Carrefour cuts its 2026 forecasts after violence in France

Carrefour has cut its financial forecasts for 2026 after riots, looting and movement restrictions in France affected approximately 50 stores, disrupted the operations of some locations and increased security costs. The company estimates that the impact on operating profit could reach €200 million.

The retailer now anticipates stable or slightly higher adjusted earnings per share, compared with its previous forecast of single-digit growth at the upper end of the range. Free cash flow is expected to decline slightly from 2025.

Direct costs resulting from stolen or destroyed goods, damaged stores and damaged equipment have already reached several tens of millions of euros. The total impact is estimated at between €80 million and €200 million, including the effects of closures and reduced operating hours.

Carrefour has temporarily closed several stores as a precaution and increased security. The company operates approximately 6,000 locations in France, many of them in major cities, and was preparing for Black Friday campaigns. Planned investments for 2026 have been reduced from €1.7 billion to €1.6 billion.