Carrefour has revised its financial forecasts for 2026 downwards following social unrest and security problems that have affected its stores in France. The impact on operating results could be between 80 and 200 million euros, according to Matthieu Malige, the group's CFO, quoted by Reuters.

The company cites reduced consumption and store traffic, restrictions on opening hours, and increased security and logistics costs as factors penalizing its business. This situation exacerbates the pressure on French consumers, already affected by rising energy prices, at a crucial time for retail as the year draws to a close.

Carrefour revises financial targets for 2026.

Carrefour now forecasts recurring operating margin growth of between zero and 15 basis points, down from its previous target of 25 basis points. As for adjusted net income per share, it expects stable growth or a slight increase compared to 2025, instead of the previously projected high single-digit growth. The planned investment for 2026 has been reduced from €1,7 billion to €1,6 billion, reflecting a decrease in investment in France.

“ Carrefour was directly and heavily affected. Around 50 of our stores were hit on the first day alone, many were looted and the damage is considerable ,” said Alexandre Bompard, CEO of Carrefour, in a conversation with analysts, adding that the group is supporting workers in reopening the affected stores as soon as safety conditions are met.

Costs include stolen or destroyed merchandise, damage to facilities and equipment, and shutdown expenses, and operations may remain restricted in the following weeks.

Several of the 6.000 stores in France were closed preventively due to the risk of further disturbances, including on Sunday and Monday. According to Matthieu Malige, Carrefour also reinforced its security measures, notably by hiring external security teams.