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J Sainsbury plc (GB:SBRY)
LSE:SBRY

J Sainsbury plc (SBRY) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:SBRY

J Sainsbury plc

(LSE:SBRY)

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Outperform 70 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:70Outperform
Price Target:
343.00p
▲(9.94% Upside)
J Sainsbury plc's overall stock score reflects solid financial performance and strategic initiatives that enhance shareholder value. However, technical indicators suggest caution, and valuation metrics indicate potential overvaluation. The company's strong earnings call and active share buyback program are positive factors, but regulatory costs and market challenges remain concerns.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Sainsbury's consistent sales growth across its main and Argos segments indicates strong market demand and effective sales strategies, enhancing long-term revenue potential.
Cash Generation
Robust cash generation allows Sainsbury's to return significant capital to shareholders, reflecting financial health and the ability to sustain shareholder value over time.
Market Position
Achieving the highest market share in five years underscores Sainsbury's competitive strength and effective market positioning, supporting long-term growth prospects.
Negative Factors
Regulatory Costs
Increased regulatory costs can strain profit margins, limiting financial flexibility and potentially impacting future profitability and investment capacity.
Argos Challenges
Cautious consumer spending in Argos indicates potential revenue pressure, requiring strategic adjustments to maintain profitability and market relevance.
Profitability Concerns
Low net profit margins suggest challenges in converting revenue into profit, necessitating operational improvements to enhance long-term profitability.

J Sainsbury plc (SBRY) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

J Sainsbury plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionJ Sainsbury plc (SBRY) is a leading UK-based retail company that operates in the grocery and general merchandise sectors. Founded in 1869, Sainsbury's is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United Kingdom, providing a wide range of products including food, clothing, and home goods. The company operates through various formats, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, catering to diverse customer needs across the UK.
How the Company Makes MoneyJ Sainsbury plc generates revenue primarily through the sale of groceries and general merchandise in its stores and online. The company operates several revenue streams, including its core supermarket operations, which account for the majority of its sales, along with its convenience stores and online grocery delivery services. Sainsbury's also earns revenue from its clothing and home goods ranges, as well as from banking and financial services offered through Sainsbury's Bank. Significant partnerships, such as collaborations with suppliers and brands for exclusive product lines, enhance its product offerings and drive sales. Additionally, the company's investment in online and delivery services has been a key driver of growth, particularly in response to changing consumer shopping habits.

J Sainsbury plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 06, 2025
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong performance in volume growth, investment in value and quality, and strategic gains in Argos and financial services. However, challenges remain with regulatory cost impacts and the cautious discretionary spending environment for Argos.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Volume Growth
Sainsbury's achieved consistent volume growth and market share gains, marking their highest H1 market share in 5 years.
Investment in Value and Quality
Extended Aldi Price Match to more essentials and introduced personalized 'Your Nectar Prices,' leading to improved value perception year-on-year.
Taste the Difference Sales Growth
Achieved 18% growth in Taste the Difference fresh sales over the first half, with premium dining sales growing 40% since the launch of Taste the Difference discovery.
Argos Performance
Argos delivered a good seasonal performance, grew market share, and improved profitability, with sales up 2.3%.
Financial Services Strategy Success
Completed sales and agreements for financial services, with net proceeds expected to be more than GBP 400 million, significantly higher than original guidance.
Retail Media and Loyalty Program Growth
Nectar360 Pollen platform launched, enhancing retail media capabilities and contributing to strong returns from Nectar loyalty scheme.
Cost Savings and Shareholder Returns
Delivered GBP 349 million of cost savings last year and on track for GBP 1 billion over 3 years, with over GBP 800 million expected to be returned to shareholders this year.
Negative Updates
Impact of Regulatory Costs
Higher National Insurance contributions and an EPR charge increased costs, impacting profit leverage despite volume growth.
Challenges in Argos
Argos faces a cautious market with customers holding back on discretionary spend, and the need for continuous investment in digital and operational improvements.
Business Rate Concerns
Potential future increases in business rates for properties over GBP 500,000 could add further cost pressures.
Company Guidance
In the call, Sainsbury's highlighted several key metrics and strategic initiatives that underscored its performance and future outlook. The company achieved a 5.2% sales growth in Sainsbury's and a 2.3% increase in Argos sales in the first half, leading to a total retail sales growth of 4.8% excluding fuel. Despite facing significant cost pressures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an EPR charge, Sainsbury's maintained a strong competitive position, with a retail underlying operating profit of GBP 504 million, slightly down year-on-year. The company also reported an 18% growth in Taste the Difference fresh sales and noted its highest H1 market share in five years. Additionally, Sainsbury's achieved a significant improvement in customer value perception, being the only grocer to improve year-on-year despite ongoing inflationary pressures. The company plans to return more than GBP 800 million to shareholders this year through dividends and buybacks, reflecting robust cash generation and a focus on enhancing shareholder returns. Looking ahead, Sainsbury's expects to generate a retail underlying operating profit of more than GBP 1 billion for the full year, driven by sustained grocery volume growth and strategic investments in value, quality, and service.

J Sainsbury plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
J Sainsbury plc exhibits solid financial performance with steady revenue growth and efficient cash flow management. However, profitability metrics highlight areas for improvement, and the balance sheet suggests monitoring of leverage levels.
Income Statement
75
Positive
J Sainsbury plc has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, with a notable increase from 2022 to 2025. The Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin have shown stability, with slight improvements in EBIT Margin and EBITDA Margin, suggesting effective cost management and operational efficiency. However, the Net Profit Margin remains relatively low, indicating room for improvement in profitability.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
The company maintains a manageable Debt-to-Equity Ratio, though it has slightly increased over the years. The Return on Equity shows fluctuations, reflecting the varying net income levels. The Equity Ratio indicates a moderate reliance on equity financing. Overall, the balance sheet shows stability but highlights potential financial leverage risks.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
J Sainsbury plc has shown positive Free Cash Flow Growth, emphasizing strong cash generation capabilities. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is robust, indicating effective cash management. However, the Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio suggests potential volatility, given the variations in net income over the years.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue32.81B32.81B32.70B31.49B29.89B29.05B
Gross Profit2.30B2.30B2.34B2.32B2.21B2.04B
EBITDA1.57B1.57B1.79B1.84B2.40B1.34B
Net Income242.00M242.00M137.00M207.00M677.00M-208.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets24.65B24.65B25.06B26.39B27.15B25.47B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments727.00M727.00M2.00B1.81B1.02B1.67B
Total Debt6.61B6.61B6.55B7.14B7.38B6.94B
Total Liabilities18.00B18.00B18.19B19.13B18.73B18.77B
Stockholders Equity6.65B6.65B6.87B7.25B8.42B6.70B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow2.08B2.08B400.00M1.66B202.00M1.50B
Operating Cash Flow2.69B2.69B1.97B2.39B896.00M2.10B
Investing Cash Flow-787.00M-787.00M-1.01B-725.00M-651.00M-575.00M
Financing Cash Flow-1.12B-1.12B-282.00M-960.00M-1.02B-1.31B

J Sainsbury plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price312.00
Price Trends
50DMA
322.74
Negative
100DMA
308.12
Positive
200DMA
278.66
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.96
Positive
RSI
41.54
Neutral
STOCH
36.48
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:SBRY, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 312 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 320.15, below the 50-day MA of 322.74, and above the 200-day MA of 278.66, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -2.96 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 41.54 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 36.48 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GB:SBRY.

J Sainsbury plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
£2.72B18.4015.07%2.00%6.96%28.47%
77
Outperform
£1.60B11.0327.24%3.45%8.06%5.15%
76
Outperform
£1.56B12.659.47%1.60%0.50%20.52%
74
Outperform
£29.64B20.0613.65%3.24%1.05%-20.25%
70
Outperform
£7.50B22.306.63%4.17%0.82%160.81%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
53
Neutral
$1.53B
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:SBRY
J Sainsbury plc
312.00
60.19
23.90%
GB:OCDO
Ocado Group
194.75
-119.15
-37.96%
GB:CWK
Cranswick
5,060.00
191.29
3.93%
GB:GRG
Greggs plc
1,627.00
-1,053.68
-39.31%
GB:PFD
Premier Foods
174.60
-7.61
-4.18%
GB:TSCO
Tesco plc
440.00
84.72
23.85%

J Sainsbury plc Corporate Events

Stock Buyback
Sainsbury’s Advances Share Buyback Program with Recent Purchase
Positive
Dec 5, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced the purchase of 639,000 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The shares were acquired at a volume-weighted average price of 312.8453 pence and are intended to be canceled, which could potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares outstanding.

Stock Buyback
J Sainsbury plc Advances Share Buyback Programme with Latest Purchase
Positive
Dec 4, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced the purchase of 956,960 of its own ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. The company plans to cancel these shares, a move that could potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares outstanding and possibly increasing earnings per share.

Stock Buyback
J Sainsbury plc Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Dec 3, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced the purchase of 615,150 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The shares were bought at prices ranging from 323.6000 to 326.2000 pence and will be canceled, which is expected to positively impact the company’s share value and provide returns to shareholders.

Stock Buyback
J Sainsbury plc Executes Share Buyback of 617,000 Shares
Neutral
Dec 2, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced the purchase of 617,000 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback programme. The shares were bought from BNP Paribas SA at prices ranging from 322.4 to 325.6 pence per share, with the company intending to cancel these shares, potentially impacting its share capital structure and market valuation.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
J Sainsbury Updates Share Capital and Voting Rights
Neutral
Dec 1, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced that as of November 28, 2025, its issued ordinary share capital consists of 2,284,283,621 shares, with no shares held in Treasury. This update on voting rights is crucial for shareholders to determine their interests and obligations under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury Enhances Shareholder Value with Share Buyback
Positive
Dec 1, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced the repurchase of 460,500 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move, executed through BNP Paribas SA, reflects the company’s strategy to enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of shares outstanding, which can potentially improve earnings per share and market perception.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Nov 27, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has executed a purchase of 614,200 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The shares were acquired from BNP Paribas SA at a volume-weighted average price of 325.5725 pence per share, with plans to cancel them, indicating a strategic move to enhance shareholder value.

Stock Buyback
J Sainsbury Enhances Shareholder Value with Share Buyback
Positive
Nov 25, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced the purchase of 619,100 of its ordinary shares from BNP Paribas SA as part of its ongoing share buyback program. This move is intended to cancel the shares, potentially enhancing shareholder value and reflecting the company’s commitment to managing its capital structure effectively.

Stock Buyback
J Sainsbury plc Announces Share Buyback Transaction
Positive
Nov 24, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has executed a share buyback transaction, purchasing 620,380 of its ordinary shares from BNP Paribas SA. This move is part of the company’s existing share buyback programme, with the intention to cancel these shares, potentially enhancing shareholder value and optimizing capital structure.

Other
J Sainsbury plc Announces Managerial Share Transactions
Neutral
Nov 21, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced the sale of ordinary shares by two of its key personnel, Rhian Bartlett and a closely associated person of Bláthnaid Bergin, totaling 725,000 shares. Additionally, Mark Given acquired shares under the company’s Share Incentive Plan. These transactions reflect internal financial maneuvers that may influence stakeholder perceptions and market dynamics.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury plc Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Nov 21, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced the purchase of 624,800 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The shares were bought at prices ranging from 317.6000 to 322.4000 pence and will be canceled, indicating a strategic move to enhance shareholder value and optimize capital structure.

Stock Buyback
J Sainsbury plc Executes Share Buyback of 624,000 Shares
Positive
Nov 20, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has executed a share buyback transaction, purchasing 624,000 of its ordinary shares from BNP Paribas SA as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The company plans to cancel these shares, a move that is likely to impact its share capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury’s Executive Share Sale: Strategic Implications
Neutral
Nov 18, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced that Patrick Dunne, Chief Property and Procurement Officer and MD Smart Charge, sold 155,958 ordinary shares at £3.206 per share on 14 November 2025. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, aligns with the UK Market Abuse Regulation, reflecting internal managerial changes and potential strategic realignments within the company.

Stock Buyback
J Sainsbury Enhances Shareholder Value with Share Buyback
Positive
Nov 18, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced the purchase of 624,200 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. These shares were acquired from BNP Paribas SA at a volume-weighted average price of 320.3939 pence per share, and the company intends to cancel them, which could potentially enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of outstanding shares.

Stock Buyback
J Sainsbury Engages in Share Buyback to Boost Value
Positive
Nov 13, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced the purchase of 442,750 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The shares were acquired from BNP Paribas SA at a volume-weighted average price of 338.7724 pence per share, with the intention to cancel them, which could potentially enhance shareholder value and improve the company’s financial metrics.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury plc Advances Share Buyback Strategy
Positive
Nov 11, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced the purchase of 434,000 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The shares were acquired at a volume-weighted average price of 344.9135 pence per share and will be canceled, indicating a strategic move to enhance shareholder value and optimize capital structure.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
J Sainsbury plc Announces Share Awards and Director Share Purchase
Positive
Nov 10, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced a grant of share awards under its Long Term Incentive Plan 2016 to Tracey Clements, who received nil-cost options over 285,221 ordinary shares. This move is part of the company’s strategy to align management incentives with long-term performance goals. Additionally, non-executive director Katie Bickerstaffe purchased 2,889 ordinary shares, reflecting confidence in the company’s future prospects. These transactions are in line with regulatory requirements and demonstrate the company’s commitment to transparency in its operations.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury plc Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Shareholder Value
Positive
Nov 10, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced the repurchase of 431,600 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback program. The shares were bought at a volume-weighted average price of 347.5120 pence and will be canceled, reflecting the company’s strategy to optimize its capital structure and return value to shareholders.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury Initiates £92 Million Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Nov 7, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced the commencement of a share buyback programme worth up to £92 million, set to be completed by the end of the financial year on 28 February 2026. The programme aims to reduce the company’s share capital by repurchasing and cancelling ordinary shares, with BNP Paribas handling the execution independently. This move is part of the company’s strategic efforts to optimize its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

Stock BuybackDividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sainsbury’s Reports Strong Interim Results and Plans Significant Shareholder Returns
Positive
Nov 6, 2025

J Sainsbury plc reported strong interim results for the 28 weeks ending September 13, 2025, driven by strategic investments in value, quality, and service. The company achieved a 5.2% increase in sales excluding fuel, with grocery sales up 5.3% and general merchandise and clothing sales up 3.3%. Despite challenges such as cost inflation, Sainsbury’s maintained its competitive edge, leading to a profit performance that exceeded expectations. The company plans to return over £800 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, supported by strong cash flow and a robust balance sheet. Sainsbury’s continues to focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and strategic growth, positioning itself confidently for the upcoming Christmas season.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Sainsbury’s Announces Share Capital and Voting Rights Update
Neutral
Nov 3, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced that as of 31 October 2025, its issued ordinary share capital consisted of 2,291,965,681 ordinary shares, with no shares held in Treasury. This figure represents the total number of voting rights in the company, which shareholders can use to determine their interest or changes in interest under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
J Sainsbury’s Executive Acquires Shares Under Incentive Plan
Neutral
Oct 24, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced that Mark Given, the Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer, acquired 40 ordinary shares through the company’s Share Incentive Plan at a price of £3.3975 per share. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, aligns with the UK Market Abuse Regulation, indicating a strategic move to strengthen managerial investment in the company.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Sainsbury’s Changes Share Registrar to MUFG Corporate Markets
Neutral
Oct 6, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced a change in its share registrar from Equiniti to MUFG Corporate Markets, effective from October 6, 2025. This change is significant for shareholders as they will receive notifications with instructions on how to access their shareholdings online, potentially impacting the management of their investments.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
J Sainsbury plc Announces Total Voting Rights as of September 2025
Neutral
Oct 1, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has announced that as of September 30, 2025, its issued ordinary share capital consists of 2,291,870,951 shares, with no shares held in Treasury. This figure represents the total number of voting rights in the company, which shareholders can use as a denominator for calculating their interests under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Business Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury’s Executive Acquires Shares Under Incentive Plan
Positive
Sep 26, 2025

J Sainsbury plc announced a transaction involving Mark Given, the Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer, who acquired 43 ordinary shares through the company’s Share Incentive Plan. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to align managerial interests with shareholder value, potentially impacting stakeholder confidence positively.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sainsbury’s Ends Talks with JD.com, Focuses on Argos Growth
Positive
Sep 15, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has terminated discussions with JD.com regarding the potential sale of Home Retail Group Limited, which includes Argos, due to terms that were not favorable for stakeholders. Sainsbury’s remains committed to enhancing Argos through its ‘More Argos, more often’ strategy, focusing on expanding its range, digital capabilities, and operational efficiencies. The company continues to perform well, with strong sales and profitability, and is on track to meet its financial targets for the year.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
J Sainsbury Completes £157.6 Million Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Sep 12, 2025

J Sainsbury plc has successfully completed its share buyback programme, which commenced on 22 April 2025, with a total purchase of 56,797,534 ordinary shares at an aggregate cost of £157.6 million. The completion of this programme, which involved the cancellation of all purchased shares, is a strategic move to enhance shareholder value and optimize the company’s capital structure.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025