchisees to bring claims individually rather than collectively, significantly limiting potential class actions. Carrefour notes that the association cannot appeal the ruling; analysts see only limited financial risk from individual lawsuits. » More on de.investing.com